12 May 2023

Nagaland Post

Jaiswal slams fastest 50; demolishes

SC verdict on Delhi-Centre power row

SAYSDELHIGOVTHASCONTROLOVERSERVICESEXCEPTFORPUBLICORDER,POLICE&LAND

NEW DELHI, MAY 11

(PTI): Delhi government has legislative and executive powers over administration of services except for public order, police and land, the Supreme Court ruled on Thursday in a huge victory for the ruling AAP dispensation in its festering feud with the Centre.

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud, in a unanimous verdict, put an end to the eight-year-old dispute between the Centre and the Delhi government triggered by a 2015 home ministry notification asserting its control over services, holding the National Capital Territory administration is unlike other Union Territories and has been “accorded a ‘sui generis’ (unique) status by the Constitution.

Against the backdrop of frequent run-ins between

DIMAPUR, MAY 11

(NPN): Naga People’s Front (NPF) has supported Central government’s stand of opposing same-sex marriage and insisted that Supreme Court should not legalise it.

Noting that the apex court was hearing a case relating to allowing same-sex marriages, NPF legislature Party leader Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu in a press release said the matter was very sensitive and one that could have far-reaching implications for the society and the very foundation of traditions upheld over the millennia.

He asserted that Naga customary law nor any of the known faiths, including Christianity, allowed marriages among same sexes, whether men or women.

He mentioned that these religious institutions that were repositories of centuries of wisdom had a variety of reasons for not allowing such institutionalised relationships.

Azo pointed out that, as first described in Genesis, marriage was a Godordained covenant relationship between a man and a woman. He quoted USbased National Association of Evangelicals quotes Matthew 19:4-6: “Haven’t you read,” Jesus replied, “that at the beginning the Creator ‘made them male and female,’ and said, ‘For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh’?

Pak SC orders release of Imran Khan

No road without land compensation: NH-2 landowners

Dimapur City in urgent need of multi-level parking facility

is subsumed in the unit of the Union merely because it is not a ‘State’,” it said.

The court held the executive power of the Delhi government is “co-extensive with its legislative power” and it also covers all matters with respect to which it has the power to legislate.

DIMAPUR, MAY 11 (NPN): Affected Land Owners Union of National Highway-2 (156KM to 220KM within Mokokchung district) demanded transparency in land acquisition and urged the state government to release land compensation.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAY 11

A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice of India justice DY Chandrachud hearing the case on Thursday.

the AAP government and the Centre’s point man, the lieutenant governor, the apex court asserted an elected government needs to have control over bureaucrats, failing which the principle of collective responsibility will be adversely affected.

“The Legislative Assembly of NCTD has competence over entries in List II and List III (state and concurrent list) except for the expressly excluded entries of List II (Public order, police

and land)...”, the Supreme Court ruled in a 105-page judgement.

The top court said in the spirit of cooperative federalism, the Centre must exercise its powers within the boundaries created by the Constitution.

“The NCTD, having a sui generis federal model, must be allowed to function in the domain charted for it by the Constitution. The Union and NCTD share a unique federal relationship. It does not mean that NCTD

“We hold that references to ‘state government” in relevant Rules of All India Services or Joint Cadre Services, of which NCTD (National Capital Territory Delhi ) is a part or which are in relation to NCTD, shall mean the Government of NCTD,” the CJI, writing the judgement for the bench said.

The AAP, which has been up in arms against the Centre for being shorn of the power to exercise control even over subjects on which it is empowered to legislate, hailed the verdict.

DoT detects 1.52L fake mobile connections in six NE states

Correspondent

SHILLONG, MAY 11: The Department of Telecom (DoT) has detected around 1.52 lakh mobile connections subscribed based on fake/forged documents involving many Points of Sale (PoS) of different telecom service providers (TSPs) in six North Eastern statesArunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.

“More than 1.47 lakh mobile connections that failed in re-verification process have been disconnected in the region. TSPs have blacklisted 493 PoS and registered 71 police com-

plaints against the suspected PoS for further investigation and necessary actions against the culprits,” an official said. Cybercrimes, financial frauds etc. are mainly committed through SIMs fraudulently subscribed on forged documents.

To detect and weed out such suspected SIMs, DoT has taken up the initiative of conceptualizing and implementing an innovative and indigenous Artificial Intelligence and Facial Recognition Powered Solution for Telecom SIM Subscriber Verification (ASTR) – the NextGen platform aimed for preventing the cybercrimes.

In a press release, LOU NH-2 president Cubasenba and secretary Imkummeren stated that the land was acquired without a penny though compensation was paid for damaged property, which was released in 2022. Since the land was acquired “under the principles of State eminent domain,” the union said the landowners made a thorough enquiry into the concept of land acquisition in the state. LOU said it found that the Parliament had enacted laws for land acquisition and the land had to be acquired only through the law as enshrined under the Constitution of India.

LOU threatens to seize road work machinery

DIMAPUR, MAY 11 (NPN): Alleging poor workmanship in the ongoing construction of NH-61(New NH-2) along the 72km to 83km stretch by TTC Infra company, the affected Land Owner Union NH-61 (72 KM-83 KM) has threatened to seize the machinery if its concerns were not addressed within month.

LOU NH-61 convenor Vandan Erui and secretary Khyothungo Ezung stated that the workmanship was not up to the mark. They said that isolation of the pavement especially within town area was creating traffic congestion and causing inconvenience to pedestrians. It said that slow construction process has caused deplorable road conditions especially during rainy seasons.

The union has, therefore, urged the construction company/authority to expedite the issues raised within stipulated period. Failure to addressed the issues, LOU said it would be forced to seize the machinery without any condition and information as deemed fit. LUO cautioned that in case of any eventuality, the union would not be held responsible.

Mocha: Nagaland braces for rainfall

DIMAPUR, MAY 11 (NPN): Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has informed that Nagaland would not be directly affected by cyclonic storm “Mocha” pronounced as “Mokha”.

In a press release, NSDMA joint chief executive officer Johnny Ruangmei has, however, informed that there would be frequent strong winds and isolated rain showers in the next few days. NSDMA stated that Nagaland would experience heavy rains on May 13, 2023 and very heavy rains on May 14, 2023. During this period, NSDMA stated that thunderstorms with

strong lightning were also to be expected. Further, NSDMA cautioned that during this period of “mocha” cyclonic storm, damages were expected to the unsecured structures, kutcha houses due to heavy rain and possibility of landslide in vulnerable areas, uprooting of trees and branches and damage to standing crops.

NSDMA has, therefore, urged the public to exercise caution to avoid any eventualities during this period. It also requested the public not to shelter under large trees and near the river banks to prevent unnecessary risk to life from lightning and flash flood.

Nagaland logs 1 more Covid case

NSDMA has requested all the district disaster management authorities and other line departments to be on alert to save lives and properties during this period. The cyclonic storm mocha lay centred near latitude 11.6°N and longitude 88.1°E, about 510 km west of Port Blair, 1160 km south-southwest of Cox’z Bazaar (Bangladesh), and 1120 km south-southwest of Sittwe (Myanmar). Cyclone “Mocha” is predicted to make landfall on May 14 in the Bangladesh-Myanmar coastline region, affecting south Bengal. The forecast, though, could change during the next few days.

DIMAPUR, MAY 11 (NPN): Nagaland on Thursday recorded one more case of Covid-19 pushing the total caseload to 36013. According to hhe Health bulletin, the fresh case was reported from Dimapur. The state currently has eight active cases. The death toll remained unchanged at 782 (including 5 non-Covid deaths but with positivity).

Meanwhile, India recorded 1,690 fresh Covid infections in a day, taking the country’s tally of COVID-19 cases to 4.49 crore (4,49,76,599). The death toll climbed to 5,31,736 with 12 fatalities which include those reconciled by Kerala.

Kivini and Andrea to represent Nagaland at Cannes

DIMAPUR, MAY 11

(NPN): Prominent filmmaker from Nagaland Kivini Shohe and Indian model and actress Andrea Kevichusa have been selected to represent Nagaland at the prestigious Cannes Festival 2023 76th edition, to be held from May 16-27 in France. They will be part of the delegation, supported by Ministry of Information & Broadcasting, through Department of Information & Public Relations.

Kivini is a prominent filmmaker from Nagaland and founding president of the Film Association of Nagaland (FAN), a group consisting of genuine func-

tioning dynamic film related professionals based in Nagaland. She has been Jury Chairperson for the 14th International Documentary & Short Film Festival of Kerala 2022 and Jury for 5th South Asian Film Festival, Kolkata 2022. Shohe, a recipient of Governor’s Award 2014, is

well known for her awardwinning film, ‘Oh my Soul’ (2014), a story of three Naga transgender. Her many documentaries cover untold stories mostly from the eastern part of Nagaland such as Under the Longfuru Sky (2018) and The Great Anghs (2001).

(NPN): A few hundred vehicles and almost triple the number of two-wheelers clog Dimapur’s busiest market road (NL Road) and it will be sheer luck if a motorist can find a place to park from Holy-Cross traffic island to Old Deluxe point. Both sides of NL Road are clogged with four wheelers as well as two wheelers on any time of the day. The problem becomes unmanageable during festive occasions and especially from November to March.

This only leads to the obvious conclusion that Dimapur City is in dire need of a multi-parking lot otherwise traffic bedlam will lead to daily chaos.

Dimapur Police is mulling the idea of asking shop owners along NL Road to compulsorily park their vehicles at the New Market multi-level parking earmarked at the ground and first storey.

This will offer space for shoppers to park vehicles on the roadside on payment of parking fee for a specific time period. The longer one parks vehicle the

more will be charged.

The entry to the first storey parking level is from GS Road and exit at NL Road. Even for parking at the ground level area, entry is from GS Road and exit will be towards NL Road. However, the exit for ground level parking appears to be very narrow.

The DMC needs to clear all unauthorised vendors at the ground level

parking at New Market for vehicle parking. It could also add to better traffic management if the top floor is also turned into parking lot. The multi-level parking at New Market has been doomed even before being made operational due to faulty design and other issues. However, for the time being, it is the only option to solve parking problems.

She has directed short Sumi folk-based stories like Winter Nights dream (Nisapa & Nisala) 2003 and Anishe Flower maiden (Anishe Xamunu) 2007 and Even the Dead Speaks (telefilm) 2019.

Andrea Kevichüsa is an Indian model and actor from Nagaland. She made her acting debut with ‘Anek’ in 2022 alongside Ayushmann Khurrana for which she won the Filmfare Award 2023 for Best Debut (Female). Andrea has worked with several fashion designers and notable brands. She has also been featured in editorials of magazines such as Vogue India, Elle, Femina and on the covers of Filmfare, Harper’s Bazaar and Grazia.

(Cont’d on p-8)

NPF

against legalizing samesex marriage: Azo

Kivini Shohe Andrea Kevichusa

No space for parking at both sides of NL road in Dimapur. (NP)

Shortage of mobilizers highlighted in DTFI meet

DIMAPUR: A meeting of the District Task Force for Immunization (DTFI)

Kohima district was held on May 10 for Routine Immunization (RI) and MeaslesRubella (MR) Elimination drive, wherein shortage of mobilizers - Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) workers and lack of supervision were highlighted.

According to a DIPR report, during the meeting held at Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Kohima, SMO, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Sheila Longkumer gave a brief review on RI under Kohima district. While briefing the status of coverage of immunization, Dr. Longkumer also highlighted the issues faced due

to the shortage of mobilizers (ASHA) workers and lack of supervision which creates the gap.

She then urged the

Assam Rifles nab Mynamar national with drugs in Mon

DIMAPUR: A Myanmar national has been apprehended on charges of smuggling “sunflower drug” into India by Assam Rifles on May 9 at Longwa, Mon district.

A press release by Assam Rifles informed that the “drug peddler” was apprehended during a search at Indo-Myanmar check post at Longwa. AR said Indian currency notes were also seized from the possession of the arrested individual.

NSCM (I-M) condoles

DIMAPUR: NSCN (I-M) has condoled the unfortunate demise of MSM, steering executive member, “brig. (Retd.)” N Henito, who passed away on May 9, after prolonged illness.

In a condolence message, NSCN/GPRN through its MIP, stated that late Henito joined national service in the year 1994, and for nearly 30 years contributed his best for freedom struggle of “Naga nation”, and stood firm for Naga cause with unwavering spirit till his last breath.

Further, NSCN has expressed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty God grant strength and comfort to the family to bear the loss, and also prayed that the departed soul rest in peace.

2ND DEATH ANNIVERSARY

members and line department to co-operate to reduce the gap and to achieve the targeted goal.

Delivering the status

of RI and MR elimination under Kohima district, DPO (RCH/UIP) Dr. Khrievilhou Nakhro informed that first phase of immuniza -

NEWS IN BRIEF

Joint stake holders meeting on Foothills Road construction: As a follow-up of April 29, 2023 meeting resolution, the NFHRCC has convened a joint meeting of all stake holders on the Foothills Road constructions on May 13, 10 am at the NFHRCC base office, Khermahal Dimapur. Therefore, officials of PWD (R&B) including divisional EEs, PWD (R&B), the contractors’ firms, the office bearers of the Dimapur based tribal Hohos and the committee members have been requested to attend the meeting.

ANTA informs: All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) Hq Kohima has informed that it will be taking necessary action against those vehicles plying as “Passenger Commercial” without legal taxi permit. A press release from the association informed that this action was based on the directive from Regional Transport Authority’s March 23, 2021 order. In this regard ANTA has cautioned all private vehicles plying as passenger commercial vehicles (taxis) to abide the said order.

NNC CEC meeting:

meeting.

CBPDK informs:

Chakhroma Baptist Pastor Dikon Krotho (CBPDK) golden jubilee organising committee has informed that it would be organising “trees and plantation day” on May 13 at NH-29 from Seithekema to Piphema in commemoration of its golden jubilee. All concern village authorities, individuals have been requested to extend cooperation.

CASA Nagaland relief camps: Churches Auxiliary for Social Action (CASA) Nagaland, under its emergency response programme carried out a relief camps, on separate occasions, for victims of the fire that broke out at Burma Camp, Dimapur, at K. Sachu colony Dobhinala and Master colony, Kuda Village Nagarjan.

t ion was underway from April-May and the second phase would begin by August- September 2023. Dr. Nakhro requested the members for continuous support in achieving the goals.

During the meeting, a decision was taken by the members present to collaborate and cooperate (all the line departments) in bringing out the right mechanism to boost the percentage of immunization in all rural and urban areas under Kohima district.

The meeting was chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Kohima, Rhosietho Nguori, while the vote of thanks was pronounced by Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Kohima, Dr. Tumchobeni.

Shamator DDMC meet on pre-monsoon preparedness

DIMAPUR: A coordination meeting on pre-monsoon preparedness was conducted by Shamator District Disaster Management Committee (DDMC) at the Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Shamator office, Thursday.

According to a DIPR report, chairing the programme, DC Shamator, Thuvisie Phoji briefed the members about pre-monsoon preparedness and to work as a team to handle any eventuality, more so, because government employees are fewer in number being a new district.

The DC called upon the government employees

posted in the district to rededicate to give their best service to the people of the district. Phoji said that all the departments and employees are equally respon-

sible to serve the people of the district so as to uplift the new district. The meeting was attended by officials of various departments.

2nd Death a nniversary

Of Our Beloved Lt. inahO t O a WOMi

Death may have taken you away. But it could never take away the beautiful memories we shared together. We miss you with silent tears.

"FOREVER IN OUR HEARTS"

Fondly Missed by Loving Wife, Children & Family Members.

1st June 1981-12th May 2021

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Lord is my shepherd and my might, he has become my savior. (Psalm 18:4)

We think about you always

And you never will.

We hold you close within our hearts

Until we meet again.

Loving Wife, Sons & Daughters

As per the directive of the president, Naga National Council (NNC) has convened a meeting of Central Executive Council (CEC) NNC on May 17, 10 am at Chedema Pace Camp following the Naga Plebiscite Day on May 16. The meeting shall discuss some important issues and will also review the passed resolutions for implementation. All CECs have been requested to attend the

10th Death a nniversary

AR conduct activities: Assam Rifles under the aegis of IGAR (North) organised visit to Company Operating Base (COB) for school students under the theme “Today’s Youth, Tomorrow’s Future”, at Pungro, Kiphire. Assam Rifles also provided medical assistance to injured persons on May 10 at Changlangshu Village, Mon.

YSU organises career guidance: Yachem Students’ Union in collaboration with the YouthNet organised a seminar on career guidance at Yachem Village on May 5. The objective of the seminar was to impart better information and assist the students to choose their career wisely and enhance avenues to the youths to go for vocational training.

(Born: 11/03/1995 - Died 1/5/2023)

We the family members of Late Chanpenthung

Y Kikon would like to express our profound gratitude to all the individuals, friends, relatives, neighbours and well wishers, who stood by us physically, spiritually, financially during his prolonged illness and at the time of his demise.

We convey our special and sincere thanks to;-

1. Police Baptist Church, Wokha

2. Tsungiki Baptist Church

3. Dy. Chief Minister, Home & Border Affairs.

4. Y.M. Rui

5. Wokha Town Tsungiki Ekhung

6. Chukitong Tsungiki Ekhung

7. S.Y. Kikon & Family

8. Ms. Mhalo Patton

9. DEF Wokha

10. Police Reserve Fellowship

11. Chanka, Rachan, New Colony

12. Dr. Zubon, Panacea Nursing Home, Wokha

13. Fernbrook School Staff

14. DEF Outpost Chukitong From Father & Siblings (Relatives)

wc-98/23

Our Dear Beloved Mhao n gullie Lotha, t en years have gone since you left us for your eternal home in h eaven to be with our Lord Jesus Christ. y ou are gone but never forgotten. y ou are always remembered with much love. Looking forward to meet you one day in h eaven.

But I would not have you ignorant concerning those who are asleep, that you be not grieved, even as others who have no hope.

For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so God will also bring with Him all those who have fallen asleep through Jesus.

For we say this to you by the Word of the Lord, that we who are alive and remain until the coming of the Lord shall not go before those who are asleep.

For the Lord Himself shall descend from Heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ shall rise first.

Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air. And so we shall ever be with the Lord.

Therefore

DC Shamator, Thuvisie Phoji with DDMC members. (DIPR) Dr. Khrievilhou Nakhro, briefing on the status of RI and MR Elimination drive in Kohima.

Q.: Has his arrest made

Zhaleo inaugurates 3 projects at New Piphema

LH holds thanksgiving programme for legislators

DIMAPUR: Lotha Hoho, the apex organization of the Lothas, organised a thanksgiving programme for legislators under the Wokha district and advisor to chief minister (CM) on May 10 at Lotha Hoho Ki.

According to a DIPR report, the programme was attended by deputy chief minister, home and border affairs, Y. Patton, advisor, agriculture Mhathung Yanthan, MLAs, Y.M. Humtsoe and Achumbemo Kikon, and advisor to CM, Dr. Chumben Murry.

NEXT POLL

Q: Should Nagaland go ahead with oil exploration and revenue sharing with Assam?

DIMAPUR: Three infrastructure projects namely Children’s Mini-Park, Football Ground and Village Council Hall of New Piphema Village was inaugurated by Advisor, urban development and municipal affairs, Zhaleo Rio on May 11.

A press release by NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II A/C stated that speaking as the special guest, Zhaleo lauded the exemplary deeds of the villagers saying, “Everyone has witnessed your unity, discipline and respect for leaders which are prereq

uisites for bringing positive changes in society.” He then asked the leaders of other villages to emulate them.

On the landmark achievement of completing three infrastructural projects, Zhaleo said it could be accomplished only “when residents of the community are united and trust their leaders.” He also assured the people of his continued support to uplift them.

The inaugural programme was chaired by New Piphema Village Council (NPVC) secretary,

Kevisezo Kimho; CRC New Piphema Pastor Khovi Chalieu invoked God’s blessing; head GB, Chüto Kimho welcomed the dignitaries’ PKKK president, Pelezeto Kuotsu delivered greetings and Metsizolie Kimho presented a special number; a detailed technical report of the the projects was presented by NPVC chairman Zhato Kimho and VDB secretary, Kevisazo Kimho delivered the vote of thanks. Earlier, the womenfolk enthralled the gathering through a folk song.

Speaking at the programme, Patton called for the preservation and promotion of culture, traditions, and costumes and proper documentation of local dialect by constituting a committee.

Assuring the people to work for the welfare of the society in coordination with the other elected members, he called for support and co-

operation from all sections of society.

Patton also thanked the CM of Nagaland on behalf of the Lotha community for appointing Dr. Chumben Murry as advisor to the CM.

In his speech, Mhathung urged upon the people to move ahead with a positive mindset and renewed dedication to be a part of the change. He also appealed to the farming community to use modern technology and applications and make proper use of the resources for up upliftment and economic stability.

Emphasizing the importance and participation of women folk in the decision-making process, Y.M. Humtsoe said women are equally responsible and they equally contribute when it comes to the upliftment of our society.

Achumbemo Kikon urged the gathering to emulate the good deeds and examples set by forefathers and pioneers to make the society a better place to live, and also called for the preservation and promotion of their local dialect.

Dr. Chumben Murry

called upon the people of the community to be united and move forward in unison to take the society forward. He also appealed them to give their best effort and contribute in whatever capacity one can for the betterment of their society.

The function was chaired by Lotha Hoho vice chairman, Mhonlumo Lotha, Lotha Hoho chairman, Mhondamo Ovung delivered the welcome address while Pastor Longsa Baptist Church Rev. L.K. Tsanglao proposed a special prayer for the elected representatives.

Farmers-scientist interaction at Auching village

DIMAPUR: A farmers-scientist interaction programme was organised by Agriculture Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Longleng district in collaboration with Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Longleng and agri and allied departments on May 9 at Auching village under Sakshi Block.

In a press release, ATMA Longleng stated that during the interaction, cases related to insect pest like fall army worms, piggery and poultry, sericulture practices, soil nitrification, soil testing and water related issues were discussed.

The resource persons were Dr. Lily Ngullie from KVK, DSCO

Longleng, Peleneilhou Patrict, agri. inspector, Chingsang, sericulture extension officer, M. Doiphen Phom and supervisor A.H &Vety, Y Sommy Phom. The programme was chaired by DPD ATMA, Akam Zeliang and attended by 39 farmers of Sakshi, Auching and Yimchong Villages.

Educational institutions conduct various activities Zunheboto and Phek hold DPDB meetings

DIMAPUR: Various programmes and activities were organised by educational institutions across the state.

OTS: A candlelight vigil in solidarity with the people of Manipur was organised by Student Christian Movement of India (SCMI) Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS) Chümoukedima unit on May 9.

A press release by the College informed that SCMI OTS unit president, Ayivie-o Koza led the vigil while OTS, assistant professor of New Testament Studies, Zavi-i Nisa prayed for the community to begin the vigil.

At the programme, Lamneiphal Khongsai updated the gathering on the present situation in Manipur while Global Christianity and Baptist Studies, principal, Professor Dr. Joshua Lorin talked about relationship between the tribals and Meiteis.

The vigil concluded with students raising their candles and prayerfully singing “The Blessing” song for Manipur.

NEISSR: An interface with an expert on the topic, “Challenges of Naga Youth and possibilities of higher studies abroad” was organised by North East Institute of Social Sciences and Research (NEISSR) on May 10 at Peace Center, Chümoukedima.

At the programme, resource person, Parish priest in Metachan Diocese USA, Dr. Fr. Abraham Lotha, gave his view based on two

perspectives: as a Naga and also as a Naga living in United States.

Stating that lack of opportunities was one of the challenges faced by Naga youths, Dr. Lotha said Naga youth does not lack intelligent but due to the lack of opportunities, limited choice and options they are not able to develop and actualized their potentials and are also not able to dream. Pointing out that many Naga youth are so used to their comfort zone and are satisfied with the mediocrity, he encouraged the students not to limit their thinking and be caught up in a world within oneself, within Nagaland and north east but to explore, dare to dream big, to be open to learn and love learning.

Dr. Lotha also emphasized on three aspects required for learners: Creativity, problem solving and critical thinking.

PCC (A): One-day hands on training on basic lifesaving skills was organised by Youth Red Cross, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) on May 10 at the Conference Hall.

During the training, resource person, medical officer, Community Health Centre (CHC) Longkhim, Tuensang, Dr. Saotakum Chang demonstrated various Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) techniques, abdominal thrust to help from choking, procedures to handle accident fractures, immediate measures applied on victims of drowning

and strokes. He also deliberated at length on the dos and don’ts of various lifesaving skills.

SCC: As part of a community extension programme, the department of English, Sao Chang College, Tuensang visited Government Middle School, Wongtsuwong, Old Medical Sector ‘A’, Tuensang on May 10 and interacted with the school management.

Earlier, in a separate event, the department of English also observed the birth anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore on May 9.

IC: Three-day NSS special camp was organised by Immanuel College, NSS Unit, Lengrijan Dimapur from May 8-10, which was attended by 31 students. Various activities were conducted during the camp that aimed to promote social welfare and personal development of the students.

MTC: As part of community service, Mount Tiyi College NSS Unit in collaboration with the IQAC and the Department of Political Science visited Morning Star Children`s Home on May 10.

JNAC: J.N. Aier College, Diphupar on May 11 held its parting social for the 6th semester students under the theme, “Archiving Oneself Here”, wherein principal, I. Limatemjen encouraged the students to keep working hard towards their goal. The programme was followed by vibrant and entertaining performances from the students.

DIMAPUR: District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) of Zunheboto and Phek districts were held on May 10 at respective district headquarters.

Zunheboto DPDB mulls blanket ban on fishing Zunheboto DPDB meeting discussed blanket ban on hunting and fishing within the district and decided to impose “fishing of all kinds” for two months i.e., June and July, while decision to ban hunting was deferred to next meeting.

According to a DIPR report, taking into account the harmful effects of unregulated fishing and hunting, the agenda of blanket ban was deliberated during the monthly DPDB meeting held at the Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zunheboto office.

In this regard, Sub Divisional Officer (SDO), Athrong supplemented that many village councils have appealed to impose “complete ban” on hunting and fishing as public were unaware of Wild Life (Protection) Act.

Chairperson of the meeting, DC and vice chairman DPDB Zunheboto, Rahul Bhanudas Mali reminded the departments to submit all the central government

schemes being implemented by various departments at the earliest and before the Governor’s visit.

He also informed that Diksha meeting with the MP would be convened soon and requested members to be in station.

Priyanka, from Skill development ministry, read out a report on various awareness programs to educate the public about various loans and schemes that could be availed by the public especially cultivators.

She also presented a report on various possible ways on where employment and revenues could be generated.

To this, the DC informed that proposals have been sent to the ministry and departments concerned. He also and suggested setting up of call centres at Zunheboto for educated unemployed youths.

The Deputy Commissioner also informed that SBI has given an assurance to set up SBI banks at Pughoboto and Atoizu.

DPDB Phek recommends 7 villages for inclusion under DUDA

DPDB Phek held its monthly meeting at DPDB Hall Phek, wherein the members discussed inclusion of the seven villages in Tizu

Student bodies highlight discrepancies; caution govt. employees

DIMAPUR: Eastern Sumi

Students’ Union (ESSU) and Noksen Students’ Union (NSU) conducted separate tours and flagged various discrepancies in government institutions within its respective jurisdictions. United Sangtam Students’ Conference (USSC) has also raised irregularity of government servants within its jurisdiction.

ESSU: Eastern Sumi Students’ Union conducted its phase-II tour in all government aided schools, health sector and government established offices from May 1-5m informed a press release by ESSU president Isukha Sumi and general secretary, Tonika Aye.

During the tour, the union said it found that all government aided schools have been functioning as per the directives from the department of school education. It appreciated the dedication and service of all teachers posted under Government High School (GHS) Sitimi Town and GHS Phisami.

ESSU has also reminded absentee teachers posted under Government Middle School (GMS) Sikiur-B under SDEO Shamator district to perform their duty without further delay. In this regard, the union has requested the responsible department to look into the matter and take action against those irregular teachers.

ESSU claimed that except for Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) office and Community Health Centre (CHC) Seyochung Town, all other government establishment offices were not functioning properly.

Besides Health and Wellness Centre Sitimi Town Primary Health Centre (PHC), the union said other officers posted under Sitimi Town EAC Headquarters were not performing their duty as per government directives.

It said offices of Child Development Project Officer (CDPO), Block Development Officer (BDO) and Extra Commissioner Officer (EAC) Sitimi Town were not “functioning

well”. ESSU said it was also shocked to learn that none of the Veterinary staffs in Sitimi Town were on duty.

Referring to its press statement dated April 22, 2023, ESSU reiterated its appeal to the department of Health and Family Welfare to deploy Medical Officers (MOs) at PHC Sitimi Town Health and Wellness Centre and CHC Seyochung Town Further, ESSU has warned irregular government officers and all government employees under its jurisdiction to be stationed and execute their duties before the union takes its “own course of action”.

NSU: Noksen Students’ Union said the union on a surprise visit to schools within its jurisdiction on April 28 visited two Government Primary Schools (GPS), one Government Middle School (GMS) and Government High School (GHS).

In a press release, NSU president, S Hongkin said the union appreciated the dedication and sincerity of the school management and the teachers for the uplift-

ment of the school “despite of the hardship and instability in all sector”. Expressing its dissatisfaction on the poor infrastructure and development at GPS and GHS Noksen, NSU said the school building was in pathetic condition thus risking the lives of students. It also claimed that the team detected “numerous anomalies” after interacting with the teaching staff, SMC and students of the schools.

It pointed out that the schools have been functioning without Hindi subject teacher for the last ten years, causing immense hardship to the students. The union has also demanded fullfledged head master for GHS Noksen, and cautioned that it would not compromise until this matter was taken into serious consideration.

NSU said it would not tolerate transferring of teachers by the department without replacement against post within its jurisdiction.

Further, NSU has demanded immediate redressal to its earlier repre-

sentation dated September 19, 2019 and memorandum submitted on March 13, 2020.

USSC: United Sangtam Students’ Conference said the union has learnt that most of the government servants posted under Sangtam jurisdiction were found to be irregular in their assigned duties.

In a press release, U SSC vice president, Sethrongba Y Sangtam and general secretary, Lumpili Sangtam has directed all head of departments and government employees to remain settled at their respective places of posting and provide regular services to its citizens.

USSC has also directed all departments/ officers to maintain separate attendance registers with immediate effect. The conference warned that failing to adhere to the directives would invite stringent action against erring employees as per the Nagaland Government Servants Conduct Rules, under “No Work No Pay” without further notice.

Area under Department of Under Developed Areas (DUDA) schemes.

According to a DIPR report, the agenda was proposed by advisor, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe and deliberated and recommended to the government by the board for further approval.

The meeting was attended by minister, power and parliamentary affairs, and chairman DPDB Phek, K.G Kenye, advisor for CAWT & Taxes Kudeche Khamo, advisor for new & renewal energy, Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, and MLA Dr. Niesatuo Mero.

The legislators interacted with department of -

ficers of PHED, Urban Development, and Forest and encouraged the concerned officers to continue their sincere services for public benefit in the district. Regarding the upgradation of Chizami SDO (c) Hq. to ADC Hq. and the upgradation of EAC Hq. to SDO(C) Hq., the board agreed to recommend both proposed agendas for approval to the government. Detailed PowerPoint presentations on department activities were made by PWD (R&B) and National Highway (NH). The meeting was conducted by DC Phek and vice chairman DPDB, Kumar Ramnikant.

1 arrested in hit & run case

DIMAPUR: A 20-yearold driver, Bishnu Darjee son of Dilip Darjee of Tal Balijan, Bokajan, Karbi Anglong, Assam was arrested by Dimapur police in connection with hit and run case on the night of May 8 at DMC Toll Tax, Burma Camp, Dimapur. The rider of the scotty

succumbed to injury on May 9, while two others were injured.

According to Dimapur police PRO, the vehicle (Bolero Pick-up BR06GE 6956) involved was identified through CCTV footage installed at various location in the highway and the traffic police Au-

tomatic Number-Plate Recognition (ANPR) surveillance camera installed at 3rd Mile, Dimapur. PRO said the vehicle was intercepted at Newfield Check Post by traffic personnel and the driver was arrested and bought to Traffic Control Dimapur for further investigation.

Minister K.G Kenye (R) with others during the meeting. (DIPR)

Advisor, Zhaleo Rio inaugurating the infrastructure project at New Piphema village.

Legislators, advisor to chief minister with Lotha Hoho members and others. (DIPR)

Manipur: Police commando killed in gunfight with militants

Five others wounded

Correspondent

IMPHAL, MAY 11: A

Manipur police commando personnel was killed and five others injured in a shootout between security forces and suspected Kuki militants in Bishnupur district on Thursday.

According to reports, the gunfight erupted when the police commando team rushed to the area to flush out suspected militants who launched an attack on the villagers of Tronglaobi and Terakhongshangbi villages located in the foothill bordering Churachandpur.

The slain police commando personnel was identified as Heisnam Jiten Singh, a rifleman of the 5th Manipur Rifles attached with Bishnupur district police commando unit.

They were admitted at different hospitals in Bishnupur district and Imphal, the source said.

Confirming the inci -

Manipurgovtconfirms 68deaths,236injuries

Manipur government on Thursday put the death toll due to the ethnic violence that singed the State at 68 and injuries at 236. As many as 1,794 structures, including houses and places of worship, were also damaged in the violence.

UNC delegates call on Mnp Gov Correspondent

IMPHAL, MAY 11: A delegation of recently formed Peace Committee of United Naga Council, Manipur on Thursday called on Manipur Governor Anusuiya Uikey at Raj Bhavan in Imphal.

RSS & Bajrang Dal-like orgs ‘spreading terror’ in Mnp: Cong

NEW DELHI, MAY 11 (AGENCIES): Congress on Thursday compared the valley-based organisations Arambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun in Manipur to the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Bajrang Dal, reports ThePrint.

dent, state education minister Th Basantakumar Singh said that a group of armed persons suspected to be cadres of a SoO group fired upon the police commando team. Taking note of the such incidents between armed groups and security forces, Manipur Police and Assam Rifles have started inspection of the designated camps of militants under the Suspension of Operation (SoO) agreement.

“The state force and Assam Rifles have started inspection of camps set up under the SoO. The verification process for armed men kept in their camps has also started,” Basanta Singh said.

Sharing the figures during the daily media briefing on the latest law and order situation here on Thursday evening, Education minister Th Basantakumar Singh claimed that the State was slowly returning to normalcy due to the various steps taken up by the government.

He said 321 FIRs had been registered and 30 persons arrested in connection with the violent incidents that erupted on May 3. Basantakumar mentioned that deployment of army, Central armed police forces and State police was being effectively done to bring the situation under control. (Correspondent)

Defamation case filed against former CJI Ranjan Gogoi, publisher

GUWAHATI, MAY 11

(PTI): A Rs one crore defamation case and a petition seeking an injunction to restrain his autobiography has been filed against Rajya Sabha MP and former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi by Assam Public Works (APW) president Aabhijeet Sharma at a local Court here.

Sharma filed the defamation case against Gogoi and Rupa Publications, the publisher of his autobiography ‘Justice for a Judge’, for alleged misleading and defamatory statements against him in the book.

He also filed a petition seeking an ad-interim injunction restraining Gogoi and his publisher from further publishing, distributing or selling any book which has defamatory statements and imputations against him. The defamation case and the petition for the injunction were filed at the Kamrup metros district court here. It was heard on

Tuesday and the court in its ruling on Wednesday said that after going through the petition and documents it is found that there is ‘substantial question both of law and facts to be adjudicated’.

The Court directed issuing of summons to both the petitioner and the defendants and posted the next date of hearing for June 3. In the injunction case, the judge ruled that it was found that the matter was not emergent in nature to grant any ex-parte order without hearing the opposite parties. The court directed issuing of summons to the parties involved and fixed

the next date of hearing also on June 3. APW was the first to petition Supreme Court to strike out the names of illegal migrants from the voters’ list in Assam, which lead to the updation of the National Register of Citizens in the northeastern state. Sharma alleged that imputations against him in the book are ‘inherently false and malicious” and have been made with “clear intention to defame” him. There is not an “iota of proof against the applicant to substantiate the inherently false, baseless and malafide allegations” made against him in the book, he claimed in his petition.

Sharma in his petition said that he enjoyed an ‘unblemished reputation” but the “false, baseless and defamatory allegations” by Gogoi in his autobiography “maligned and irreparably tarnished” his image in the eyes of the general public, friends and family, causing him deep mental agony and anguish.

The delegation thanked the Governor for her initiative directing authorities to take appropriate steps to contain violence and appealing to people not to indulge in any violent activities and to restore peace and normalcy in the wake of recent violence that broke out in Manipur between two communities, a communiqué of the Raj Bhavan said.

The committee also showed interest to work for restoring peace and normalcy and to support the government in bringing back normalcy thereby maintaining brotherhood among the communities in the state.

The Governor also appealed to the delegation to negotiate with people of the two communities for peace so that people can avoid violence and that peace and tranquility will prevail in the state, the communiqué added.

Congress leader and AICC Manipur in-charge Bhakta Charan Das said that the two organisations are “spreading fear and terror,” allegedly “abetted” by Chief Minister and BJP leader N. Biren Singh. The party also called for the President’s rule in the state in light of the recent ethnic conflict and violence.

Addressing the media at Congress HQ here, Das said that in March 2022, the BJP’s “so-called double engine sarkar” formed the government in Manipur

with a resounding mandate from both the hills and the valley. “Two long-standing demands precipitated the current crisis. First, more autonomy to HAC and the 6 ADCS for the hill areas.

Second is ST status for the Meiteis. The BJP government, both in the state and the Centre, betrayed the people of all communities of Manipur,” he added.

The Congress leader

stressed that no democratic process was initiated either by the Union or the state government to fulfill these demands. “Instead conflict was triggered through undemocratic actions by the state government, including sudden evacuation of villages from 38 forest areas, the spread of violence by BJP functionaries at protest sites and provocation from the Chief Minister with his arrogant utterances”, he added. Das alleged that the unrest was “systematically” engineered by the BJP as there was resentment against the government. As an example, he pointed to rallies by the All Tribal Students’ Union of Manipur in all hill districts of the state on 3 May.

Referring to the two Manipur organisations– Ar-

ambai Tenggol and Meitei Leepun – to prove his point, Das said: “It is during this time that two special forces like RSS and Bajrang Dal were created. One is Arambai Tenggol and the other is Meitei Leepun. They were in black clothes and moved around in a group of hundreds on bikes with guns. They entered police stations and police training centres and looted the armory. They burned churches, looted villagers, and created havoc like anything.” The Congress further asked why Prime Minister Narendra Modi had not appealed for peace in the area and also questioned the absence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah in the state. “We want President’s rule in Manipur to bring the situation under control,” Das added.

Over 100 people fall ill after participating in a ritual feast

GOALPARA, MAY 11 (PTI): More than 100 people fell ill after participating in a ritual feast in Assam’s Goalpara district, a senior health department official said on Thursday.

A prayer meeting was organised in the house of a member of the

800 farmers, entrepreneurs to use GI tag for 13 NE products

GUWAHATI, MAY 11

(PTI): A central government agency has authorised 800 farmers and entrepreneurs to use the Geographical Indication (GI) tag for 13 agricultural products of the northeastern region, an official said.

The 13 produces are Arunachal Orange, Tezpur Litchi and Karbi Anglong Ginger of Assam, Kachai Lemon and ‘Chak-Hao’ Black Rice of Manipur, Khasi Mandarin orange and Memang Narang orange of Meghalaya, Mizo Chilli of Mizoram, Naga Tree Tomato and Naga Sweet Cucumber of Nagaland, Queen Pineapple of Tripura and Sikkim Large Cardamom and Dalle Khursani chilli of Sikkim.

The North Eastern Regional Agricultural Marketing Corporation (NERAMAC), under the DoNER Ministry, will forward the 800 user authorisation applications for usage of these products from the eight NE states to the

Geographical Indication Registry, Chennai.

NERAMAC Managing Director Commodore Rajiv Ashok (Retd) said on Thursday that the initiative is a significant step towards promoting and protecting the traditional agricultural practices and products of the NER region.

“The initiative will provide recognition to the unique qualities and reputation of NER agricultural products and protect them from misuse and imitation,” he said. The authorisation process of farmers will enhance the competitiveness of the farmers in domestic and international markets and create opportunities for increased income and livelihood, he said.

Renowned GI expert Dr Rajni Kant Dwivedi has also pointed out the importance of Northeastern Region (NER) specific GI products and emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to promote these.

Garo community in Mariampur village bordering Meghalaya on Wednesday followed by a feast, Joint Director (Health) Paresh Kalita told reporters. Many people reported sick since Wednesday and more than 100 people have been admitted to Goalpara Civil Hospital and other

hospitals in the district. Kalita said they suspect food poisoning caused by fish as only people who ate fish fell ill while those who ate vegetarian food are fine. He said that most of the patients are out of danger and their condition was stated to be stable.

Intoxication is a huge challenge for society, says Virendra Kumar

SHILLONG, MAY 11

(PTI): Union Social Justice and Empowerment Minister

Virendra Kumar on Thursday said intoxication is a huge challenge for society.

Stressing the need to accelerate the ‘Nasha Mukt Bharat Abhiyan’, he said there were 500 government rehabilitation centres for treatment of intoxication.

“Everyone has to join in this endeavour and pay attention to this challenge. Youths are the strength of our country. Social organisations should also work together to get rid of intoxication from the society,”

Kumar said while inaugurating a ‘Chintan Shivir’ here.

The Union Social Justice and Empowerment minister said Addiction Treatment Facilities (ATF) were also being set up at government hospitals to further help youths cope with intoxication and be part of a nation building.

He stressed the need to have the willpower to imple-

ment welfare schemes of the ministry in the northeastern states and union territories.

“There has to be willpower to implement the various initiatives introduced by the central government. Nasha Mukt Bharat, Kaushal Vikas Yojana for youth, senior citizens’ welfare, and wellbeing of the scheduled castes and tribes of the society,” Kumar said. He said the Chintan Shivir is a space, through which the government reaches out to the very last person sitting in the last row of the society.

Advocating PM Narendra Modi’s slogan - ‘Sabka

Saath Sabka Vikas’ – the minister said at the Chintan Shivir all states and union territories will be discussing ways of further welfare and progress of the society.

Giving an insight into the engagement by the government, the minister informed that trademarks have been offered to producers belonging to the scheduled section of the society, especially in the handloom sector.

He cited the instance of Surajkund Mela, an annual event held in Uttar Pradesh, wherein the producers were provided with trademarks to help own their products.

“We are trying to engage them in the Kaushal Vikas Yojana, provide them with easy loans to support their small business, and help them in moving ahead in the production sector,” he said. Kumar said the Chintan Shivir will act as an ideal platform to discuss such ideas and aid in the overall development of society.

Assam govt official caught accepting bribe College student allegedly gangraped in moving vehicle in Tripura

GUWAHATI, MAY 11 (PTI): An assistant engineer of the Irrigation Department in Assam was caught red-handed while accepting a bribe in the Baksa district, police said.

The Vigilance and Anti-Corruption (V&AC) wing of Assam Police arrested the assistant engineer on Wednesday in Suklai Serfang Goreswar Division (Irrigation) of Baksa, they said.

He had demanded a bribe of Rs 30,000 from the complainant for issuing a work order after being awarded a contract in the Irrigation Division. Later, the bribe amount was reduced to Rs 25,000 by the accused.

“Unwilling to pay the bribe, the complainant approached this Directorate for taking necessary legal action against the above-mentioned public servant,” an official statement said.

Accordingly, a trap was laid by a team of V&AC sleuths and the official was caught red-handed immediately after he accepted Rs 20,000 as part of the demanded bribe from the friend of the complainant, it added. “The tainted bribe money has been recovered from the possession of the accused public servant and it has been seized accordingly in presence of independent witnesses,” the statement said.

AGARTALA, MAY 11

(PTI) : A college student was allegedly gangraped in a moving vehicle and then left alone on the road at Amatali bypass in West Tripura district in a critical condition, police said.

The alleged incident took place in the late hours of Monday and the woman was admitted to the G B Pant hospital here.

The police arrested the main accused Gautam

BJPdeniesmovetotoppleMeghalayagovt

Correspondent

SHILLONG, MAY 11:

Meghalaya Minister and senior BJP leader, Alexander Laloo Hek on Thursday dismissed any move to topple the Conrad Sangma-led government with the opposition Trinamool Congress (TMC).

The veteran BJP legislator was reacting to former Chief Minister and TMC leader Dr. Mukul Sangma, who had claimed that Hek had asked him to ensure that the National People’s Party (NPP) should not retain power in the state.

“It is totally wrong to say that I am deadly against the MDA (Meghalaya Democratic Alliance) government. There is no discussion to topple the MDA government,” the veteran BJP leader said.

However, the veteran BJP leader confirmed that

he had tea together with other legislators in the office chamber of Speaker in the Assembly during the Budget session and jokingly chatted with the TMC legislator.

“Therefore, it is not a fact that I am against the MDA as claimed by Dr. Mukul Sangma. We (BJP) are supporting the MDA government under the leadership of Conrad Sangma as per the instructions of the central BJP leaders,” Hek said. Addressing a press conference on Wednesday, Dr. Sangma refuted the claim that he was offered to join the saffron party by BJP leader Alexander Laloo Hek, a day after the results of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly were declared.

“We had tea that morning [on March 3] and congratulated each other. He was also in a hurry to go to his meeting but he told

me that he was not happy with the outcome of the election results. BJP went hammer and tongs to win as many seats as available. His concern was pertaining to whether we allow the continuation of this government. The only one thing he said was, ‘please do anything to see that the same regime does not come again’ and we said that we are doing it precisely,” he said.

Dr. Sangma also expressed concern saying the planted speculations might be the handiwork of those who wanted to divert attention from important issues.

He also said that TMC’s strategies and priorities remain the welfare of the people. “I have only learned about these things from such stories...but after reading them, I understood that it was a product of speculation, assumption and presumption,” he said, urg-

ing media to seek responses from him when such claims emerge.

The former chief minister also referred to the TMC’s efforts to stitch an alliance and added that in the coming days, they would take on the state government. “We would also like other MLAs to join us and merge with our party. The state today needs unification and the coming together of all political parties. I tried this with leaders of different political parties [after the elections] to do justice to the aspirations of the people,” he said, adding that the mandate was against the MDA government.

Dr. Sangma also said that the events that unfolded after the results showed how “unhealthy, unscrupulous horse trading must have followed” to allow the reinstatement of the same regime.

Sharma and has begun interrogations into the crime on Wednesday.

Subdivisional police officer Ashish Dasgupta told the media on Wednesday that the girl was seen moving in a vehicle with the main accused throughout the day on Monday. Later, after nightfall taking advantage of the loneliness, he sexually assaulted the girl against her will and left her near Amatali

bypass. The police probe has found that the girl used to have regular conversations with the main accused and now investigation is on to find whether other persons were involved in the crime, he said. A police complaint was filed by the woman’s mother. She claimed that her daughter was offered a car lift by a young man on her way back home

DECLARATION

I, Smti, YANGTHRILA L SANGTAM D/O of Lanuwati Sangtam, presently resident of bazar ‘A ‘ under Tuensang District Nagaland, do hereby declare that:

The name in my appointment order and some original documents are inadvertently recorded as YANGTHRILA SANGTAM, whereas my correct name is YANGTHRILA L SANGTAM. both the name YANGTHRILA SANGTAM and YANGTHRILA L SANGTAM are one and same person who is none other than myself.

Henceforth, the name YANGTHRILA L SANGTAM shall be used for all official purposes in future which was affirmed vide Affidavit Regn. No. 679/Tsg Date: 14/04/23.

AFFIDAVIT (correction/rectification of name)

Regd. No. 11 2/23

Db-596/23

Date 12/01/23

I, Smti. TIAMENLA LKR presently serving as Statistician under DIET, Pfutsero SCERT, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare an oath

as follows:

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That my official name is TIAMENLA LKR however, in Service Records my name has been recorded as TIAMENLA LONGKUMER hence, the stated names represents the same and one person having single identity i.e., myself.

3. That henceforth, I herewith rectified the same and declare that my official name will be TIAMENLA LKR for all official references and correspondences.

4. That the above statements made in para 1-3 are true to the best of my knowledge and no material has been concealed herein and I signed this affidavit before the competent authority on 12th January 2023 at Kohima, Nagaland.

from college and she had accepted it. Inside the vehicle the woman was sexually assaulted by three youths who were in it and was later abandoned in a traumatic condition at Amatali bypass. Her family rushed to the place after being alerted by relatives and rushed her to the hospital as she had fainted by then.

As the news of the incident spread, BJP state

Regd. No. 1603/23

general secretary Papiya Dutta along with leaders of the party’s Mohila Morcha went to the hospital and inquired about the woman’s health. Datta said she had gone to the hospital at the instruction of Chief Minister Manik Saha. “We strongly condemn the crime and demand maximum punishment to the accused persons,” she said.

AFFIDAVIT

Date 11/5/23

I, Shri GHOTOVI KASHO, H/o, Smti. TOSHILI KASHO R/o, Lazami Village, District Zunheboto, Nagaland. That my wife's correct name is TOSHILI KASHO however, in my Service Records my wife's name has been recorded TOSHILI RUTH KASHO hence, the stated names represents the same i.e., my wife. That henceforth, I herewith rectify the same and declare that my wife's correct name will be TOSHILI KASHO for all official references and correspondences.

K-1017/23

Declaration of actual name

Date 17/04/2023

Regd. No. 113/2023

I, S.CHINGIN KONYAK, S/o SHANGYU permanent resident of Wakching Village, Dist. Mon, Nagaland do hereby solemnly declare as follow:

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India and a native of Naga Tribe.

2. That my actual name is S. CHINGIN KONYAK is recorded in my documents, due to ignorance my name is inadvertently recorded SHRI. CHINGIN KONYAK in my APPOINTMENT ORDER and S. CHINGIN in my PIMS instead of S. CHINGIN KONYAK.

3. Henceforth, I would like to declare that the name SHRI. CHINGIN KONYAK, S.CHINGIN and S. CHINGIN KONYAK is the same and one person.

4. That from the date of this declaration, I shall use my name as S. CHINGIN KONYAK as official name in all my documents legal proceedings at all times and occasions.

5. That let this affidavit is handed over to the appropriate authority concerned for necessary clarification and correction thereof.

6. That the statement made in the above mentioned paragraph 1 to 4 are true to the best of my knowledge and belief.

Bhakta Charan Das

Th Basanta kumar

Ranjan Gogoi

Virendra Kumar

sniPPets

3 minor charred to death in Bihar

PATNA, MAY 11

(IANS): Three minor siblings were charred to death on Thursday after a fire erupted at their house in Bihar’s Araria district. The victims were sleeping at the time of the incident at around 12.30 a.m. Sources have said that the fire broke out due to a short circuit and it soon engulfed the entire house.

UP doctor sacked for prolonged absence

LUCKNOW, MAY

11 (IANS): The Uttar Pradesh government has terminated the services of a government doctor in Prayagraj on charges of absenteeism and other misconduct. The government has also ordered deduction in the salaries of three employees who remained absent from duty in Ayodhya. A departmental inquiry found Dr Abhishek Mishra, stationed at Tej Bahadur Hospital in Prayagraj, to be regularly absent, despite several attempts to contact him. On the directions of deputy Chief Minister Brajesh Pathak, the chief secretary of health department terminated Dr Mishra.

7 of a family in

UP killed in fire

KUSHINAGAR, MAY

11 (IANS): Seven members of a family were burnt to death after a massive fire engulfed their entire house in Uttar Pradesh’s Kushinagar district. The victims comprised four minor girls, their mother and grandparents. While the woman and four of her daughters died on the spot, her eldest daughter (8) was rescued by the police.The cause behind the fire is yet to be ascertained but locals said that the clay oven was not properly doused after preparing food.

Man held in Lucknow for killing fiance

LUCKNOW, MAY 11 (IANS): A 25-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly killing his fiance on the day the two were supposed to get married.

Komal Kashyap, 22, had gone missing on May 4, the day she was supposed to get married to Rahul Maurya. According to the FIR, the girl’s parents said that the marriage could not be solemnised on the scheduled day as Komal left the house for a beauty parlour but did not return home.

13-yr-old girl gangraped in UP’s Amethi

AMETHI (UP), MAY 11 (PTI): A 13-year-old Dalit girl was allegedly raped by two men who abducted her from her house in a village here on Thursday, police said. Amethi Superintendent of Police Elamaran G said the girl’s father filed a complaint accusing one Waris (20), who lives in his village, and an unidentified man of abducting and raping his daughter. “The duo allowed the girl to return home in the morning,” he added.

Maharashtra row: Thackeray can’t be restored as CM, says SC

Saysdecisionsofgov, speakerincorrect

NEW DELHI, MAY 11

(PTI): Eknath Shinde will continue as the chief minister of Maharashtra, with the Supreme Court holding on Thursday that it cannot restore the then Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA) government led by Uddhav Thackeray as he resigned without facing a floor test in June last year.

The court also pulled up former Maharashtra governor Bhagat Singh Koshyari and said he did not have reasons based on objective material before him to arrive at the conclusion that then chief minister Thackeray had lost the confidence of the House.

In a unanimous verdict on a batch of pleas related to the political crisis that led to the fall of the three-party MVA government following a revolt by the Shinde faction in the Shiv Sena, a five-judge Constitution bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud held that the then speaker’s decision to appoint Bharat Gogawale of the Shinde faction as the

whip of the Shiv Sena in the Maharashtra Assembly was “contrary to law”.

The bench said, “The governor was not justified in calling upon Mr Thackeray to prove his majority on the floor of the House because he did not have reasons based on objective material before him to reach the conclusion that Mr Thackeray had lost the confidence of the House. However, the status quo ante cannot be restored because Mr Thackeray did not face the floor test and tendered his resignation.”

The bench, also comprising Justices M R Shah, Krishna Murari, Hima Kohli and P S Narasimha, said, “The governor had no objective material on the basis of which he could

doubt the confidence of the incumbent government.

The resolution on which the governor relied did not contain any indication that the MLAs wished to exit from the MVA government. The communication expressing discontent on the part of some MLAs is not sufficient for the governor to call for a floor test.”

It added that the governor ought to apply his mind to the communication (or any other material) before him to assess whether a government has lost the confidence of the House.

The court added that the MLAs did not express their desire to withdraw support from the MVA government in the resolution dated June 21, 2022

Former JD(U) national president RCP Singh joins BJP

NEW DELHI, MAY 11

(IANS): Former JD(U) national president RCP Singh on Thursday joined the BJP in the presence of Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the saffron party’s national general secretary Arun Singh, national media in-charge Anil Baluni and national co media in-charge Sanjay Mayukh.

Welcoming Singh into the saffron party, Pradhan said to help Bihar get rid of “jungle raj” and to establish law and order, develop the state and provide security to its people, the BJP, under the leadership of late Atal Bihari Vajpayee and George Fernandes, had formed an alliance.

The BJP ran the alliance for a long time but when JD(U) chief and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar decided to part ways with the saffron party due to his vested interest, at that time too, Singh had tried to convince Kumar against his move, Pradhan said.

With Singh joining

the BJP, the party will become stronger in Bihar, the minister claimed.

Targeting Kumar, Singh said: “The country has progressed, but where does Bihar stand. India has become the fifth largest economy. Nitish Kumar is touring other states for the past three days to forge opposition unity to take on the BJP in 2024 Lok Sabha polls. But he should tell us who is the leader of the opposition alliance.”

Attacking Kumar over his desire to become Prime Minister, Singh said Nitish Kumar was PM (Paltimaar) and he will

and even if it is assumed that they had implied that they intended to exit from the government, they only constituted a faction of the Shiv Sena Legislature Party (SSLP) and were, at the most, indicating their dissatisfaction with the course of action adopted by their party.

SC refers case tolargerbench

A five-judge constitution bench of the Supreme Court (SC) referred the Maharashtra politics crisis case to a larger bench on Thursday.

The SC said that the 2016 Nabam Rebia case, which held that the Speaker cannot initiate disqualification proceedings when a resolution seeking his removal is pending, requires reference to a larger bench.

“We direct the case to be referred to a larger bench since these issues were not decided in Nabam Rebia. Whether temporary disablement of speaker can be misused by the speakers and whether a constitutional hiatus will be ensued due to temporary disablement of speaker”, Chandrachud said.

NEW DELHI, MAY 11 (PTI): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday said his Biju Janata Dal (BJD) will go solo in the next year’s Lok Sabha polls as it has “always” done, days after JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar met him amid efforts to forge a united opposition flank.

Talking to media in the national capital after a meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi over developmental issues related to his state, Patnaik said Bihar Chief Minister Kumar visiting him Bhubaneswar was a “courtesy call”, and reiterated his party’s position of remaining equidistant both from the Congress as well as the BJP.

Patnaik has been at the helm in Odisha since 2000 and his BJD is among some regional parties which have maintained a neutral stand on the issues involving clashes between the ruling BJP and Opposition. At times, it has supported the BJP in Parliament as well.

Patnaik said he met the prime minister to raise issues related to his state.

In the meeting that lasted around 20-25 minutes, Patnaik raised issues related to infrastructure development in the state,

including the under-construction Sri Jagannath Airport, incomplete national highways and opening of bank branches in Gram Panchayat which do not have the facility.

Asked about his meeting with Kumar, and the possibility of a ‘third front’ emerging, he said, “No, not as far as I’m concerned, not now”.

Asked if the BJD will fight the upcoming elections alone, he said, “That has always been the case”.

Patnaik, who is in Delhi till Friday, also clarified that he has no plans of meeting any other leaders in the current trip. On his meeting with Kumar on Tuesday, he said, “It was a courtesy call, he paid a visit. It went off well.” On Tuesday after the meeting, both Patnaik and Kumar had claimed that no discussion were held on any political alliance between the JD(U) and BJD for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

GSI plans to launch landslide warning system

KOLKATA, MAY 11 (PTI): Geological Survey of India (GSI) plans to launch an early warning system for possible landslides across the nation in 2026, an official of the organisation said.

the country’s landmass and is spread over 19 states and union territories, he said.

always be that.

Singh said that Kumar who used to fight against the RJD is now talking about being united with it till death.

Singh, a former confidant of Kumar, was made national president of the party. During the then JD (U)-BJP alliance, Singh was made a central minister from the JD(U)’s quota, but after that his relations with Kumar turned sour. Singh was not sent to the Rajya Sabha by Nitish Kumar due to which he had to resign from the Modi cabinet and from the JD (U) as well.

The Kolkata-headquartered scientific body, the nodal agency on landslide hazards, has already started disseminating such warnings on an experimental basis to Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal and Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu, GSI Deputy Director General (Policy Support System - Planning and Monitoring) Asit Saha said.

“GSI is in the process of developing and validating a regional landslide early warning system and efforts are on to make it operational in different states in phases from 2026 onwards,” Saha told PTI on Thursday.

It has already carried out a nationwide landslide susceptibility mapping on a 1:50,000 scale for the hilly and mountainous areas of the country prone to landslips. In terms of area it covers about 4.3 lakh sq km, which is 12.6 per cent of

36 students grounded for missing ‘Mann Ki Baat’

CHANDIGARH, MAY 11

(PTI): Thirty-six students of PGIMER’s National Institute of Nursing Education (NINE) here were barred from leaving their hostel for a week for not attending a programme where the 100th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Mann Ki Baat’ was broadcast, according to an official order.

The hospital authorities had made it compulsory for the first and third-year students to listen to the 100th episode of

Coast Guard confiscate

260 kg sea cucumber

CHENNAI, MAY 11 (PTI): About 260 kg of sea cucumbers concealed in 11 gunny bags and kept on the seabed near the Edaiyarvalasai coast in Tamil Nadu’s Ramanathapuram district were seized, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) said on Thursday.

Sea cucumbers are single-branched marine organisms and their collection/ trade is banned under Schedule I of the Wildlife Protection Act, 1972.

The 11 gunny bags hidden on the seabed and containing the banned sea cucumbers were recovered during the ICG operation on May 10. The total value of the recovered items is estimated to be around Rs 1.2 crore.

‘Mann Ki Baat’, broadcast on April 30, at the institute. However, 36 girl students from NINE didn’t turn up. Following this, the hospital authorities issued an order on May 3 informing the students -- 28 from the third year and eight from the first year -- that they would not be allowed to step out of the hostel for a week. When contacted, NINE

Principal Sukhpal Kaur said the PGIMER authorities will comment on the matter.

The NINE warden had

India is prone to landslides and according to GSI the mountainous region of the north-western Himalayas (Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand), the sub-Himalayan terrain of the north-east (Sikkim, West Bengal-Darjeeling, Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura), the Western Ghat areas (Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka, Kerala) and the Eastern Ghat areas (Araku area of Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu) are prone to it.

“The landslide susceptibility mapping categorises areas where the landslide susceptibility is high. We have prepared the map and identified zones in the Himalayan states, including the northeastern ones, as well as in the Western Ghats region which are prone to this natural calamity. We are now involved in nationwide study on 1:10,000 scale for landslide susceptibility zonation in critically-identified sectors, mostly in the Himalayas,” Saha said.

GSI, founded in 1851 and one of the oldest survey

organisations in the world, also carries out site-specific detailed landslide mapping on 1:1, 000 scale for specific areas affected by such events, he said.

On the landslide warning mechanism, he said, “GSI is establishing the system for rainfall-induced landslides. We have already started disseminating such

warnings on an experimental basis in Darjeeling and Kalimpong districts of West Bengal and Nilgiris in Tamil Nadu. “We also carry out specialised investigation on active fault mapping, seismic micro-zonation and neotectonic studies in various selected parts of the country, including the Himalayan region,” he said.

SAINIK SCHOOL PUNGLWA, NAGALAND UNDER THE AEGIS OF MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, GOVT OF INDIA TENDER NOTICE: SL. SSPN/ QM/311/TDR-03 /2023-24 DT 12 MAY 23

1. Tenders in sealed envelopes are invited from experienced vendors/ contractors/ suppliers with proven record for providing the following supplies/ services to the School at its campus in Punglwa, Dist Peren, Nagaland subject to applicable conditions for Supply of Non Veg Items. EMD ` 65,000/-. Last date of receipt of Tenders is at 1600 hrs on 23 May 2023. All Tenders will be opened in Public at 1200hrs on 24 May 2023.

2. Tender Form and documents containing terms and conditions can be downloaded from the School web-site http://www.sainikschoolpunglwa.nic. in. &-CPPP- www.eprocure.gov.in/epublish/app

For further details pls contact Phone number –03839-262004/262002.

Dc-557/23

recently conveyed to the first and third-year students that it was compulsory for them to listen to the 100th episode of ‘Mann Ki Baat’ at lecture theatre-1 on April 30, the notice stated.

The students were also warned that outings of those who do not attend the programme would be cancelled, it said. However, despite repeated reminders from the warden and the hostel coordinator, 36 students did not attend, the notice said.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE REGISTRAR OF COOPERATIVE SOCIETIES NAGALAND : KOHIMA

NO.CG-141/2019

Dated, Kohima the 11th May 2023.

NOTIFICATION

In pursuance to this Office Notification of even number dated 9 th May 2023, all the registered Cooperative Societies within the State of Nagaland are directed to open a bank account preferably with the Nagaland State Cooperative Bank Ltd. within one month from the date of issuing of this Notification. The measure is necessitated as the said Bank, sponsored by the Government of Nagaland, is the channelizing agency for many agriculture based Centrally Sponsored Schemes/ Projects etc.

Sd/-

(TEMJEN LONGKUMER) Registrar of Cooperative Societies Nagaland, Kohima

PM Narendra Modi with Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik during a meeting, in New Delhi, Thursday. (PTI)

RCP Singh with Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

The five-judge Constitution Bench of the Supreme Court hears the case on Thursday. (PTI)

Powerful but powerless

America (USA) is the most powerful military power on earth and for which it spends in excess of $700 billion every year. America has lakhs of military personnel based at military stations located across the world to ensure global peace, freedom and democracy. However, at home, the world’s most powerful nation is helpless in protecting the lives and properties of its own citizens. In America lives are being lost at an approximate rate of over 100 per day due to shootings. As of May 1, at least 14,600 people have died from gun violence in the U.S. this year, according to the Gun Violence Archive – which is an average of roughly 115 deaths each day. Of those who died, 491 were teens and 85 were children. According to the latest available statistics from the centers for Disease control and Prevention (cDc), more Americans died of gun-related injuries in 2021 than in any other year on record.In 2021, there were more than 48,000 gun deaths in the U.S., a 23% increase from 2019. This is the highest number of gun deaths in the U.S. since the cDc began tracking gun deaths in 1968. The easy availability of guns is a major factor in the high rate of gun violence in the U.S. The U.S. has more guns per capita than any other country in the world. In 2018, there were an estimated 120.5 guns per 100 people in the U.S., compared to an average of 12.6 guns per 100 people among other developed countries. The majority of gun deaths in the U.S. are suicides. In 2021, there were 26,328 gun suicides, accounting for 54% of all gun deaths. Gun homicides accounted for 43% of gun deaths, and accidental gun deaths accounted for 5%.Shootings have continuously made headlines in just the first few months of the year. These incidents have revived a decades-long nationwide debate over the issue of gun control in America. Pitted against each other are pro-gun control and the powerful National Rifle Association (NRA)which has successfully opposed gun control in the USA. Those who want the state to exert control over sale and possession of handguns in America believe that strict control will limit handguns in the hands of people. The NRA and its supporters on the other hand, believe that purchase and possession of hand guns is a fundamental right that cannot be denied. The NRA stands on the plea that safety lay in imparting training on handling and use of hand guns and that possessing it was insurance against criminals. The problem is that lax gun controls has saturated American society with a plethora of guns. Further, despite the measures to monitor sale of hand guns, many gun shops sell items over the counter like selling medicines without prescription. Even the measure aimed at penalising such defaulting gun shops is being strongly opposed by the powerful NRA lobby. Several investigations have shown that the NRA has close links with multibillion-dollar firearms industry in the US. Thus, a powerful nation is totally powerless to protect its own citizens and this is like comeuppance.

DailyDevotion “Love

One Another”

…add to your…brotherly kindness love. —2 Peter 1:5, 7

Love is an indefinite thing to most of us; we don’t know what we mean when we talk about love.

Love is the loftiest preference of one person for another, and spiritually Jesus demands that this sovereign preference be for Himself (see Luke 14:26). Initially, when “the love of God has been poured out in our hearts by the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5), it is easy to put Jesus first. But then we must practice the things mentioned in 2 Peter 1 to see them worked out in our lives.

The first thing God does is forcibly remove any insincerity, pride, and vanity from my life. And the Holy Spirit reveals to me that God loved me not because I was lovable, but because it was His nature to do so. Now He commands me to show the same love to others by saying, “…love one another as I have loved you” (John 15:12). He is saying, “I will bring a number of people around you whom you cannot respect, but you must exhibit My love to them, just as I have exhibited it to you.” This kind of love is not a patronizing love for the unlovable— it is His love, and it will not be evidenced in us overnight. Some of us may have tried to force it, but we were soon tired and frustrated. “The Lord…is longsuffering toward us, not willing that any should perish…” (2 Peter 3:9). I should look within and remember how wonderfully He has dealt with me. The knowledge that God has loved me beyond all limits will compel me to go into the world to love others in the same way. I may get irritated because I have to live with an unusually difficult person. But just think how disagreeable I have been with God! Am I prepared to be identified so closely with the Lord Jesus that His life and His sweetness will be continually poured out through Me? Neither natural love nor God’s divine love will remain and grow in me unless it is nurtured. Love is spontaneous, but it has to be maintained through discipline.

By Oswald Chambers

Development Perspective in the NE and Act East Policy

India’s North Eastern Region (NER) comprising eight States — Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, and Tripura are unique in terms of growth opportunities it offers by inter-locking the region with the country’s neighbours in the South and South East Asia. The region has potential to develop into the India’s economic powerhouse, being a vibrant source of energy, oil, natural gas, coal, and limestone, besides being endowed with India’s largest perennial water system in the river Brahmaputra and its tributaries. NER is also rich in horticultural products, plantation crops, vegetables, spices, rare herbs, and medicinal plants. The region offers unlimited tourism opportunities, rare flora and fauna, natural scenic beauty, unique performing arts, and varied cuisine and handicrafts.

NER’s locational advantage and rich resource endowment provides the ideal setting for its development as a hub for dealing with India’s eastern neighbours. Perhaps more importantly, NER can emerge as a strategic base for foreign/ domestic investors to tap into the South Asian region, which is getting integrated through the operationalisation of the South Asian Free Trade Agreement and the Agreement on Trade in Services. Besides the policy was not confined to economic ties between India and its eastern neighbours, but developed into broader ties, which included political, economic, security and cultural linkages. With these aim, Government of India deliberated on three C’s: Commerce, Connectivity and Culture.

Trade and economic development are one of the more prominent advantages of the Act East Policy (AEP) for the northeast, as well as India. It will be an important factor in promoting economic ties between the northeast and its neighbours, with a view to ending the economic separation of the region from the rest of India. It should also help in promoting intratrade economic linkages. It would help in reducing informal trade and bring

it into the ambit of formal trade, generating revenue for the states of the northeast.

Due Emphasis has to be laid on developing industries and services that would utilise the already present resources of the region. For example, stress can be laid on developing service industries in the region that would also help in generating employment opportunities for the English-speaking youth of the region. The northeast is largely an agriculture based economy and local industries have to be established to add value to this produce.

The economic success of the policy would depend on the development of infrastructure that is at present lacking in the region but improved a lot since 2014.

This development in economic activities would be related to the second ‘C’ of the policy that is connectivity. The flow of commerce needs connectivity, which means infrastructure development in terms of road, rail and air. This calls for promoting investments in projects not just in the northeast, but also in infrastructure projects in the partner countries, especially Myanmar, particularly in respect of ports such as Sittwe, which is very recently operationalised and international highways to connect the North Eastern Region to ASEAN. Such investment might also be encouraged in areas where infrastructure is required for transit between the region and the rest of India, as also for trade with the neighbourhood and beyond. Connectivity will also usher an all-round development within the region in terms of social development also.

Such development perspective would encompass third C: culture. Connectivity is not limited to just the physical movement of goods, but also alludes to the movement of people, ideas and knowledge. Such contacts could be through professional bodies, academic institutions, students exchange programmes, traders’ chambers and associations, industrialists’ groups, artists, sportsmen, etc. The exchange of books, publications and newspapers and television programmes would also fall in the ambit of people-to-people contacts

because of their impact on opinion-making and improving relations. These positives can be harnessed by making appropriate policy interventions aimed at addressing the critical constraints that the region faces at the present juncture. The best outcomes can be achieved by evolving a regional approach, as opposed to policy measures taken for individual states, while drawing trade policy for the NER.

As the markets in the region is small, by integrating with the neighbouring countries as well as South and South Asian countries, the region can reap the benefits of economies of scale. But compared to other parts of the country, the region is lagging in terms of economic development. As such trade and investment should receive focused attention. Also, trade is an engine of growth more so in the present economic outlook of globalization.

North Eastern Region of India (NER) of India is central to India’s growing economic and strategic partnership with Southeast and East Asia. The NER is also central to India’s Act East Policy (AEP), and acts as a bridge between South and Southeast Asia. But when we talk about trade, it is only border trade that is in existence that too not potentially exploited. Although Policy was in existence as Look East Policy for above three decades, nothing much happened beyond opening border trade points and carrying out minimum border trade. But a fresh insight comes about after rephrasing the policy as ACT EAST POLICY.

Among all South Asian Countries, Bangladesh is a major trading partner of India especially in the context of North Eastern Region of India. 25 Land Custom Stations are operational/ functional with Bangladesh; the functional Land Customs Stations have been performing well in spite of many constraints. The product - wise trade between NER and Bangladesh indicates a complementarily between the resource availability in the NER and the demand structure of Bangladesh. Bangladesh lacks mineral resources like coal and lime-

Procrastination: a thief

It is said that “Procrastination is the thief of time”. WHY?

One very common example seen in a student’s life, which I am sure everyone can relate to is, a student postpones studying by browsing social media or playing games, promising themselves for a few minutes rest which in turn goes up to hours, and ends up doing badly on their exams because they didn’t have enough time left to study. And that’s the repeated excuse we commit everyday.

Everyone procrastinates. We are so used to keeping things for the next day that we don’t realize we are losing so much time. Infact, it has become part of our daily habits. By the time we realize making a mistake of procrastinating, it is often too late to go back in time. If only we did everything in time instead of rushing at the end, we would have saved ourselves from so much unnecessary stresses and energy. But no, we wait until the end, even after knowing the consequences we are going to face and stress over it. The funny thing is we are actually good at remorse. Instead of accepting that it is our fault, we get angry, upset, sulk and whine as we regret the outcome.

Procrastination is that little devil sitting over your shoulder whispering “Wait till later”, which you should be avoiding.

The more we delay tasks, the more they pile up and weigh us down, and the more we lose out on many things. As time passes,

stone which the country imports from the NER. In return, the NER imports finished products from Bangladesh. This provides a firm basis for trade expansion between the two countries.

Exports from NER to Bangladesh dominate NERBangladesh trade. The NER exports to Bangladesh coal, limestone, stone boulder, Stone, raw hides, oranges, fresh ginger, bamboo, dry fish, fresh fruits (citrus) etc. and imports, cement, Hilsa Fish, Cotton waste, synthetic drinks, plywood, synthetic net fabrics, soap, plastic goods, readymade garments, process food etc. Trades are mostly primary products which have not provided opportunity of value addition within this region. In the last 32 years of Look east policy, the region achieved little. Why?

a. The development paradigm for the region has been fraught with overwhelming security concern which has been restricting its engagement with the South East Asian Countries through Myanmar; b. Certain institutional arrangement like the ILP and Restricted Area Permit has come in the way of economic integration; c. Poor connectivity within the region.; d. This has been reflected in low urbanization, weak manufacturing base and low economic growth in the region. As a result, the region could not take benefits from regional integration & cooperation.

Some of the important aspects of this Act East policy may be: Connectivity and Physical infrastructure to facilitate trade; trade and investment protocols; Shortfalls in operationalisation of existing assets and facilities; Soft aspects of bi-lateral / multi-lateral relationships such as in tourism and enhanced people to people interaction through sports, culture, academic and medical research etc.

Trade and Investment Complementarities: Although one can see improved relations with ASEAN since mid-nineties which resulted in growth of total trade between ASEAN and India, the share of the North East India staggers at only 0.03 percent in total trade volume. This is mainly due to supply side constraints

which affect Indo-Myanmar and Indo-Bangladesh trade through North East. A major challenge to developing the trade potentialities of the region has been low value addition and development of production chain which can create production network among the states of the region to tap emerging markets of ASEAN region. The possibility however rests on identification of niche areas in the region for trade with countries in South and South East Asia. Given the fast-emerging energy market in South East Asia, it can be observed that north east India with vast hydro power potential can emerge as a partner in energy trade. Also, service sector can be niche market and can be a significant partner in trading services related to education, health and hospitality. Such possibilities also accompany concern given the rich ecological and cultural diversity of this region. So, it would be necessary to understand various kinds of trade-offs offered by such possibilities.

Connectivity Issues:

For development of North East India, it is important to convert the ‘Land Locked’ North East to ‘Land Linked’ North East. It is important to take note of the existing and currently undergoing transnational infrastructure under various initiatives of greater regional cooperation which hold promises of opening up the region and linking it through South and South East Asia. Most critical for the region: (a) the Trilateral Highway between India, Myanmar and Thailand, (b) the Asian Highway Network and (c) the Kaladan Multi Model Project. The importance of exploring alternative linkages and avenues of connectivity eg. Stilwell road linking fast growing Yunnan region of China. Once such connectivity points are identified, then the region needs to improve all types of backend connectivity within the region including promoting air hub at Guwahati connecting countries in South and South East Asia.

Challenges and Opportunities in Building Strategic Partnership: Opportunities emanating from strategic partnership with ASEAN, BIMSTEC and similar re-

gional initiatives are well known. However, in order to have due share in it, the North East India has to witness new growth through connectivity, cyber cables, energy, services and tourism hub under Look (Act) East Policy framework leading to the creation of industrial and economic corridors. There are challenges some of which may be: Weak economic and production base; Deficient infrastructure; Security concern including insurgency and troubled border; The China factor; Extreme heterogeneity within the region. North East to become ‘central’ to Look (Act) East Policy instead of being a mere ‘gateway’, perspective shift is important. Five interconnected issues are critical to such shift. a. Integration of the economy within the region is fundamentally necessary. Integration in terms of physical connectivity on one side while on the other, the unification of markets within the region to benefit from economies of scale; b. The necessity for policy interventions towards lowering the relatively high transaction costs in the region. Notwithstanding the institutional diversities, removing institutional impediments within the region created by such diversities to economic integration that usually lead to higher transaction costs is crucial; c. Rationalization and harmonization of various policies, rules and laws within the region is a key issue; d.

There is an urgent need of identifying areas of comparative advantage of the region and complementarities of between the region and its neighbouring countries. In this context, forging strategic partnership, networking and facilitating people to people contact for exchange of ideas and improving mutual understanding between North East and South East Asia need to be stressed. Challenges are many but it is the people and Government of North Eastern States need to work in harmony to overcome these and accrue benefits through trade with South and South East Asian countries.

Prof (Dr.) Saundarjya Borbora, Vice Chancellor, ICFAI University, Nagaland

The sorrow over partition at play

we only get more demotivated and lazy. We are a generation of dreamers. We dream but we refuse to get up from bed and get things done. We talk but don’t ever practice what we preach. Once you procrastinate there is no escaping it. Why do we procrastinate?

When we look at ourselves as a perfectionist, we tend to always put off things that are unknown, unfamiliar or something new because we fear that we might not be able to do it correctly. We fear of making mistakes and fear the rejections or the feedbacks. We tend to overestimate how much one can achieve in a certain timeframe.

Procrastination can be easily solved by taking up responsibilities and being motivated. If you find the task to be too big or exhausting, break the task down into bits, put a timer and take up one task after the other. This will give you a feeling of constant achievement and progress. Remember “Time is free, but it is priceless, you can’t own it but you can use it, you can’t keep it but you can spend it, but once you lose it you can never get it back”.

P.S. When you get distracted from your studies, and all you think about is snuggling up in your warm bed, shift your study books and materials to the other room, preferably next to your parents room. It helps.

Thujongolu , 12

Pandemic forced people to close their doors for the outer and real world thereby social media platforms are the most accepted fact of the current trend. With high speed network connectivity, streaming television and web series have taken a huge plunge in the recent years and performing art like theatre is losing its charm over the last decade. Unlike Britishers, who promote Shakespeare dramas in English, there is no such effort to promote India’s theatre. However Assam’s unique mobile drama tradition takes the stage in a changing world. This is the most encouraging, when live performers’ present the experience of a real or imagined dramatic performance of plays before a live audience in a stage that inspired especially to the rural setup. Although drama is a recreation of human actions and feelings, it reaches the hearts of people where real changes manifest from; hence, it can bring about the expected social change. However the prime audience of younger generation wanted instant thrills and spills and theatre lost its patrons, it basically becomes an amateur activity nowadays. Despite what made people want to go into the theatre? The play – “Nathuram Godse, the killer of Mahatma” was another intense, moving and inspiring at Kalakshetra recently. It was heartening to see so many theatre lovers at the auditorium for that historical piece. Dramas actually enlighten people by bringing them from their dark world towards light. It’s such another approach from Pahi production, where tales of violence from the dreadful time

faced by the two dominions – India and Pakistan, narrated with facts. At the stroke of midnight, freedom was attained at the price of the country being divided into two nations. India’s partition in 1947 continues to evoke strong emotions. It resulted in bloodshed and collective trauma, deepening the faith divide on either side of the border. Defining the new national border by dividing the provinces of Bengal in the east and Punjab in the west became difficult. That was the starting point of utter chaos. Violence erupted as faithbased communities turned against one another. Hindus and Muslims who had been living together for centuries were suddenly torn apart.

The atrocities were indeed terrible and the desire for wealth was another major trigger for the violence. People were forced to cross borders.

The partition is regarded as one of the largest and most violent political migration. There had been a mass exodus where millions of people either displaced from their ancestral homes and families or murdered in communal riots that history witnessed ever. People tried to seek refuse on the other side of the border to save from the wave of brutal violence and savagery.

Sikh women in Pakistan Punjab province committed suicide inside Gurudwara in order to protect her honour. The crowded train in Layallpur, present day Faisalabad was butchered. Victims of partition riots faced inhuman treatment meted out in the national capital.

The absurdity and heartbreak of the overnight creation of new borders was reflected in bad shape.

The painful partition of India’s independence perhaps serves as a reminder of the very high cost of freedom. The playwright focused on some of the hidden stories of India’s independence. The killer of Mahatma accused Bapuji of having betrayed India by being pro-Jinnah and soft on Pakistan and even blamed for the bloodshed that marked partition. At upstage, one of the victims (the old Muslim) of partition riots came out on top playing challenging roles. Gandihiji was projected with a bold character at center stage, while Nathuram Godse took pride in stating against his political convictions. His opposition to the Gandhian ideas of pacifism and nonviolence had finally led to kill Mahatma. Hearing the three shots fired at close range, the house was watching a burst of heart-stopping action at the end. However critics are there to judge the merits of the artistic work that was especially done by the group of artists from Mangaldoi so professionally. The British used religion as a way of dividing people into categories. Later it became a factor in politics that seemed to fail to grab attention through the play. The stage was tactfully divided up into sections oriented based on the performers perspective to the audience. But along with the joy for freedom from colonial rule, partition was painful episode in the history for both the countries. The story of the partition has been told and retold time and again in films and books and certainly the play did a bold step to revisit the violent legacy of Indian partition.

Kamal Baruah

Quotes

“Worry causes stress, but care causes concern.” ~ Chris Vail

Delhi government vs Centre: AAP, BJP welcome SC verdict

NEW DELHI, MAY 11

(PTI): With the Supreme Court ruling in his government’s favour on administration of some services in Delhi on Thursday, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal pledged the speed of work will increase 10 times now that his hands are no more tied as he warned officers who “stopped” people’s work of consequences and announced a major bureaucratic reshuffle in the coming days.

In its first action hours after the apex court’s order, the AAP government removed services secretary Ashish More and appointed 1995-batch IAS officer A K Singh in his place.

While the BJP said it respects the verdict and claimed that a transferposting industry will come up in the city, the Congress termed it as “historic and colossal”, saying it exposed the “nexus of unholy, un-

democratic, ugly nature and the under belly of the BJP”.

The AAP called the court order a “tight slap” on the mission to topple governments through “unconstitutional ways” and, a “massive defeat” for the dictatorial actions of the BJP-led Centre.

In a unanimous verdict, the Supreme Court ruled that the Delhi government has legislative and executive powers over administration of services except for public order, police

Over 90 Tihar Jail officials transferred

NEW DELHI, MAY 11

Exit polls give jitters to Cong, BJP leaders; JD(S) expects hung verdict

BENGALURU, MAY 11

and land.

At a press conference, Kejriwal thanked the judges of the apex court for doing justice to Delhi and also expressed gratitude towards people of the city for supporting the AAP government in every step.

He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi is like a father figure and it is his responsibility to look after all like his children.

“There will be a big administrative reshuffle in a few days. Many officers will

EC refutes Cong claims that EVMs used in Karnataka were deployed in S Africa

NEW DELHI, MAY 11

(PTI): The Election Commission (EC) on Thursday rejected the Congress’ claim that the Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) used in the May 10 Karnataka assembly polls were previously deployed in South Africa and asked the party to bring to justice “rumourmongers” who targeted it with false information.

In a letter addressed to Randeep Singh Surjewala, the AICC in-charge of Karnataka, the EC said it had used new EVMs manufactured by Electronics Corporation of India Limited for the polls in the southern state.

The Congress had written to the poll panel on May 8, raising concerns and seeking clarification over the deployment in the Karnataka election of EVMs previously deployed in South Africa and that too, without going through the process of revalidation and re-verification.

“The concern arises from the fact that this Honorable Commission has deployed EVMs which were

Nitish

meets Uddhav, Pawar in Mumbai

previously deployed for elections in South Africa. We have been informed of this by various sources including the fact all these EVMs have been received directly back from South Africa without going through the process of revalidation and re-verification by the appropriate software/mechanisms by the manufacturer i.e. ECIL as also certification by the EC. This puts in serious doubt the entire validation process of the EVM itself,” Surjewala had said. Citing records, the poll panel said the Congress had specific knowledge that only newly ECIL-produced EVMs would be used in Karnataka. It said Congress representatives participated in each stage of EVM movement and commissioning for the Karnataka polls. The poll panel asserted it never sent EVMs to South Africa. It also said the fact that EVMs are not used in elections in that country is easily verifiable through the website of Electoral Commission of South Africa.

“As such, there is no question of any machine being used by the EC in Karnataka Legislative Assembly election which had or could have been used in South Africa elections or for that matter anywhere in the world.

“All EVMs to be used in Karnataka elections, 2023 are new EVMs from ECIL. This fact is in full knowledge of INC,” the poll panel said.

“The EC never imported EVMs from any country whatsoever,” the poll panel wrote.

It told Surjewala that such a query raised by a Member of Parliament of “your standing” was surprising as the actual information was in specific knowledge of his party.

The Election Commission said while it is dutybound to reply to all questions of an MP representing a national political party, “it has noted with concern that INC has chosen to rely on “sources’ and even considered seeking a “clarification”, just two days before the poll.

be transferred on the basis of what they have done till now. There are some officials who have stopped public works in the last yearand-a-half.

“There were instances where medicines of mohalla clinics, tests, DJB’s money were stopped. Such officers will have to bear the consequences of their misdeeds. Opportunity will be given to responsive and compassionate officers and employees who want to serve the public,” Kejriwal said.

He claimed the Supreme Court has sternly said that powers of the Delhi government snatched by the Centre in 2015 was unconstitutional. He said his hands were tied earlier and he was thrown in the water to swim but despite the “hurdles” created before the AAP government in Delhi it did “spectacular” work.

(IANS): Ninety nine officials of Tihar Jail have been transferred following the killing of gangster Tillu Tajpuriya by members of a rival gang a few days ago. The transfers were ordered by Director General (Prisons) Sanjay Beniwal, who deemed the incident a grave matter. The transferred officials include 11 deputy superintendents, 12 assistant superintendents, head warders and warders.

“However, the transferred officers/officials shall draw their salary from where they were drawing earlier. Further, all the above mentioned officers/officials hereby stand relieved with immediate effect without waiting for formal relieving from concerned jails/ offices. Non-compliance of the order shall be viewed seriously,” the transfer order read. According to prison officials, additional transfers may take place in the coming days.

(PTI): With most exit polls predicting a tight contest between the Congress and BJP in the Assembly polls in Karnataka, leaders of the two parties seem “jittery” over the outcome, while the Janata Dal (Secular) appears to be expecting a hung verdict, which would enable it to play a role in government formation.

Most pollsters have given an edge to the Congress over the ruling BJP, while indicating the possibility of a hung Assembly in the state. Counting of votes is on May 13. Giving an update on polling, the Election Commission said on Thursday evening that the final voter turnout was 73.19 per cent. “Karnataka has created a record for itself (in voter turnout)”.

The ruling BJP, which sought to return to power in the Assembly elections held on Wednesday, said it saw no possi bility of a hung verdict, and asserted

that it would get an absolute majority in the 224-member Lower House.

Union Minister Shobha Karandlaje on Thursday ruled out the possibility of an ‘Operation Lotus’, saying the BJP would get 120 to 125 seats and return to power. The term ‘Operation Lotus’ was coined several years ago by the opposition Congress and the JD(S) in the state referring to some alleged attempts by the BJP earlier to “poach opposition MLAs” when it failed to get

a majority on its own. Karandlaje said the “primary reports” obtained post elections suggest that the party was getting 120 to 125 seats. Asked whether the BJP would need to resort to ‘Operation Lotus’, she said, “Absolutely not. Have faith. No situation will arise for any sort of ‘Operation Lotus’. This time the people of the state will vote for the development of the state and will give a majority government.”

Sachin Pilot steps up pressure on Congress leadership

Begins 5-day yatra over ‘corruption’

JAIPUR, MAY 11 (PTI):

Dissident Congress leader

Sachin Pilot began a 125km foot march from Ajmer to Jaipur on Thursday, challenging Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and the party’s top brass as assembly elections in Rajasthan approach.

A month back, the former deputy chief minister had defied a warning from the party to hold a daylong fast targeting Gehlot on “inaction” over alleged corruption when the BJP was previously in power.

The just-begun five-day yatra mounts further pressure on the party leadership as it hopes to retain the state

in the elections at the end of the year.

“I am taking out this yatra to raise my voice, to hear your voice, and to become the voice of the people,” Pilot, who was sacked as the state Congress chief in 2020 when he led a revolt against the CM, said at the start of the “padyatra”.

Referring to the scorching heat as “aag ka dariya”, he told his supporters, “This is a river of fire, we have to swim across it.”

The Tonk MLA was welcomed by them when he reached Ajmer by train. He addressed a gathering on the Jaipur highway.

Thousands of pa rty

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workers followed him as the yatra set off. Some held the tricolour and shouted slogans supporting him.

Former minister Rajendra Chaudhary and local leader

Mahendra Ralwata were present. But known dissident MLA kept away from Ajmer.

The ‘Jan Sangharsh Yatra’ posters, displayed on

some vehicles, had a picture of Pilot with a clenched fist, as well as photos of Congress leaders Sonia Gandhi, Indira Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru. Mahatma Gandhi, Bhimrao Ambedkar and Bhagat Singh also featured there. Apart from corruption, the yatra focuses on cases of paper leaks in government recruitment exams. The Rajasthan Public Service Commission (RPSC) is based in Ajmer, which is also the constituency from where Pilot has been elected to Parliament in the past.

MUMBAI, MAY 11 (PTI):

If more opposition parties work together and stand united, it will yield a good result while taking on the BJP in the next Lok Sabha polls, Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said here on Thursday. Nitish Kumar, who along with Bihar deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav met Uddhav Thackeray at the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader’s residence in Mumbai, was speaking to reporters.

The JD(U) leader will also meet NCP chief Sharad Pawar in Mumbai later in the day. Kumar, who visited Pawar at the latter’s residence in south Mumbai along with deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav, told reporters that what the ruling BJP is doing is not in the interest of the country. Earlier, he met Uddhav Thackeray at the Shiv Sena (UBT) leader’s Bandra home. “What BJP is doing nowadays is not in the interest of the country. In such a situation, if more and more opposition parties unite, it would be better for the country,” he said.

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Nitish Kumar

EVMs and VVPATs being deposited at a strong room after the end of voting for the Karnataka elections. (PTI)

AAP leaders and supporters celebrate outside the Delhi Secretariat in New Delhi, Thursday. (PTI)

Congress leader Sachin Pilot during his Jan Sanghrah Yatra in Ajmer, Thursday. (PTI)

Sitharaman seeks greater investment from Japan

the needs of the next 25 years to help India become a developed nation by 2047.

Referring to ‘Amrit Kaal’, the finance minister said her government’s focus is on on four “Is”. The four Is refer to infrastructureboth physical and digital; investments - domestic and foreign; innovation to enhance use of technology in lives of people; and inclusivity to ensure every citizen benefits from growth.

TOKYO/NEW DELHI,

MAY 11 (PTI): India’s Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Thursday invited Japanese investors and business leaders to explore investment opportunities in the country, saying that New Delhi is easing a lot of restrictions and ensuring overall ease of doing business in its walk towards Amrit Kaal. Indian government describes ‘Amrit Kaal’, as the 25-year period culminating in the centenary of the country’s independence. Sitharaman is on a two-day

official visit to Niigata, Japan, to attend a G7 meeting. India is an invitee to G 7 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors meeting.

Interacting with a group of investors and business leaders on the theme of ‘Rising Investment Opportunities: Destination India’, Sitharaman talked about the initiatives of the Indian government towards building India in ‘Amrit Kaal’.

She further said the Union Budget presented by her in February was prepared keeping in mind

NPF against legalizing...

(From p-1) So they are no longer two, but one flesh. Therefore what God has joined together, let no one separate.”

Notwithstanding what were in the scriptures, he said Naga people had traditionally followed age-old wisdom and had believed in the holy union of man and woman, which was marriage. Therefore, he said what was being proposed was unwise and not only against centuries of wisdom, but also against popular thought and belief in Nagaland and elsewhere in India and rest of the world.

22nd branch of NStCB inaugurated in Noklak

Sitharaman apprised the investors and business leaders from Japan, that to facilitate businesses, India has been easing a lot of restrictions and ensuring overall ease of doing business in its walk towards Amrit Kaal, the finance minister said in a series of tweets.

In her address, she also highlighted the government’s priority to incentivise and facilitate investments by businesses through the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme, which was initially introduced for 14 sectors and is now being expanded in areas of semi-conductors and solar components.

Talking of the practical fallout of a move to legalise same-sex marriages, Azo pointed out that the Centre itself would have to amend a host of laws relating to inheritance and even custody of children, in case of separation of partners due to the debatable nature of who was man and who was wife. This, he cautioned would lead to further complications and legal tangles that might not be easy to resolve. He warned that it might be impossible to reconcile such a change with respect to Naga customary law. Azo said it would be an unwise and impractical move to legalise same-sex marriage. He recalled that the Centre had legalised homosexuality in 2018 following a Supreme Court order and this was largely tolerated and accepted, even if grudgingly by many. But, he warned that legalising same-sex marriages might have a more unsavoury reaction from the society at large.

No road without land compensation...

(From p-1)

In this regard, LOU NH-2 questioned why was land acquired without land compensation to the landowners.

“Did the Central government acquire the land without land compensation to the Naga landowners, is land not a property?”, LOU NH-2 asked. The union said that if the law did not provide for land compensation the matter ends there. However, it said that if the law provides land compensation then it has to be paid to the landowners only then the land could be vested to the competent authority.

The union has, therefore, urged the state government to take necessary measure to compensate the affected landowners to expedite the completion of ongoing expansion of National Highways-61, now NH-2, for vesting the land to the National Highways according of law.

Adani Enterprises board to consider fundraising

NEW DELHI, MAY 11

(AGENCIES): The board of Adani Enterprises Ltd will meet on Saturday to consider and approve a fund-raising proposal, the company said in an exchange filing on Wednesday.

The Adani Enterprises board will consider raising funds by issuing equity shares or any other eligible securities through permissible modes, including but not limited to a private placement, a qualified institutions placement or a preferential issue, the company said in a statement, reports Ndtv news.

Adani Enterprises also it will also consider raising funds by “any other method or combination of methods

as may be permitted under applicable laws, subject to such regulatory/statutory approvals as may be required and the approval of shareholders of the company.”

The trading window for dealing in Adani Enterprises securities is closed from May 10 till 48 hours af-

ter the board meeting ends, or till Monday, the company said in the statement, citing the code of conduct to prevent insider trading. The Adani Group did not proceed with its Rs. 20,000 crore follow-on public offer in February to “protect the interest of its subscribers”, after the shares

of group firms nosedived following a report by US short seller Hindenburg Research.

The Adani Group called Hindenburg’s report a “calculated attack” on India, its institutions and growth story, saying the allegations are “nothing but a lie”. On Tuesday, Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone said it would pay $130 million of its debt early, after nearly $413 million worth of debt has been tendered for early payment.

Adani Ports had floated a tender of up to $130 million of 3.375 per cent 2024 maturity dollar-denominated bonds late last month, as it sought to boost investor confidence.

DIMAPU, MAY 11: MLA

and Chairman DPDB Noklak, P. Longon inaugurated the 22nd branch of Nagaland State Cooperative Bank (NStCB), in Kiamngan ward, Noklak. According to a DIPR report, in his speech, Longon stated that since the economy of the district is based on agri-related activities, the opening of the NStCB was a milestone for Noklak as it will boost the economy and uplift the rural and urban people of the district.

Longon also requested the staff of the Bank to give guidance for the upliftment of the people and urged the people of the district to start opening accounts in Nagaland State Co-operative Bank and avail all benefits of the bank and also urged the

people of the district to work hard and start businesses with the loan available in the banks.

MLA Benei M Lamthiu appreciated the pioneers and stakeholders for the achievement of opening of the new branch. He added that the bank would help not only in financial inclusion but also for income generation and a source of livelihood.

In his keynote address, MD NStCB, Bendangnungsang said NStCB is to help the customers to achieve economic success and financial security. While elaborating on the Social Security Schemes, he requested all the account holders and customers to open social security schemes. He also spoke on Cash Deposit Ratio and Non-Performing Assets.

Two more aircraft lessors move NCLAT against Go First’s insolvency

NEW DELHI, MAY 11 (PTI): Two more aircraft lessors -- GY Aviation and SFV Aircraft Holding -- on Thursday moved appellate tribunal NCLAT against the order passed by the NCLT allowing Go First’s voluntary plea to initiate insolvency proceedings.

SMBC Aviation Capital, which is one of the world’s largest aircraft leasing companies, already moved NCLAT on Wednesday, hours after the Delhibased Principal bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) admitted Go First’s plea to initiate the insolvency resolution process against the airline.

Ireland-based GY Aviation is the largest lessor of Go First with 9 aircraft, while SFV Aircraft Holdings has leased out one aircraft to the Wadia group-owned company. SMBC Aviation Capital has 5 aircraft on lease with Go First.

Now the total number of lessors before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against Go First’s insolvency has become three.

The NCLAT on Thursday heard the petition of SMBC Aviation Capital. The matter was partly heard and a two-member bench would continue its hearing over SMBC Aviation Capital’s petition on Friday. NCLT has appointed an interim resolution professional (IRP) while suspending the board and putting a moratorium on the debtridden company’s financial obligations.

LAND

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Area : 16,920 sq. ft.

Rate : Rs. 85/- per sq. ft. (Negotiable)

Contact : 9862086218 DP -2047/23

AffidAvit I, Smti Tuonuo Metha, D/o Zakienyü Metha, resident of merhulietsa Colony, Kohima: Nagaland. I hereby declare that henceforth my name Tuono Metha shall be referred to as Tuonuo Metha. Therefore the said names given above shall be used in my official documents which were affirmed in Affidavit Regd. No. 1412, dated 11/04/2023. K

Deputy Commissioner Noklak, Arikumba thanked the Nagaland State Cooperative Bank Ltd for opening its branch at Noklak Town. He also urged all the people of the district to give full cooperation to the staff and appealed to the citizens to use the facilities which are available in the banks.

General Manager Officer –in –Charge, National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development Tiakala Ao, in her message, mentioned that the opening of the new branch of NStCB Ltd. in Noklak district will further enhance the accessibility and convenience of the bank’s customers in this remote part of the state and enable them to avail the benefits of various schemes and initiative launched by the bank.

Vice Chairman, NStCB Kekhwengulo Lea, President Khiamniungan Tribal Council M.Thango, Former Vice-President Khiamniungan Tribal Council, L.L Buming, and President VDB Block Union Panpan also spoke during the occasion.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by GM NStCB Jonah Sema, and a vote of thanks was delivered by Jt. RCS, Tuensang (i/c ARCS, Noklak) Chume Chang.

Land For Sa L e nihoto Village Dimapur : Nagaland

1. Four Lane Touched

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2. 2nd Plot from Four Lane 80/70 Rs. 155 per sq. ft. Contact : 9383085282 DP -2051/23

LAND FOR SALE

Location Island Colony near by Khermahal Main Town

Area 2 bighas @ 750 per sq. ft. (Negotiable)

Mob. No : 8787528224 8974772904 DP-2049/23

AffidAvit

I, Temjenkala Ao D/o Late Marnungba, resident of Majakong Ward Mokokchung

Town. I hereby declare that henceforth my name and surname Temjenkala shall be referred to as Temjenkala Ao. Therefore the said names given above shall be used in my official documents which were affirmed in Affidavit Regd. No. 1549, Dated 20/04/2023. K -1015/23(b)

Turning, Dimapur Contact at : 8974554288 Db -590/23 La n D FOr s a L e Neiphrolie Colony Lane-1 Chumoukedima Area : 100x50 Sq. Ft. @ 520 Retaining Wall Road Touched Contact no. : 7005358225

DP-2020/23

Nirmala Sitharaman addresses Japan’s investors and in Tokyo, Japan, Thursday, May 11, 2023. (PTI)

MLA & Chairman DPDB Noklak P.Longon Inaugurated NStCB Ltd at Noklak Town, on Thursday. (DIPR)

Pak rupee falls 299 against USD

KARACHI, MAY 11

(IANS): The Pakistani rupee slumped to a record low of 298 against the US dollar amid political tumult in the wake of clashes that broke out in the country following the arrests of senior leaders of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), including Imran Khan, media reports said.

The local unit fell Pak Rs 8.78, or 3.02 per cent, against the dollar on Thursday and was trading at 299 in the interbank market, Geo News reported.

27 people injured in bridge collapse near Helsinki

HELSINKI, MAY 11

(IANS): At least 27 people, most of them children, were injured on Thursday when a pedestrian bridge collapsed in Espoo, west of Finland’s capital Helsinki, local rescue officials said.

The Helsinki region health district (HUS) told the media that 15 people have been taken to hospital, reports Xinhua news agency.

Most of the injured were students and some of them are in serious condition, reports said. Additional details are awaited.

Pak to release 500 Indian prisoners

KARACHI, MAY 11

(IANS): Pakistani authorities have decided to release 500 Indian prisoners, 499 of them fishermen, who have completed their jail terms, media reports said on Thursday.

The Indian prisoners will be released from jails in phases. The first batch of 200 prisoners will be released from the Malir District Jail on Thursday and will be sent to Lahore, ARY News reported.

Edhi Foundation will facilitate the travel of the released Indian citizens to Lahore by train, and they will be handed over to the Indian authorities at the Wagah border on Friday, ARY News reported.

EAM Jaishankar arrives in Dhaka to attend IOC

D HAKA, MAY 11 (PTI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar arrived in Bangladesh on Thursday to attend the ‘6th Indian Ocean Conference 2023’ which will deliberate on the prospects of regional cooperation.

The India Foundation, in association with Bangladesh’s foreign ministry, has organised the sixth edition of the conference with its theme, “Peace, Prosperity and Partnership for a Resilient Future”.

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Md Shahriar Alam received the Indian foreign minister upon his arrival, a Bangladesh foreign office spokesman said.

Pak SC orders release of Imran Khan UK gives cruise missiles to Ukraine; Kyiv delays counteroffensive

Declares ex-PM’s arrest ‘illegal’

ISLAMABAD, MAY 11

(PTI): In a major relief for embattled Imran Khan, Pakistan’s Supreme Court on Thursday declared the former prime minister’s arrest “illegal” and ordered his immediate release after he was produced before a bench on its orders.

Khan, 70, was arrested on Tuesday from the Islamabad High Court (IHC) and an accountability court Wednesday handed him over to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) for eight days remand in connection with the Al-Qadir Trust corruption case.

His arrest sparked widespread protests across Pakistan, prompting the government to deploy the army in the national capital as well as in Punjab, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. The violent protests left at least eight people dead.

On Thursday, a threemember apex court bench, comprising Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial, Justice

Muhammad Ali Mazhar and Justice Athar Minallah, ordered his immediate release.

The bench, while hearing the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chairman’s plea against his arrest, expressed anger at the way he was taken into custody by paramilitary Rangers and ordered the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) to produce him before it.

Khan, who was ousted from power in April last year, was brought to the court amid heavy security. As he entered the courtroom, it was closed, and subsequently, the bench resumed the hearing of

the case. “It is good to see you,” Chief Justice Bandial told Khan.

After a brief hearing, the court declared that Khan’s arrest was “illegal” and of no consequence and ordered that he should be set free. The court also directed him to go to the IHC on Friday and seek further legal recourse. “You will have to accept whatever the high court decides,” the top judge said. Bandial also said that it is every politician’s responsibility to ensure law and order.

During the hearing, Khan told the court that he was “kidnapped from

US ambassador accuses South Africa of providing arms to Russia

CAPE TOWN, MAY 11

(AP): The US ambassador to South Africa accused the country on Thursday of providing weapons to Russia via a cargo ship that docked secretly at a naval base near the city of Cape Town for three days in December. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said an investigation was underway.

Ambassador Reuben Brigety said the US was certain that weapons were loaded onto the vessel at the Simon’s Town naval base and then transported to Russia, according to reports of his comments carried by multiple South African news outlets.

Ramaphosa was in Cape Town answering questions in Parliament when news of Brigety’s comments broke. When a lawmaker asked about the weapons, the president replied that “the matter is being looked into, and in time we will

be able to speak about it”. Ramaphosa declined to comment further, citing the need for an investigation to play out.

The leader of the political opposition, John Steenhuisen, asked the president if South Africa was “actively arming Russian soldiers who are murdering and maiming innocent people?”

Steenhuisen also asked if Ramaphosa could confirm that “weapons of war” were loaded onto the Russian ship in Simon’s Town, The lawmaker identified the vessel as the Lady R, a Russian-flagged cargo ship.

Brigety said earlier Thursday that South Africa’s alleged arming of Russia during its invasion of Ukraine was “extremely serious” and called into question South Africa’s supposed neutral stance in the conflict.

“Among the things we (the US) noted was the docking of the cargo ship

in the Simon’s Town Naval Base between the 6th and 8th December 2022, which we are confident uploaded weapons and ammunition onto that vessel in Simon’s Town as it made its way back to Russia,” Brigety was quoted as saying to reporters during a news conference in the South African capital, Pretoria. Steenhuisen’s party, the Democratic Alliance, raised questions earlier this year about a “mystery” Russian vessel making a stop at the Simon’s Town base.

At the time, the South African government didn’t comment publicly on the alleged incident, saying it needed to gather information. In late December, South African Defence Minister Thandi Modise said the ship appeared to be handling an “old order” for ammunition, and she indicated that arms were offloaded, not loaded onto the ship.

the court” when he was preparing for the biometric attendance before filing an appeal in a case.

Khan claimed he was subjected to violence, saying he had been beaten with clubs and that such brutality was not even inflicted on criminals.

When the chief justice asked him to condemn violence by protestors, Khan distanced himself from the protests by saying that he was in custody. “I was caught as if I am a terrorist,” he said and asked, “How am I responsible for the bloody protests?”

He also said that he never supported violence. “I urge everyone to avoid damaging public properties,” Khan said, adding that he was just pushing for elections.

His lawyers later said outside the court that Khan also called off all protests.

The court while freeing Khan refused to allow him to go home and directed that he would stay for night at the Guest House of police in protection of the state and go to the IHC on Friday. The court also allowed that up to 10 people could meet him.

KYIV, MAY 11 (AP): The British government announced on Thursday it was giving long-range cruise missiles to Ukraine to help drive out Russia’s occupying forces, just as Kyiv delayed a possible counteroffensive more than 14 months after the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion as it awaits the delivery of more Western weapons.

UK Defence Secretary Ben Wallace told lawmakers in the House of Commons that Britain is donating Storm Shadow missiles, a conventionally-armed deepstrike weapon with a range of more than 250 kilometres (150 miles). That means it can hit targets deep behind the front line, including in Russia-occupied Crimea.

UK media reported that Ukraine has pledged not to use the missiles to attack Russia itself. Wallace said the missiles “are now going into or are in the country itself.”

Ben Hodges, a former US Army Europe Commanding General, tweeted: ““Well done UK!”

“This will give Ukraine capability to make Crimea untenable for Russian forc-

es” and would force a Russian rethink of where to position its Black Sea fleet, he added. The British move gives another boost to the Ukrainian military after it received other advanced Western weapons including tanks and long-range precision artillery.

The announcement came shortly after Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said his country’s military needs more time to prepare an anticipated counteroffensive aimed at pushing back Russian occupying forces and opening a new chapter in the war more than 14 months after the Kremlin’s full-scale invasion.

Zelenskyy said in an interview broadcast Thursday by the BBC that it would be “unacceptable” to launch the assault now because too

many lives would be lost.

“With (what we have) we can go forward and be successful,” Zelenskyy said in the interview, according to the BBC.

“But we’d lose a lot of people. I think that’s unacceptable,” he was quoted as saying. The interview was reportedly carried out in Kyiv with public service broadcasters who are members of Eurovision News, including the BBC. “So we need to wait. We still need a bit more time,” Zelenskyy was quoted as saying.

A Ukrainian fightback against Russia’s invasion has been expected for weeks. Ukraine is receiving Western training as well as advanced weapons for its troops as it gears up for an expected assault.

While a counterpunch is possible as the weather in Ukraine improves, there has been no word on when it might happen.

Zelenskyy’s remarks could be a red herring to keep the Russians guessing, and ammunition supply difficulties faced by both sides have added more uncertainty.

Israel kills 2 militant commanders in Gaza as Egypt presses on with efforts to mediate truce

GAZA CITY, MAY 11

(AP): Israeli airstrikes in the Gaza Strip killed two militant commanders on Thursday, the army said, as the Palestinian death toll from the latest burst of fighting rose to 26.

Rocket fire toward southern Israel continued even as Egypt pressed on with attempts to broker a cease-fire. It has been the worst bout of fighting between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza in months, and among the dead were also women and children.

The conflagration, now in its third day, comes at a time of soaring tensions and spiking violence over the past year in the occupied West Bank.

Early on Thursday, the Israeli military carried out strikes against the Islamic Jihad militant group and said a senior commander in charge of the group’s rocket launching force, Ali Ghali, was killed when his apart-

UNICEF warns of humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan

ISLAMABAD, MAY 11 (AP): A UN agency warned on Thursday that critical food aid in Afghanistan is being handicapped by a lack of funding, as the country faces a widespread humanitarian crisis.

“Thousands of children could die from severe acute malnutrition,” said Melanie Galvin, chief of nutrition at the United Nations Children’s Fund. She was speaking in a video message on UNICEF’s official Twitter account.

Galvin added that 875,000 children in Afghanistan will suffer from life-threatening acute malnutrition this year. She said UNICEF in Afghanistan

faces an urgent funding gap of USD 21 million to purchase essential supplies for treating malnutrition and also training health worker around the country.

“In Afghanistan we are facing a critical funding gap for ready-to-use therapeutic food,” she said.

RUTF is an energy-dense paste consisting of milk powder, vegetable oil, sugar, peanut butter, and powdered vitamins and minerals.

In the short term, severe acute malnutrition is life threatening. In the long term, it can impact growth and mental development in a way that affects a child throughout their lives.

Ready-to-use therapeutic food or RUTF supplies can rapidly treat such malnutrition.

“This is a highly efficient and effective small package that we give to children, and they can be cured in as little as eight weeks,” said Galvin.

The international community has not officially recognised the Taliban, who seized power in 2021, imposing a series of restrictive measures that have drawn wide criticism. With Afghanistan’s assets abroad frozen, the economy has spiraled further, deepening the hardships of ordinary Afghans.

ment was hit.

Later in the day, Israel said it killed another Islamic Jihad commander who was meant to replace Ghali in southern Gaza. Islamic Jihad confirmed the man, Ahmed Abu Daqqa, was one of its commanders. The Health Ministry in Gaza said 26 people — including at least 10 civilians — have been killed since the fighting erupted. Military spokesman Rear Adm.

Daniel Hagari told Israeli Army Radio that two other militants were also killed in the early morning strike, although no group immediately claimed them as members, and that the rest of the building remained intact.

“The apartment was targeted in a very precise way,” Hagari said. “I hope this leads to a reduction, a blow and a disruption of the Islamic Jihad rocket abilities.” The strikes targeted

the top floor of a building in a residential, Qatari-built complex in southern Gaza Strip.

The pre-dawn airstrike in the city of Khan Younis caused damage to three surrounding buildings. The complex, known as Hamad City, consists of several tall buildings and thousands of housing units.

The strike created panic among residents, with falling debris and shattered glass littering the streets.

“My children started crying. I did not see anything because of the dust, broken glasses, and debris,” said Abdullah Hemaid, who lives across from the targeted building.

Islamic Jihad said Ghali was a commander in charge of its rocket squad and a member of its armed group’s decision-making body. The group has said it will only cease fire if Israel agrees to halt targeted killings of its fighters.

OFFiCe OF the ChUMOUKeDiMa viLLaGe COUnCiL Dist. Chumoukedima : nagaland

PUBLiC inFOrMatiOn

Chümoukedima Village Council (CVC) informs all concerned that, the following two (2) persons have been caught red-handed running a racket of fake documents by forging the name, signature of Chairman, Head G.B including manufacturing of fake Land Registration Certificate, Letterhead, Office Seal and Printed Receipt in the name of Chümoukedima Village Council:

1. Name : Mr. Merentoba Imsong

Father’s Name : Ajungkaba Imsong

Village : Nukshiyim

Norway takes

over presidency of Arctic Council from Russia

COPENHAGEN (DENMARK), MAY 11 (AP): Norway took over the Arctic Council’s rotating presidency from Russia on Thursday amid concerns that the work of the eightcountry intergovernmental body on protecting the sensitive environment is at risk because of suspension of cooperation with Moscow over the war in Ukraine. The countries — Canada, Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden and the United States — said that they wouldn’t send representatives to the council’s meetings in Russia — the world’s largest Arctic state — although they remained convinced of the value of Arctic cooperation.

No progress in ending Myanmar’s civil strife: Widodo

LABUAN BAJO, MAY 11

(AP): Indonesian President Joko Widodo somberly acknowledged to fellow Southeast Asian leaders Thursday that no progress has been made to end the civil strife gripping Myanmar and renewed a call for an end to the violence, including a recent airstrike a rights group called an “apparent war crime.”

“I have to be honest,” Widodo told fellow leaders of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations on the final day of their two-day summit in the Indonesian harbor town of Labuan Bajo. “There has been no significant progress in the implementation of the fivepoint consensus.”

ASEAN’s chairperson this year, Widodo was referring to a peace plan forged by the 10-nation bloc with

Joko Widodo

Myanmar’s top general in 2021 that called for an immediate end to the violence and dialogue among contending parties to be brokered through an ASEAN special envoy. Myanmar’s military-led government refused to take steps to enforce the plan, prompting ASEAN leaders to exclude the country’s ruling generals and their appointees from the bloc’s summit meetings. The generals have protested ASEAN’s move, which they said strayed from the

group’s bedrock policy of non-intervention in each other’s domestic affairs and deciding by consensus. Widodo called for unity — a seemingly futile call as he spoke with fellow heads of state in a bayside hotel conference room with the chair reserved for Myanmar’s leader empty.

After the leaders concluded their summit, Widodo and his foreign minister, Retno Marsudi, told a news conference that the bloc would continue to push for the peace plan’s enforcement and expand ASEAN’s engagement not just with military leaders but with various groups in Myanmar, hoping the military-led government would do the same.

“We will try again and again,” Marsudi told reporters. “We are still united and strong in seeing the urgency

Present Address : Seiurüzha Colony Ward-8, Chümoukedima Town.

of the five-point consensus.”

“Engagement doesn’t mean recognition,” Widodo said. Founded in 1967 as a diverse club of authoritarian regimes, monarchs and nascent democracies, ASEAN has come under international pressure to take tougher steps to address the crisis in Myanmar. But ASEAN members appeared to be divided, with some recommending an easing of punitive actions aimed at isolating Myanmar’s generals and allowing its top diplomat and officials back to attend the summit meetings.

“The time for isolation has served its purpose,” an internal ASEAN report obtained by The Associated Press cited “some member states” as saying in a meeting of the bloc’s top diplomats ahead of the leaders’ summit.

2. Name : Mrs. Sentimongla Imsong

Father’s Name : Achung Imsong

Village : Yaongyimsen,

Present Address : Seiurüzha Colony, Ward-8, Chümoukedima Town.

The culprits were handed over to the Chümoukedima Police Station for further enquiry. The modus operandi involved manufacturing fake CVC land registration certificate and acquiring loans by mortgaging the fake documents. The culprits were operating from the rented residence at Ward-8, Chümoukedima.

CVC hereby notifies that any person(s) /parties having dealt or in dealing with these criminals are doing so at their own risks and shall be held fully responsible if found indulging in any illegal acts relating to Chümoukedima Village Council and any Land Registration Documents. Further, any person or party who have made any kind of transaction with the two culprits are requested to notify the CVC at the earliest.

Supporters of Imran Khan chant slogans outside SC as they celebrate after court decision, in Islamabad. (AP/PTI)

Palestinians inspect the rubble of Islamic Jihad member Anas Al Massri’s house after it was hit by an Israeli airstrike

Volodymyr Zelenskyy

FAC holds parting social 2023

Fazl Ali College, Mokokchung, bade farewell to the Class of 2023 by organizing their parting social on May 10 at the college auditorium under the theme “Novum Horizontem (New Horizon).”

The farewell programme witnessed speeches and performances both from the senior and the junior students. General secretary, Fazl Ali College Students’ Union, Tushikaba, spoke on behalf of the FACSU while HoD, Dept. of Economics, FAC, Dr. Imcharenla, spoke on behalf of the lecturers.

Dr. Imcharenla lauded the graduating class on reaching an important milestone in life and said that it serves

as a reminder of the difficulties encountered and conquered during the COVID-19 times.

She recalled the times when they have committed their studies amidst the pandemic and how they have remained focused on academic pursuits and demonstrated resilience and hard work which was a testimony to the power of perseverance.

Dr. Imcharenla encouraged the students to be equipped with the skills and knowledge to excel in their chosen fields as they enter a new horizon. She also encouraged them to become responsible citizen and strive to make positive difference in the lives of

those around them.

BA 6th semester student, Imkongwapang Longkumer and B.Sc. 6th semester student, Kushe Shiu, delivered short speeches on behalf of the outgoing students. A special prayer was also offered for the outgoing students by pastor, Union Church, FAC, Rev. Lima Lemdur.

Photo caption 1: Fazl Ali college Mokokchung bade farewell to the Class of 2023 on 10 May 2023 by organizing a farewell programme at the college auditorium. Seen in the picture is the

Dolly Parton reveals starry list of collaborators for first rock album

U.S. country music star Dolly Parton has teamed up with the likes of former Beatles Paul McCartney and Ringo Starr, veteran singers Elton John and Sting as well as her goddaughter Miley Cyrus, for her upcoming record “Rockstar”, her first rock album which will be released in November.

The 77-year-old revealed the stellar line-up of collaborators on her website on Tuesday, sharing details about the album, which will feature nine original songs

and 21 covers. “I’m so excited to finally present my first Rock and Roll album ‘Rockstar,” Parton said in a statement. “I am very honored and privileged to have worked with some of the

greatest iconic singers and musicians of all time and to be able to sing all the iconic songs throughout the album was a joy beyond measure.” The new album, which was inspired by Parton’s induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame last year, also features collaborations with the likes of Lizzo, Sheryl Crow, Stevie Nicks, Kid Rock, Simon Le Bon, P!nk, Brandi Carlile, Debbie Harry, Joan Jett and Chris Stapleton among other wellknown music names. (Reuters)

Organisations condemn killing of college girl; demand justice

DIMAPUR: Various organisations have condemned and demanded justice for a 25-yearold college girl identified as Supou P, MA history final year student at Unity College, allegedly shot dead in Dimapur. It may be mentioned that Dimapur police have already arrested the accused identified as one Thingiu Khiam (36), a deputy kilonser of NSCN Khango group, along with his bodyguard, one Mongchen Khiam (37).

ENWO: Eastern Nagaland Women Organisation (ENWO) has vehemently condemned the brutal, merciless killing and intentional murder of an innocent soul. ENWO said such kind of heinous crime has no place in Naga society and it was a big threat to the Naga society. It stated that perpetrator of such offence committed with full knowledge and intention, the accused must be booked under non bailable offence and given the highest punishment as per the law. ENWO appealed to the state government and the concern authority to take the case on fast track and see that justice is served to the deceased at the earliest. ENWO has expressed solidarity and offered condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

WSSU: Western Sumi Students Union strongly condemned the brutal killing and said such callous disregard for human life has no place in a society, and must be rooted out at all cost. WSSU said it denounces this barbaric act of violence as it dehumanizes Naga society and endangers peaceful coexistence. WSSU also demanded that “cold blooded perpetrator” from one

of the “Nationalist Groups” be immediately brought to justice and dealt with an impartial law. It has also requested the law enforcers and its administration to be more stringent on such elements that threatens public safety. WSSU has expressed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and said it stand in solidarity with the student community to fulfil and deliver justice to late Supou.

KHM: Khiamniungan Menyiu Hoikam (KMH) condemned the brutal killing and of barbaric murder of an innocent citizen. KMH said it “laments to comprehend such practice prevailing in a society when peace is what we are praying for.” It has appealed the law enforcing authority to punish the accused and deliver justice to the deceased. Further, it has extended deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for peace and solace to the departed soul.

SSUD: Sangtam Students’ Union Dimapur (SSUD) expressed shock at incident and demanded that no leniency must be shown towards such a criminal and must be rightly put on trial. The union demanded that the accused be dealt severely for the brutal act he committed upon an innocent lady. SSUD appealed to the leaders and elders to look into the matter for a better peaceful environment so that young Nagas would be able to live without fear and in harmony. SSUD also conveyed deepest condolences to bereaved the family.

DSSU: Dimapur Sumi Students’ Union (DSSU) condemned the “cowardly acts” and appealed to the law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned in ensuring justice to the student commu-

nity and citizens in general.

DSSU affirmed solidarity and extended sympathy to the bereaved family members.

PSU: Pang Student’s Union (PSU) appealed to the law enforcing authority to award befitting punishment to alleged culprit without delay and not to grant bail under any circumstances. PSU also appealed to the “Naga Freedom fighters” to be the protector of the Naga society and its citizens rather than creating fear and traumatizing the citizens by misusing the arms issued to them. Affirming solidarity with the bereaved family members, PSU offered unflinching prayer and support to the family.

PRSU: Peshu Range Students’ Union (PRSU) condemned the “cowardly act” and appealed to the law enforcing agencies to leave no stone unturned in acting against the perpetrator. PRSU stated that “such perpetrators” should not be given any space in the society and instead should be award “unbailable sentence.”

The union also appealed to all right-thinking citizens to vehemently condemn the heinous act. PRSU has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty God grant them unending comfort and solace.

PRSU: Pathso Range Students’ Union (PRSU) strongly condemned the killing and said it stands in solidarity with the victim and family for justice. The union has urged the law enforcing authorities to give a befitting punishment to the culprit. “Such barbaric act should not be condoned but condemned by one and all so that such brutal act desists to happen in the future,” PRSU stated and conveyed condo -

lences to the bereaved family members.

TSU: Thang Students’ Union (TSU) strongly condemned the “inhumane and merciless killing” and said that “such kind of cowardly acts” was a threat to the society. TSU has, therefore, appealed to law enforcing authorities to deliver justice to the bereaved family by awarding befitting punishment to the culprit as per the relevant section of the law. The union affirmed solidarity with the bereaved family and offered its condolences.

Zeliangrong colony: Zeliangrong colony council, youth and women organisations have also condemned the incident and said that “such inhuman act of taking life had no place in a civilized world. In a joint statement, colony GBs Namsinlung and Rangau and women president Asigwang and youth president Luchaga said that the act has “greatly disturbed” the peaceful atmosphere and created a fear psychosis among the citizens of the colony. The Zeliangrong colony has, therefore, urged the law enforcing agencies to thoroughly investigate and ensure that befitting punishment was awarded to the perpetrator. They also conveyed condolences to the bereaved family

members.

TSUD: Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD) strongly condemned the brutal murder and said such inhumane and diabolical act has threated the very fabric of peaceful society. The union has made earnest request to all right-thinking citizens to condemn such high handedness. It appealed the law enforcement agencies to leave no stone unturned and ensure that befitting punishment be awarded to the perpetrator at the earliest. TSUD said bail should not be granted under any circumstances. It has also expressed solidarity and offered condolences to the bereaved family members, Unity College students and faculties and well wishers during this time of grief.

KMHD: Khiamniungan

Menyiu Hoikam Dimapur condemned the barbaric act and said that such an inhuman act which was unacceptable in Naga society. It has asked every right-thinking citizen should condemn such act of heinous crime and urged the law enforcing authority to award the punishment to the culprit as per the law of the land so as to avoid such kind of crime in the near future. KMHD has prayed for the bereaved family

saZOLie COLLeGe JOtsOMa

for strength and courage to overcome all the dark hours of grieve and sadness, and for the departed soul to rest in peace.

KUD: Khiamniungan

Union Dimapur vehemently condemned the barbaric act and merciless killing and said that the cold-blooded murder of an innocent girl was unimaginable in a civilized society, and that it has shocked the entire lawabiding citizens. KUD said no amount of words can justify such heinous criminal act and that no sane person should stand in support of such barbaric perpetrators in any manner. Stating that the murder was pre meditated, the union said befitting punishment must be given in the highest form. It has also warned of action against individual and organisations who bails out the accused. It has appealed the law enforcing agencies to expedite all procedures relating to this case and deliver justice at the earliest by awarding befitting punishment to the culprit as per relevant law

of the land. Further, KUD has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

PVC, PMH: Pang Village Council and Pang Menyiu Hoikam have expressed deep pain at the gruesome murder of its member. In a joint statement, PVC and PMH asked how an individual has access to sophisticated weapon? It appealed the law enforcing authorities to award befitting punishment to the perpetrator and deliver justice at the earliest without grating bail to the “murderer”. PVC and PMH has also requested Khango, leader of NSCN (Khango) to terminate the service of the accused to ensure free from any interference and impartial investigation to the case. PVC and PMH said i t stands in solidarity with the grieving families at this time of grief, and conveyed condolences. It also prayed that the Almighty grant solace to the departed

soul. GBUD (S): GB Union Dimapur (Sadar) has strongly condemned the senseless brutal murder when every Naga people are yearning for peace. In a condemnation, president GBUD (S), M Y Ngullie and general secretary, T. Onen Jamir stated that the barbaric act had proven that the unruly mindset of the perpetuator negates the agenda of a peaceful environment. “The act has greatly disturbed and created a sense of fear psychosis in the minds of the citizen where safety of lives is still a far reality”, it added. GBUD (S) apprised the law enforcing agencies to thoroughly investigate and award befitting punishment to the culprit at the earliest as per the law of the land without clemency so as to deter this kind of heinous crime in a civilized world. GBUD (S) expressed solidarity and offered condolences to the bereaved family members.

The Management, Principal, Staff and Students’ of Sazolie College convey our heartiest congratulations to Ms. Kelhouvinuo suokhrie of Linguistics Department for successfully completing her Doctor of Philosophy Degree (Ph.D) in the topic “Language Variation and Change: A Case Study of Kohima Village” under the supervision of Prof. Shobha Satyanath, University of Delhi.

The college further wishes her the best in her future endeavours. sd/Dr. Gopal Chetri

K-1018/23

25th of

Shri. Ngamjok Konyak & Smti. Cenam Wangcha

From being young in love to making it through the twenty-five years of commitment with love, you have travelled quite a journey by love overcoming all the obstacles for love we are witnessing today. Both of you are truly the greatest blessings we’ll ever have. Here’s to many more years of laughter, love, and happiness.

Happy Anniversary Tatai and Appa. Love, Children

Db-595/23

Principal of FAC, Dr. I. Wati Imchen dedicated a performance to the graduating batch performing along with the junior students.

Asian Cup: Ind clubbed with Aus, Uzbek, Syria

DOHA, MAY 11 (PTI):

India were on Thursday drawn in a tough Group B of the 2023 AFC Asian Cup alongside the continent’s heavyweights Australia, Syria and Uzbekistan here.

The draw was conducted at the Qatar Opera House in the Qatari capital.

The Blue Tigers, who are placed at 101 in the FIFA rankings, will be playing the Asian Cup for the fifth time. India’s opponents in the tournament proper, Australia are ranked 29th in the world, Uzbekistan are 74th, and Syria occupy the 90th position.

All India Football Federation (AIFF) president Kalyan Chaubey, senior men’s national team head coach Igor Stimac, and women’s side coach Maymol Rocky were present at the venue for the official draw ceremony.

Beginning from Pot 4, India were the first team to be drawn into Group B, gaining B4, after which they were placed alongside Syria (B3), Uzbekistan (B2) and Australia (B1), respectively.

India have qualified for back-to-back editions of the tournament for the first time. The one in Qatar capital will be their fifth appearance. (Twitter-Indian Football Team)

Speaking ahead of the draw, Asian Football Confederation (AFC) president Shaikh Salman bin Ebrahim Al Khalifa said, “The last time the AFC Asian Cup was played in Qatar was 12 years ago, and there has been great progress since then. We have also initiated key enhancements.

“There are 24 teams in the AFC Asian Cup now, a new trophy, and USD 15 million in prize money. The impact is clear to see. On behalf of the Asian

football family, I would like to express our gratitude to the QFA and the LOC, and we also thank the 24 participating nations.”

Maymol Rocky, who was conducting the draw along with other representatives from around Asia, said, “This is the first time that India has qualified for consecutive editions of the AFC Asian Cup, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for our country to be back at this stage.”

In other groups, tournament hosts and defend-

Aphuyemi Cup match results

Kilomi. In another match, Secret FC beat Youngstar FC 2-0 in which Bosco and Vitoho scored for Secret FC

Also, Heboluto FC beat Natsumi FC 6-1. Nikiho scored the first goal for Heboluto FC at 13 minute.

DIMAPUR, MAY 11

( NPN): In the ongoing Aphuyemi Cup, Lozu FC defeated Diligent FC 10-1.

Ghuqhe scored 5 goals for Lozu FC, Botoshe 2 goals, while Vinato, Viluto, and Vifaka scored 1 goal each. Pukhato scored lone

for Diligent FC.

The match between Mukalimi United Brothers and Candida Sporting Club, Kilomi ended at a 1-1 draw.

Lovika scored for Mukalimi United Brothers while Vitokhu scored for Candida Sporting Club

Xukuto scored 2nd hatrick of the tournament for Heboluto FC, while Chishi and Tovito scored a goal each.

Kimiyeto scored the lone goal for Natsumi FC at 48 minute Lozü FC, Natsumi FCHeboluto FC and Mukalimi entered the semi-final of the 5th Aphuyemi Cup.

ing champions Qatar are the top seeded team in Group A with their title defence to begin against twotime runners-up China, followed by matches against Tajikistan and Lebanon.

Three-time winners Iran, 1996 runners-up United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, China and Palestine will vie for the knockout stage spots in Group C while record fourtime winners Japan, Indonesia, 2007 champions Iraq and Vietnam were drawn in Group D.

WDCA informs

DIMAPUR, MAY 11 ( NPN): Wokha District Cricket Association ( WDCA) will be organising trials cum selection camp on May 15 and 16 for the senior men’s inter-district tournament scheduled from May 22 onwards.

A press release from the in-charge of the senior men’s team Frank Mozhui Has informed interested cricketers of the district to contact him on 8732879476 for further information.

Deepak, Hussamuddin, Nishant eye historic gold for India at IBA Men’s World Boxing Championships 2023

TASHKENT, MAY 11

(IANS): Gaining momentum from their extraordinary campaign, star Indian pugilists Deepak Kumar, Mohammed Hussamuddin, and Nishant Dev will be aiming to clinch a first-ever gold medal for the country as they gear up to compete in the semi-finals of the IBA Men’s World Boxing Championship 2023, here on Friday.

With three confirmed medals, India rank joint fourth in the medals tally at the prestigious tournament with hosts Uzbekistan (9), Cuba and Russia (6 each) and Kazakhstan (5) taking up the top three spots.

The 2019 Asian silver medallist Deepak Kumar (51kg) will get India’s charge for the gold underway when he takes on the two-time Worlds bronze medallist Billal Bennama of France in his semi-finals bout. The 26-year-old Indian has had a scintillating campaign in his second World Championships appearance so far, recording three wins by unanimous decisions and

also toppling the Tokyo Olympics bronze medallist Saken Bibossinov of Kazakhstan in the Round of 32. Looking to maintain his stellar form, Deepak will be giving it his all to reach the final where he will either face the Rio Olympics gold medallist Hasanboy Dusmatov or the reigning European champion Martin Molina of Spain.

Competing in his debut World Championships campaign, Mohammed Hussamuddin (57kg) will be aiming to successfully reach the final in his maiden appearance at the tournament when he takes to the ring against Saidel Horta of

Cuba. The two-time Commonwealth Games bronze medallist has elevated his performance to the highest of levels to prevail in all of his bouts at the tournament so far.

The experienced campaigner hailing from Telangana will potentially go head to head against the 2021 World Championships silver medallist Abdumalik Khalokov of Uzbekistan or Munarbek Seitbek-Uulu of Kyrgyztan upon reaching the final. One of India’s upcoming pugilists Nishant Dev (71kg), who has converted his quarter-final finish at the last World Championships to a guaranteed

Twice champions South Korea, the top seeded team in Group E, will have Malaysia, Jordan and Bahrain to contend with while Group F will have three-time winners Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Kyrgyz Republic and Oman fighting for the knockout stage spots.

The top two teams from each group will directly qualify for the Round of 16, while the four best third-placed teams will join them in the knockouts to make up the numbers.

India were eliminated in the groups stage in the last edition in the UAE, despite kicking off their campaign with a convincing win against Thailand.

Groupings: Group A: Qatar, China PR, Tajikistan, Lebanon Group B: Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria, India Group C: IR Iran, United Arab Emirates, Hong Kong, Palestine Group D: Japan, Indonesia, Iraq, Vietnam Group E: Korea Republic, Malaysia, Jordan, Bahrain Group F: Saudi Arabia, Thailand, Kyrgyz Republic, Oman.

Shooting World Cup: Divya and Sarabjot win mixed team pistol gold in Baku

NEW

DELHI, MAY 11

(IANS): Divya T.S and Sarabjot Singh, emerged third-time lucky as a pair, winning gold in the 10m air pistol mixed team event at the ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Rifle/ Pistol in Baku, Azerbaijan. Shooting on competition Day Two, the Indian pair who had finished fifth in two earlier World Cup stages in Cairo and Bhopal respectively, broke through with a fine 581 to top the 55team qualification, thereby assuring them of a medal and a spot in the gold medal match.

In the final against Serbian legends Damir Mikec and Zorana Arunovic, the Indians held their own to pull off a nerve-wracking 16-14 win. It was the second ISSF World Cup gold for Sarabjot in back-to-back ISSF World Cups, having won the individual air pistol in Bhopal in March, while for Divya it was a first senior World Cup medal. Ismail Keles and Simal Yilmaz of Turkey won bronze. In qualification, Divya and

Sarabjot were detailed in the second relay after India’s second pair Esha Singh and Varun Tomar, had shot a combined 578 in the first, placing them third provisionally. After Divya and Sarabjot’s relay, however, they finished fifth overall, missing out on a shot at bronze by a point. Three pairs in fact finished on the same score of 581, but Divya and Sarabjot were classified as top with 24 inner-10s on their card. Damir and Zorana were second with 19 inner-10s while the Turkish player were third with 16 inner-10s to their name.

The Indians began the final on a strong note with two identical 10.5s in the first series of single shots to take a 2-0 lead. However, 13-series later, in which there were two tied series as well as a series (fifth) where both men and both women shot identical shots, both teams stood tied at 14-14. With the 15th winner-takes-all-series on the line, Sarabjot came up with the goods to fire a 10.6 while Divya backed him up with a 9.9. However, even though Damir shot a 10.3, Zorana faltered with an 8.6 as the Indians pulled off a famous victory.

Nagaland to host NE taekwondo championship

KOHIMA, MAY 9 (NPN): Nagaland is set to host the 2nd North East Taekwondo Championship in the last week of September 2023. This was informed by Nagaland Taekwondo Association after an executive meeting of North East Taekwondo Union (NETU) held under the chairmanship of the president of the union, Pele Khezhie during a recent meeting at hotel Tragopan, Dimapur. The House also unanimously

Pele Khezhie with NETU officials after the meeting. (NP) decided to appoint Er. Tater Hui, treasurer, Arunachal Pradesh Taekwondo Association as the General Secretary of NETU for the current tenure.

medal at the current edition will square off against the reigning Asian champion Aslanbek Shymbergenov of Kazakhstan in the semifinals. The Karnal-born pugilist has displayed his supreme ability through his world class performances by notching three wins by unanimous decisions and one by referee stopping the contest (RSC) so far.

Certain to continue his rich vein of form, the 22-year-old will be determined to reach the finals and take on either the two-time Asian champion Saidjamshid Jafarov of Uzbekistan or the 2018 South American champion Wanderson de Oliveria of Brazil.

The ongoing tournament is witnessing the participation of 538 boxers, including several Olympic medallists, from 107 countries. The gold medallists will walk away with a prize money of USD 200,000, the silver medallists are to be given USD 100,000 and both bronze-medallists will be awarded USD 50,000 each.

Fulton hopes to manage pressure well with Indian team

BENGALURU, MAY 11 (PTI):

Indian men’s hockey team’s chief coach Craig Fulton is well aware of the immense pressure associated with his new job, but he feels the demands of the assignment will help them perform at their best.

South African Fulton took charge of the Indian men’s team a fortnight ago, replacing Australian Graham Reid and his first assignment will be the FIH Pro League in the United Kingdom, beginning May 26. “I understand there will be pressure to perform, obviously from the fans, the media and the team itself.

I believe pressure can be a positive thing, it will help us focus and also perform at our best,” Fulton said in a Hockey India release.

“In terms of man aging pres -

Craig Fulton

sure, I’ll be working closely with players and support staff to create a positive and supportive environment where everyone can perform to their best. That’s the ultimate goal.” The 48-year-old is looking to put the team in top gear to finish the prestigious Pro League on a high.

“The five weeks before I arrived

were an intense fitness block. We are in week six now and in the next two weeks before we fly to the UK for the FIH Hockey Pro League matches, the focus will be more on hockey and tactical side of setting up the team,” said Fulton, who has nearly 25 years of coaching experience.

India remained unbeaten against reigning world champion Germany and Australia in the home leg of Pro League in March.

“David John, who was the interim coach, has done a good job on putting the team in a good place. Now I look forward to preparing the team for competition,” Fulton said.

The South African had coached Belgium to 2018 FIH World Cup triumph and the Tokyo Olympics gold during his stint from 2018-2021.

A match of Aphuyemi Cup in progress.

Divya TS and Sarabjot Singh flaunt their ISSF World Cup gold medals.

Deepak, Hussamuddin, Nishant.

Jaiswal slams fastest 50; demolishes KKR

KOLKATA, MAY 11 (PTI): Yashasvi Jaiswal continued his sensational run in the IPL by smashing the fastest fifty in tournament history as Rajasthan Royals cruised to a ninewicket win over Kolkata Knight Riders to resurrect their playoff hopes here on Thursday.

Records tumbled at the Eden Gardens as Yuzvendra Chahal became IPL’s leading wicket-taker before completing a brilliant 4/25 to restrict KKR to a belowpar 149/8.

On a day KKR batters struggled to time the ball, 21-year-old Jaiswal showed the way by bringing up fastest fifty in the history of IPL in just 13 balls, bettering the previous record held by KL Rahul and Pat Cummins (14 balls each).

Jaiswal remained two runs shy of a century (98 from 47 balls), a knock studded with 12 fours and five sixes as RR cantered to victory 13.1 overs.

Samson gave fine support to the southpaw with a 48 not out from 29 balls as the duo shared an unbroken match-winning partnership of 121 runs off just 69 balls

The win with 41 balls

to spare also took them to third spot (12 points from 12 matches), giving a massive boost to their net runrate (0.0633) as the play-off race heats up.

It is all but over for KKR who slipped to seventh place (10 points, 12 matches).

Jaiswal made his intention clear in the first over itself when KKR skipper Nitish Rana made a bold move to bowl himself.

Wasting no time, Jaiswal seized on the opportunity and smashed Rana

for two sixes and two fours in a row in a 26-run over.

He hit Shardul Thakur with a hat-trick of fours to race to his fifty in the third over itself as RR virtually sealed the issue scoring 78/1 inside powerplay.

To pile on the KKR misery, Sunil Narine dropped an easy catch when Samson was on 16.

The skipper then came on his own when he smoked Jharkhand leftarm spinner Anukul Roy for three sixes in a 20-run over.

On a day RR dished

Men’s ODI Rankings: Australia back at top after annual update; Pak at 2nd spot, India are third

DUBAI, MAY 11 (IANS):

An annual update that drops results from the 2019-20 season has resulted in Australia regaining their position at the top of the ICC Men’s ODI Team Rankings as the change now reflects all matches completed since May 2020. Pakistan are in the second spot with India just a point away as the three teams look set to go into the year-end’s ODI World Cup in India with a lot to play for.

Australia are two rating points clear of Pakistan at 118 points after the update, which weighs matches completed before May 2022 at 50 per cent and subsequent matches at 100 per cent. Pakistan, who had grabbed the number one position briefly on May 5 before losing the final ODI of their five-match home series to New Zealand and slipping back behind Australia, are on 116 points, one more

than India (115).

Pakistan would have remained at the top of the ODI rankings even after the annual update had they completed a 5-0 sweep in the series against New Zealand.

An interesting battle at the top of the rankings is imminent in the year of the World Cup as only three points separate Australia, Pakistan and India, who are comfortably ahead of the others in the 20-team table.

out an eye-grabbing fielding display, Chahal (187 wickets) eclipsed Dwayne Bravo (183) to become the all-time leading wicket-taker of the IPL when he struck off his second ball to dismiss KKR skipper Rana (22; 17b) in the 11th over.

Chahal’s breakthrough came just when KKR looked to step up after a pathetic start when two astonishing catches of Shimron Hetmyer and Sandeep Sharma set the tone.

Both came in Trent Boult’s successive overs as the Kiwi leftarm pacer returned with 2/15 from his three overs on his return.

After an expensive second over when he leaked 15 runs, Chahal came back in the death overs and dismissed KKR topscorer Venkatesh Iyer (57; 42b) and Shardul Thakur (1) in four balls.

He ended his spell dismissing the the latest KKR sensation Rinku Singh (16) in the penultimate over to also become the leading wicket-taker this season (21).

Put in on a dry Eden wicket, KKR frontline batters came a cropper, as Venkatesh held the fort

Champions League semifinal: Inspired Inter Milan beats AC Milan 2-0 in first leg

and returned to form with a fighting fifty.

From being two off 12 balls, Venkatesh paced his innings well and raced to a 39-ball fifty. But he slashed a wide delivery from Chahal to be brilliantly caught by Boult.

Andre Russell (10) failed to make it big after he was promoted to No 5 and fell to KM Asif (1/34).

KKR, who were 58/2 after nine overs, looked to seize the momentum after taking a strategic time out in the 10th over.

Venkatesh finally broke free smashing Ashwin for back-to-back sixes, while Rana ended the over with an elegant four through extra-cover to take them to 76/2 at the midway mark.

KKR looked on course for a decent total before Chahal triggered a mid-innings collapse.

Brief scores: Kolkata Knight Riders: 149/8 in 20 overs (Venkatesh Iyer ; Yuzvendra Chahal 4/25, Trent Boult 2/25).

Rajasthan Royals: 151/1 in 13.1 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 98 not out, Sanju Smason 48 not out).

MILAN, MAY 11 ( AP):

Inter Milan overpowered AC Milan early and held on to win the first leg of their Champions League semifinal derby 2-0 on Wednesday, leaving the Nerazzurri on the brink of a return to European football’s showpiece event for the first time since 2010.

Edin Dzeko and Henrikh Mkhitaryan scored two goals in three minutes to put Inter firmly in command and the visitors could have added more in a dominant first-half performance.

The second leg is on Tuesday. The winner will face either Real Madrid or Manchester City, who drew their first leg 1-1.

Milan was missing key forward Rafael Leão, who hasn’t fully recovered from a thigh injury sustained over the weekend. There was an electric atmosphere at San Siro for the semifinal that had been dubbed the “Euroderby” in Italy.

The match was expected to be cagey and tight but Inter got off to

Inter Milan’s Edin Dzeko celebrates scoring their first goal with Nicolo Barella and Denzel Dumfries.

the perfect start as it took the lead in the eighth minute. Hakan Çalhanoglu whipped in a corner from the left and Dzeko managed to get in front of Davide Calabria to hook a volley into the top right corner. And Inter doubled its lead just three minutes later. Federico Dimarco’s low pass was wisely left by Lautaro Martínez for Mkhitaryan to lift over Mike Maignan.

Milan had only conceded one goal in its past six Champions League

matches. Incredibly, Inter almost scored a third five minutes later but Çalhanoglu’s long-range effort came off the right post. The Milan players were shellshocked but eventually managed to compose themselves and had their first attempt on goal on the half-hour mark but Calabria hit the side netting. Seconds later, Inter was awarded a penalty for a foul by Simon Kjær on Martínez but the referee revoked his decision after reviewing the incident on the pitchside monitor.

WFI scandal: Minor records statement before magistrate

NEW DELHI, MAY

11 (IANS): The minor wrestler, who has accused Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh of sexual harassment, has given a statement before a magistrate under Section 164 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), an official said on Thursday.

“The statement of the minor female wrestler was officially recorded before a magistrate under Sec -

tion 164 of the CrPC on Wednesday,” said a senior police official.

“In the near future, statements from the remaining six female wrestlers will also be taken before the magistrate,” the official added.

Section 164 in CrPC, 1973 specifically deals with the recording of confessions or statements by a magistrate, who then forwards it to the relevant magistrate handling the

inquiry or trial of the case.

Currently, the police have already recorded statements from all seven female wrestlers, including the minor, who have filed complaints in this case under Section 161 of the CrPC. Section 161 focuses on witness examination conducted by the police.

In related developments, a Delhi court on Wednesday demanded a status report from the

Delhi Police regarding the sexual harassment case involving Singh. Responding to a plea submitted by the protesting wrestlers, requesting oversight of the investigation and the recording of the alleged victims’ statements directly in court, the judge issued notice to the police.

The court instructed the police to submit the report by May 12, when the matter will be further discussed.

Last month, Delhi Police registered two separate First Information Reports (FIRs) against the WFI chief, based on sexual harassment allegations. The first FIR pertains to the accusations made by a minor and has been filed under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, along with relevant sections of the Indian Penal Code concerning the act of outraging modesty.

Rajasthan Royals batter Yashasvi Jaiswal celebrates after scoring a half-century. (PTI)