12 Jan 2022 by Nagaland Post

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXII No. 36

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Situation on Sino-India border ‘stable’: China

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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

AFSPA repeal: 2-day walkathon ends with memorandum to PM

Participants of the ‘March against AFSPA’ outside the Raj Bhavan Kohima on Tuesday. (NP)

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 11 (NPN): The two-day walkathon (March against AFSPA) that began from Dimapur on Monday morning culminated at the State Capital on Tuesday afternoon with a public gathering at Raj Bhavan here, followed by submission of a memorandum to the Prime Minister through Nagaland governor. Addressing the gathering, Global Naga Forum (GNF) leader Chuba Ozüküm said the walkathon was a people’s movement, terming it as an initiative “of the people and by the people”, with GNF only

appending its name as a signatory in the memorandum. Lauding the participants of the walkathon, he said like apostle Paul had declared in the Bible that he had fought the good, he asserted that they had every right to say that they had fought for Nagas all over the world. He alleged that armed forces had been committing atrocities on Nagas for the past 63 years like rape, murder and physical assault. He urged the people to continue the fight till justice was delivered, adding that the walkathon was just the beginning of the fight. Speaking on the occasion, Naga Mothers’ Asso-

ciation (NMA) adviser Prof Rosemary Dzüvichü said Naga mothers had come forward to protest and raise their voice against the killing of their sons at Oting and for the death of countless lives over the decades. “And as mothers, we grief and share your sorrow,” she declared. She thanked Konyak people for coming out in large numbers in support of the walkathon, which GNF co-organised with youth. Exuding confidence in the youth, Dzüvichü declared that they would make a difference to the people. She said it was time for the youth to lead and that the mothers would be happy to

be a part of this change in Naga society. She observed it was not just older people who were leading, but the youth who had come up with the idea that people would have to walk like the old days till Raj Bhavan. She asked if Raj Bhavan, the Centre and State government were listening to the people’s voices. Dzüvichü thanked the organisations and communities who had shown solidarity along the way and participated in the walkathon. She also thanked the people of Piphema village for coming together to host the participants braving cold winter. She hoped that this would be the beginning for Naga people to raise their voices to question and demand for their rights. Terming AFSPA as an inhuman law that violated every universal right that the Nagas enjoy, the NMA adviser said it was not a question of Nagas being militants or political activists, but of the Government of India looking at the Nagas as “the other”. “We still have this colonial attitude being shown to us,” she lamented.

(Cont’d on p-8)

CSOs urge PM to take cognizance of Oting massacre, withdraw AFSPA

Five civil society organisations (CSOs) have urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take cognizance of the serious human rights violation committed by Indian armed forces at Oting and give justice to the victims, their families and those injured. In a memorandum to the Prime Minister through Nagaland governor following culmination of the walkathon here on Tuesday, the

CSOs– Global Naga Forum (GNF), Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA), Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD) and Konyak Union Dimapur (KUD)– demanded that the perpetrators of the massacre must be brought under civil court for criminal prosecution, besides seeking immediate and adequate compensation to families of the victims and to the injured.

Further, calling for withdrawal of AFSPA from Naga home-land and the Northeast, the CSOs also demanded that cognisance must be taken of past atrocities and excesses committed by armed forces and adequate compensation be given to victims or to their nearest Kin. They urged Modi to help initiate the process of justice and of righting past wrongs by bringing the per-

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petrators under civil court for trial. The memorandum also requested the Prime Minister to recognise the State government’s role in handling law and order in Nagaland and make a provision that henceforth AFSPA would not be enforced in the State. Copies of the memorandum were sent to Union home minister Amit Shah, defence minister Rajnath Singh and BJP president JP Nadda.

PM likely to hold meeting with CMs on Jan 13 NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a meeting with chief ministers over the COVID-19 situation on January 13 as the number of virus infections sees a surge due to its Omicron variant. Fresh curbs have been imposed in various parts of the country to check the spread of the highly transmissible virus. Reviewing the Covid situation at a high-level meeting on Sunday, Modi had called for ensuring adequate health infrastructure at the district level and accelerating the vaccination drive for adolescents in mission mode. The precaution vaccination drive for healthcare and frontline workers besides those over 60 years of age with comorbidities has also started. Vaccination remains among the most effective means to fight Covid, Modi had said.

3rd Test, Day 1: S. Africa 17/1; trail India by 206 runs SPORTS, PAGE 12

Everyone will get Omicron, boosters won’t stop it: top medical expert NEW DELHI/WASHINGTON, JAN 11 (AGENCIES): Omicron variant of Covid-19 is “almost unstoppable” and everyone will eventually be infected with it, a top government expert told NDTV. Stressing that Covid is not a frightening disease anymore as the new strain is milder and is leading to much less hospitalisation, he said that Omicron is a disease we can deal with. “A majority of us will not know we have been infected, probably more than 80% will not even know when we have it,” said Dr Jayaprakash Muliyil, epidemiologist and chairperson, scientific advisory committee at ICMR’s National Institute of Epidemiology. Pointing out that no medical bodies suggested booster doses, Dr Muliyil said they won't stop the natural progression of the epidemic. Arguing the same against the testing of asymptomatic close contacts of Co-

vid patients, he said the virus doubles infection in just two days, so even before the test detects its presence, the infected person has already spread it to a large number of people. “So even when you test, you are far far behind. It is not something that will make any difference in the evolution of the epidemic,” he said. “We have not suggested booster dose so far from any of the bodies of the government. To my knowledge, the precautionary dose was just suggested, because there are reports that certain people, mostly in the age group above 60, did not respond to two doses,” he said. He also said that 85% of Indians were already infected with Covid by the time vaccines were introduced in India. So, the first dose of the vaccine was practically the first booster dose as most Indians had natural infection-induced immunity. Pfizer CEO Alber t Bourla told CNBC that its

Govt asked to make SIT report public KOHIMA/DIMAPUR, JAN 11 (PTI/NPN): Civil society organisations on Tuesday demanded that the state government make public the findings of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) set up by it to probe into the killing of 14 civilians by security forces in Mon district in December 2021, reports PTI. On Monday, sources in the Police Head Quarters (PHQ) confirmed to Nagaland Post that though the provisional report was submitted, it would still take some time before the team submitted its final report. Sources said that the SIT had submitted its preliminary report to the State

government on January 9, 2022. Considering the nature of the case where external factors too were looked into, the sources explained that the investigation was still going on and could take some more time. Though SIT’s onemonth deadline to complete its investigation ended on January 5, sources said it was difficult give any specific timeframe as they were awaiting the reports from the Central Forensics Science Laboratory (CFSL). According to PTI report, police sources said that enquiry of the personnel of 21 para-commandos stationed at Jorhat in Assam was done only on De-

cember 30 while investigations into some other issues are also in progress. These are the reasons the final report is yet to be submitted, the sources said. Global Naga Forum (GNF) said the state government was yet to make the preliminary report public. GNF convenor Chuba Ozukum said the findings of the SIT should be made public for all to understand the reality. Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) also said the report should be in public domain. A Dimapur-based organisation of the Konyak tribe also raised the same demand, the PTI report stated.

Active Covid-19 cases highest in 208 days Covid peak likely in coming days, may last for weeks: NTAGI NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (PTI): India logged 1,68,063 new coronavirus infections taking the total tally of Covid-19 cases to 3,58,75,790 which includes 4,461 cases of the Omicron variant, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday. The active cases rose to 8,21,446, the highest in 208 days, while the death toll climbed to 4,84,213 with 277 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. Of the total 4,461 cases of the Omicron variant, 1,711 people have recovered or migrated so far. Maharashtra recorded

This is it!

“What can I do? First, our top bosses vowed for political solution and now AFSPA abolition.” K Y M C

the maximum number of 1,247 cases followed by Rajasthan at 645, Del-hi 546, Karnataka 479 and Kerala 350. The active cases comprise 2.29 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate decreased to 96.36 per cent, the ministry said. An increase of 97,827 cases has been recorded in the active COVID-19 caseload in a span of 24 hours. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 10.64 per cent while the weekly positivity rate was rec-orded at 8.85 per cent, according to the ministry.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 3,45,70,131, while the case fatality rate was recorded at 1.35 per cent.

Nagaland logs 29 fresh Covid cases

NPN adds: Nagaland on Tuesday recorded 29 fresh Covid-19 positive cases while no deaths were reported during the day. Of the fresh cases, 24 were from Dimapur, two in Kohima and one each in Mon, Peren and Tuensang taking the total caseload to 32331.

NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (AGENCIES): With the high transmissibility of the Omicron variant of COVID-19, India is likely to witness a sharp spike in the number of cases in the coming days, however, following COVID appropriate behaviour and vaccination could help contain the spread of the disease, noted a top health expert. Speaking to new agency ANI, chairman of COVID-19 Working Group of National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) Dr NK Arora said, “The peak will depend on the virus transmission,

and how well the community adheres to the COVID appropriate behaviour. If the COVID norms are violated, a faster and taller peak is likely to occur. On the other hand, vaccination and administrative actions like night curfews, and weekend curfews tend to flatten the curve.” Asked about the kind of variant of COVID-19 mostly being detected in the country amid the ongoing third wave, Dr Arora said that by the behaviour of the virus, it seems that the wave is driven by the Omicron variant. “It appears that most

of the COVID cases being reported in the country now are of the Omicron variant. The initial experience from the genomic surveillance showed that from 10 days to two weeks, over 90 per cent of the virus is circulating in the big cities like Delhi, Pune, Mumbai which is the Omicron variant. The behaviour, mild illness, everybody in the family getting in-fected, it looks like the surge is driven by Omicron,” he said. However, the expert added that the Delta variant responsible for the devastating second wave in the country in April-May 2021 can

still be found in some parts of the country where the Delta epidemic was already going on. “There will be some cases of Delta as well in the areas where Delta epidemic was already going on like some districts of Tamil Nadu and the areas of the North Eastern states. So in a situation like this, we should be more focused on taking care of Omicron and its management,” he stated. Speaking on the deaths occurring due to COVID-19 in the country, the doctor said that most of the deaths are associated with patients with comorbidities.

vaccine with BioNTech that targets omicron- and other variants that are currently circulating- will be ready for distribution by spring and that the company has already started manufacturing doses. But an omicron-targeted vaccine was needed in December, says Dr. William Moss, executive director of the International Vaccine Access Center at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health. “It still could be valuable but I do think in many ways, it’s too late” for the current omicron wave, Moss says. Dr. Shaun Truelove, an infectious disease epidemiologist at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, agrees: “Given how quickly this [variant] is happening, [the targeted vaccine] may not matter because everybody’s going to be infected,” says Truelove, a member of The Covid Scenario Modeling Hub, a team of researchers who make Covid projections.

IT returns deadline extended to Mar 15 NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (AGENCIES): Centre has extended the deadline for filing income tax returns to March 15, according to a notification issued by the department of revenue of the finance ministry. The last date for filing returns was December 31, 2021. The deadline has been extended due to difficulties being faced by the taxpayers because of the prevailing Coronavirus situation, the notification said, adding that it has also been done due to problems being faced while e-filing of various audit reports under the provisions of the Income Tax Act 1961. (Read more on p-8)

Rainfall likely over NE region

DIMAPUR, JAN 11 (NPN): India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that scattered to fairly widespread rainfall was very likely over North East region. In its bulletin, IMD stated that the confluence of winds from Arabian Sea and Bay of Bengal at lower tropospheric levels was very likely over the east and adjoining central India during next 4-5 days. Under the influence of above systems, IMD said scattered to fairly widespread rainfall/snowfall very likely over Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura during January 11-13, 2022.

NE rebel groups regrouping in China-Myanmar borderlands: Security experts KOLKATA, JAN 11 (PTI): Security experts believe a resurgence in militant attacks, which have rocked the North East in recent months, have come about as militants work to regroup in China’s borderlands with Myanmar, and expect more to follow even as elections to Manipur and peace talks in Nagaland are held. Naga splinter groups impatient with stalled talks as well as rebel Manipuri groups who have a stake in disrupting upcoming elections to the state assembly,

are believed to be regrouping in the borderlands of China’s Yunnan province and Myanmar, taking advantage of the turmoil in the latter by using it as a transit corridor. “There is a China angle to the resurgence of militancy. Several groups have people in China,” Maj Gen Bhabani S Das, former Inspector General of Assam Rifles, told PTI. Groups such as the United Liberation Front of Assam (I), People’s Liberation Army of Manipur

and splinter factions of the NSCN (K) who are against peace talks, are believed to be re-grouping in the bor-

expert on northeast militancy: “While the China factor cannot be ignored, we have to look at the fact that many Nagas have become restless because of unsettled issues in the peace talks, and Manipuri insurgents would like to interfere in the upcoming assembly polls.” Recent terror attack incidents in Manipur are seen as part of the fireworks, which may accom-pany the democratic process. derland. Said Sanjiv Krishan Groups, who often Sood, retired additional have disparate goals, have director general of BSF, an collaborated in launching

spectacular attacks, including an ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy killing a Colonel, his wife, son and four riflemen in a hail of gunfire and bomb detonations on November 13 last year in Churachandpur district of Manipur. Two groups- the PLA, a Meitei outfit that wants an independent Manipur and Manipur Naga People’s Front, which claims to represent the interests of Nagas in Manipur– collaborated to launch the attack, marked for its precise intelligence

and planning in a hitherto peaceful area. “ U s u a l l y, M e i t e i groups and Nagas have differing and at times inimical objectives and do not come together (though PLA did receive its initial training from the NSCN in north Myanmar in the 1980s) the only link is that they shelter and buy arms in China’s Kunming,” pointed out Shantanu Mukherjee, IPS (Retd), a security analyst who has been National Security Advisor to Mauritius. (Cont’d on p-5) K Y M C

STATE

Kejong calls for ‘revival in social migrations’

5-DAY POANGLUM HORNBILL FESTIVAL COMMENCES IN TUENSANG DIMAPUR: Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly, Kejong Chang while stressing on the practice of people leaving their native villages and migrating to urban areas said there was a need for a “revival in such social migrations”. According to DIPR report, Kejong was speaking at the inaugural programme of a five-day Poanglum Hornbill Festival, the major festival of Chang community, held under the theme, “Jak-Xa, Rediscovering our sustenance” at Parade Ground Tuensang, Tuesday. The festival is organised by Chang Khulei Setshang (Chang Tribal Hoho) in collaboration with Government of Nagaland and Nagaland Tourism. Speaking on “reminiscence”, Kejong said many people left their villages to venture out abandoning traditional means of living and sometimes fail to acquire urban living standards and become anti-social creating problems for the general masses. “We need a revival in such social migrations;

villages and communities visiting and celebrating with sharing of foods which depict the respect, love and cordial relationship amongst the communities and village. E a r l i e r, i n a u g u r a l prayer was invoked by ES, CBLT Rev. Achu Chang while heralding was done by CKS president Nungsanglemba Chang, the vision of scion was presented by Chongma Mongko council chairman, Sochum Tuensang village and Echos of the hills by Yungphaang youths followed by Jak-Xa food feast and night carnival. Kejong Chang speaking at the inaugural program of Poanglum Mini Hornbill festival 2022 at Parade Ground, Tuensang on January 11. (IA Tuensang)

we need to focus on traditional way of living in villages or we shall focus strictly in education and technical sectors so that there will be social balance in itself,” said Kejong. The MLA also said that the changes of Tuensang town shall serve as a testimony for the rest of the Chang community and shall set an example with the rest of the neighbouring

community in social intercourses. Kamchu Chang, oldest GB of Tuensang Town recalled the value of Poanglum festivity and its nature. He said Poanglum is a festival of making friendship and maintaining the old friendship circle and also to make treaties to the neighbouring communities and villages. “When we look back to our forefathers; poanglum has

Covid-19 vaccination for children launched in Wokha

DC Orenthung Lotha launching the Covid-19 vaccination for 15-18 years at Wokha on January 11. (DPRO Wokha)

DIMAPUR: Wokha District Task Force (DTF) for Covid -19 Tuesday launched the Covid -19 vaccination for 15-18 years. According to DIPR report, Deputy Commissioner (DC) Wokha and chairman Wokha DTF, Orenthung Lotha, while

launching the vaccination, termed the day as a “historic day” for the district. He thanked the government of India for providing the vaccine promptly for the wellbeing of citizens and urged all the stakeholders of the district to give their best efforts.

27.02.1973 – 05.01.2022 We are dearly comforted and encouraged by the unconditional love and support shown to us during the sickness and demise of our mother Late Neisakuonuo Pienyü. We express our heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to each and everyone who stood beside us and supported us morally, spiritually, physically and financially. Though we are unable to thank you individually, it is our prayer and hope that the Almighty bless each and everyone one of you abundantly. Loving Children & Relatives K-67/22

K Y M C

fully vaccinated, shall be required to carry a negative COVID-19 test report done through RT-PCR/ True Nat/CBNAAT with the swab given for testing not earlier than 3 (three) days of the date of arrival in the State, If the incoming traveller is not carrying a negative COVID-19 test report, or has a negative report, but is symptomatic, or is below 12 years of age and symptomatic, then he/she will be required to undergo testing for COVID-19 at Government approved rates and the person concerned will be in home/paid quarantine till the declaration of the test result. The aforesaid provisions will come into effect from 10th January 2022. e. The physical/offline classes for students studying up to Class VIII stand suspended/ closed till January31. f. Any student of Class IX and above, and who has completed 15 15 years of age, shall be allowed to take admission, or attend regular/offline classes, only if he/she has taken at least one dose of vaccine against COVID-19.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14.

We extend our special thanks to : Pughoboto Town Baptist Church, General, Women & Youth. SABAK Mission Centre. NCRC Pughoboto Town. AG Church, Pughoboto Town Police Baptist Fellowship, Pughoboto. Vulaito Colony Welfare, Pughoboto. Lazami Baptist Church Tsaphimi Baptist Church, General, Women & Youth. Tsaphimi Students' Union. Tsaphimi Village Council. Tsaphimi Union, Kohima Tsaphimi Inalimi Pughoboto, Ghathashi. Dr. Sukhato A. Sema, Dimapur. Col. Imka Kuchu, Commander Hevito Battalion.

K-66/22

Loving Children & Relatives

Lt NOKLENSAMA Born :15/06/1972 – Died : 07/01/2022

We, the family members of Late NOKLENSAMA (Longsa) convey our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood and supported us in the midst of our profound grief. Your sympathy, kindness and tremendous support has been overwhelming and we ask God Almighty in heaven to bless each individuals, friends far and near, well wishers, churches, neighbours and all loved ones for your unreserved contribution physically, financially and moral support. MKC-10/22

R-Day meet in Noklak: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Noklak, Hiazu Meru has convened a meeting on January 13, 11 a.m. at DC’s Conference Hall for the ensuing Republic Day Celebration at Noklak Hqs. All concerned head of departments/ head of offices, Noklak have been asked to attend a meeting. EE electrical, Peren informs: EE Electrical Peren, Er. Tsiamchi Ndang has informed all the consumers under Peren to clear their pending electricity bills. The EE informed that the department would carry out disconnection drive for defaulting consumers of all the categories. In this regard all the consumers have been requested to pay their electricity bills.

vaccinated (taken both the doses) against COVID-19. In case there is an unavoidable need to have bigger gatherings, permission of the District Task Force (DTF) be sought by the concerned persons well in advance. b. Night curfew stands imposed from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. on all days with immediate effect. However, goods vehicles, vehicles transiting the State without any stopovers, movement due to medical and other emergencies, agricultural purposes, and any other movement permitted by the respective DTF will be exempted from the purview of night curfew. c. Malls, shopping complexes, restaurants, gymnasiums, cinema halls/ theatres, parks, places of entertainment, recreation areas, etc, shall be permitted to open/operate up to 50%capacity, and all the visitors/staff and all other concerned, should be asymptomatic, and fully vaccinated (taken both the doses) against COVID-19. d. Any person entering the State, above 12 years of age, including those

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Medical examination in Kohima

NEWS IN BRIEF

DIMAPUR: In pursuance to the order issued by the home department, Deputy Commissioners of Dimapur, Wokha and Longleng have issued Covid restrictions/SOPs to be implemented throughout respective districts with immediate effect till January 31. According to DIPR report, the DCs have warned that any person/group of persons acting in violation of the directions, as well as all the other existing orders/SOPs/guidelines, for preventing the spread of Covid -19, shall be liable to be prosecuted against under the relevant sections of the Disaster Management Act 2005, besides action under Section 188 of the IPC and other legal provisions as applicable. The restrictions are as follows a. Social, political, religious, entertainment, academic, cultural gatherings, and all other kind of public gatherings shall be restricted and allowed up to 50% capacity or a maximum of 200 persons, whichever is lower, and subject to all the participants being asymptomatic, and being fully

DIMAPUR: The 38th CRC Sodzülhou asgeneral session of Sodzülsociate pastor Mukhapru hou Students Union (SSU) Keyho offered a prayer of was held on January 4 at blessing while Sodzülhou Sodzülhou village, panStudents Union president chayat hall under the theme Senopfelo Koza delivered “Knowledge and wisdom the presidential address. the essence of truth”. Meritorious award SSU in a press release was given to the merit stustated that the session was dent from nursery to post graced by consultant de- Members of Sodzülhou Students Union at the general session. graduate. partment of radio-diagnosis Zion Hospital and Research Centre, Dimapur, ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Dr. Nishini Hekha as spe"God is light and in Him there is no darkness at all" cial guest. 1 John 1:5 In her speech, she reminded the students that they need to work hard in order to achieve their goals. Hekha also encouraged the students to use technology in proper manner and develop the habit Born: 16.06.1947 – Died 24.12.2021 of learning to gain more We, the family members of Late Kiyexe Achumi, express knowledge. our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to each and every individuals, churches and various organizations, who supported and helped us WCSU president Nuphysically, financially and through prayer at the sudden and sad voto Lohe also exhorted demise of our beloved father. It is our sincere prayer that our Almighty the students. God bless you all.

DIMAPUR: In view of resurgence of Covid -19 pandemic in the country, the 12th convention of Angami Catholic Union (ACU) scheduled from January 21- 23, has been postponed. The decision was taken was taken at an emergency meeting of ACU CEC on January 11 at Christ King Kohima in adherence to the government order. Suitable dates would be informed once pandemic situation eases, CEC informed. DIMAPUR: Chief Medical Office (CMO) Kohima has informed all the departments that the medical examination for confirmation of services, invalidation and commutation pension for grade-III &IV will be held in the office (Para Medical colony) under chairmanship of CMO, Kohima. The medical examination will be held from 9 am onwards on the scheduled dates: February 10, April 7, June 9, August 4, October 6 and December 8. The medical board would sit the following day if the mentioned dates fall on holidays, CMO informed. In this regard, all HODs have been asked to inform the concerned DDO’s and list of candidate alongside office contact number to be send to the office in advance.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Tuensang, Vishal Chauhan Tuesday inaugurated the stalls of Poanglum Mini Hornbill Festival 2022 at Parade ground. The Chang Khuile Setshang has initiated construction of 75 stalls and allocated to the villages to sell the traditional items and to encourage the young entrepreneurs, informed DIPR report.

DCs inform on implementation of Covid restrictions in districts

Sodzülhou Students Union holds its 38th general session

Stating that the world was entering in to the third year of pandemic, Lotha expressed concerns that many students have been affected, adding that it was a collective responsibility to end the pandemic by adhering to Covid appropriate behavior. The DC also appealed to all the parents, headmasters and principals of schools and colleges to inform all the eligible beneficiaries to take the vaccine at the earliest. He said vaccination would be available on Monday and Tuesday. At the programme, Wo k h a Tow n B a p t i s t Church (WTC) Pastor Rev. Abemo Jungio said a prayer and deputy chief medical officer/DPO/ VIP/RCH said the vote of thanks.

ACU convention postponed

been a meaningful celebration with many good values which can be used in daily living,” he said. S. Chubasangla Chang said decades back, women folk were not given privileges to partake in social gatherings and decision making but conditions have changed for the better, she said. Chang said Poanglum celebration was more of guests from neighbouring

SP Tuensang inaugurates stalls

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

Loving wife ,children and relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the family of Lt. Zhavituo (Khoto) Sale, convey our heartfelt gratitude to all those who stood by and supported us morally, spiritually, physically and financially during our time of grief and sorrow. We would like to convey our special gratitude to : 1. Kigwema Baptist Church. 2. Christian Revival Church, Kigwema. 3. Union Christian Revival Church, Kipfuzha. 4. Kigwema Youth Organisation. 5. Kigwema Students’ Union. 6. Kipho-Seca Youth Society. 7. PHC Kimipfuphe, Kigwema. 8. CMO, officers and staff, Mon. 9. Rev. Mekhale Yhoshu. 10. Shri. Medo Yhokha, Advisor, H&TE & Election. 11. Shri. Kevithuto Sophie, IPS, Sr. SP Kohima. We regret that we are unable to mention each and everyone individually and could only pray that God Almighty bless you all. K-71/22

Loving Wife, Children & Family Members dB-24/22

dp-156/22

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STATE/NORTHEAST

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will the night curfew to prevent spread of covid help? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

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CCYA holds convention at Lozaphuhu

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Yes. No. Can’t Say.

17% 75% 8%

NEXT POLL

Q: Will opposition parties be

able to forge an alliance for 5 state elections?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST JANUARY 12

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Mostly cloudy

25 14

Rather cloudy

20 10

Aizawl

Guwahati Downpours in the afternoon

23 15

Mostly cloudy

22 10

Itanagar Cooler; afternoon showers

16 12

Imphal Shillong

Mostly cloudy with showers

12 7

Kohima

A couple of showers

14 9

Dimapur Not as warm with a shower

20 14

An afternoon shower; cooler

17 9

Mkg

Tuensang A couple of afternoon showers 11 6 Wokha

Mostly cloudy, showers around 14 11

Zunheboto Mostly cloudy, showers around 14 8

New Team of CCYA office bearers with fathers on Sunday after the Eucharistic celebration.

DIMAPUR: The Chakhesang Catholic Youth Association (CCYA) convention was held from January 7 to 9, at Lozaphuhu village, under the theme “Youth 4G: God, Growth, Greatness, Generosity”. The occasion was graced by St. Joseph’s College, Jakhama (Autonomous) principal Rev. Dr. George Keduolhou Angami as the main celebrant. In his homily, during the Eucharistic celebration on January 9 that commemorates the Feast of the Baptism of the Lord, Dr. George spoke about the

baptism of Jesus and also highlighted on the Trinitarian formula of baptism in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit. Meanwhile, during the introductory session, Parish Priest of Mary Help of Christians Cathedral Parish, Rev. Fr. Vemedo Kezo spoke on the topic “Introduction to Sacraments” while Kohima College Kohima, assistant professor economic, Dr. Evothung Peter Ezung was the theme speaker. One of the highlights of the convention was a ca-

reer talk show. The resource persons of the show were EAC Phek, Wetsho Lasushe; journalist poet & publisher, Vish¬ü Rita Krocha; entrepreneur, Rekha Rose Dukru and administrator of Good Shepherd Seminary, Dimapur, Rev. Fr. James T. Sangtam. Under secretary to Government of Nagaland & president of Chakhesang Catholic Association, Neingulie Michael Krome was the valedictory guest. During the felicitation program, the presidential address was delivered by

Dr.Rosou Ronald Pohena under whose leadership the CCYA convention was held. A new team of office bearers for the tenure 20222025 was also inducted with Zhovi David Zholia of St. Ignatius Parish as president, Krowate Paul Puro of Sacred Heart Parish as vice president, Sekhoyi Dominic Rokha of St. Andrew’s Parish as general secretary, along with seven other members, two women welfare secretary and two as representatives to NCYM.

3 32 NGOs attend WSYF insects road projects NNF Seminar

DIMAPUR: The general meeting-cum-seminar of Nagaland NGOs Forum (NNF) was held in Dimapur, on January 8 at Hotel Jalmahal under the theme, “Upholds the Right”. In a press statement, NNF Dimapur general secretary, Nungsangmeren informed that 32 NGOs from all over Nagaland participated. Key speakers of the seminar- consultant, North East Dialogue Forum from Meghalaya, Rev.Dr. P.B.M. Basaiawmoit spoke on AFSPA and joint assistant general manager, NSDMA, Nagaland, Temsuwangshi Jamir spoke on Sustainable Development Goals. The forum has also installed a new team of office bearers where advocate Povotso Lohe was inducted as president of NNF and Nungsangmeren as general secretary. Meanwhile, out-going president Dr.Hishito Y. Chishi highlighted the vision of the forum. Chishi said among others, NNF aimed to cultivate and promote holistic approach of community building, to identify the need of the society, and to promote and empower Nagaland NGO For um through different schemes, projects, programmes and activities.

Members inspecting the ongoing road project.

DIMAPUR: Western Sümi Youth Front (WSYF) officials on January 11 visited the ongoing road project under Western Sümi Area which includes Kuhuboto, Lotovi, Khughovi via Henivi village. In a press release, WSYF general secretary Bohoi K Yepthomi stated that tender for these road project was allotted to M/s, Multi Builders on March 4, 2020. During the visit, the WSYF officials urged the

concerned contractor to execute the work as per the work order cautioning that quality of the work would not be compromised. The road project is executed under central sponsored scheme. While expressing satisfaction with the progress of the work, the forum suggested for improvement in certain areas. WSYF team was led by general secretary, Bohoi K Yepthomi and vice president, Mughavi Kiho.

Azadi Ka Amrit events postponed DIMAPUR: In the wake of resurgence of COVID-19 pandemic in the country, the Centre has been decided to postpone all the programmes and events related to “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav—Iconic Events Week” (January 17-23, 2022) of the Ministry of Home Affairs. In a circular, additional secretary home, Government of Nagaland, Nusieta Rhakho, notified that the events and programme scheduled for January 18, 2022 in Nagaland related to “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” stands postponed. It stated that further action regarding these event and programmes may be initiated after getting fresh instructions from ministry of home affairs.

NORTHEAST

Meghalaya villagers claim risks of being cut off as border Mnp govt extends AFSPA for another year S H I L LO N G, JA N 1 1 (PTI): Nearly 90 residents of this village located along the zero line on the IndoBangladesh border live in danger of their village being cut off from the rest of the country, as work on a border fence being built 150 yards inside the Indian border nears completion, village elders said on Sunday. At Lyngkhong village in East Khasi Hills district, the foundation for the single line fence has been built but the fencing has been stopped due to protests of the residents. However as yet the authorities have not agreed to either not build the fence or build it on the zero line itself. Barning Khongsdir, the matriarch of Lyngkhong and one of the landowners here, told PTI, “It is not fair that our village will fall outside the territory of India once the fence is built. We do not feel safe. “ We have lived here since time immemorial ... The government should do something for our safety and well-being,” she said. Barning has reasons to

About 80% of fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya has been completed. (Representational) feel insecure. Her house is barely a few feet away from the zero line and the border pillar that separates her and those living in Bangladesh. Although a camp of The BSF is located at Lyngkhong, Barning said ‘anti national elements’ do take advantage of the porous border and wanted that the fence come up as soon as possible, but on the zeroline. Temporarily, the village has set up a fence made of bamboo and small twigs to separate themselves from Bangladesh since last year in view of the pandemic, she said. Contractors engaged

to build the fence along the 443 km long border in Meghalaya had almost cut them off last year itself but protests by villagers eventually forced the authorities to put the project near their village on hold. About 80 percent of fencing along the Indo-Bangladesh border in Meghalaya has been completed except in stretches where there is opposition from residents or from the Border Guards of Bangladesh or in difficult terrain where it is almost impossible to build a fence. “By convention, the fence is to be built at least 150 yards away from the

Arunachal imposes night curfew; Covid restrictions till Jan 31 I TA NAG A R , JA N 1 1 (PTI): In view of an upsurge in COVID-19 cases, the Arunachal Pradesh government on Tuesday imposed night curfew and other restrictions till January 31. Chief Secretary Naresh Kumar, in an order, said that night curfew will be imposed from 9 PM to 5 AM from January 12. All government and private schools shall remain closed till January 31, while online classes will be held on working days, it said. Universities, colleges and technical institutions were advised to regulate the timing of their classes with 50 per cent attendance and adherence to COVID protocols. Only fully vaccinated people from other states will be allowed to enter Arunachal Pradesh, it said. Offices, bars, restaurants, gymnasiums, public transport, swimming polls and cinema halls will operate with 50 per cent capacity, while business establishments whose proprietors and staffers have been fully vaccinated can operate till 8 K Y M C

PM, the order stated. It advised calling off or toning down Republic Day and golden jubilee celebration of Arunachal Pradesh. The order banned mass gatherings and weekly haats. Meanwhile, Arunachal Pradesh on Tuesday recorded 134 new COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike in January so far, pushing the tally to 55,692, a health department official said. Of the fresh cases, 63 were registered in the Capital Complex Region, 23 in Papum Pare district, 11 in Namsai and nine each in West Kameng and Lohit, he said. Seven new infections were reported from Tawang, four from Lower Subansiri, two each from West Siang, Lower Dibang Valley and East Siang and one each from Changlang and Pakke Kessang. Seven army personnel are among the new patients, State Surveillance Officer Dr Lobsang Jampa said. At least 120 fresh cases were detected through rapid antigen test, and seven each

through RT-PCR and TrueNAT methods, the official said, adding that 62 of them have developed COVID symptoms. The northeastern state has been witnessing a spurt in coronavirus infections since January 4 with 340 new cases reported so far. The state registered 37 fresh cases on Monday. The death toll remained at 282 as no new fatality due to the infection was reported in the last 24 hours, he said. Ar unachal Pradesh now has 352 active cases, while four patients recuperated from the disease during the period, taking the total number of recoveries to 55,058, Jampa said. T h e r e c ove r y r a t e among coronavirus patients in the state stood at 99.86 per cent. The Capital Complex Region, comprising Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa areas, has the highest number of active cases at 143, followed by Lohit (40), Papum Pare (35), West Kameng (33) and Namsai (30).

zero line but that is not the case always as the Border Guards of Bangladesh agree in certain cases for fences to come up nearer the zero line depending upon the presence of habitation such as in Lyngkhong, ”a senior official of the BSF Meghalaya Frontier told PTI. The Government of Bangladesh has given ‘concurrence’ to relaxing this norm in at least 7 such locations along the border in Meghalaya. BSF officials said a proposal has been initiated for Lyngkhong too. At present there are at least 13 such areas where approval is awaited from the Government of Bangladesh through the BGB, the BSF officer said, adding that it may require years of negotiations to get the agreement. “We had earlier sent a similar proposal way back in 2011 and the concurrence was received about two years ago in certain areas,” he stated. Of the 17 families, only the newly constructed lower primary school and a newly built house of Dabling’s

Ex-Naga militant shot dead in Assam GUWAHATI, JAN 11 (PTI): A former Naga militant was shot dead by his erstwhile colleagues over “personal enmity” in Cachar district of Assam along the inter-state border with Manipur, a senior police official said on Tuesday. Cachar Superintendent of Police Ramandeep Kaur said the incident took place at a remote village under Jirighat police station on Monday late night. The place is just six kilometers from the AssamManipur inter-state border, which at times is used as a transit route by the militants from Nagaland. “The two factions had some old financial transactions and they all belonged to one group. As per reports, there was some altercation and then the firing incident took place,” Kaur said. She said that the deceased is a former militant and he was killed by the members of his former group. “The incident is not at all related to any border dispute or anything of that sort,” Kaur asserted.

nephew are located well within the border fence. Lyngkhong is connected only by the border roadthat have come up along with the border fence. The village does not have electricity and is dependent on solar energy. Barning’s son Ramu Khongsdir, who is also the village headman, said “villagers cannot freely use the border roads since it is under the administrative control of the BSF. We want electricity and we need road connectivity till the last home. “ A quick tour of the village reveals that the only football ground is also located on the zero line and whenever any kids play football here, it is under the watchful eyes of the BSF. Another village council member Lahduh Khongji said the village urgently needs a secondary school to help check the drop-out rate. “Only those who can afford to go to other villages in the hinterlands get to continue with their studies,” he said, pointing out that a fence will only compound the problem of connectivity.

IMPHAL, JAN 11 (AGENCIES): Manipur government has declared the entire State of Manipur excluding the Imphal Municipal Area as “Disturbed Area” for a period of one year with retrospective effect from December 1, 2021. Repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act, 1958 (AFSPA) is an election issue in Manipur. Manipur is going to two phase polls on February 27 and March 3, ET reported. H. Gyan Prakash, Special Secretary (Home) Government of Manipur in a notification on January 8 stated, “Whereas the Governor of Manipur is of the opinion that due to violent activities of various extremist/insurgent groups, the entire State of Manipur is in such a disturbed condition that the use of Armed Forces in aid of civil power is necessary; And, whereas the Governor of Manipur is of the opinion that the areas within the State of Manipur be declared as a ‘Disturbed Area’ under the provisions of the Armed Forces (Special Powers)

Act, 1958, as amended from time to time” “Now, therefore, in exercise of the powers conferred by Section 3 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 (Act No.28 of 1958) as amended from time to time, the Governor of Manipur hereby accords ex-post facto approval to declare the entire State of Manipur excluding the Imphal Municipal Area as “Disturbed Area” for a period of 1(one) year with retrospective effect from December 1, 2021,” the notification added. Congress attacked the ruling BJP led government and stated that if law and order has improved why AFSPA is extended. Congress has promised to revoke AFSPA in Manipur in the first Cabinet meeting if voted to power in next year’s assembly polls. Cong ress Working President K Meghachandra earlier stated, “Congress rule removed AFSPA from 7 Assembly Constituencies. If Congress comes back to power in 2022, the 1st Cabinet meeting will decide on

the immediate and complete removal of AFSPA from the entire state of Manipur.” In Manipur Naga People’s Front (NPF) and National People’s Party (NPP) , which is the ally of the BJP led government, demanded the act’s repeal. NPF is part of the all party government in Nagaland where BJP is also a partner. In August 2004, AFSPA was lifted from seven assembly segments of Imphal Municipal areas following massive protests. Irom Sharmila Chanu, who has fasted for nearly 16 years demanding repeal of Afspa, ended her fast in 2016. Sharmila began her fast in November 2000 after ten persons were killed allegedly by Assam Rifles in an encounter with militants at Malom near Imphal airport. On 15 July 2004, 12 women had disrobed outside the historic Kangla Fort in Imphal against the brutal killing of Manorama Thangjam, a 32-yearold woman who had been picked up by Assam Rifles.

IOCL clarifies on rollout of E10 across Northeast GUWAHATI, JAN 11 (AGENCIES): Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. has recently planned to roll out 10% Ethanol Blended Petrol (E10) across the seven North Easters states with a 100% rollout in Guwahati. The blending of 10 % ethanol in Petrol in India is a practice which is nearly two decades old now and has been implemented across the country. Implementation in the North East was held up till now due to unavailability of sufficient quantity of Ethanol. Currently, in India, nearly 85% of the crude oil is imported. Thus, being an import dependant country, blending of ethanol helps reduce the amount of crude oil imported and helps in improving India’s balance of payments. Ethanol blending has the potential to save the country nearly Rs. 30,000 Cr. per annum. Money thus saved from leaving the country will be earning opportunities for various stakeholders like farmers, entrepreneurs etc. which in turn lead to generation of additional jobs and livelihood for the

people of India. Besides, ethanol is a less polluting fuel, and offers equivalent efficiency at a lower cost as compared to petrol. Talking about the fuel characteristics and its effect on vehicles, a recent Niti Aayog report on the Roadmap of Ethanol Blending in India 2020 – 25 says that ethanol blending offers significant advantages such as increase in Research Octane Number (RON) of the blend, fuel embedded oxygen and higher flame speed. These properties of ethanol help in complete combustion and reduce vehicular emissions such as hydrocarbon, carbon monoxide and particulate matter. The calorific value of ethanol is around 2/3rd of gasoline. This may indicate that the increase in ethanol content will decrease the heating value of the ethanol-gasoline blend & hence more fuel is required to achieve the same engine power output. However, ethanol has a higher-octane number and thus the engine can be operated with a high compression ratio without knocking. This increases

the efficiency of the engine considerably. This combined with optimal spark timing negates the fuel economy debit due to low calorific value of ethanol. Ethanol being a fuel with higher conductivity helps dissipate static electricity charges developed while dispensing of fuels from DU’s faster than Petrol. Also, due to a higher auto ignition temperature than petrol, Ethanol is less susceptible to ignition when spilled on hot surfaces such as engine exhaust manifolds. These characteristics make E10 a safer alternative as compared to Normal BS VI Petrol for the Petrol Pump personnel. As per our Prime Minister’s commitment in the

COP26 climate summit in Glasgow, 50% of India’s energy mix is to come from sources other than fossil fuels by 2030. Ethanol being a renewable fuel would contribute immensely to help India achieve its Climate Change targets vis-à-vis COP26 whilst at the same time, ensure energy security and industrial acceleration. Thus, 10% Ethanol blended Petrol (E10) makes a better alternative as compared to Normal Petrol for the Petrol Vehicle Owners. EBMS is approved by each & every automobile manufacturer OEM in India and all petrol vehicles produced after 1980 are compatible. EBMS boosts the performance of automobile engine and reduces harmful emissions.

K Y M C

NORTHEAST

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

Gauhati HC asks Assam govt to file BJP-led Mnp govt violated poll code: Cong, CPI detailed affidavit on police encounters

IMPHAL, JAN 11: Congress and CPI in separate complaints lodged to the Election Commission of India alleged that the ruling BJP-led coalition government violated the Model Code of Conduct (MCC) for elections. The MCC came into effect in Manipur from January 8 evening when the ECI announced the schedule for election to the 60-seat Manipur Assembly. Despite the MCC coming into effect, the incumbent government continued to issue orders by back dating, opposition parties wrote the ECI as well as the chief electoral officer (CEO), Manipur. Both parties alleged that the state government issued order by back dating and collected huge amounts of money to be utilized in the ensuing

elections. They alleged that an order regarding conversion of some aided colleges to full-fledged government colleges was issued by back dating while stating the approval for conversion of the aided colleges to full-fledged government colleges was taken by a cabinet meeting convened on January 7, a day ahead of announcement of the poll schedule. Various departments

tions, they added. The act was against the practice of Model Code of Conduct for free and fair election, the parties stated while bringing up the matter to the notice of the ECI. Some students’ organizations have also openly alleged collection of huge sum of money for conversion of aided colleges to government colleges and local newspapers in Manipur have published it time and again, the complaints pointed out. Meanwhile, addressing a press conference, MPCC acting president K Meghachandra urged the ECI to take the matters of abuse of power by parties in power in the interest of free and fair polls. He urged to verify office approvals and orders of the state government which were not made public, while alleging that these orders were either

uploaded to the official websites of the government or published in newspapers or displayed on notice boards of concern offices. He demanded that the government orders should be sent to a forensic lab of national repute under the supervision of the ECI or any other better mechanism and to take punitive action against those in power, including ministers and high ranking officials in-charge of finance and department of personnel (DP) and administrative heads of departments involved in such undemocratic malpractice and reiterated that the practices were against the interest of free and fair election. In such a scenario, the ECI must take appropriate action in the interest of conducting a free and fair election, CPI stated in the release.

Assam Police seizes 1.5 kg heroin worth Rs 10 crore

Manipur cops arrest one with huge quantity of drugs after brief chase

One killed, 25 injured in two accidents in Assam

Correspondent

DIPHU (ASSAM), JAN 11 (PTI): The Assam Police on Tuesday seized 1.5 kg of heroin worth Rs 10 crore in the international market and arrested one person in Karbi Anglong district. Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said the drug was being ferried in a truck. “@assampolice continuing its effort to eradicate drug menace seized 1.5 KG Heroin at Laharijan, Karbi Anglong from a truck coming from Manipur and arrested the driver/courier. The Team Karbi Anglong Police is complimented for its continued action,” he said on Twitter. The seized heroin has been valued at Rs 10 crore, a senior police officer said. Acting on a tipoff, a checkpoint was set up in front of Laharijan Police Post, and a joint team of the Assam Police and Central Reserve Police Force personnel was deputed there, he said. “Around 6 am, a truck coming from Imphal was intercepted. After a thorough search of the vehicle, 110 soap cases containing 1.5 kg of heroin were recovered,” the official said. The operation was led by the Bokajan Sub-Divisional Police Officer John Das.

under the state government also declared DPC results for staff appointment by back dating, the parties further alleged. Further alleging that many departments were also processing to issue orders by back dating, the parties drew the attention of the ECI and state CEO to take up appropriate actions. They accused the incumbent government of doing so to mint money to use in the ensuing elec-

A van driver arrested with huge quantity of illegal commandos. (NP) Correspondent mando personnel attached with Kakching district poIMPHAL, JAN 11: Police lice on frisking and checking in Manipur’s Kakching dis- duty at Sugnu Khongnangtrict arrested an alleged drug khong under Sugnu police peddler with a huge quantity station of the district recovof Heroin power and WY ered the contraband item tablets after a brief chase, during a thorough check of an official source said on the vehicle he was driving. The police said that Tuesday. The alleged drug ped- when the police commando dler was identified as Thang- team signaled the vehicle to minlan Baite (28), a resident stop for checking, the driver, of Moreh, Manipur’s town sped his vehicle in a bid to avoid the checking. at Indo-Myanmar border. The police immediateThe police arrested him after 2.59 kg of WY tablets ly chased and overpowered and 181gm of Heroin pow- him after a few kilometers der were found in an Eco of driving. Upon checking the vevan he was driving with on hicle, the personnel recovMonday evening. A team of police com- ered 16 soap cases contain-

drugs by Manipur police ing the contraband items. Four of the soap cases were found to contain 181gm Heroin powder, while others contained WY tablets weighing 2.59 kg, the police said. The source said that the police commando team was on random frisking and checking duty as a part of security measures in connection ahead of the election to the state Assembly. The 60-seat Manipur Assembly will go to poll in two phases –February 27 and March 3. For the smooth conduct of the poll, police across the state have intensified security measures as a part of preventive measures.

GUWAHATI, JAN 11 (PTI): One person died and at least 25 people were injured on Tuesday in two separate road accidents due to heavy fog in Assam’s Dhubri district, police said. A long-distance night super bus overturned in Chapar after the driver lost control over it due to poor visibility, Dhubri Superintendent of Police Gaurav Abhijit Dilip told PTI over the phone. “The bus was coming from Jorhat. A preliminary investigation suggested that the driver lost control due to dense fog this morning and the vehicle turned turtle on the roadside,” he said. At least 25 passengers suffered injuries in the accident, the officer said. “Three of them were seriously injured. Doctors referred two of the seriously injured persons to a Bongaigaon health facility,” the SP said. In the second accident, a motorcyclist was killed when a truck hit his twowheeler in Chapar, the officer said. “The accident occurred due to heavy fog and poor visibility. The biker died on the spot. We have detained the truck,” he added.

GUWAHATI, JAN 11 (PTI): The Gauhati High Court on Tuesday asked the Assam government to file a detailed affidavit on the police encounters that have been taking place since BJP returned to power in the state in May 2021. Hearing a public interest litigation filed by advocate Arif Md Yeasin Jwadder, a High Court Bench comprising Chief Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia and Justice Soumitra Saikia asked Assam Advocate General Devajit Lon Saikia to submit the detailed affidavit related to the encounters. “The Home and Political Department will prepare and file the affidavit,” the Advocate General told PTI. The High Court has fixed January 25 for the next hearing of the case. According to Jwadder, the Court asked the Principal Secretary(Home) or Additional Secretary (Home) to file the detailed affidavit on the alleged fake encounters . Noted rights activist Indira Jaising argued in the case on behalf of the petitioner. Jwadder claimed that Saikia informed the Court that magisterial probes were being conducted about the encounters, but Jaising countered that no such information is available. Jaising urged the Court to direct the state to upload the FIRs on their website if the cases have been registered. Earlier on January 3, the Gauhati High Court had asked the Assam gov-

Sikkim logs 198 new COVID cases

GANGTOK, JAN 11 (PTI): Sikkim on Tuesday reported 198 new COVID-19 cases, 86 more than the previous day, with the tally rising to 33,029, a health department official said. Ten people - six from Kolkata and four from Delhi tested positive for the disease after they arrived at Pakyong airport near here, he said. They were allowed to return to their places for treatment, the official said. Eleven more travellers were also found infected with the disease at the Rangpo checkpost, and all of them were permitted to undergo treatment at their native places, he said. East Sikkim logged 141 new cases, followed by 28 in West Sikkim, 26 in South Sikkim and three in North Sikkim. Sikkim now has 494 active cases, while 381 COVID patients have migrated to other states and 31,744 people have recovered from the infection. The death toll stood at 410 as no new fatality due to the disease was reported in the last 24 hours, the official said. The Himalayan state has conducted over 2.84 lakh sample tests for COVID-19 so far, including 1,690 since Monday. The daily positivity rate stood at 11.6 per cent, while the recovery ratio remained at 97.2 per cent.

SHILLONG, JAN 11 (PTI): The Meghalaya government has made it mandatory for people, irrespective of their vaccination status, to produce RT-PCR negative reports conducted within 72 hours or undergo screening at the check-gates to enter the northeastern state, a senior health official said. The order, which came into force from Tuesday, aims at checking the spread of the Omicron variant of the coronavirus, he said. “Everyone entering the state, including those fully vaccinated, have to produce RT-PCR negative reports or undergo RT-PCR tests at entry points,” Health Department Principal Secretary Sampath Kumar said in the order issued on Monday. “Entrants producing an RT-PCR negative report should have been tested at a recognised laboratory within 72 hours of their arrival at the entry point,” he said. He said that those undergoing RT-PCR tests at the entry points must isolate themselves at their place of stay till the receipt of their test reports. Children below 15 years of age, however, are exempted from getting tested for COVID-19 if they don’t exhibit any symptoms. Noting that the Omicron strain does not exhibit severe symptoms, Kumar said that the new variant is,

however, highly infectious but people need not panic as the symptoms can be easily managed at home. Meanwhile, Meghalaya’s COVID-19 tally rose to 85,463 on Tuesday as 159 people tested positive for

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Dated Dimapur the 10th Jan. 2022

(ORDER-V, RULE – 1, 5, 20) IN THE COURT OF Shri. Nokshei Kano ADDITIONAL DIST. & DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE/CIVIL JUDGE (SR)/CIVIL JUDGE(JR) SUIT No : Money Suit No. 93/2019. PLAINTIFF : Bank of Baroda, Tseminyu Branch represented by its Branch Manager, Tseminyu Branch : Nagaland. DEFENDANTS : Mr. Romeo Woch & others. TO 1. Mr. Romeo Woch, S/o. Mr. Abel Woch, Ward No. 3, below Lotha Church, Tseminyu New Town, Tseminyu. 2. Mr. Abel Woch, S/o. Mr. Asuthong Woch, Dobashi from Nsunyu Village, Office of the Additional Deputy Commissioner, Tseminyu, Kohima : Nagaland. Whereas, Bank of Baroda,Tseminyu Branch represented by its Branch Manager, Tseminyu Branch: Nagaland has instituted a suit against you for recovery of Rs. 10, 64, 087.27/- ( Rupees ten lakh sixty four thousand eighty seven and twenty seven paisa). You are hereby summoned to appear before the Court in person or by pleader duly instructed and able to answer all material questions relating to the suit on 03.03.2022 at 11.00 A.M. without fail. Take notice that in default of your appearance on the date mentioned the suit will be heard and determined in your absence. Given under my hand and the seal of the Court this 14th day of Dec 2021. DIST & SESSIONS JUDGE/CIVIL JUDGE(SR)/ C.J.M/CIVIL JUDGE (JR)JMFC, KOHIMA:NAGALAND K-70/22

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF FIRE & EMERGENCY SERVICES NAGALAND :: KOHIMA

NO.FHQ/RO-01/2021-22/

The MDTC (NKVIB) Dimapur is organising Normal Training Course for the year 2021-2022 under the following trades of : 1. Khadi Weaving 6 Months Stipendiary (Hostellers Rs. 3000/- Per month Outsiders Rs. 1200/-) 2. Foot wear 3 Months Stipendiary (Hostellers Rs. 3000/- Per month Outsiders Rs. 1200/-) 3. Bee Keeping 1 Month Stipendiary (Hostellers Rs. 3000/- Per month Outsiders Rs. 1200/-) 4. Carpentry Wood 3 Months Non. Stipendiary 5. Laundry Soap 2 Months Non. Stipendiary 6. Tailoring & Embroidery 3 Months Non. Stipendiary 7. Knitting (Hand/Machine) 3 Months Non. Stipendiary The above stated training courses will be commencing from 24th Jan. 2022, applicants are also informed that Hostel facilities' will be provided for both boys and girls. During the training period numbers of Official holidays will be counted. Criteria for obtaining forms may produce minimum Class Eight (8) passed/attended proof with Aadhaar card. Interested candidates may collect the form from the office from 17th Jan 2022 onwards, Time 10.00 AM - 1.00 PM on working days. (Vaccination Mandatory). For more detail, contact Mobile. No. 9856372599/ 9436600527 during Office hours. dc-20/22

Dated: 11/01/2022

Applications in the prescribed format are invited from eligible candidates for the posts of Finance Officer, Deputy Director of Sports, Nursing Officer, Professional Assistant and Senior Technical Assistant. Details of the advertisement, other terms and conditions and the application form are available in the University website www.nagalanduniversity.ac.in. Last date for receipt of filled-in application is 14th February, 2022. Sd/Registrar dc-25/22

the infection, 89 more than the previous day, Health Services Director Aman War said. Two more patients succumbed to the infection, taking the state’s coronavirus death toll to 1,489, he said.

No. KVI/MDTC - ADV/57/ 21-22/

been the same in all the encounters, the PIL claimed. The petition doubted the police statement published in newspapers which said that the force had to retaliate and kill or injure the accused in self-defence as they had tried to snatch service revolvers of the police personnel. The injured or dead persons were not militants and were not trained to use pistols and it cannot be the case that all the accused could snatch a service revolver from a trained police officer. Earlier, the petitioner had filed a complaint on the alleged “fake” encounters with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) against the Assam Police over the series of encounters that have taken place since May 2021. The NHRC in November 2021 transferred the case to the Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC), which had also taken suo motu cognisance of the alleged fake encounters and asked for a report from the Assam Government.

No. F.A.238/Estt-I/Vol-II/2013-

Spike in Covid cases in M’laya RT-PCR test mandatory for entry into M’laya

SHILLONG, JAN 11: Spike in Covid-19 cases continued in Meghalaya with 159 new cases and two deaths reported on Tuesday as the number of active cases increased to 578 and that of deaths due to the viral infection to 1489, even as 27 more cases of recovery surged the number of recovered cases to 83396, as per report received from the state health and family welfare department. The Meghalaya Government has issued new standard operating procedure (SOPs), making it mandatory for persons entering the state to produce a negative RT-PCR report or undergo a mandatory RT-PCR test at the entry points, amid concern over the Omicron variant of the Coronavirus. “Testing at entry points will be continued even for those who have been fully vaccinated for a limited period of time during the surge of cases and until further orders,” principal secretary, health and family welfare department, P Sampath Kumar said. However, children below the age of 15 years shall be exempted from testing at entry points, if asymptomatic. (Correspondent)

ernment to furnish all case details of the encounters. Besides the Assam G o ve r n m e n t , A s s a m Police DGP, state Law and Justice Department, National Human Rights Commission and Assam Human Rights Commission have been named as respondents in the petition. Jwadder in his petition sought an enquiry by an independent agency like CBI, SIT or police teams from other states under the supervision of the Court. The petitioner also sought a judicial enquiry by a sitting Judge of Gauhati High Court and monetary compensation to the victims’ family after due verification. Jwadder claimed in the PIL that more than 80 “fake” encounters between Assam Police and the alleged accused had taken place since May 2021, when Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma took charge. It had resulted in 28 deaths and more than 48 injuries. The people killed or injured were not dreaded criminals and the modus operandi of police has

PRINCIPAL MDTC, (NKVIB) Dimapur

Dated Kohima, the January 2022

CIRCULAR The following candidates are provisionally selected to undergo Written Examination for the post of ASI/LFM, Fireman & Driver constable. The Written Examination will be held at NAPTC, Chumoukedima on 12/01/2022 at 11:00 am onwards. The candidates are to self-arranged pen, pencil, clipboard, eraser, ruler etc. Mobile Phones will not be allowed inside the recruitment parameter. Candidate must bring original Chest No. and Admit Card. 1. Qualified Candidates for ASI/LFM (Chest No.) 2

101

112

138

153

166

167

169

170

177

183

193

197

228 36

2. Qualified Candidates for Fireman (Chest No.) 7

109

115

135

150

159

163

164

172

173

187

195

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1 minster, 4 MLAs leave BJP to join Akhilesh Yadav in Uttar Pradesh LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (AGENCIES): In a massive hit to the BJP and Yogi Adityanath just before the Uttar Pradesh election, a minister and four MLAs quit today and joined the party’s main challenger, Akhilesh Yadav. Swami Prasad Maurya, a top minister in the Yogi Adityanath govern-ment, posted his resignation letter on Twitter, reports NDTV. In the hours that followed, four more MLAs close to him - Roshan Lal Verma, Brijesh Prajapati, Bhagwati Sagar and Vinay Shakya - announced their resignations. Swami Prasad Maurya, a powerful OBC (Other Backward Class) leader and five-time MLA, joined the BJP in 2016 after quitting Mayawati’s Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP). He was central to the BJP’s plans to draw a critical section of OBC voters to counter Akhilesh Yadav’s Samajwadi Party. The other three defectors have travelled the same route as Mr Maurya - from the BSP to the BJP to Samajwadi Party. “Despite a divergent

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

Swami Prasad Maurya (L) joins SP in the presence of the party chief Akhilesh Yadav, in Lucknow, Tuesday. (PTI)

ideology, I worked with dedication in the Yogi Adityanath cabinet. But be-cause of the grave oppression of Dalits, OBCs, farmers, unemployed and small businessmen, I am resigning,” Maurya wrote in the stinging resignation letter. He also told reporters: “What impact my exit will have on the BJP will be obvi-

ous after the 2022 as-sembly election.” As his letter emerged on Twitter, Akhilesh Yadav tweeted a photograph with Mr Maurya, welcom-ing him and his supporters to the Samajwadi Party. The exits reinforced the view that resentment in the ranks against Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath

is an issue the BJP has left unaddressed. Maurya’s decision had been months in the making. Sources say two months ago, he had com-plained to Union Home Minister Amit Shah about Yogi Adityanath. But nothing reportedly came of it. Sources say Amit Shah has tasked Deputy Chief Minister Keshav Prasad Maurya with persuading Mr Maurya and his supporters to return. Keshav Prasad Maurya’s first appeal was very public. “I don’t know why Swami Prasad Maurya quit but I appeal to him, don’t quit but let us talk. Decisions taken in haste can backfire,” he said in a tweet that did not impress the defectors. “Why did (Keshav Maurya) not think of this earlier? Why is he remembering me today? Right now everyone will talk but when a dialogue was needed, they did not have time,” Swami Prasad Mau-rya told NDTV. If the sudden exits stunned the BJP, optimism soared in the opposition camp and one of its key players, Sharad Pawar, weighed in.

Exodus from BJP may boost opposition in assembly polls NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (IANS): In the first major jolt to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in Uttar Pradesh, senior minister and prominent leader from the backward community Swami Prasad Maurya has left the party to join the opposition ranks. The resignation has brought cheer to the opposition camps, especially in Uttar Pradesh, Goa and Uttarakhand, where many BJP legislators have resigned to join the opposition. Reacting to the developments, Nationalist Congress Party chief Sharad Pawar said in Mumbai that he is working towards a joint opposition in Goa, and more MLAs will join the Samajwadi Party in Uttar Pradesh. He said: “The people of Uttar Pradesh are looking for a change and they will ensure change in the state.” Since these developments, the Opposition has got a major boost as the Congress is the principal opposition party in Uttarakhand and Goa. In the hill state, the party has already poached a few MLAs, and a few others are due to join the party, though the names have not been disclosed by the Congress. The Samajwadi Party which was feeling the heat after the BJP took early leads in the campaigning has also got some boost in the form of Swami Prasad Maurya who is considered to have influence in the eastern and central Uttar Pradesh. In Uttar Pradesh after Maurya, Roshan Lal Varma, another BJP MLA -- Brijesh Prajapati from Tindwari in

Banda -- has said that he has submitted his resignation from the saffron party. Varma, Prajapati and a host of other OBC MLAs met Swami Prasad Maurya to discuss the political situation. The MLAs, including Bhagwati Sharan Sagar from Bilhaur, said that the Yogi Adityanath government is not safeguarding the interests of the farmers, OBCs and other weaker sections of the society. “We will go wherever Swami Prasad Maurya goes. We came with him from BSP to BJP and our fu-ture journey will continue with him,” said the legislators. Another minister, Dharam Singh Saini, is also believed to be ready to quit, but there has been no confirmation yet. The resignation in Uttar Pradesh followed days after Goa Minister in the BJP-led government, Mi-chael Lobo, resigned as Minister, and another MLA Pravin Zantye, also quit the party. “The party I had joined on the word and assurance of former Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar is not the same party today,” Zantye told reporters after resigning from the party. Zantye said that he would be joining the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party soon. Earlier on Monday, Lobo had said that he was quitting as Minister and from the BJP, accusing party leaders of sidelining the grassroots workers. Yashpal Arya and his MLA son had also joined the Congress after leaving the BJP.

NE rebel groups regrouping in China-Myanmar borderlands: Security experts

(From p-1) A bomb attack on another Assam Rifles patrol near Imphal, is being seen as a sign of daring and growing strength. Paresh Barua, a self-styled leader of the ULFA(I) who was earlier reported hiding in Ruili, a Chinese town bordering Myanmar, is believed to have relocated deeper inside the Kunming province of China. Most rebel groups in the northeast have long had links with Kunming. The Naga rebellion, which broke out in the 1950s, received Chinese aid in the form of training and modern arms including mortars and machine guns from 1967-1976. That collaboration ended with the death of China’s supremo Mao Zedong. Most of those who were Chinatrained are in senior positions or have retired from militancy by now. Other rebel groups followed the same path or went over to East Pakistan and later Bangla-desh to be supported by Pakistan’s ISI.

With the Bangladesh route plugged by the Sheikh Hasina government, which is following a policy of zero tolerance towards northeastern rebel groups, the best bet for most active rebel groups in the northeast remains China via Myanmar. “Rebel groups have been trekking to China to buy arms from the grey market in Kunming as well to trade in narcotics in those borderlands of China, Myanmar and Thailand to fund their activities for many years,” retired Maj Gen Biswajit Chakravarty, with long years of experi-ence in counter-insurgency and intelligence in the eastern command, told PTI. While China “does not directly get involved in training and supplies anymore”, travel, stay and purchase in the grey market in Kunming in a strictly controlled regime like China cannot happen without a “nod and a wink” from Chinese intelligence, feels Chakravarty. An assessment shared by most security analysts point to Barua be-

ing sheltered in Yunnan and visits by Chinese intelligence officers to rebel camps in Myanmar. Myanmar-based camps of most rebel groups were rooted out in a joint operation in 2019, when after years of denial, the Myanmar Army wiped out camps of the ULFA(I), Naga and Manipuri groups including a major rebel stronghold at Taga in Sagaing Region, in north-west Myanmar. However, rebel camps or rather hutments have again started cropping up taking advantage of the turmoil in the region, where the Myanmarese Army after a coup has taken over and is busy fighting not only its old adversaries - Myanmarese tribal insurgencies - but also pro-democracy forces. “Myanmar Army is either not in control or has ineffective control over its borderlands,” said Chakravarty. For Myanmar, the presence of India’s Naga rebels is an added headache as the Greater Nagalim, which some of them want, include

large tracts in north Myanmar, too. The densely forested border itself remains porous and existent rules, which allow citizens of both countries to travel to the other up to 10 kms with headloads, make it easy to cross the border unchallenged. “Naga peace talks have more or less failed and we can expect trouble with smaller groups who feel that not much has been gained,” said Mukherjee. Talks with Indian interlocutors have faltered over the issue of Greater Nagalim or areas in other states where Nagas live being transferred to Nagaland, the question of a Naga flag and a chapter in the Indian constitution on Nagaland. Added to that is the issue of withdrawal of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which gives extra-judicial powers to the Army, which have come to the fore after 14 civilians were killed and 11 injured in three separate incidents of firing by security forces spread over two days last month, the first of which was possibly a case of mistaken identity.

“The Naga (final) accord requires careful deliberation… we need to get the groups on board and win their confidence for a solution within the constitutional parameters. “Operational errors in counter insurgency, if any, should be addressed with transparency,” said Maj Gen Das. The problem, experts point out, is that while NSCN (I-M) is living in camps within India un-der the watchful eyes of security agencies, splinter groups of hotheads are still running loose in the borderlands, and could be easily welded by inimical intelligence agencies into another formidable threat for India. Last October, in a signed article in China’s Global Times, Long Xingchun, President of the Chengdu Institute of World Affairs, run by the Chinese government, wrote ominously: “If India takes the move to support ‘Taiwan independence’, China has every reason to support separatist forces in northeast Indian states.”

Mayawati will not contest UP polls: Party leader Misra

Mayawati

LU C K N OW, J A N 1 1 (PTI): Bahujan Samaj Party president Mayawati will not contest the upcoming Ut-tar Pradesh Assembly polls, party general secretary S C Misra said here on Tuesday. Misra said he will also not contest the state elections, which will be held in seven phases starting February 10. Since elections are being held in several states, including Punjab and Uttarakhand, along with Uttar Pradesh, the BSP president will not contest the polls and help party candidates win, Misra said. Currently, Mayawati is neither a legislator nor an MP. Misra is a Rajya Sabha member. The BSP will contest all 403 seats in Uttar Pradesh alone.

Priyanka slams Yogi’s ‘80 vs 20 pc’ remark, tells youth to vote on issues NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (PTI): Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Tuesday hit out at Uttar Pra-desh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over his remarks that the assembly polls in the state will be about ‘80 per cent vs 20 per cent’, and urged the youth to make the elections about issues such as employment and education. The Congress general secretary said remarks such as “80-20” were aimed at diverting attention from real issues of the youth. At an event on Saturday, Adityanath had said it will be a “80 per cent versus 20 per cent” election in Uttar Pradesh and the BJP will retain power in the state. Several Opposition leaders have attacked the chief minister over his comments, alleging that it was an attempt at polarisation by the “80-20” reference which they said was aimed at pointing to the ratio of Hindus to Muslims in Uttar Pradesh. Making remarks like ‘80-20’ is a way to fraudulently divert attention from the issues of the youth, Priyanka Gandhi said. The reality is that under the BJP government, out of every 100 people, 68 have no work, she said.

Editors Guild of India condemns online Advanced version of harassment of women journalists BrahMos missile test-fired NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (PTI): The Editors Guild of India on Tuesday condemned the continued online harassment and organised trolling of women journalists and demanded the government take urgent steps to dismantle such “misogynistic and abusive” digital ecosystems. It claimed that most of these attacks were targeted at those who were outspokenly critical of the government and the ruling party. Citing a recent investigative new report, the Editors Guild of India (EGI) urged the Supreme Court to order a probe into the use of the Tek Fog app to

harass women journalists with abusive tweets in view of allegations that influential people linked to the ruling party may be involved. A report on news portal ‘The Wire’ had claimed that people associated with the ruling BJP’s IT cell were using the app to take control of inactive WhatsApp accounts, send messages to frequently contacted numbers, and “hijack” trending topics on social media platforms. “The Editors Guild of India condemns the continued online harassment of women journalists, which includes targeted and organised online trolling as

well as threats of sexual abuse,” it said in a statement on Tuesday. What is further disturbing is that most of these attacks are targeted at journalists, who have been outspokenly critical of the current government and the ruling party, to silence them, the EGI said. “This is a travesty of all democratic norms, and in violation of law,” it added. The Guild noted that the latest instances of such “organised trolling and harassment” have been revealed by the investigations done by news portal The Wire.

NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (PTI): India on Tuesday successfully test-fired a naval variant of the advanced supersonic BrahMos cruise missile from a stealth guided-missile destroyer of the Indian Navy. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) said the missile hit the designated target “precisely”. “Advanced sea to sea variant of BrahMos Supersonic Cruise missile was tested from INS Visakhapatnam today. Missile hit the designated target ship precisely,” the DRDO tweeted. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said the suc-

cessful launch of the missile reconfirmed the robust-ness of the Indian Navy’s “mission readiness”. “The robustness of @ indiannavy mission readiness is reconfirmed today after successful launch of the advanced version of BrahMos Missile from INS Vishakhapatnam today. I congratulate the wonderful team work of @indiannavy @ DRDO_India & @BrahMosMissile,” Singh tweeted. BrahMos Aerospace, an India-Russian joint venture, produces the supersonic cruise missile that can be launched from submarines, ships, aircraft, or from land platforms.

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NCW asks TN DGP to act against Siddharth for tweet against Nehwal future. The Commission has to be apprised about action taken in the matter at the earliest,” the NCW said. The statement comes a day after the NCW asked Twit-

ter to suspend Siddharth’s account and Ma-harashtra Police to register to a case against him for using “lewd and inappropriate” words against Nehwal.

The NCW claimed the comment was misogynist, outrages the modesty of a woman and amounts to disrespect and insults the dignity of women.

Condemning actor Siddharth’s tweet on Olympic medallist Saina Nehwal, Union Law Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said that a cheap comment on such an icon personality depicts a person’s ignoble mentality. Rijiju said that Saina is a steadfast patriot besides being an Olympic medallist. Quoting Nehwal’s tweet, Rijiju said, “India is proud of @NSaina for her

outstanding contributions in making India a sporting powerhouse. She is a steadfast patriot besides being an Olympic medallist. Making a cheap comment on such an icon personality depics a person’s ignoble mentality.” On January 5, Nehwal tweeted, “No nation can claim itself to be safe if the security of its own PM gets compromised. I condemn, in the strongest words possible, the cowardly attack

on PM Modi by anarchists. #BharatStandsWithModi #PMModi.” On January 6, quoting Nehwal’s tweet Siddharth said, “... champion of the world... Thank God we have protectors of India. Folded hands. Shame on you #Rihanna.” Nehwal was referring to a security breach during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Punjab visit on January 5.

Comment against Nehwal reflects person’s ignoble mentality: Rijiju

Siddharth

of the matter. “Chairperson Rekha Sharma has written to Director General of Police, Tamil Nadu seeking interven-tion and appropriate action against the offender as per provisions of law to refrain him from mak-ing such kind of statements in

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NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (PTI/IANS): The NCW has asked the Tamil Nadu police chief to intervene and take ap-propriate action against actor Siddharth for using derogatory remarks against a woman anchor on Twitter, a day after it flagged another tweet of the actor against badminton player Saina Nehwal. In a statement, the National Commission for Women (NCW) said it has come across the post of the actor-producer-musician which is “offensive, unethical and shows disrespect towards the dignity of women”. The commission has taken suo motu cognisance

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post VOL. XXXII NO. 36 DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

Self-protection

fter several months of receding infection cases of the virus in Nagaland, the sharp rise of covid cases during the first week of January has only heightened concerns that the third wave of the pandemic may have already started in Nagaland. This was a huge leap since covid cases in Nagaland were barely making news for quite a while. There were 32 people tested positive for virus on January 7, 25 more than the previous day and the highest this year, a health official said. Of the fresh cases, 16 were from Dimapur, 12 in Tuensang, two in Kohima and one each in Mokokchung and Peren, taking the total caseload to 32,302. Even within states in the region, the daily covid cases in Nagaland continues to remain way below. COVID-19 testing rate in the state is the lowest in the country at 112,330 per million compared to the national average of 310,790 per million. In order to bridge the testing gap, the state government is working to expand the testing for the coronavirus in the state. For this, ‘Mission X5’ has been developed to guide and facilitate the chief medical officers (CMOs), medical superintendents (MS) and district task forces (DTFs) to expedite COVID-19 testing. Mission X5 will target up to five times the average number of tests done in the districts. At present, the positivity rate is around 7% in the state with wide variations between districts. This was as per the state’s sample positivity rate on January 10 which surged to 7.34% from 1.28% on January 9. Further, low testing, poor health seeking behavior, low vaccination coverage coupled with not adherence to COVID-19 appropriate behaviour and flouting of quarantine norms, unless effectively tackled, would lead to serious consequences. After nearly two years of pandemic and lockdown, people are tired and in a way, no longer afraid or care for adherence to covid protocols. The rise of the new Omicron has failed to shake up people to do what must be done in order to protect themselves and break the transmission chain. The worst part is that many scientists may have felt the need not to spread fear but to tell people that Omicron is not as deadly as the Delta variant. However, WHO has said it would be “unwise” to conclude from early evidence that Omicron was a milder variant. The World Health Organization (WHO) had said that Omicron is spreading at a rate not seen with any previous variant of COVID-19 so far. WHO also cautioned the world in taking the new COVID variant lightly, saying that 77 countries have reported cases of Omicron, and the reality is that Omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn’t been detected yet. Even months before Omicron, epidemiologists conducted a study involving more than 5,000 COVID-19 patients in Houston and found that the virus that causes the disease is accumulating genetic mutations, one of which may have made it more contagious. According to the paper published in the peer-reviewed journal mBIO, that mutation, called D614G, is located in the spike protein that pries open our cells for viral entry. It’s the largest peer-reviewed study of SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences in one metropolitan region of the U.S. to date. The best protection is self-protection through adherence to covid protocols and when more people act responsibly the more safer would society be.

DailyDevotion What My Obedience to God Costs Other People

As they led Him away, they laid hold of a certain man, Simon…, and on him they laid the cross that he might bear it after Jesus. —Luke 23:26 If we obey God, it is going to cost other people more than it costs us, and that is where the pain begins. If we are in love with our Lord, obedience does not cost us anything— it is a delight. But to those who do not love Him, our obedience does cost a great deal. If we obey God, it will mean that other people’s plans are upset. They will ridicule us as if to say, “You call this Christianity?” We could prevent the suffering, but not if we are obedient to God. We must let the cost be paid. When our obedience begins to cost others, our human pride entrenches itself and we say, “I will never accept anything from anyone.” But we must, or disobey God. We have no right to think that the type of relationships we have with others should be any different from those the Lord Himself had (see Luke 8:1-3). A lack of progress in our spiritual life results when we try to bear all the costs ourselves. And actually, we cannot. Because we are so involved in the universal purposes of God, others are immediately affected by our obedience to Him. Will we remain faithful in our obedience to God and be willing to suffer the humiliation of refusing to be independent? Or will we do just the opposite and say, “I will not cause other people to suffer”? We can disobey God if we choose, and it will bring immediate relief to the situation, but it will grieve our Lord. If, however, we obey God, He will care for those who have suffered the consequences of our obedience. We must simply obey and leave all the consequences with Him. Beware of the inclination to dictate to God what consequences you would allow as a condition of your obedience to Him.

Quotes

The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing. ~ Walt Disney

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

Post-mortem

“….. and the truth shall make you free.” John 8:32: E very word in the Bible ever remains relevant to humanity all the time, and it shall remain so. And particularly, the word of the Lord Jesus Christ in John 8:32 as quoted here is very imperative as for the Nagas at this particular crossroad. The Nagas of Nagaland in particular and the rest indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland may be having sense of freedom living in our own land, residing in our own homes, owning our own fields, etc. and yet it does not mean that we have been enjoying the complete and genuine freedom. The freedom of speech, the freedom of entrepreneurship, the freedom of business, the freedom of association are all but curbed. The elections in Nagaland are interfered with threats and intimidations in a manner of culture. In many cases, even the elections to the posts of VCC and VDB Secretaries are interfered and in several cases even our churches are not spared in matters of refurbishing its set up to say the least. The citizens of Nagaland have been enslaved under the weight of the unabated illegal taxation for decades, and the protests of the organizations against such taxations are simply ignored by the State Govt. as the Govt. rightly feels imperfect to throw the first stone at the culprits. The enhancement of the rate of any item from hardware to that of vegetables are left to the whims and fancies of the private traders. Just for instance, taking undue advantage of the successive lockdowns, the rate of powder milk per kg (Everyday) was raised from Rs.300/- to Rs. 390/-, the rate of egg per plate was raised from Rs.150/- to Rs.220/-, the rate of tomato was raised from Rs.30/-/40/- per kg to Rs.60/-/70/-, etc. as per Kohima market. What adversely impacts every household is the controllable price rise of the essential commodities to uncontrolled inflation is due to sheer negligence of the public welfare by the State Govt. To be very brief, the Public Health sector, the Education sector, the due benefit to cultivators and farmers, the entrepreneurial avenues, etc., etc. are in shambles. Look at the most vital project like the Dimapur-Kohima 4-lane

road as it has been in pathetic condition. Half of the distance, from Pherima to Kohima, is almost abandoned in its nascent stage. I wonder who has permitted the contractors to neglect the distance in question for too long. Look at our Dimapur Airport allowing the junior States in NE to overtake us whereas Nagaland is invariably lagging much behind others due to our refusal to cooperate with the Civil Aviation Ministry which is ready to upgrade it. At this rate, our Dimapur Airport may be reduced to just subsidiary airport with hardly two or three flights a week sooner for want of the basic facilities just citing merely few instances. Thus, Nagaland has been in mess for decades so created by ourselves. And so long as we remain in this mess, the worst to come is inevitable. We have no other alternative escape route lest we overcome it with the power of truth. As quoted in the caption, when we decide to accept the truth, that truth will set us free. I do not talk about this truth on my own but I am talking about the truth that Jesus Christ has promised us in the Bible. And we know whatever promise made by God in the Bible, He never fails to fulfill it. And I have a hope of getting a chance of reforming Nagaland to certain extent if at all the people of Nagaland wake up from our slumber and rise to uphold the truth without fear despite wasting much given opportunities. Here, the truth I am talking about is specifically the inordinate pending of the logical conclusion of the Naga political negotiations. There is no ambiguity that the GoI has been sincere to work out the political solution for the Nagas. Had it not been so, the GoI would never have had ceasefire with any of the Naga political groups followed by political negotiations. Particularly the intensive political negotiations during the tenure of the last Interlocutor Mr. RN Ravi who along with the Naga negotiators, the NSCN(IM) and the WC, NNPGs were very encouraging as they managed to bring the business to its official closure on 31.10.2019. To my understanding of the said closure of the official interlocutions, the following

implications are made clear: a) That only the signing of agreement for the solution remains. b) That there will be no more negotiations beyond the given dateline implies that since all the issues so tabled by the parties during the negotiation processes were ironed out. c) And that the Interlocutor Mr. RN Ravi was the last Interlocutor after whom no successor could be there since the negotiations were officially over. Having arrived at that final stage, the NSCN(IM) suddenly accused the Interlocutor Mr. RN Ravi by citing reasons followed by severing the official tie with him. The NSCN(IM) then tactically mounted pressures directly and indirectly through different lobbies on the GoI for removal of Mr. RN Ravi from the Interlocutor-ship. From 1997 till the WC, NNGs was invited to have similar negotiation by GoI in 2017, the NSCN(IM) had its exclusive negotiation for 20 years. Despite of the two decades dialogue, it failed to bring political solution. It is therefore obvious that NSCN(IM) is just interested in continuing in ceasefire and endless negotiation which is perhaps considered to be the ultimate objective. The determination of the last Interlocutor Mr. RN Ravi to work out early political solution cannot be doubted, and the NSCN(IM) might have taken him to be a threat to their political scheme. Therefore, the removal of the Interlocutor was considered a solution to its political problem. While such pitched battle was on, beside other cohorts, the then PDA Govt. joined the chorus for removal and thus the Interlocutor was finally removed. The removal of the Interlocutor Mr. RN Ravi is a very serious matter because the removal became a great set back to the expeditious process of the political solution. The removal of the Interlocutor Mr. RN Ravi has jeopardized the political future of the Nagas as I analyzed as follows: i) The legal political negotiations have been placed in doldrums. ii) For the Naga negotiators to have any political parley with any deputed authority representing the GoI but below the rank of the Interlocutor only demeans the political status of the Nagas. iii) At this rate, if the Naga political issue is

to be brought down to the level of the State Govts. of Nagaland and Assam, then it is demoted to a mere law and order matter since such State Govts. are neither the Naga negotiators nor are they the Interlocutor. To t h o s e w h o a r e against the political solution or who do not value the political status of the Nagas, to them the removal of the Interlocutor was an achievement. Having removed the Interlocutor has indeed delayed the logical conclusion of the negotiations or it may even ultimately sabotage the solution. What greater harm being done to the Naga political cause than what the NSCN(IM) and the then PDA Govt. and their cohorts could seriously stalled the progress of the negotiations. Recently, Mr. K. Therie, President of NPCC alleged the UDA Govt. of having maneuvered “an attempt to derail the ongoing peace talk” as published in local papers dated 17.12.2021. The NDPP promptly refuted the allegations and even went unethical by being very personal. An allegation remains an allegation till it is legally proved. Again, I am quoting the version of what the Akukau Kahuto Chishi Sumi has published in local papers dated 9.1.2022 “Officials of the Govt. of Nagaland refused to take any steps on the night of the 4th of December, leading to the death of 8 people (7 civilians and a soldier) and on the 5th of December, leading to the death of one person and injuries to unknown numbers of civilians.” Having read between the lines, the sequence of events appeared to have been engineered so as to let the following consequences superimpose the importance and the urgency of the Naga political solution. The spontaneous reaction of the Nagas to the unjustifiable massacre of the 14 civilians in Mon District was natural as such crime was heinous. The perpetrators perhaps considered the precious lives of those Nagas to be less than the value of cows. Any butcher or transporter of cows would have been jailed by now in Assam and yet mowing down number of innocent civilians in Nagaland, both the State Govt. of Nagaland and the Centre are soft peddling. It is the primary responsibility of the State Govt. to see

that such utter violation of Human Rights is never allowed in our land again in the guise of defending the country, and the violators are punished befittingly. In the midst of hysteric demand for the removal of AFSPA even to the extent of the emotive Nagaland Legislative Assembly Special Session’s resolution dated 2012.2021, it had to face a smack of the 6 months extension of the same law by the Union Home Ministry. The Home Ministry should have been more frank without camouflaging its intention by setting up of such Centre-State Committee as though its reports could be absorbed as the parameters. Duping the people of Nagaland and taking the leaders of the State for granted are but rubbing salt to the injury. Nevertheless, it is time for us to introspect ourselves too as to why we do not command respect in the country. We have lost our seniority status in NE due to retrogression. In the Index of corruption, we topped the list. Not an iota of regard for our Nagaland by the Centre is due to obvious reasons. Now, the NPCC President’s allegation since it is to be proved, and yet when he alleged that it was a game plan to upset the political solution which was strengthened by GB’s version, it sounds logical. Firstly, the then PDA had actively lobbied for the removal of the Interlocutor Mr. RN Ravi in support of NSCN(IM). Secondly, the turn of events post the Oting incident, the hue and cry against the AFSPA has indeed pushed the importance of the political solution to backburner and till date the political solution is superimposed by AFSPA. These developments have its share on the prospect of political solution. As of today, the Nagas have become quiet about political solution as if that is secondary to AFSPA. Though the allegation in question is to be proved, the sequence of events indeed effectively worked towards upsetting the political solution. Coming back to the core issue, besides the professional exploiters, in Naga society there are varied opinions on the Naga political solution. Certain section opines that such solution is contrary to our original aim for struggle and brands

it as a sell-out despite those being bereft of better option. Whereas, certain section considers the whole exercises to be a misnomer being ignorant of the objective of the end result. The other section has sectarian fear that there will be disparity in sharing the solution dividends as though the negotiators may fetch solution booty and thus the section objects to solution. And yet all these sectarians are but armed-chair dogmaticians. Whereas, much higher percentage of the Nagas indeed know the imperatives of the political solution and yet they prefer to remain neutral without being identified for the cause. This section is found to be people of ‘let it be.’ This is how the Nagas of Nagaland in particular have miserably failed to cohesively put our acts together in the interest of the ground reality. As observed, the major reasons that impeded our openheartedness and our fortitude is the timidity, the evasiveness, the farcicality, the selfishness for cupidity and our rejection of the truth knowingly Do the Nagas really believe that our future is better secured without solution? Is the existing situation in Nagaland in particular is better for us and for our posterity? God forbids. No solution means the Damocles’ Sword hangs above our head as for Nagaland. If not others, Nagaland in particular desperately needs political solution without any further delay and not to speak of thwarting it under any circumstances. Without political solution we get just political minus or political zero. As of now and at this rate we are indeed asking for political zero. Nagaland has been in ICU for too long requiring immediate healing. When we ignore this altar call, it will collapse. The procedure of healing Nagaland is simple: overcome the inhibitions, the fear and the double mindedness and uphold the truth, nothing but the TRUTH. Let us focus and gather our courage to call upon the GoI to fulfill its promise made to the Nagas by signing the agreement of the Naga Political Solution with whosoever Naga negotiator agrees to sign. No better chance may come or may never come. Z. Lohe

Youth: Useless or Used Less

12th January is the National Youth Day

ne of the common energy and what we need Swami Vivekananda as Na- intellect. The festival also matters in our soci- is mentoring them at the tional Youth Day every year wishes to fuel the minds of ety is youth issues. right time . The vision of which is on 12th January. millennials and build a post The issues may be positive NYP is to empower youth to The Government of India COVID template for the like young people engag- achieve their full potential, quoted that ‘the philosophy world that is led by the youth ing in constructive things and through them enable of Swamiji and the ideals for by crafting an Authentic or negative things like us- India to find its rightful which he lived and worked Indian Leadership strategy. ing drugs or creating dis- place in the community of could be a great source of The main challenge for turbances. With these we nations. For achieving this inspiration for the Indian us is whether youths are usecan realize and feel the im- vision, the Policy identifies Youth Day.’ less or used less. Sometimes portance of young people. five well-defined objectives This year, the Prime we may hear that youths are The definition of youth and 11 priority areas and Minister will be address- useless but that’s not correct may vary from country to suggests policy interventions ing and inaugurating the as youths need to get more country. According to the in each priority area. The five-day National Youth opportunity so that they get National Youth Policy of priority areas are education, Festival(NYF) on Jan 12, engagement. Youths have India (NYP), young persons skill development and em- 2022 which is being held at been used less for which we between 15 to 29 are termed ployment, entrepreneurship, Puducherry . NYF is be- are yet to see more innovaas youth. health and healthy lifestyle, ing held at Puducherry to tion and positive changes. If we look at the young sports, promotion of social celebrate the 159th birth an- The day is an opportunity people in between 15 to 29 values, community engage- niversary of spiritual leader to look at the energy of years then we shall find that ment, participation in poli- Swami Vivekananda. The youths and how youths can more than half are students tics and governance, youth festival aims to ignite, unit, transform the society for or recent graduates. There engagement, inclusion and motivate and activate the sustainable development. are young people in this age social justice. youth of India towards na- The pandemic has already group who start working or According to the last tion building. The festival brought many challenges become entrepreneurs. In census which was carried will be attended by youth in front of the youths. It is our lifetime this age is the out in 2011 India has 27.5 representing each and ev- the time to look at the best most productive as many per cent of the population ery district of the country. possible opportunity and things can be done. If the in between 15 to 29 years. By holding an immersive engage ourselves and prove force is used properly then There is no doubt that In- experience through the fes- that all young people are we can find social change dia is one of the youngest tival, the main objective is to capable of bringing positive and if youths are negatively nations in the world and unleash the true potential of changes. mentored then we shall see is expected to have a very our demographic dividend. Proper mentoring and more destructive activities. favourable demographic National Youth Sum- guidance is needed to enBeing associated with profile in the near future mit which is part of the gage youths for positive youth development activi- which is a great opportunity NYF will also provide a activities. There are govties , I have seen that more as well as a challenge. It was platform for Idea exchange ernment departments and people blame young people a decision of the Govern- with homegrown and global other agencies which are but the fact is that young ment of India taken in 1984 icons and experts to dissemi- working for the developpeople are a storehouse of to celebrate the birthday of nate knowledge and shaping ment of the youth. We must Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this

ensure that all youth irre- Goals and make a better for spective of caste or creed ourselves and for the future or geographical locations generation. should get the opportunity Ranjan K Baruah to excel. At the same time (The author is a recipient digital divide must not affect of National Youth Award youths negatively. Together in 2014 for his contribution we can do wonders and I to the society from Minisappeal to all youth to take try of Youth Affairs and up the challenge to bring Sports and can be reached positive transformation in at bkranjan@gmail.com for the society and achieve the any feedback) Sustainable Development

Reader’s Post

Use dipper at night

Sir,

As a regular reader, I came across some articles expressing opinions in this column about “Using dipper at night”. Today, almost every household owns a car or bike (be it SUVs or Maruti 800 or bike/scooter) where all drivers need lights to travel at night. It is observed that many Nagas drive at night without using dipper, which is dangerous for other drivers to be blinded by the lights that could promptly lead to accident. Using of dipper may not be advised to be used while driving in isolated areas where there are no other cars around, but driving in crowded roads, one must remember that others’ life could be at risk for not using dipper. One may not grab the advantage of driving SUVs and disregard another who is driving small cars or two wheelers; the roads belong to all and every driver must maintain the proper driving etiquettes to avoid accidents. Let us at least use dipper at night and respect one another irrespective of the cars we drive. Inabo, Chekiye village, Dimapur newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

UP polls: Parties struggle to One in every four tests positive in PM Modi likely to hold meeting maintain Covid SOPs at offices Delhi, deaths at eight-month high on Covid with CMs on Thursday

Amid rise in Covid cases, LS Speaker inspects Parl House Complex Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla on Tuesday inspected the Parliament House complex to take stock of the health safety measures and other preparations put in place in light of the recent spike in Covid-19 cases. Birla visited the Covid-19 testing facility set up in Parliament House Annexe for the Members of Parliament, officers and staff of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha Secretariats and reviewed the facilities and preparations there. He directed officials to immediately address any requirements of members and officials that were felt necessary. He also directed officials concerned to put in place all precautionary measures to check the spread and keep track of positive cases. He also interacted with doctors and other Corona warriors at the Medical

Centre and directed that all additional resources may be made available on priority. “Necessary arrangements for the 2022 Budget session of Parliament are being made in order to facilitate performance of the constitutional responsibilities of Members of Parliament,” Birla said. He directed officials to take special care of Members of Parliament above the age of 60 and attend to their requirements in a proactive manner. Birla said that the situation is under control and all steps are being taken to mitigate the impact of the pandemic. “It has been ensured that sanitation and other arrangements are in place at all places, as per official guidelines and SoPs,” he said. He also sought that adequate arrangements for Covid positive officers and employees of Parliament may also be made.

Doctors go on strike, Haryana enforces ESMA

An official statement said the government would create a special sub cadre for specialists who will be designated as consultant or senior consultants.

will be able to focus on their work which will definitely protect their interest, it said. Moreover, the specialist cadre doctors will now be posted in big and renowned hospitals, rather than in Primary Health Centres, which will ensure their swift promotions thereby nurturing their talent, it said. The decision will also be beneficial for patients as they will get the consultation of specialists and the doctors will be closely able to monitor and manage the working of the hospitals.

NEW DELHI, JAN 10 (PTI): The Supreme Court Monday restored its earlier order to extend the limitation period till February 28 for filing cases before judicial and quasi-judicial fora in view of the alarming surge in COVID-19 cases across the country. A special bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and Justices L Nageswara Rao and Surya Kant, which had agreed to extend the limitation period during the hearing, relaxed it in its order uploaded on apex court website late Monday night. The order said that the relaxation in the statutory time period has been given after “taking into consideration the arguments advanced by learned counsel and the impact of the surge of the virus on public health and adversities faced by litigants in the prevailing conditions”. “The order dated March 23, 2020 is restored and in continuation of the subsequent orders..., it is directed that the period

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NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (IANS): One in every four persons tested in Delhi was found to be Covid-19 positive as the infection rate climbed to 25.65 per cent in the city on Tuesday. As per the health department, the city had recorded a 26.36 per cent Covid infection rate on May 5. The city has also recorded 23 Covid deaths which is the highest in the last eight months, taking the death toll to 25,200. The city has recorded the highest deaths after June 13 when the same numbers of fatalities were recorded. Meanwhile, 21,159 fresh Covid cases report-

ed in the last 24 hours has pushed the tally to 15,90,155 in the city. The number of active Covid cases have jumped to 74,881, the highest since May 13. According to the Health Department, Delhi had recorded the highest 77,717 active Covid cases on May 13. With a 93.70 per cent Covid recovery rate, the active Covid cases rate in Delhi has gone up to 4.70 per cent while the death rate stands at 1.58 per cent. With 12,161 patients recovering in the last 24 hours, the total number of recoveries has gone up to 14,90,074. A total of

50,796 Covid patients are being treated in home isolation at present. The number of Covid containment zones has risen to 17,269. Meanwhile, a total of 82,884 new tests -- 61,060 RT-PCR and 21,824 Rapid Antigen -- were conducted in the last 24 hours, taking the total to 3,36,43,306. Out of 1,97,617 vaccines administered in the last 24 hours, 1,12,940 were first doses and 65, 819 second doses. The total number of cumulative beneficiaries vaccinated so far stands at 2,77,19,689 according to the health bulletin.

Covid: SC extends limitation period for filing cases Mandaviya meets doctors

K-68/22

CHANDIGARH, JAN 11 (IANS): Government doctors across Haryana went on strike on Tuesday over their demands and Health Minister Anil Vij subsequently enforced the Essential Services Maintenance Act (ESMA). Acceding to one of their key demands, Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar also pitched in by giving in-principle approval to the creation of specialist cadre post for MD or MS doctors. Also, the doctors will not be given any administrative work. An official statement said the government would create a special sub cadre for specialists who will be designated as consultant or senior consultants. Earlier, a doctor with MBBS qualification and MD/MS qualification used to be in the same cadre. However, with the creation of specialist cadre post, these doctors

Medics prepare to give medicines to Covid-19 infected children inside the Covid Care Centre of the Commonwealth Games (CWG) village, in New Delhi, Tuesday. (PTI)

Minimum Qualification M.A with B.Ed Grade V B.D (Preferably a trained counsellor)

from March 15, 2020 till February 28, 2022 shall stand excluded for the purposes of limitation as may be prescribed under any general or special laws in respect of all judicial or quasi judicial proceedings,” it said. The order also gave details of the statutory time periods which would now be available to the litigants for filing court cases. “It is further clarified that the period from March 15, 2020 till February 28, 2022 shall also stand excluded in computing the periods prescribed under Sections 23 (4) and 29A of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996, Section 12A of the Commercial Courts Act, 2015 and provisos (b) and (c) of Section 138 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 and any other laws, which prescribe period(s) of limitation for instituting proceedings, outer limits (within which the court or tribunal can condone delay) and termination of proceedings,” it said.

During hearing, the bench took note of the submissions of the Supreme Court Advocates On Record Association (SCAORA) that earlier orders relaxing the time period for filing cases, including replies, be extended to ensure that litigants do not suffer the consequences for not filing them within statutorilymandated time period. “This application has been filed by the SCAORA seeking restoration of March 8, 2020 and April 27, 2021 orders in wake of the present situation of the pandemic. Over 1.79 lakh COVID cases have been reported yesterday and 147 people have died of it. “There were 22,751 COVID cases in Delhi alone. Seventeen COVID deaths have been reported from Delhi...The request is to kindly extend the limitation,” said Shivaji Jadhav, the president of SCAORA. Attorney General K K Venugopal supported the plea and urged the bench to accept it saying the time extension of limitation pe-

riod had ended on October 2 last year and can be extended after that date. “We are accepting,” the bench said, adding that a formal order would be passed in the matter. Earlier, the apex court had agreed to hear the pleas for restoration of relaxation of the limitation period for filing court cases in view of the alarming surge in COVID-19 cases. The SCAORA, in its plea, has urged that the March 23, 2020 and April 27, 2021 rulings by which the orders extending statutory limitation were put in abeyance be restored. “There has been a sudden and drastic change in the situation with regard to the pandemic as a new variant, more particularly Omicron has seen a drastic surge... considering the alarming rate at which there is a rise in the mortality rate due to Covid and also the rise in new cases, it becomes necessary to restore the relaxation with regard to the period of limitation,” the plea said.

across country virtually

Mansukh Mandaviya NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (PTI): Union Health Minister Mansukh Mandaviya interacted with specialist doctors from across the country to discuss the COVID-19 situation virtually on Tuesday and listened to their suggestions. “Discussed with 120 expert doctors from across the country regarding the current COVID-19 situation through VC. Listened to their suggestions and gave related instructions. “I believe that we all will work together to fight against Corona,” he said in a tweet in Hindi. India on Tuesday reported 1,68,063 fresh COVID -19 infections. The mas-

sive single-day hike took the the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,58,75,790, while the active cases increased to 8,21,446 -- the highest in around 208 day according to the Union Health Ministry data. Mandaviya on Monday had virtually interacted with state health ministers, top bureaucrats, and information commissioners of Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, Gujarat, Goa, Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu to review the public health preparedness to contain the spread of COVID-19 and progress of national vaccination campaign.

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Narendra Modi

tion drive for adolescents in mission mode. The precaution vaccination drive for healthcare and frontline workers besides those over 60 years of age with comorbidities has also started. Vaccination remains among the most effective means to fight Covid, Modi had said. The prime minister has held numerous meetings with chief ministers to spearhead India’s response to the disease since its outbreak in 2020.

the Covid protocol is being strictly followed. “The visitors who are coming to the office are being thermally screened at the entrance and their details taken. They are sanitised and allowed to enter the office premises only if they are wearing a mask. Inside the office, social distancing is also observed,” spokesperson Abhay Singh said. BJP’s Uttar Pradesh in-charge Radha Mohan Singh has tested positive for coronavirus --- after Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and party president J P Nadda, who had been touring the state extensively, too were found infected. Not much crowd was visible at the Congress office on Tuesday. UP Congress spokesperson Ashok Singh said the Covid protocol is being observed and only people wearing masks are being allowed to enter. Rashtriya Lok Dal spokesperson Rohit Agarwal also claimed that the Covid protocol is being strictly followed at the party office in Lucknow and party leaders will follow Election Commission guidelines while campaigning. On Monday, the state reported 8,334 new Covid cases, including four deaths. Nearly 23,000 people have died due to Covid in the state since the pandemic began.

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NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to hold a meeting with chief ministers over the COVID-19 situation on Thursday as the number of virus infections sees a surge due to its Omicron variant. Fresh curbs have been imposed in various parts of the country to check the spread of the highly transmissible virus. Reviewing the Covid situation at a high-level meeting on Sunday, Modi

LU C K N OW, J A N 1 1 (PTI): Though the Election Commission has banned poll rallies till January 15, the surge in Covid cases in Uttar Pradesh has failed to dampen the spirits of ticketseekers and their supporters at the offices of major political parties. The roads leading to the Samajwadi Party office at Vikramaditya Marg were nearly choked on Tuesday with SUVs of leaders and their supporters parked haphazardly on both sides. The road outside Janeshwar Mishra Trust, which is linked to the SP office and used by party president Akhilesh Yadav to meet leaders, was similarly jammed. A local shopkeeper said it is the same scene at the SP office every day. Though there are instructions to party workers to use masks and practise social distancing, few in the crowd seemed to be taking precautions. “There is an arrangement for hand sanitiser and instructions to maintain protocol. But when the gate is opened for workers, it is difficult to maintain it. Every second day there is someone joining the party and the leaders’ supporters enter the office in large numbers,” an SP leader said. The scene was no better at the Bharatiya Janata Party office here, though office-bearers claim

Government to be single largest shareholder in VI

NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (PTI): Debt-ridden Vodafone Idea (VIL) has decided to opt for converting about Rs 16,000 crore interest dues liability payable to the government into equity which will amount to around 35.8 per cent stake in the company, as per a regulatory filing of the telecom firm. If the plan goes through, the government will become the biggest shareholder in the company which is reeling under a debt burden of about Rs 1.95 lakh crore. “...the board of directors, at its meeting held on 10th January 2022, has approved the conversion of the full amount of such interest related to spectrum auction instalments and AGR dues into equity. The Net Present Value (NPV) of this interest is expected to be about Rs 16,000 crore as per the company’s best estimates, subject to confirmation by

the DoT,” Vodafone Idea said in a regulatory filing. The government has given telecom operators an option of paying interest for the 4 years of deferment on the deferred spectrum instalments and AGR dues by way of conversion into equity of the NPV of such interest amount. The company’s total gross debt, excluding lease liabilities and including interest accrued but not due, as of September 30, 2021 stood at Rs 1,94,780 crore. The amount comprises deferred spectrum payment obligations of Rs 1,08,610 crore, AGR liability of Rs 63,400 crore that are due to the government and debt from banks and financial

institutions of Rs 22,770 crore. VIL said that since the average price of the company’s shares at the relevant date of August 14,2021 was below par value, the equity shares will be issued to the government at par value of Rs 10 per share, subject to final confirmation by the DoT. “The conversion will therefore result in dilution to all the existing shareholders of the company, including the Promoters. Following conversion, it is expected that the government will hold around 35.8 per cent of the total outstanding shares of the company, and that the Promoter shareholders would hold around 28.5 per cent (Vodafone Group) and around 17.8 per cent (Aditya Birla Group), respectively,” the filing said. Shares of VIL were trading at Rs 12.55 apiece, down by 15.49 per cent on the BSE.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

BUSINESS/STATE

IT returns deadline extended to March 15

NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (AGENCIES): Centre has extended the deadline for filing income tax returns to March 15, according to a notification issued by the department of revenue of the finance ministry. The last date for filing returns was December 31, 2021. The deadline has been extended due to difficulties being faced by the taxpayers because of the prevailing Coronavirus situation, the notification said, adding that it has also been done due to problems being faced while e-filing of various audit reports under the provisions of the Income Tax Act 1961. “The due date for furnishing of Return of Income for the Assessment Year 2021-22, which was 30th November 2021 under subsection (1) of section 139 of the Act, as extended to 31st December 2021 and 28th February 2022... is further extended to 15th March, 2022,” the noti-fication issued by the finance ministry said. Apart from Income

Tax Returns, the due date for filing of various audit reports has also been extended by the Ministry of Finance’s Central Board of Direct Taxes. The new deadline is February 15, 2022. In addition to this, the government has also extended the deadline for filing various audit re-ports. These can now be filed till February 15, 2022.Interestingly the extension of deadline has come after Revenue secretary Tarun Bajaj had said on December 31, 2021 that there was no proposal to extend the income tax return filing dead-line any further. Government earlier had already extended the return filing deadline from the original July 31, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Though crores of returns have been filed, taxpayers have faced technical problems due to the new e-filing portal of the income tax department, which also forced finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman to intervene in the matter and take it up with the site’s vendor Infosys.

AFSPA repeal: 2-day Walkathon ends... (From p-1) She said the gathering was there to represent every organisation, every family and every death that had happened in “our” land. In his speech, Eastern Nagaland People’s Union Dimapur (ENPUD) vicepresident T Sepipa Sangtam thanked everyone who participated and supported the walkathon. He urged the people to be united in the fight by showing the same unity displayed during the walkathon. H e ex p r e s s e d o p timism that such unity among the people would definitely help in withdrawal of AFSPA from the State and the entire Northeast. While thanking Nagaland Legislative Assembly for passing a resolution to repeal AFSPA, he urged the Centre to follow suit and withdraw the draconian Act. Konyak Union Dimapur (KUD) president N Mosa Konyak, in a short speech, said the battle against the draconian Act had only just begun.

He urged the people to have patience and be persistent in their demand for justice and pres-surise the government to meet their demands. He thanked everyone who came forward responding to the call and also the coordinators of the walkathon. Walkathon coordinator Kevitho Kera, who too addressing the gathering, remarked that even though Nagas were a race of warriors, they had left their daos behind to pursue a non-violent way to demand justice. “This is a true example of Christianity and what Jesus Christ had taught His followers to be and we have displayed it in the best way possible,” he added. Lauding the gathering, he said everyone who walked from Dimapur to Kohima was a leader, noting that the public had taken up their true role as leaders. He asked if the Centre would respond to Nagas non-violent movement with tanks and fighter jets.

Referring to the democratic principles on which India as a nation was based, Kera said the founding fathers of the country must be turning in their graves with embarrassment because of such a draconian Act like AFSPA. He also read out the memorandum that was submitted to the Prime Minister through the gov-ernor. Covering more than 75 km from Dimapur to Kohima, the walkathon that began with over 200 participants swelled to over a thousand as it reached Raj Bhavan. After camping at Piphema village on Monday night, the participants resumed the march at 6 am on Tuesday. Various organisations, villages and colonies in and around the State Capital greeted the par-ticipants along the way as they arrived here. Angami Woman Organization and Jotsoma village served lunch to the participants while vil-lages along the highway provided refreshments.

Businesses prepared to take on wave 3.0; mild impact expected Indian economy to see 9.5 % growth this fiscal, says Arvind Virmani

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Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are critical for inclusive growth, he said that modern MSMEs should have full opportunity to compete with the corporate sector. Virmani noted that COVID-19 pandemic hit economic recovery and pushed for tax reforms. GST council seems focused on short-term revenue maximization, he said.

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FirSt driving inStitute admission Going on

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has lowered the growth projection for the current financial year to 9.5%, while the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected a growth of 9.5% in 2021, and 8.5% in the next year. The eminent economist said that India’s GDP growth is now positive, but job growth is lagging. Stressing that Micro

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NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (PTI): The Indian economy is likely to register a growth of 9.5% in this financial year, former chief economic adviser Arvind Virmani said on Tuesday. Addressing a virtual event organised by industry body PHDCCI, Virmani said that government expenditure and exports have peaked, but so far private consumption has not recovered due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “The current financial year’s growth will be higher and close to 9.5%. And this decade’s (FY21-FY30) average growth will be 7.5% plus minus 0.5 %,” he said. According to the recent government data, the Indian economy is estimated to grow at 9.2% in 2021-22, as against 7.3% contraction in 2020-21.

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coupled with administering of a ‘precautionary dose’ for frontline workers and senior citizens should blunt any further impact. “While the Omicronled uncertainty adds risk to Q4FY22 growth, we note the impact would likely be mild giving limited restrictions and high vaccination rates,” said Madhavi Arora, Lead Economist, Emkay Global. In addition, Aditi Nayar, Chief Economist, ICRA said: “Our early analysis suggests that the impact of an Omicron wave may be limited to one quarter in terms of the duration of the surge in fresh cases, as well as the economic impact given the better preparedness of governments, the health care system and households. However, there continues to be a lot of uncertainty around this.

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Su doku

FY22, we hold on to our growth estimate of 10 per cent with moderate downside risks.” As per average industry estimates, GDP growth in Q4FY22 is expected to come in at 5.5-5.8 per cent year-on-year (YoY). Earlier, estimates had pegged the growth at over 6 per cent. “The current wave will induce a slowdown in economic activity. This will inturn impact the Q4FY22 growth. However, less disruptive restrictions as well as past experience to deal with these type of surges will provide a faster turnaround opportunity for the economy,” said Sunil Kumar Sinha, Principal Economist, India Ratings. “Nevertheless, both fiscal and monetary policy support will be required at least for the foreseeable future.” Furthermore, the healthy rate of vaccinations

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Crossword

ence has shown that every successive Covid wave has had a weaker impact on the economy... Healthy vaccination coverage and learning to live with the virus have led to progressively lessstringent lockdowns.” Deshpande fur ther cited that in the base case scenario, the impact of Omicron is unlikely to be very damaging on economic growth. Suman Chowdhury, Chief Analytical Officer, Acuite Ratings and Research, said: “We believe that the economic impact of the third wave will be relatively lower as compared to the previous surges going by the current data on hospitalisation and mortalities which will hopefully translate into lesser risk of large scale and prolonged lockdowns. “For the whole of

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mature” response to deal with the current wave. A smooth transition has been seen with offices shifting back to work-from-home mode, alongside uninterrupted supply chains. Even market associations have imposed a “no mask no sale” policy. Consequently, economy watchers believe the impact on the country’s economic growth due to the current wave will be “mild”. “Even as the Indian economy has rebounded faster than expected post the second wave, the emergence of Omicron has added a fresh dose of uncertainty on Q4 as well as to the next year’s outlook,” said Dipti Deshpande, Principal Economist, Crisil. “While the world is still learning about this variant’s ability to dodge vaccines and cause severe disease, experi-

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NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (IANS): India Inc is ready to take on the third Covid wave with operational experience gained during the last twoyears of pandemic. Accordingly, the rising cases of Covid-19 as well as subsequent mobility curbs will have a ‘relatively mild’ impact on India’s economy in comparison to earlier waves.On the other hand, the bounce back powered by the pent-up demand will be strong. Lately, the covid resurgence have led to various curbs instituted by state governments such as reduced capacity of markets, night and weekend curfews to check the infection transmission rate.However, the curbs seen till now are less disruptive than Covid 1.0 and 2.0 due to the mildness of the disease. Besides, businesses have shown “a

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INTERNATIONAL

CONFIRMS COMMANDER-LEVEL TALKS ON JANUARY 12

Too soon to treat COVID-19 like flu as Omicron spreads: WHO

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

Situation on Sino-India border ‘stable’: China

European Parl Prez David Sassoli dies at 65

David Sassoli

ROME, JAN 11 (AP): European Parliament President David Sassoli has died at a hospital in Italy, his spokesman said in a tweet Tuesday. No details were offered in the tweet by spokesman Roberto Cuillo beyond Sassoli’s death at 1:15 a.m. Tuesday in Aviano, a city in northeastern Italy. Sassoli had been hospitalised since Dec. 26 due to abnormal functioning of his immune system, Cuillo said in a statement released the day before Sassoli’s death. Sassoli, 65, was first elected at the European Parliament in 2009. He won another term in 2014 and served as the Parliament’s VP. He had decided not to run for reelection when lawmakers vote to appoint their new president later this month.

Wang Wenbin

both sides, China and India on January 12th will hold the 14th Commander level meeting on the Chinese side of the Maldo meeting site”. “Currently, the situation on the border areas is stable on the whole and the two sides are in dialogue and communication through diplomatic and military channels,” he said.

Wa n g s a i d C h i n a hopes that India will help the situation move from an emergency mode to a regular daily based management phase. According to the sources in New Delhi, the ‘Senior Highest Military Commander Level’ talks between India and China will take place on January 12 at the Chushul-Moldo

meeting point, on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. India is looking forward to “constructive” dialogue with China to resolve issues in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh, they said, adding that major focus of the talks will be on disengagement in the Hot Springs area. The Indian side is expected to press for disengagement as soon as possible in all the remaining friction points including resolution of issues in Depsang Bulge and Demchok. The 13th round of military talks took place on October 10, 2021 and they ended in a stalemate. Both sides failed to make any headway in the talks with the Indian Army saying after the dialogue that the “constructive suggestions” made by it were neither agreeable to the Chinese side nor it could

provide any “forward-looking” proposals. In their virtual diplomatic talks on November 18, India and China agreed to hold the 14th round of military talks at an early date to achieve the objective of complete disengagement in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh. The eastern Ladakh border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year in the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector.

Medical staff members treat patients inside the coronavirus ward in Warsaw, November 8, 2021. (Reuters)

cron is affecting the upper respiratory tract more than the lungs, causing milder symptoms than previous variants. But the WHO has cautioned more studies are still needed to prove this. On Monday, Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said it may be time to change how it tracks COVID-19’s evolution to instead use a method similar to flu, because its lethality has fallen. That would imply treating the virus as an endemic illness, rather than a pandemic, without recording every case and without

testing all people presenting symptoms. But that is “a way off ”, WHO’s senior emergency officer for Europe, Catherine Smallwood, said at the briefing, adding that endemicity requires a stable and predictable transmission. “We still have a huge amount of uncertainty and a virus that is evolving quite quickly, imposing new challenges. We are certainly not at the point where we are able to call it endemic,” Smallwood said. “It may become endemic in due course, but pinning that down to 2022 is a little bit difficult at this stage.”

There cannot be any excuse Taiwan suspends F-16 trg missions after jet crashes for act of terrorism, says India

UNITED NATIONS, JAN 11 (PTI): India has said that countries need to be careful about providing excuses for terrorist acts since there cannot be any excuse for terrorism and must not divide themselves on combating one of the biggest challenges facing humanity. India is currently the Chair of the UN Security Council Counter-terrorism Committee for the year 2022. “India will chair the Counter-Terrorism Committee this year. It is significant since counter-terrorism is one of our key priorities in the Security Council and we will be chairing the Committee in the 75th year of our independence,” India’s Permanent Representative to the UN Ambassador T S Tirumurti told PTI on Monday. India is currently a non-permanent member of the 15-nation Security Council and its two-year term will end December 31, 2022, the month India will also preside over the power-

T S Tirumurti

ful UN body for the second time in its tenure. India was Security Council President in August 2021. Tirumurti is the new Chair of the Counter-Terrorism Committee for this year. The Counter-Terrorism Committee was established in 2001 in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks. UNSC Resolution 1373 (2001) had established the Counter-Terrorism Committee as a subsidiary body of the Council. Tirumurti said the Security Council has recog-

nised terrorism as one of the biggest challenges facing humanity. “We have been consistently highlighting the importance of remaining united against terrorism in all its forms and manifestation, and have guarded against diluting our shared commitments,” he said adding that before the 9/11 terror attacks in the US and before the Counter-Terrorism Committee was set up, the world was divided into “my terrorist” and “your terrorist”.

TAIPEI, JAN 11 (AGENCIES): Taiwan’s air force on Tuesday suspended combat training for its F-16 fleet after a recently upgraded model of the fighter jet crashed into the sea in the latest of a series of accidents. The defence ministry said the F-16V, the most advanced type in Taiwan’s fleet, went missing from radar screens after taking off from the Chiayi air base in southern Taiwan for a training mission over a coastal firing range. President Tsai Ingwen issued instructions to spare no efforts in the search and rescue mission and “to further clarify the cause of the accident”, her spokesman said. The gover nment’s Rescue Command Centre said witnesses had seen the aircraft crash into the sea and helicopters and ships were searching for the pilot. Air Force InspectorGeneral Liu Hui-chien said the aircraft had only recently been upgraded

US concerned by China’s attempt to Aung Suu Kyi sentenced ‘intimidate’ neighbours: White House to four more years in jail

WASHINGTON, JAN 11 (PTI): The US is concerned by China’s attempt to “intimidate” its neighbours, including India, as Washington believes that Beijing’s behaviour in the region and around the world could be “destabilising”, the White House has said, asserting that America will continue to stand with its partners. The remarks of White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki came ahead of the 14th round of military-level talks between India and China on the 20-month row in eastern Ladakh. Asked about China’s aggressive behaviour on its border with India and if the topic came during America’s talks with China or Washington sending any message to Beijing on this, Psaki, during her daily news conference on Monday, said that the US continues to closely monitor the situation along the India-China border. “We continue to support dialogue and peaceful resolution of these border disputes,” she said. “We’ve been pretty clear how we view Beijing’s behaviour in the region and around the world. We believe it can be destabilising. And we’re concerned by the People’s Republic of China’s attempt to intimidate its neighbours. “We’ll continue to stand with our partners on that,” Psaki

COPENHAGEN, JAN 11 (AGENCIES): The Omicron variant of COVID-19 is on track to infect more than half of Europeans, but it should not yet be seen as a flu-like endemic illness, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday. Europe saw more than 7 million newly-reported cases in the first week of 2022, more than doubling over a two-week period, WHO’s Europe director Hans Kluge told a news briefing. “At this rate, the Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation forecasts that more than 50% of the population in the region will be infected with Omicron in the next 6-8 weeks,” Kluge said, referring to a research centre at the University of Washington. Fifty out of 53 countries in Europe and central Asia have logged cases of the more infectious variant, Kluge said. Evidence, however, is emerging that Omi-

Jen Psaki

asserted. According to sources in the security establishment in New Delhi, the ‘Senior Highest Military Commander Level’ talks between India and China will take place on January 12 at the Chushul-Moldo meeting point, on the Chinese side of the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. India is looking forward to “constructive” dialogue with China to resolve issues in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh, they said, adding that major focus of the talks will be on disengagement in the Hot Springs area. The Indian side is expected to press for disengagement as soon as possible in all the remaining friction points including resolution of issues in Depsang Bulge and Demchok. The 13th round of talks had taken place on October 10, 2021 and they ended in a stalemate. Both sides failed to

make any headway in the talks with the Indian Army saying after the dialogue that the “constructive suggestions” made by it were neither agreeable to the Chinese side nor it could provide any “forwardlooking” proposals. In their virtual diplomatic talks on November 18, India and China agreed to hold the 14th round of military talks at an early date to achieve the objective of complete disengagement in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh. The eastern Ladakh border standoff between the Indian and Chinese militaries erupted on May 5, 2020, following a violent clash in the Pangong lake areas. As a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks, the two sides completed the disengagement process last year in the north and south banks of the Pangong lake and in the Gogra area. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the sensitive sector. India, the US and several other world powers have been talking about the need to ensure a free, open and thriving Indo-Pacific in the backdrop of China’s rising military manoeuvring in the resource-rich region.

Aung San Suu Kyi

NAY PYI TAW, JAN 11 (IANS): Aung San Suu Kyi, the former de facto leader of Myanmar who was ousted during the February 1, 2021 military coup, has been sentenced to four more years in prison after her first conviction last month during which she was given a reduced term of two years. According to a report in the BBC, Monday’s convictions stem from when soldiers searched her house on the day of the coup and discovered walkie-talkies. Monday’s trial which took place here was closed to the media and Suu Kyi’s lawyers have been barred from communicating with the media and public. Last month, Suu Kyi and deposed President Win Myint were initially sentenced to four years in prison after they were found guilty on charges of “inciting dissent and breaking Covid rules” under thr Natural Disaster Management Law.

Both their prison terms were later halved to two years. Suu Kyi, the 76-yearold former State Councillor, faces a total of 11 charges, such as violating the Official Secrets Act. She has denied them all. If convicted of all the charges, the Nobel laureate could spend the rest of her life behind bars. Following the coup which toppled her National League for Democracy (NLD) government, she has been under house arrest in an undisclosed location. The coup was staged after the military alleged massive voting fraud in the November 2020 general elections, which saw the NLD win a majority of seats in both houses of Parliament. Reacting to Monday’s sentencing, Human Rights Watch said the proceedings were “courtroom circus of secret proceedings on bogus charges... so that (Suu Kyi) will remain in prison indefinitely”, the BBC reported.

12 F-16V fighter jets perform an elephant walk during an annual New Year’s drill in Chiayi, Taiwan, January 5, 2022. (Reuters)

to the “V” version, with new weapons systems and avionics. Combat training for the F-16 fleet has now been suspended, he added. In late 2020, an F-16 vanished shortly after taking off from the Hualien air base on Taiwan’s east coast on a routine training mission. Last year, two F-5E fighters, which first

entered service in Taiwan in the 1970s, crashed into the sea off the southeast coast after they apparently collided in mid-air during a training mission. While Taiwan’s air force is well trained, it has strained from repeatedly scrambling to see off Chinese military aircraft in the past two years, though the accidents have not been

linked in any way to these intercept activities. China, which claims the democratic island as its own, has been routinely sending aircraft into Taiwan’s air defence zone, mostly in an area around the Taiwan-controlled Pratas Islands but sometimes also into the airspace between Taiwan and the Philippines.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the Ura Villa Colony Council Ward 20 Dimapur would like to express our heartiest gratitude to all who stood with us when the fire broke out and burnt down 273 households properties on 22nd Dec. 2021. We regret our inability to mention each and every individuals who gave their best in financially, materially and prayer however it is our sincere prayer that God bless them abundantly. Here is our special thanks to some organizations, churches and individuals : 1. Fire Brigade Dimapur 24. Circuit House Colony Council 25. Imkonglenden Colony Council Cash Donors 26. Ghokiye Achumi, Nihoto Village Amount Rs. 5000 & above 27. Rongsentemjen Longkumer 1. District Disaster Management 28. Theja Aleno Authority Dimapur 29. Vijay Kr. Sahu & family 2. District Administration Dimapur 30. Sanjit and Atu 3. Sumi Baptist Church, 31. Ghovishe Kiba Purana Bazaar. 32. Y. Zhimo Colony Council 4. Seitheke Basa Baptist Church, MATERIAL DONORS Chumoukedima 1. Jonathan Yepthomi 5. Rengma Baptist Church, 2. Dimapur Municipal Council Khermahal 3. Indian Red Cross Society Dimapur 6. MLA, Moatoshi Longkumer 4. Chakhesang Baptist Church Dimapur A/C II Dimapur (Youth department) 7. Lanuchuba 5. Chakhesang Baptist Church 8. Niilo Semp Dimapur 9. Pito Sema, Techno Construction 6. Malaria Team - Mosquito net 10. East Dimapur Ao Baptist Church 7. Kakit Futsal Ura Villa 11. Medono Kense 12. Ura Villa Nagamese Baptist Church 8. 24x7 Dimapur NGO cum Social Media 13. Rongmei Baptist Church Burma 9. New Life Nagaland Super Market Camp 10. Nagaland Bhojpuri Samaj Dimapur 14. Atokhe Aye, ADC Dimapur 11. Lion Club Dimapur 15. Kedichatuo Kense Delhi 12. Final Harvest Church Naharbari 16. Imkongnukshi Atsibu 13. Hindi Bethel Church Dimapur 17. Ao Senso Telongjem Dimapur 14. Development Association of 18. Dr. Nilomi Kiba, Chekiye Village Nagaland Chekiye Village 19. Sangtam Students' Union (Catholic Church) 20. Michael Tetso 21. Crossway Church Central Colony 15. Bethesda Ministry (BHSS) Walford Colony Welfare 16. Khekato Kinimi (NSCN R) 22. Kilangchuba Finance Kilonser 23. Kughaho Yeptho, 17. Matri Foundation. Kilonser (NSCN IM) VESHEZO CHUZHO Vice Chairman

PONGLI SANGTAM General Secretary

TEMSU LONGCHAR Chairman

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BEIJING, JAN 11 (PTI): China said on Tuesday that the current situation on the border areas with India was “stable” as it confirmed that the 14th round of Corps Commander-level talks to discuss the disengagement process in the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh will be held on Wednesday. The remarks by Chinese Foreign Ministr y spokesman Wang Wenbin came a day after sources in the security establishment in New Delhi said that India is looking forward to “constructive” dialogue with China to resolve issues in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh, ahead of the 14th round of military talks between the two sides on the 20-month row. Asked whether China can confirm the meeting and its expectations, Wang, during a media briefing here, said: “As agreed by

INFOTAINMENT

Third Covid wave in India: Omicron or Delta? W hile the recent surge in Covid cases seen in India is largely due to Omicron, it does not mean that Delta has weakened, exper ts contended on Tuesday. India on Tuesday recorded 1,68,063 new Covid cases, taking the total tally to 8,21,446. Although the fresh infections were 6.4 per cent less than Monday when the country logged 1,79,723, the weekly positivity rate has climbed to 8.85 per cent and the daily positivity rate has declined to 10.64 per cent. On the other hand, 4,461 Omicron cases were recorded from 28 states. So can we say this is an Omicron wave? While it is relatively easy to test for Covid-19 through a RT-PCR or RAT test, figuring out which variant is responsible requires genome sequencing. Data sent to the open access GISAID genomic surveillance showed that more than 30 per cent of the sequenced samples from India were Omicron during the month of December.

Health experts noted that going by the trend, the majority of the positive cases are likely to be Omicron but confirmation is pending. “Currently we can sequence only a small fraction of daily cases, so the question is what percentage of those viruses that are sequenced turn out to be Omicron. That’s how we know that we are in an Omicron wave, since most of the sequences have turned out to be those of Omicron,” Gautam I. Menon, Professor at Departments of Physics and Biology, Ashoka University, told IANS. Global data, particularly from South Africa, the UK and the US show that over time as new variants emerge, the one which has better transmissibility

and immune evasion takes over the preceding variant. “The same happened with Omicron which is now causing more than 90 per cent of new cases in the US and the UK, India is soon set to follow suit,” Dr Dipu T.S., Associate Professor, Division of Infectious Diseases Amrita Hospital, Kochi, told IANS. “This just means that there is a variant with better survival advantage and immune evasion ability compared to the previous variant i.e. Delta. But it doesn’t mean that Delta has become weak, rather it gave way to a better evolved variant in time,” he said. However, Menon disagreed, saying: “Because Omicron is much more transmissible than Delta,

it has effectively displaced Delta while spreading. Delta was largely on the decline in the country anyway, so this was not a surprise.” Further, the health experts said the surge in cases may also be reinfections, or breakthrough infections as seen in other countries. A recent study showed that the risk of reinfection with Omicron is 5.4 times greater than Delta. So far, nearly all reinfections have been among people who originally caught another strain of the SARS-CoV-2 virus and there is no evidence yet been found of anyone being infected twice by Omicron itself. It was “too early” for people infected with Omicron to have cleared the virus and then caught it again, Kingston Mills, Professor of Experimental Immunology at Trinity College Dublin, was quoted as saying to Financial Times. It may be clear in six months’ time, he said. Moreover, the Omicron variant is also known to be able to evade prior immunity. While vaccines

can effectively prevent hospitalisation and death due to Covid, they are less effective in preventing infections. “With luck, the severity of this wave will be less than that of the previous wave, mainly because vaccination levels are high and many were infected in the previous Delta wave. But whether there will be a surge in cases which the health system cannot cope with remains to be seen and this is the main worry at the moment,” Menon said. Several modelling studies, include from IITKanpur, show that India will soon see a peak in Covid cases by end of January. “We believe that the peak in cases in the metros of India should come between January 20 and February 10. The rest of India may see later peaks, but it is unlikely that we will continue to see substantial numbers of cases by March. That will mean an end to this wave, but there may be more surprises in store for us,” Menon said. (IANS)

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 12, 2022

Rolling Stones honoured with Royal Mail stamps

he Rolling Stones are being honoured on new British stamps, with a dedicated set featuring their performances worldwide as the legendary rock band marks their 60th anniversary this year. Britain’s Royal Mail (RMG.L) said on Tuesday it will issue a special set of 12 stamps “as a tribute to one of the most enduring rock groups of all time”. Eight stamps feature pictures of lead singer Mick Jagger, guitarists Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood and late drummer Charlie Watts performing at different concerts around the world: from London’s Hyde Park in July 1969 to East Rutherford, New Jersey in August 2019.

The other four stamps are presented in a miniature sheet and feature two images of the band all together, and two of posters for their global tours. Watts died last year, aged 80. “Few bands in the history of rock have managed to carve out a career as rich and expansive as that of the Rolling Stones,” David Gold, Director of Public Affairs & Policy at Royal Mail, said in a statement. “They have created some of modern music’s most iconic and inspirational albums, with groundbreaking live performances to match.” Formed in 1962, the Rolling Stones are one of the world’s most successful

and long-lived rock bands, selling an estimated more than 240 million records worldwide and picking up numerous awards, including three Grammys, along the way. Their Stones’ oeuvre, rooted in American blues and rhythm and blues, has yielded hits like “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction” and “Sympathy for the Devil” from their peak 1960s and 70s era but also curios like the reggae-infused track “Send It To Me”, apparently about a lonely man looking for a mail-order bride. They are the fourth music group to have a dedicated Royal Mail stamp issue, following in the footsteps of The Beatles, Pink Floyd and Queen. (Reuters)

‘Flurona,’ when COVID meets the Flu Actress Betty White died of stroke suffered 6 days earlier

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cases have been reported in various parts of the United States, including Houston, Florida and Los Angeles.

Still uncommon

For the time being, coinfection with COVID-19 and influenza is rare, and it will likely remain that way if flu activity continues to be suppressed. During the past two years, the United States and much of the rest of the world have experienced historically low influenza levels. The flu seemed to be kept at bay by all the COVID precautions used during the pandemic, such as lockdowns, masking and social distancing. “All of those things that you’re doing to prevent yourself from getting COVID are probably the same things you can do to prevent flu as well,” Messina said. As social distancing measures relaxed in the fall of 2021, many experts feared the flu season would return with a vengeance, considering that flu vaccinations were down and

the general population had reduced immunity to the virus. While the flu season has so far been less severe than many feared, that could quickly and easily change. “In most years, we typically see flu peak kind of anywhere between November, December, and into January and February, so I don’t think that we can say yet how bad the flu season is going to be,” Messina said. “It still could get worse.” Which illness is known as a viral upper

respiratory tract infection? Flurona will likely become a more common occurrence if it does, said Dr. Soniya Gandhi, infectious disease specialist and associate chief medical officer at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. “If we start to see a lot more flu in the community, it’s possible that we could start to see co-infections if COVID is still very widespread,” Gandhi said. But some flurona cases may fly under the radar. As respiratory viruses, COVID-19 and influenza tend to cause similar symptoms. It would be challenging to know that you have a co-infection without being tested for both, and a health care provider typically conducts flu tests. Patients with a mild COVID-19 infection who aren’t admitted to a hospital may never find out if they had a case of flurona.

Betty White damage. According to the document, issued by the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, the stroke occurred six days

prior to White’s death. The health agency and the county Registrar-Recorder/ County Clerk’s office, where vital records are kept, both declined to comment. Jeff Witjas, White’s longtime agent, said in a statement: “Betty passed in her sleep peacefully without pain. To me this is the most important thing and brings me comfort as her dear friend. Anything else is private to Betty.” TMZ cited unnamed sources as saying White had remained alert and coherent following her stroke, before

dying in her sleep at home. White, who remained a pop culture phenomenon well into her 90s, long after Emmy-winning roles on television sitcoms “The Golden Girls” and “The Mary Tyler Moore Show,” died on Dec. 31 less than three weeks shy of her 100th birthday. Playing on her eminent likability and slightly naughty wit as America’s geriatric sweetheart, White was still starring in a television comedy, “Hot in Cleveland,” at age 92 until it was cancelled in late 2014. (Reuters)

(By Serena McNiff HealthDay Reporter)

Felicitation With immense pride and joy, we, the Ashu Ghusuna Igha Swu tilimi extend our heartiest congratulations to Dr. James Inaho Swu, S/o Late Rev. Inaho Swu & Mrs. Kanili. I. Swu, the great grand son of Ghusuna Igha Swu, one of the first Sumi converts to Christianity, on receiving the Doctorate of Theology (D.Th) on the Topic “Phychosocial well being of Women experiencing Domestic Violence in Nagaland: Implication for Pastoral Care and Counselling” from United Theological College, Bangalore under the Senate of Serampore College University. As we celebrate your accomplishment and achievement we pray that our Almighty God grant you Divine Wisdom and use Mightily for the extension of His kingdom. Ashu Ghusuna Tilimi

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t’s a COVID phenomenon that had, until now, gone relatively unnoticed: You can be infected with COVID-19 and the flu at the same time. Thanks to the internet, it even has a name -- “flurona.” And it will likely happen much more often this particular winter, as the flu season kicks into gear and the highly contagious Omicron variant continues to surge. While the idea of battling both the flu and COVID-19 might sound terrifying, the same measures used to prevent the spread of COVID-19 also work against the flu, including masking and social distancing. And crucially, there are vaccines available for both viruses. The vaccines guard against severe infection, even if you are unlucky enough to catch flurona. Flurona is not a distinct disease or a new variant, said Dr. Allison Messina, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Fla. The proper term is “coinfection,” which describes when a patient is diagnosed with more than one pathogen simultaneously. Co-infections are more common than you might think. You can catch two, three or more viruses simultaneously, including COVID-19. “Probably everyone has had a co-infection at some point,” Messina said. Long before the recent wave of flurona coverage, doctors were encountering all different types of COVID-19 co-infections. In a Journal of the American Medical Association study published in April 2020, researchers identified COVID-19 patients who were co-infected with viruses including rhinovirus and enterovirus (which are often the culprits behind the common cold), adenovirus (which can cause cold or flu-like symptoms), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause severe disease in young children and older adults. Cases of flurona have also been reported throughout the pandemic, even as early as February 2020, when a man in Queens, N.Y. tested positive for the flu and COVID-19. Widespread awareness of the phenomenon started to pick up last week, after the Times of Israel announced that a pregnant woman came down with a co-infection that the publication dubbed flurona. Other

he cause of actress Betty White’s death on New Year’s Eve, at age 99, was a stroke she had suffered nearly a week earlier, a copy of the performer’s death certificate posted online by TMZ.com on Monday showed. The partially redacted certificate stated White’s cause of death as a “cerebrovascular accident,” a medical term for a stroke or the loss of blood flow to the brain caused by a clot or ruptured blood vessels, resulting in brain tissue

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NZ beats B’desh by an innings to tie series

CHRISTCHURCH, JAN 11 (IANS): New Zealand came roaring back into the second Test, crushing Bangladesh by an innings and 117 runs as the hosts levelled the two-Test series 1-1 at the Hagley Oval here on Tuesday. Despite a brilliant century from Litton Das, who smashed 102 off 114 deliveries laced with 14 boundaries and a six, the tourists could only manage 278 in 79.3 overs as tall pace bowler Kyle Jamieson (4/82) and Neil Wagner (3/77) ran through the Bangladesh side to avenge the eight-wicket first-Test defeat. On an emotional day when batting stalwart Ross Taylor ended his Test career on a winning note, Bangladesh openers Shadman Islam (21) and Mohammad Naim (24) ensured their team did not lose any early wickets to Tim Southee (1/54) and Trent Boult (0/42). It was Kyle Jamieson who got the first breakthrough for New Zealand as Islam clipped the ball behind to Tom Blundell.

Ross Taylor, third right in front, and the New Zealand BlackCaps pose after winning the second test on day three of the second cricket test against Bangladesh. (AP/PTI)

Latham, who dived to his left with his hand stretched out. The closing stage of the second session was all about Wagner. He continued his fine spell picking up captain Mominul Haque (37), who edged one into Ross Taylor’s safe hands at first slip. He finished the spell by luring Yasir Ali (2) into a simple catch for Latham, ensuring New

Zealand were in total control heading into tea. Litton Das (102) and Nurul Hasan (36) steadied the ship for the visitors after the break as Das brought up his 12th Test fifty in a Boult over that saw 16 runs conceded, including four boundaries. After a 101-run partnership for the sixth wicket, Nurul Hasan was caught by Wagner at mid-off handing

Adelaide top seed Sabalenka handed shock defeat by Peterson

Tata to replace Vivo as IPL title sponsor from this season

ADELAIDE, JAN 11 (AGENCIES): World number two Aryna Sabalenka’s preparations for the Australian Open suffered another setback on Tuesday with a shock 5-7 6-1 7-5 defeat by Sweden’s Rebecca Peterson in the first round of the Adelaide International. The Belarusian top seed committed 21 double faults in an error-strewn performance which consigned her to a second defeat in as many matches after being beaten by Kaja Juvan, then ranked world number 100, in Adelaide last week. “Honestly, this was the weirdest match I’ve ever played,” Peterson said after her win over the twotimes Grand Slam semifinalist in two hours 18 minutes. “It was tough staying in there, but I knew she was struggling a lot.” Peterson, ranked 93rd in the world, will next face American Madison Brengle, who beat Russian Anastasia Potapova 7-5

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Najmul Hossain Shanto walked out to bat next and showed intent throughout his innings, including a top edge six over fine leg. Shanto raced to 29 off 36 deliveries before Wagner got the final word and picked up his first wicket of the Test match. After lunch, Mohammad Naim was removed courtesy of a breath-taking catch from New Zealand captain Tom

Aryna Sabalenka

4-6 6-1. Later on Tuesday, American third seed Coco Gauff swiftly dismantled Katerina Siniakova in just over an hour, breaking the Czech’s serve twice in both the first and second set to record a 6-1 6-2 win. “She’s not an easy player to play, she hits a lot of balls back and keeps

fighting,” the 17-yearold said. Gauff will play Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in the next round. Also advancing to the next round was Slovenian fourth seed Tamara Zidansek, who fought back from a set down against Heather Watson to claim a 2-6 6-2 7-6(4) win.

NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (IANS): Chinese mobile manufacturer Vivo has pulled out as Indian Premier League’s title sponsor from this year and the BCCI will replace it with Tata, the cash-rich league’s governing council decided in a meeting on Tuesday. Following the governing council meeting, IPL chairman Brijesh Patel confirmed that the Tata Group, one of India’s largest business conglomerates has come on board. “Vivo has exited and the Tatas will be title sponsors,” Patel told Cricbuzz. Notably, Vivo has a couple of years left in its sponsorship deal with the league and during this period, Tata will remain the main sponsor. The league will now be called Tata IPL. Vivo had a deal of Rs 2200 crore for title sponsorship rights from 20182022. However, the Chinese smartphone makers had paused the deal for a year in 2020 in the backdrop of the Galwan Valley military face-off between the Indian and Chinese Army soldiers.

Daryl Mitchell (1/18) his first wicket of the match. The next to go was Mahedi Hasan (3), thanks to another catch from Latham off a Jamieson delivery. Meanwhile, Das displayed great resilience at the other end and was rewarded as he brought up his second Test career century before being trapped LBW by Jamieson for 102. The ninth wicket also fell to Jamieson as Shoriful Islam went for a duck after lofting the ball into Southee’s hands. New Zealand’s comprehensive victory was even sweeter when Ross Taylor bagged a wicket on the final ball of his Test career, levelling the series 1-1 and earning the hosts 12 important points in their quest for the World Test Championship. Brief scores: New Zealand 521/6 declared (Tom Latham 252, Devon Conway 109, Tom Blundell 57 not out) beat Bangladesh 126 and f/o 278 in 79.3 overs (Litton Das 102; Kyle Jamieson 4/82, Neil Wagner 3/77) by an innings and 117 runs.

Royal Strikers Tsumang, Tritons CC Mkg enter semifinals in T20 WCC DIMAPUR, JAN 11 (NPN): Royal Strikers Tsumang and Tritons CC Mokokchung have progressed into the semi finals at the ongoing T20 Winter Cricket Challenge (WCC) at local ground Wokha Town on January 11. Played in the first match, Salix Cricket Club took on Royal Strikers Tsumang; winning the toss, Salix Cricket Club opted to bat first and scored a target of 121 runs in 20 overs losing 8 wickets. Bipen Ngullie of Salix Cricket Club and Hamari Teron contributed 22 runs and 39 runs respectively. Akash Chetry of Royal Strikers Tsumang in 4 overs, 28 runs, claimed 2 wickets with Sidharo Chanbay in 4 overs, 27 runs took 3 wickets. Royal Strikers Tsumang registered a win in 17.4.1 overs with Limathung’s 41 runs and Ayush’s 37 runs (not out). Abemo in his 3.4 overs claimed 3 wickets and 23 runs for Salix Cricket Club. Royal Strikers Tsumang won the match by 6 wickets in 17.4.1 overs where Limathung Ngully

Match patron, Addl. SP Wokha, Tumchobemo Yanthan giving away the man of the man award on Tuesday.

was adjudged the man of the match. In the second match, PWD CC locked horns with Tritons CC Mokokchung. Winning the toss, PWD opted to bowl first. Tritons CC Mokokchung put a target of 198 runs losing all wickets in 19.5 overs where Fahim Ahmed’s 54 runs in 31 balls, Vikram Rawat’s 56 runs in 40 balls contributed to the team. Zubemo in his 4 overs and a maiden claimed 2 wickets and 24 runs for PWD. PWD CC fell short of 150 runs to secure a victory losing all wickets in the 14.6 overs where the team

scored were just 47 runs. Zubemo Kikon, the lone batsman for PWD could gather a double-digit figure of 10 runs in 9 balls. Arjun of Triton CC Mokokchung in 4 overs, 12 runs claimed 5 wickets while Meren in his 4 overs 1 maiden, 9 runs took 2 wickets. Tritons CC Mokokchung won the match by 150 runs in 14.6 overs and the man of the match award was handed over to Fahim Ahmed. Wednesday’s matches 1st match: EYL vs Hurricanes 2nd match: Tseminyu blackcaps vs LYCO

Cade Cunningham, Pistons rally to dump Jazz D E T RO I T, J A N 1 1 (AGENCIES): Rookie Cade Cunningham set a career best with 29 points and the host Detroit Pistons rallied from a 22-point deficit to defeat the Utah Jazz 126-116 on Monday. Cunningham, the top pick in the draft, scored all but five of his points after halftime. He also dished out eight of Detroit’s 30 assists. Saddiq Bey matched Cunningham with 29 points, while Cory Joseph contributed 16 points off the bench. Trey Lyles added 14 points, six rebounds and five assists. Donovan Mitchell led the Jazz, who have lost three straight, with 31 points. Hassan Whiteside contributed 21 points and 14 rebounds, and Jordan Clarkson tossed in 16 points. Utah was missing five players who were in the league’s health and safety protocol, including starting center Rudy Gobert. Rex Kalamian coached the Pistons after head coach Dwane Casey entered the protocol earlier in the day.

24 points and 12 rebounds and Robert Williams III contributed 14 points and 12 boards. Domantas Sabonis recorded a triple-double with 11 points, 23 rebounds and 10 assists for the Pacers, and Torrey Craig had 19 points off the bench. Indiana took its seventh loss in eight games.

76ers 111, Rockets 91

Utah Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell (45) dribbles defended by Detroit Pistons guard Cade Cunningham (2).

taled 23 points and a career-high 11 assists as host Portland executed down the stretch and turned back Brooklyn. Rober t Covington added 21 points as the Blazers won for the third time in five games and were without Damian Lillard (abdominal injury). Ben McLemore scored 20 points and hit two of his five 3-pointers in the final 96 seconds. Kevin Durant collected 28 points and 10 rebounds for the Nets, who lost for the fifth time in Trail Blazers 114, Nets 108 seven games. Kyrie Irving Anfernee Simons to- added 22 but shot 9 of 21

in his second game of the season. The unvaccinated guard is only eligible to play road games due to New York’s vaccine mandate.

Celtics 101, Pacers 98 (OT)

Jaylen Brown finished with 26 points, a careerhigh 15 rebounds and six assists as host Boston held off Indiana for its second straight win and fourth in six games. Brown’s floater with 2:34 left in overtime put the Celtics in front for good as Boston outscored the visitors 12-9 in the extra period. Jayson Tatum had

Joel Embiid recorded 30-plus points for his seventh consecutive game as Philadelphia extended its winning streak to seven by dealing host Houston its 11th loss in 12 games. Embiid finished with 31 points, eight rebounds and six assists despite sitting out the fourth quarter with the 76ers holding a safe lead. Andre Drummond contributed 13 points and 10 rebounds off the bench for the 76ers, who outscored the Rockets 56-28 in the paint. Christian Wood and Jalen Green scored 14 points apiece for the Rockets, who committed 21 turnovers, missed 29 of 42 3-point attempts and trailed by as many as 27 points.

Man Utd beat Aston Villa to advance into FA Cup 4th round AFC Women’s Asian Cup: India LO N D O N, JA N 1 1 (AGENCIES): An early headed goal by Scott McTominay proved decisive for Manchester United as they held on by the skin of their teeth to beat Aston Villa 1-0 in an absorbing FA Cup third round tie at Old Trafford on Monday. While victory was a welcome relief for United manager Ralf Rangnick, it was a performance that showed just how much work he has to do if United are to challenge for silverware. Villa will wonder how they bowed of the competition after responding to McTominay’s eighth minute opener with a dominant display, striking the woodwork twice, forcing David de Gea into several saves and having two goals disallowed. McTominay glanced in Fred’s curling delivery to give the hosts a flying start, but from then on they struggled to contain a lively Villa side who played the better football. The reward for 12time FA Cup champions United is a home draw against second-tier Middlesbrough. Steven Gerrard’s Villa will get a swift chance for revenge as they host United in the Premier League on Saturday. K Y M C

Aston Villa’s Emiliano Buendia, left, fights for the ball with Manchester United’s Fred during the English FA Cup third round soccer match. (AP/PTI)

The night’s big talking point was why Villa had an equaliser ruled out early in the second half. John McGinn played a free kick towards Ezri Konsa who headed across goal for Danny Ings to bundle in with his thigh. Villa celebrated what they thought was a deserved equaliser but referee Michael Oliver was im-

mediately talking into his mouthpiece to his VAR assistants. With TV replays focussing on whether Ings had been offside or had used his arm to score, Oliver was summoned to check a pitch-side monitor and, more than three minutes after the ball entered the net, ruled out the goal for an apparent block by

Jacob Ramsey on Edinson Cavani as the ball was played in. “The officials took three and a half minutes to settle that one. They have looked at two or three things in it,” Gerrard said. “When VAR is there and they make a decision you have to accept it. There is nothing you can do to change it.

“The easy way out is to blame luck and the officials, we won’t do that. We dominated for large parts but we were not ruthless enough.” There was no real argument minutes later when Ings was played through and his dink over De Gea was converted by Ollie Watkins, but this time Villa were denied by an offside decision on Ings, despite the flag not being raised initially. In the first half Watkins bundled wide from a Tyrone Mings flick-on and then smashed a shot against the crossbar after seizing on a mistake by Victor Lindelof, one of five changes to the United side from the defeat by Wolverhampton Wanderers. D e G e a wa s a l s o forced into fine saves to deny John McGinn and Emiliano Buendia as Villa dominated while United were forced to play largely on the counter-attack. Marcus Rashford wasted a chance to increase United’s lead just before the break while Luke Shaw’s piledriver was tipped over by Emiliano Martinez. But the second half continued in the same manner with Villa in charge and United hanging on, although Rangnick’s side did regain some sort of control towards the end.

announces 23-member squad

KOCHI, JAN 11 (IANS): Indian Women’s Team head coach Thomas Dennerby on Tuesday announced the 23-member squad for the upcoming AFC Women’s Asian Cup which is set to take place in Mumbai, Navi Mumbai, and Pune from January 20 to February 6. The All-India Football Federation (AIFF) has not named anyone as a captain of the team, but it is believed that experienced Ashalata Devi is likely to lead the side. The squad includes four players, Hemam Shilky Devi (defender), Mariyammal Balamurugan (forward), Sumati Kumari (forward), and Naorem Priyangka Devi (defender) who were part of the Indian team, that participated in the U19 SAFF Championship held in Dhaka last month. The players and support staff, who have already been camping in Kochi, Kerala since the team’s return from Brazil, will fly out to Mumbai on Thursday, January 13, 2021. India have been drawn against IR Iran (January 20), Chinese Taipei (January 23), and China PR (January 26) in Group A of the competition that consists of 12 teams. With as many as 15 players under the age of 25 in the relatively young squad, Dennerby believes that “the youngsters and

the experienced bunch can help each other out, both on and off the pitch.” “We have a good bunch of young players, and some experienced heads too. The young ones are hungry to prove themselves, so that brings in a good level of energy and healthy competition for places,” Dennerby said. “But it also works the other way round -- as the experienced players can guide the young ones in different things both on and off the pitch.” The coach also maintained that the team is approaching “one game at a time.” “If you start thinking too much about permutations and combinations, that can take a toll on the way you play the game. The coaches can do all the thinking that we can, but for the players, it’s all about going out there and playing well on the day. Football is a ‘beautiful game,’ and you

need to live in the moment to play it well,” he said. The squad: Goalkeepers: Aditi Chauhan (1), Maibam Linthoingambi Devi (23), Sowmiya Narayanasamy (19). Defenders: Dalima Chhibber (17), Sweety Devi Ngangbam (2), Ritu Rani (21), Loitongbam Ashalata Devi (4), Manisa Panna (3), Hemam Shilky Devi (5), Sanju Yadav (8). Midfielders: Yumnam Kamala Devi (6), Anju Tamang (9), Karthika Angamuthu (20), Nongmeithem Ratanbala Devi (7), Naorem Priyangka Devi (14), Indumathi Kathiresan (12). Forwards: Manisha Kalyan (16), Grace Dangmei (11), Pyari Xaxa (10), Renu (15), Sumati Kumari (22), Sandhiya Ranganathan (13), Mariyammal Balamurugan (18). K Y M C

3rd Test, Day 1: S. Africa 17/1; trail India by 206 runs

CAPE TOWN, JAN 11 (AGENCIES): India captain Virat Kohli played a lone hand with 79 as the tourists were bowled out for 223 on the first day of the decisive third and final test against South Africa at Newlands on Tuesday. The home side 17 for one in reply at the close. Kohli’s form had been under the microscope as he returned from injury on Tuesday, but he compiled his highest score in 26 innings since he got a hundred against Bangladesh in Nov. 2019 to lead India to a respectable first innings score. Aiden Markram (eight not out) and nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj (six not out) will look to make inroads into South Africa’s deficit on the second morning. India claimed the key scalp of in-from South African captain Dean Elgar (3) 15 minutes before the close as he edged seamer Jasprit Bumrah to Cheteshwar Pujara at first slip. There would be no repeat of Elgar’s heroic 96 not out that steered the home side to victory in the second test in Johannesburg. The teams are level at 1-1 with the visitors hoping for a first ever series win in South Africa, and having

Virat Kohli smashes the ball toward the boundary during the third and final test match against South Africa. (AP/PTI)

won the toss and elected to bat, maybe should have made more of their good fortune. Kohli looked comfortable at the wicket for the most part, but found little support other than a fighting 43 from Pujara. South Africa bowled in good areas and will be pleased by their efforts, seamer Kagiso Rabada the pick of the bowlers with 4-73. He claimed the wicket of Kohli as his nagging line outside off-stump induced the edge from the India skipper, who was caught by wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, ending his 201 ball stay at the crease. Left-arm seamer Marco Jansen, 21, continued his fine form with

3-55 as he bowled without much luck, but confirmed his potential as a leader of the South African attack in the future. There was also a first wicket in the series for spinner Maharaj with the pitch likely to be the most helpful of the lot to the slow bowlers later in the test. That will interest India’s Ravichandran Ashwin, who has largely been a passenger to this point having bowled only 43.4 overs so far. Brief scores: India 223 all out in 77.3 overs (Virat Kohli 79, Cheteshwar Pujara 43, Kagiso Rabada 4/73) vs South Africa 17/1 in 8 overs (Aiden Markram 8 not out, Keshav Maharaj 6 not out; Jasprit Bumrah 1/0).

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Djokovic back into swing in Australia despite visa concerns MELBOURNE, JAN 11 (AP): Tennis star Novak Djokovic held a practice session at Melbourne Park on Tuesday, his second day out of detention, focusing on his Australian Open title defense while still facing the prospect of deportation because he’s not vaccinated for COVID-19. The top-ranked Djokovic hit the show courts within hours of winning a legal battle Monday against the cancellation of his visa, based on procedural grounds. He returned Tuesday afternoon for a closed practice, with doors locked and only his support team allowed into Rod Novak Djokovic talks with a teammate during a practice Laver Arena. session in the Rod Laver Arena in Melbourne. (AP/PTI) Aerial images taken by Australian TV networks from a helicopter showed the nine-time Australian Open winner back at work, less than a week before the first Grand Slam tournament of the year is due to start. Video showed Djokovic hitting shots from behind the baseline, taking feedback from his coach, and stretching beside the court with a trainer on a sunny but mild summer afternoon. Soon after, organizers released the seedings for the Australian Open tournament, and Djokovic was listed at No. 1 for the men’s singles draw. While he’s trying to make up time after spending four days confined to an immigration detention hotel, Djokovic is conscious he could again have his visa revoked. Immigration Minister Alex Hawke is considering exercising his power to deport the 34-year-old Serbian under separate legislation, assessing a medical exemption that the un-

vaccinated Djokovic relied on to fly into Melbourne and the information supplied in the visa application. Australian Associated Press reported the decision was not expected Tuesday, after Hawke’s office issued a statement saying the matter was still under consideration “in line with due process.” The prime ministers of Australia and Serbia discussed Djokovic’s precarious visa earlier Tuesday. The deportation drama has polarized opinions and elicited strong support for the 20-time Grand Slam

winner in his native Serbia. PM Scott Morrison and his Serbian counterpart, Ana Brnabic, agreed in their telephone conversation to keep in touch over the disputed visa, Morrison’s office said. Djokovic posted an image of himself and three members of his team at Melbourne Park in the very early hours of Tuesday on social media. A border official cancelled Djokovic’s visa at Melbourne’s airport last Thursday, hours after he arrived in Australia from Marbella, Spain to compete in the tournament.

Pandita’s late blow to take Jamshedpur top of the pile BAMBOLIM, JAN 11 (PTI): A resilient performance from Jamshedpur FC saw them win 1-0 against SC East Bengal in the Indian Super League here on Tuesday. The result allowed Owen Coyle’s men to leapfrog the competition and reach first place in the points table with 19 points. Ishan Pandita (88’) was the difference-maker after scoring another late goal with a towering header to secure three points for Jamshedpur FC. The early exchanges saw both teams create half chances as there was little to separate the teams. Arindam Bhattacharja was called into action in the 27th minute after Murray found space behind the defensive line. The goalkeeper did well to leave the box and make the clearance. No major scoring chances fell to either team until the half-hour mark. Boris Singh had a

Thongkhosiem Haokip (L) of SC East Bengal and Eli Sabia of Jamshedpur FC vie for ball during the ISL match. (PTI)

good chance to open the scoring in the final stages of the first half. The winger found himself unmarked inside the box but his header was disappointing and went way above the crossbar.

Despite dominating the possession and creating more attacking opportunities, JFC was not able to score as both teams went into the break without scoring. The Men of Steel

started the second half on the front foot, with Jordan Murray hitting the crossbar with a looping header. Influential defender Adil Khan had to be replaced just before the hour mark by Darren Sidoel due to an injury. Murray then had another shot saved by Arindam who parried the ball away with a strong right hand. The last 15-minutes saw JFC attack with more intensity. Murray was again on target in the 85th minute but his right-footed shot lacked the power to beat the SCEB custodian. However, it was Ishan Pandita yet again who scored a late goal to break SCEB hearts. The striker scored with a precise header after meeting with Greg Stewart’s corner. Pandita’s goal was enough to secure the win and propel JFC to the top of the league table. WEDNESDAY’S MATCH Odisha FC Vs Kerala Blasters Time: 7:30 pm

India Open: Sindhu, Srikanth and Loh Kean advance into 2nd round

NEW DELHI, JAN 11 (IANS): Two-time Olympic medallist PV Sindhu, World Championship silver medallist and men’s top seed Kidambi Srikanth and World champion Loh Kean Yew of Singapore advanced into the second round of the India Open 2022, here on Tuesday Sindhu defeated compatriot Sri Krishna Priya Kudaravalli 21-5, 21-16 in just 27 minutes to win the opener. In the second round, she will face either Ira Sharma or Egypt’s Doha Hany. World Championship silver medallist Kidambi Srikanth triumphed over Siril Verma 21-17, 21-10 in the first round. The 24-year-old Loh Kean Yew of Singapore survived an early scare to beat Canada’s Sheng Xiaodong 16-21, 21-4, 21-13 in his opening-round men’s singles match. Now ranked a career-high world No.15 following his monumental BWF World Championships triumph in Huelva, Spain, last month, Loh Kean took 50 minutes to get going as he lost the opening

Kidambi Srikanth and PV Sindhu

set against his 69th-ranked opponent. However, the Singaporean stepped up a gear in the second set, winning 10 consecutive points, before comfortably putting Sheng away in the third. This was his first competitive match since his world championship gold. Earlier, Ashmita Chaliha caused an upset by overcoming fifth-seeded and world number 28 Evgeniya Kosetskaya of Russia 24-22, 21-16 in the opening round in just 31 minutes. Chaliha began strong, employing her down-the-line smashes to open up an 11-5 lead

in the opening game, and looked comfortable against the tall Russian. However, she began making a lot of errors after the break and Kosetsyaka pounced on the opportunity to first level the score at 14-14 and then again fought back from 16-19 to earn her first game point. But the Guwahati-girl, who had lost to the Russian in their earlier encounter back in 2019, managed to regroup herself in time to force the Russian to make an unforced error and then saved two more game points before clinching victory with a smash.

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