14 june

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 188

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

G7 leaders discuss Wuhan lab leak theory

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international, Page 7

PM calls for adopting ‘one earth, one health’ approach to deal with Covid

NEW DELHI, JUN 113 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for following a “one earth, one health” approach to effectively deal with the coronavirus pandemic globally, and sought the support of the G7 grouping to lift patent protections for COVID-19 vaccines, during a virtual address at an outreach session of a summit of the bloc.

Calling for global unity, leadership, and solidarity to prevent future pandemics, Modi also emphasised the special responsibility of democratic and transparent societies to deal with the challenge, according to an official statement.

He also sought the G7’s support for the proposal moved at the WTO by India and South Africa for a TRIPS (Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) waiver on Covid related technologies. “The

States to get over 4 lakh vaccine doses in next 3 days NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (IANS): More than four lakh (4,48,760) vaccine doses are in the pipeline and will be received by the States and the Union Territories (UTs) within the next 3 days.

Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) made the announcement through a statement and also clarified that more than 1.53 crore (1,53,79,233) Covid-19 vaccine doses are still available with the states and the UTs to be administered.

The Ministry further said that more than 26 crore (26,64,84,350) vaccine doses have been provided to states and the UTs so far, through government of India (free of cost channel) and through direct state procurement category. Of this, the total consumption, including wastages is 25,12,66,637 doses, reveals the data available at 8 a.m. on Sunday.

As part of the nationwide vaccination drive, the Central government has been supporting the states and the UTs by providing them Covid vaccines free of cost.

In addition, the Central government has also been facilitating direct procurement of vaccines by the states and the UTs. Vaccination is an integral pillar of the comprehensive strategy of Centre for containment and management of the pandemic, along with Test, Track, Treat and Covid appropriate behaviour.

This is it!

“Get that file marked ‘CLOSURE-B’. Seems the chap re-defected. We’re ordered to revive the probe.”

K Y M C

Narendra Modi during a virtual address at an outreach session of the G7 summit, Sunday. (MEA pics)

prime minister committed India’s support for collective endeavours to improve global health governance.

He sought the G7’s support for the proposal moved at the WTO by India and South Africa for a TRIPS (TradeRelated Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights) waiver on Covid related technologies,” the statement said.

“Prime Minister Modi said that today’s meeting should send out a message of ‘one earth, one health’ for the whole world,” it said.

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Sources said Modi’s call for adopting a “one earth, one health” approach received support from German Chancellor Angela Merkel. They said Australia and several other countries came out in strong support of Modi’s call to waive patents on coronavirus vaccines to boost their production.

India and South Africa have come out with the proposal at the World Trade Organisation.

Modi, speaking at the G7 outreach session titled

‘Building Back Stronger Health’, also highlighted India’s ‘whole of society’ approach to fight the pandemic, while synergising the efforts of all levels of the government, industry and civil society.

“He also explained India’s successful use of open-source digital tools for contact tracing and vaccine management, and conveyed India’s willingness to share its experience and expertise with other developing countries,” the statement said.

The Group of Seven (G7) comprises the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan and the United States. As chair of G7, the UK invited India, Australia, South Korea, South Africa to the summit as guest countries.

It is for the first time the leaders of the grouping are meeting, at Cornwall in the UK, since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Netanyahu ousted, Bennett is Israel’s new Prime Minister

sports, Page 8

Nothing to facilitate as talks already concluded, says Therie

DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): In a hard-hitting statement, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K. Therie has demanded that the State Assembly be dissolved as there was now no need for it and neither Joint Legislature Forum (JLF) or Core Committee for Naga Political issue in the light of the declaration

by Nagaland Governor and interlocutor to Naga peace talks, that negotiations with all stakeholders concluded on October 31, 2019.

Therie therefore, accused the ruling PDA of indulging in delay tactics on early Naga solution since 2019 under the pretext of acting a facilitator but “only to protect their chairs”. He asked the government not to indulge in delay tactics any more like the 18 years of “betrayal” under DAN-I, DAN-II and DAN-III. He said since both NPF earlier and presently PDA, (More on p-7) have promised to “pave way

Jerusalem, Jun 13 (PTI) Naftali Bennett was on Sunday sworn in as Israel’’s new Prime Minister, ousting Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu from power after an uninterrupted 12 years at the helm of affairs.

Bennett, the 49-yearold leader of the right-wing Yamina party, took oath of office after parliament (Knesset) voted on Sunday on the new government led by him. The new government has 27 ministers, nine of them women.

The new government an unprecedented coalition of ideologically divergent political parties drawn from the Right, the Left and the Centre, along with an Arab party - has a razor-thin majority in a 120-member house.

Netanyahu has long been the dominant, and increasingly divisive, figure in Israeli politics.

for honourable and acceptable solution” and if they are “honest and not traitors” then they should seek dissolution of the state assembly to pave way for solution under the Framework Agreement (August 3, 2015) and Agreed Position(November 17,2017). He said the issue be left with the government of India and negotiating teams so that solution will be implemented without delay and elections called for.

He pointed out that even the NSCN (I-M) had recently warned the Core Committee not to intervene in the Framework Agreement since the latter (FA) was best known to NSCN (I-M) and the government of India and therefore “nothing to intervene”. Similarly, he said even WC NNPGs and government of India had reached the Agreed Points on November 17,2017 adding that since the stakeholders concurred, they have demanded solution.

Therie said except the Congress in Nagaland, both ruling and opposition are indulging in delay tactics as they are in alliance with the “Hindutva, camouflaged in regional garb” . He said their hearts are not with the people of Nagaland but for money and power.

It may be recalled that the state government notified a Parliamentary Committee on Naga political issue (PCNPI) comprising of all 60 MLAs and two MPs, headed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio (NDPP) as convenor; dy.cm Y. Patton (BJP) and LoP T.R. Zeliang (NPF) as co-convenors. A Core committee for PCNPI was also constituted with CM as convenor; dy.cm and LoP as co-convenors besides 15 members that included ministers, advisers and opposition MLAs. The core committee was to “play the role of facilitator in the ongoing talks between Government of India and the NPGs”.

State records 82 fresh Covid cases, 5 deaths WC alleges propaganda to confuse Naga people COVID-19 STATUS AS ON June 13, 2021

DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): Working Committee of Naga National Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) has alleged that there was endless propaganda and disturbing distortion of truth to confuse Naga people regarding the Naga peace process.

In a statement issued through its media cell, the committee recalled that Government of India (GoI) and the two negotiating Naga groups had announced conclusion of the talks on October 31, 2019.

Claiming that all contentious matters had been resolved through intense negotiations, the committee said few unresolved issues were to be pursued and resolved through

democratic process post solution, adding that this was the official position of GoI till date and of the Union home ministry, GoI interlocutor and State government.

WC, NNPGs said it was awaiting the Indo-Naga political solution in tandem with all Naga tribes and civil society groups.

It, however, observed that despite this, there was an endless propaganda and distortion of truth to confuse the Nagas.

The committee expressed confidence that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would fulfil the warm comforting and reassuring words conveyed to Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation (NGBF), who were custodians and ad-

ministrators of Naga customary laws and traditions in villages, when a delegation of the latter met him at his office on August 3, 2017 for early conclusion of the Indo-Naga political talks.

In order to maintain mutual respect and communal harmony in the region, WC, NNPGs also urged GoI to reconsider signing of accords in Assam in haste as there was a clear negotiated chapter that stated that after the Naga accord was inked, Neutral High Empowered Committee would be constituted immediately to pursue and commit to the historical and legal contentions of border dispute between Nagaland and Assam.

(Full text on p-4)

Along’s remarks draw AYO youth force’s ire DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): Expressing displeasure and concern over the statement purportedly made by minister Temjen Imna Along that any settlement would be under the constitution of India and the Indian Union, Angami Youth Organization (AYO) youth force Sunday demanded that the minister withdraw his “irresponsible statement, clarify or publicly apologize before the matter goes out of hand.”

In a press note, AYO youth force secretary Zakie Khate said Along had the “audacity to defile the blood and tears” of more than 200,000 Nagas, who sacrificed their lives “to free Nagas beyond and above the parameters of India’s constitution and Union.” He stated that Along was “absolutely aware” that the Naga issue was exactly

the opposite. The youth force said that Nagas, “precisely for this reason”, have been fighting for almost a century against India and before that almost another two centuries against British invasion since 1832.

Besides, it said Nagas also defended their “sovereign rights against the Ahoms, Metei Kingdoms etc before that since Ads in the age of Huein Tsang visitation of Ahom from China.” Maintaining that “IndoNaga” issue was not a secessionist issue, the AYO youth force said: “It is not sedition. It is a matter of invasion by India.”

It said Nagas were “merely claiming what is rightly bequeathed from God to us for a rightful and respectable people adorned with justice, equality and fraternity in the homily of Nations.”

(Cont’d on p-6)

DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): Nagaland on Sunday registered 82 fresh Covid-19 positive cases while five more patients succumbed to the infection.

Of the fresh cases, 30 were reported from Kohima, Dimapur-28, Mokokchung11, five in Zunheboto, four in Mon, two in Longleng and one each in Kiphire and Phek, taking the total caseload to 23,644.

Following the death five patients-- three in Mokokchung and one each in Dimapur and Tuensang,

District

Asymptom- Mild atic

Dimapur 1623 82 5 Kiphire 20 Kohima 674 26 Longleng 8 18 Mokokchung 484 11 Mon 63 0 Peren 7 0 Phek 50 0 Tuensang 160 12 Wokha 59 1 Zunheboto 64 9 Total 3212 164

ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic Severe Moderate ICU On On (without Oxy- Oxy- ventilagen gen tor) 26 14 15 0 0 1 16 5 4 3 1 0 4 3 0 5 0 2 0 0 0 4 0 0 4 0 0 3 1 0 3 0 0 68 24 22

RecovDeath ered

ICU (On ventilator 7 9462 293 1 114 4 4 6240 74 0 91 0 0 505 27 0 825 6 0 567 0 0 263 15 0 539 5 0 114 3 0 306 12 12 19026 439

Non Covid Deaths Miwith gratCovid 19 ed Positivity 10 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 14

Total Cases

483 12013 1 145 102 7145 10 133 34 1068 15 919 2 577 2 334 2 721 4 186 8 403 663 23644

the death toll rose to 453 (including 14 no-Covid deaths but with Covid positivity).

Meanwhile, a total of 34,3671 persons have been inoculated as on June 13.

PTI: India reported 80,834 fresh Covid-19 cases, the lowest after 71 days, pushing the tally of cases to 2,94,39,989.

The Covid-19 death toll climbed to 3,70,384 with 3,303 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed. The active cases further declined to 10,26,159 comprising.

Padma Shri Piyong Jamir passes away DIMAPUR, J U N 1 3 (NPN): Noted Hindi scholar and littérateur, Padma Shri Piyongtemjen Lt Piyong Jamir Jamir passed away on Saturday at around 11 p.m. after a prolonged illness at his residence at Padumpukhuri, Dimapur.

Piyong Jamir, from Longsa village under Mokokchung district, was conferred the Padma Shri honour by the President of India, Ram Nath Kovind, in 2018 for the promotion of Hindi language and social work. He is also a recipient of the Ganga Saran Award— received in 2006 from the then President of India, APJ Abdul Kalam. Jamir was the first graduate and B.Ed. degree holder in Hindi among the Nagas.

(Cont’d on p-6)

Karbi Accord: UNTABA, RSZ react to proposed KAATC DIMAPUR, JUN 13 (NPN): United Naga Tribes Association on Border Areas (UNTABA) and Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) have separately reacted to the proposed peace accord between the government of India, government of Assam and six Karbi rebel outfits, and the creation of Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC).

In a statement, UNTABA chairman Hukavi T Yeputhomi and general secretary Imsumongba Pongen said that the association acknowledged the intent of

the government of India and the government of Assam to bring about peaceful political settlement with various rebel groups.

UNTABA, however, said that no political settlement would prove fruitful if it was not based on historical facts, especially in the case of the present Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao areas of Assam, where the original settlers were Rengmas, Zeme and Zeliangrong Nagas.

It claimed that the British Administration penetrated the Naga Hills in the

later part of the 1830s and tax collection from the Naga villages began in 1837. When the British learnt that all those areas were inhabited by the Nagas, UNTABA said they declared the areas as ‘the Rengma Naga Hills’ in their official gazette in 1841. To administer the Naga areas more conveniently, UNTABA said a sub-divisional headquarters was established at Asaloo presently under Dima Hasao district in 1853.

Further, UNTABA said that in order to bring about

more Naga tribes directly under its administration, the Naga Hills District was created in 1866, headquartered at Samaguting, the present Chumukedima.

To avoid inconveniences and prevent further complications, UNTABA said a separate and distinct boundary line for the Naga Hills District was demarcated and notified in 1875. UNTABA stated that the areas under proposed KAATC purely fell within the Naga Hills District including the following Reserve Forests namely; (Cont’d on p-6) K Y M C

state

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.:Do some many relaxations render the lockdown redundant?

100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

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

A

B

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

C

71% 26% 3%

Next poll Q: Will India be able to

vaccinate all citizens by December 2021?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST June 14

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Clouds and sun with a t-storm 33 26

An afternoon thunderstorm

28 21

Guwahati A t-storm around in the p.m.

34 26

Cloudy, a t-storm in the p.m.

30 23

Aizawl Imphal

Itanagar A stray morning thunderstorm 30 24 Shillong

A thunderstorm in spots

25 19

Kohima

Cloudy with a t-storm or two

25 19

Dimapur Remaining cloudy Mkg

A p.m. t-storm in spots

Tuensang Couple of thunderstorms

32 24 27 20 22 16

A t-storm around in the p.m.

26 22

Zunheboto Cloudy with a thunderstorm

24 19

Wokha

Release salary of fourth grade employees: ZYF (N)

DIMAPUR: Zeliangrong Youth Front Nagaland (ZYF-N) has expressed dismay over the delay in releasing pending salaries of fourth grade government employees and has asked the government to release it at the earliest.

In a press statement, ZYF (N) president, Josiah Zeliang and secretary, Mathiusin Pamai said ad-hoc, fixed pay labourers and work-charge employees of various departments like power, PHED, PWD etc. have heavy work load but meagre salary, which they receive after three-four months.

ZYF (N) said such lackadaisical attitude to-

wards the lowest paid government employee specially during lockdown had affected the livelihood of this section of people. It pointed out that this group of people are left with no alternative means of livelihood due to the state-wide lockdown.

ZYF (N) has cautioned the government not to “sit in their own comfort and idleness” but to address the grievances of its employees whose livelihood have been affected by the lockdown.

Further, ZYF (N) said it has learnt through “some officials” that developmentoriented departments like agri and allied, horticulture,

land resources, water resources etc. have rescinded its development activities due to non-availability of funds to undertake schemes and projects.

In this regard, ZYF (N) has questioned the government as to why such developmental schemes and projects halted when such arrangements for selfreliance and empowerment of skill development was expected from the government at this juncture.

It has asked the state government to roll out every available flagship scheme and immediately release pending salaries of all the fourth grade employees.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2021

One NSCN (R) member held DIMAPUR: In a joint operation, security forces with police apprehended an active cadre of NSCN (R) on June 10 at general area Padampukhuri, Dimapur district.

A press release by PRO (defence) stated that the operaiton was carried out based on a specific input during which an active cadre of NSCN (R) was apprehended and one point 22 pistol with magazine, five live rounds of point 22, and three cases of Indian Made Foreign Liquor (IMFL) were recovered.

PRO informed that the apprehended individual along with recovered items have been handed over to East Police Station, Dimapur district for further investigation.

Student bodies irked over poor cellular, internet service DIMAPUR: Student bodies under Chizami range namely Chizami Students’ Union (CSU), Chizami Town Chakhesang Students’ Union (CTCSU), Sümi Village Students’ Union, Enhulumi (Yoseba/ Pfutsemi) Students’ Union and Mesulumi Students’ Union have expressed dismay over the poor cellular

network and internet connectivity in the area which has caused immense inconvenience to the student community.

In a press statement, E (Y/P) SU president, Wekutsho Lohe, CSU president, Wetshete Thopi, SVSU president, Kewale Wozah, MSU president, Pretsho Venuh and CTC-

SU president, Awa Tsuhah pointed out that the poor network and internet services have been causing inconvenience to the people particularly the student community when online classes have become the new norm.

The student bodies said this has badly affected the student online classes

and examinations leading to academic loss.

The student bodies have urged concerned authorities and cellular companies namely Bharti Airtel, Reliance Jio and Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited to immediately rectify the erratic network connection and provide quality coverage 24/7.

COVID: Random sampling, vaccination drive, appeals & information DIMAPUR: In order to mitigate the spread of COVID19, the de par tment of Health and Family Welfare (H&FW), district task force and other agencies have been carrying outCOVID-19 random sampling and testing, creating awareness and organising vaccination drive across the state.

MTLT urges for more manpower at IMDH; activates helpline: Mokokchung Town Lanur Telongjem (MTLT) has urged the state government to release those appointed IMDH doctors who are presently attached to other COVID-19 District Task Force so as to ease the workload of IMDH healthcare workers.

In a press statement, MTLT said during its visit to IMDH it was learnt that the manpower at IMDH was overstretched and overstressed because many of the doctors, nurses and technicians have also been infected with the virus in their line of duty and are presently undergoing treatment.

Under such circumstances, the MTLT has appealed the government to take a serious look at Mokokchung COVID-19 scenario and render a humane approach to the distress of the people and the healthcare workers in this unprecedented time of human history.

MTLT has also asked the government to recruit

Beneficiaries lineup to get vaccinated. (DIPR)

some lab technicians for the IMDH on a priority basis for contingency and also additional TrueNat machines to cope with the rising number of cases.

Further, MTLT has informed that it has activated a helpline to assist the people in every possible way.

Following are the contact details: Aolong Imchen, convener, grievances cell (8787612471); Lanuakum Imsong, member, grievances cell (8131009944); Imkummeren Jamir, president, MTLT (9436006322), Martoshi Longkumer, vice-president, MTLT (8974352665); B. Merang Longkumer, treasurer, MTLT (9436006296); Imtimongba Imchen, senior executive (8732055880) and Temsukaba Kichu, senior executive (8787620256).

Full coverage of vaccination launched at Yali village: Yali Village one of the Chang villages under Tuensang district has come forward with a determination to vaccinate all its eligible citizens.

According to DIPR

report, a special vaccination drive was launched Sunday

by ADC, Tuensang, Ajit Kumar Verma along with SDO (C), Rohit Singhand SDPO, Tuensang, Kanchan Kumar Kandpalat Church premises of Yali village.

The ADC thanked and appreciated the wisdom of the village elders and leaders for coming forward and deciding to vaccinate all the eligible beneficiaries of village.

He also marked it as a first and crucial step towards full coverage of vaccination drive in rural areas and requested other villages of the district to come forward with the same co-operation in fight against COVID-19 through vaccination.

The report stated that the vaccination drive is a part of the new vaccination strategy to vaccinate all the villages of the district, one by one, under the joint initiative of District Task Force on COVID-19, Medical Department, CBLT office & ECS. Few of the beneficia-

ries were vaccinated in the first vaccination drive but it was decided for the whole village to get vaccinated after CBLT in consultation with District Task Force sensitised the village on the importance of vaccination, stated the report.

Random sampling along NH-29: Medziphema community health centre medical team led by senior medical officer, Dr. Nosezo Rote conducted COVID-19 sampling and testing along National Highway from Meziphema to Piphema on June 12.

In a press note, Dr. Rote informed that out of 200 samples collected, three were tested positive and the patients were admitted to Covid Care Centre at Medziphema. He also informed that recently there was COVID-19 outbreak at New Piphema and the area has been contained.

Special vaccination drive at Pfutsero: A special vaccination drive was organised by the Block Task Force, Pfutsero Sunday at

Pfutsero Town Sports Complex.

According to DIPR report, the vaccination drive was held with an objective to break the chain of COVID19 transmission wherein 749 beneficiaries were vaccinated in one session.

Awareness rally & sanitisation drive at Bongkolong: Jalukie Battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) organised sanitisation of hot spots like market shed, shops and contaminated areas after two individuals were tested positive on June 9 at Bongkolong, Peren district.

A press release by Assam Rifles stated that the jawans sanitised public places to reduce the spread of COVID-19 infections. The team also created awareness by emphasising on COVID19 appropriate behaviour like use of face masks, hand sanitisers and social distancing among others. The team also distributed face masks and hand sanitisers during the event.

K Y M C

Volunteers clean Kohima city as part of the campaign.

warned that fines may be imposed on violators - fines have been fixed at Rs 500, Rs.2000 and cancellation of trade license for first, second and third offence respectively for traders and Rs 200, Rs 500 and Rs 1000 for first, second and third offence respectively for individuals.

KSCDL and KMC has requested customers and pedestrians not to litter but to use the dustbins provided by each shop and the smaller dustbins placed along the pavements and footpaths. Traders and business establishments have been asked to deposit

the waste at the designated KMC waste collection points only before 6a.m. and after 6 p.m., the same would be enforced by the KMC Inspectors and assisted by the Kohima Smart CCTV cameras.

Further, citizens have been requested not to throw waste out of moving cars but to find a dustbin or take the waste home for disposal.

Meanwhile, ward sanitation committees have been requested to create awareness and monitor the waste deposit timings in their respective jurisdictions.

DIMAPUR: Peace Channel in collaboration with North East Institute of Social Sciences & Research (NEISSR) and MGM group of institutions and DiocesanMission education board in association with association of Chhattisgarh Christian Educational Societies organised separate webinars on June 12.

PC, NEISST: A webinar on “the importance of dialogue in personal, family and community life” was organised by Peace Channel in collaboration with North East Institute of Social Sciences & Research (NEISSR) on June 12.

A press release by the organisers informed that the resource persons for the session were Dr. Deben Sharma, assistant professor at NEISSR; Dr. Fr. C. P. Anto, principal of NEISSR and founder and director of Peace Channel and Rev. Fr. Paul Inashe, superior, Capuchin House Dimapur.

In his presentation, Rev. Dr. Anto emphasised on the need for dialogue in maintaining relationships in this day’s state of affair. He said relationships have to be re-established among individuals, groups and communities through peaceful dialogue such that communities could refrain from the use of violence to resolve differences and conflict of interests.

Dr Anto also stressed on the need to build trust and safety among the communities, which he said could be achieved through willingness and openness to

accept differences and also, in respecting diversities of individuals and communities living in a society.

Dr. Deben Sharma gave an insight of the road map of dialoguing towards peace building. Presenting to the need of the time, he said dialogue was the essential democratic and inclusive approach to resolve differences and channel it towards something that have never been created before.

Rev. Fr. Paul Inashe said people are in need of a space where they have the attitude of respecting and acceptance, attitude of accommodation and understanding and have the openness to changes and differences.

He said the communities could cultivate the culture of accommodating the different perspectives without any judgement and biases. “Many a times, we fail to live in peace with others in the communities because we often tend to impose our own ideology or beliefs against others, and still fail to recognize and respect the views of the others,” said Rev Fr. Paul.

The facilitator of the webinar was Vitono Gugu Haralu, trainer and consultant at Peace Channel; vote of thanks was delivered by Manpang Nyiam, Kohima district coordinator. The webinar was attended by around 100 peace partners, community leaders, teachers and students from across the state.

MGM: MGM group of institutions and Dioc-

esan- Mission education board in association with association of Chhattisgarh Christian Educational Societies organised a valuebased seminar on the topic, “creative avenues of technology”.

In a press release, MGM College principal, Fr. Dr. P. S.Varghese stated that Diocesan education officer Dr. Fr. Joshi Varghese addressed the session on “adversity brings the best in man”. Resource person, Dr. George Varghese said technology in online teaching and learning develops competency and effective learning and teaching procedures.

He proceeded the training session further with innovative strategies and aspects based upon technology applicable for online teaching methods making online class more interactive, interesting and beneficial for students.

Earlier, in welcome speech, MGM, public school Bilaspur, Rev.Fr. Joby Peter asserted the need of the institution to face the challenges in online learning during the pandemic.

He said it was time for the teachers to identify, explore, experiment and get equipped with online teaching technologies and methodologies.

Around 880 teachers including teachers of MGM College and MGMHSS participated in the webinar; vote of thanks was delivered

by MGM Higher Secondary School, Itarsi principal, Fr. Xavier T Daniel.

Fire razes house at Kohima town Correspondent KOHIMA, JUN 13 (NPN): A house was completely burnt down by a major fire Sunday morning at Jail Colony, Kohima, however, no casualty was reported.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, the lone occupant of the house, said the fire broke out when she had gone to visit relatives in the neighbourhood.

Although no one was injured, the owner disclosed that all belongings were completely destroyed by the inferno.

Though she could not ascertain the cause of the fire, she suspected short circuit to be the cause. Fire Station, South, officer in-charge (OC), Sedevizo Hibo said the

fire tender team tried their best and was able to prevent the fire from spreading to nearby houses.

He added that since the house was old it went up in flames in a matter of a few minutes despite the fire tenders’ effort to salvage as much as possible. After assessing power connections in the house, Hibo said the fire could have been caused by a short circuit.

Fire station report stated that the team reached the location within six minutes after receiving the fire call and completed the necessary tending works in 20 minutes. Properties including laptops, cell phones and kitchen appliances worth more than one lakh was destroyed.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

‘Litter free Kohima city’ campaign begins D I M A P U R : Ko h i m a Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL) and Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) have initiated a “litter free Kohima city” campaign in an effort to make the city clean and have urged citizens to join the movement.

In a press release, KSCDL said in order to make Kohima a “litter free city”, an intensive cleaning of the main highway began on June 4 for which the pilot location from TCP Jn to North PS Junction for the first week was identified.

KMC has also notified that depositing of waste in the council’s collection points along the main city highway would be strictly maintained before 6 a.m. and after 6 p.m. while daytime hours from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.was to be strictly observed as “no litter, no garbage” hours.

The council has

Educational institutions, organisations hold webinars

LATE N. SUALEMBA AO

20th August 1932 - 14th June 2020 Executive Engineer (Retd) PWD Ex - MLA (22 Arkakong A/C) With heart as vast as the ocean and, hands as warm as the desert sand.

Love as engulfing as the forest fire.

Vision of a pioneer, and simplicity as a bedrock principle. He had gone on and achieved some of the highest honours that this life bestows.

Remembering you with the fondest memories.

Loving: Wife and Grandchildren

DP-2771

Penning down my ink of tears while accepting the universal fact of my Daddy Shri. Angnyei Konyak when being a mortal soul has left us for His Heavenly abode on 9th June 2021 after a prolonged struggle for life.

Words felt inadequate to express our heartfelt gratitude and thankfulness to all those who stood by us during the prolonged struggle for life at Naga Hospital Kohima and during the hard times of his demise, supporting and comforting us through financially, morally, materially and prayerful hearts throughout our grief and hard times.

26. KNSK Mopong Town 1. Doctors and nurses of ICU Department 27. Tobu Area Union Chumukedima NHAK 28. Mopong Hong Kong Union Dimapur 2. Ambulance Service PHC Mopong 3. Ambulance Service District Hospital Mon 29. Konyak Union Chumukedima 4. Ambulance Service ENPO (ENPUD) 30. Shri. A. Nyamnyei Konyak, Chairman, DAN 5. Akala Prayer Home Chumukedima and 31. Shri K. Neiba, Ex. MLA her Prayer Warriors.

32. H. Angnyei Konyak and Family, Jotsoma 6. Mopong Hong Kong Students Union 33. Dr. Wangba W., MO, NHAK 7. Doctor and Nurses, PHC Mopong 34. E. Wanmei, Deputy Commandant, VG 8. Mopong Hong Kong Union Mon Town 35. Yanithung N Ngullie, SDO (C) Angjangyang 9. MHEUY 36. P. Longang Konyak, Kohima 10. EAC Office staff, Mopong 37. L. Nyamnyei ASO & Family 11. Shri. Kejerangding ADC Tobu and his 38. L. Kholee, President, MHSU staff 39. P. K. Wangba, Asst. Comdt, VG 12. Tobu Area Women Society Kohima 40. Kejongchim Yimchunger, Ex. President, 13. Ad-hoc Town Committee Mopong ENPO 14. Mopong Town Students Union 41. Ato Angami & Family, Jotsoma 15. Mopong Town Baptist church 42. Sir. Lanu Ao 16. Mopong Town Baptist youth 43. Toshi Ao 44. Mhachen & Shan, Family 17. Health Centre Management Committee 45. Milken PHC Mopong 18. Kossam Shamnyak Club Mopong 46. M. Moba, Advocate 19. Kenchenshu Village Council 47. Kamzei UDA 20. Kenchenshu Students Union 48. Khatwang & Family, Mon Town 49. Tongkem, F/Ranger 21. Staff Union Kenchenshu 50. Yakshu in laws 22. Mopong Hong Kong Union kohima 23. Asile Hostel Kigwema (Japfu Christian 51. Shiyong in laws College Kohima) 52. Yaphang Village Council 24. Kenchenshu Baptist Church 25. Kenchenshu Union Mon Town A. Moba Konyak

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Head of world’s largest family dies

Zion Chana with his wives, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

A I Z AW L , J U N 1 3 ( AG E N C I E S ) : Z i o n a Chana of Mizoram, who headed the world’s largest family with 39 wives and 94 children, passed away on Sunday.

He was 76 and he breathed his last at the Trinity Hospital in state

capital Aizawl soon after being admitted there. Ziona leaves behind 38 wives, 89 children, 33 grandchildren, and a couple of great grandchildren.

According to reports, he had some health issues, including high blood pressure and diabetes. Ziona

Curfew extended in Shillong agglomeration till June 21 SHILLONG, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): In the order, the district magistrate specified additional actions to be undertaken during the curfew time. Inter- and intra-movement of people to and from Shillong Urban Agglomeration is prohibited. Vehicles operating without passes will face severe fines, reports The Sentinel Assam.

Anyone who disobeys directives is subject to arrest, stated the notification.

Construction activities onsite are permissible with the consent of the DC’s office but inter-village labourer mobility will be prohibited. However, political, public, social, and religious gatherings, such

as conferences, meetings and trainings, weddings, and athletic events, are not authorised.

The order goes on to say that only informed national and state government offices with a few staff are permitted to open.

All banks and post offices are permitted to open with limited staff.

Funeral gatherings must be limited to 10 people and must be approved in advance by the deputy commissioner’s office, stated the order. In rural regions beyond the Shillong Urban Agglomeration, however, a night curfew would be imposed from 7 p.m. to 5 a.m. from June 14 to 21.

had been sick since June 7 and was not able to eat anything. He remained unconscious since June 11.

C h a n a ’s d e m i s e was confirmed by Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga.

He took to his official Twitter handle and

KOKRAJHAR (ASSAM), JUN 13 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday visited the family members of the two girls, who were found hanging from a tree at a village in Kokrajhar district, and assured to find the truth behind the shocking incident.

After spending time with the family at the village, Sarma said the government is not taking the death of the two girls from an indigenous community lightly.

“Yesterday, I got the news of the shocking death of two girls from the Rabha community. The family says that there was no reason for them to die by suicide. So,

Organisations, individuals convey condolence messages able to function the way it does today.

Tokheho said his passing away has left a very large void in Naga society, but Assumi’s work for the people would always live on for times to come.

Further, Tokheho has conveyed deepest condolences and sympathy to the bereaved wife and children and prayed that God would provide them solace and strength to bear his loss, and the departed soul to rest in peace.

WSBAK: Western Sümi Baptist Akükühou Küqhakulu (WSBAK) said it was bereaved at the sad demise of late Er. Khetovi K Assümi retired chief engineer PHED. In a condolence message, WSBAK said late Er. Khetovi was a man of faith who has helped the people at various level. WSBAK said it was a great loss for the Sümi community and the society as a whole to lose a person of such high morale and stature who had committed his life for the betterment and development of the society.

Further, WSBAK said it grieves with the bereaved family and prayed for God’s comfort and peace to be upon the family.

CPO: Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO) has expressed sadness at the demise of late Ningusie Zetsuvi on June 12at Medziphema ‘A’.

In a condolence message, CPO said late Zetsuvi, a retired government teacher, rendered selfless services not only to the strengthening and growth of Chakhroma Baptist Churches Council (CBCC) but also to the Chakhroma Public Organisation (CPO).

In his death, CPO said not only his family

said, “With heavy heart, #Mizoram bid farewell to Mr. Zion-a (76), believed to head the world’s largest family, with 38 wives and 89 children.”

“Mizoram and his village at Baktawng Tlangnuam has become a major tourist attraction in the state because of the family. Rest in Peace Sir!” he added.

Ziona hailed from the village of Baktawng in central Serchhip district, which is 100 kilometres to the south of Aizawl, the capital of Mizoram. He was born on 21 July 1945.

He married at the age of 17 to Zathiangi, his first wife, who was older than him by three years.

He was also the leader of a Christian sect, called Chana pawl, which allowed its male members to be polygamous. Some 400 families are said to be its adherents.

Covid: Mizoram NE COVID-19 UPDATES extends lockdown M’laya registers Mizoram reports 346 new COVID till June 21 305 new Covid cases, tally crosses 15,000-mark A izawl , J U N 1 3 Aizawl, JUN 13 (PTI): According to the of(AGENCIES): The ongo- cases, 6 fatalities M i z o r a m ’s C OV I D - 1 9 ficial, fresh cases were deing statewide lockdown has been further extended till June 21, 2021, by the Mizoram state government, reports The Sentinel Assam.

Due to the exponential rise in the cases of the novel coronavirus in Mizoram and in order to curb the spread of this deadly infectious contagion, the government of Mizoram upheld the decision to extend the duration of the ongoing COVID-19 induced lockdown.

Under the Disaster Management Act of 2005, the complete statewide lockdown will be imposed from 4:00 AM of June 14 (tomorrow) till 4:00 AM of June 21, 2021, read the order issued by the state chief secretary of Mizoram, Lalnunmawia Chuaungo.

Assam CM visits family of girls found hanging from tree

State

DIMAPUR: Deputy chief minister, Y Patton has expressed sadness at the demise of Rev. Dr Ellis Murry, former secretary Nagaland Mission Movement (NMM), who passed away on June 12 at his residence in Dimapur.

In a condolence message, Patton said late Murry dedicated his life in the service of the Lord from a young age till the time of his death. He said late Murry was the first general secretary of NMM under NBCC, served as missionary at large and also founded Supreme Task International. Patton also said that late Murry travelled widely and authored many books.

Patton said his wife joins him in mourning with the bereaved family and prayed for the departed to rest in eternal peace.

M P To k h e h o : I n a condolence message, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) Tokheho Yepthomi said he was deeply pained by the passing of Er Khetovi Assumi, former chief engineer PHED Nagaland.

Tokheho said late Assumi took over as the Chief Engineer of PHED in 1999 when the department was in a bad state of affairs. He described late Assumi as an upright and dedicated officer who toiled to make water accessible to various nook and corners of the state.

The MP said that under Assumi’s initiative that the then Planning Commission of India sanctioned Rs. 43 crores for PHED Voluntary Retirement Scheme (VRS) which reduced the workforce of 3782 w/c employees in the department, which is why the PHED department was

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2021

members and loved ones, but the organisation has lost a fatherly figure and a pillar of strength and that the loss would be palpably felt and missed.

Further, CPO has prayed to God to provide the strength to his loved ones to overcome this loss and for the departed soul to rest in peace.

C AG S A : C h o k r i Area Games & Sports Association (CAGSA) has mourned the demise of Vetsurayi Tetseo, vicepresident, Chakhesang Youth Front and Tavezo Theluo, assistant professor, Pfutsero Government College.

In a condolence message, CAGSA described late Vetsurayi and late Tavezo as visionary leaders with great personalities. Further, CAGSA has conveyed condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the departed souls to rest in peace.

NSCN (I-M): NSCN (I-M) convenor steering committee, Ashiho Asouma has mourned the sudden demise of Kaping Maram, member of the steering executive committee, NSCN, who breathed his last on June 13 at Senapati after a prolonged illness.

In a condolence message, NSCN said late Maram was a dedicated man who loved Naga nation and displayed his patriotic spirit by rendering his service for the Naga nation from the year 1974till his last breath.

NSCN has conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and his close friends and prayed that God would take care of them and comfort them at this hour of grief and for the departed soul to rest in peace.

there is a mystery,” he told reporters here.

Sarma said he personally did on-ground inspection and held discussions with the Bodoland Territorial Area IGP and Kokrajhar SP about the case.

“We have some doubts on a few people and have picked up four-five persons for interrogation. Of them, two deleted all messages and photos from their phones but they used to talk for one to one-and-half hours with the girls.

“Prima facie the case hints at murder as well as suicide under duress. If it is murder, then we will find the culprits and punish them.

If it is suicide, then we will

DSSU organises online literary competition DIMAPUR: Dimapur Sümi Student’s Union (DSSU) held its first online literary competition 2021 in the various disciplines such as essay writing, poem writing slogan writing and painting.

In a press release, DSSU informed that many students took part in the competition which was categorised into three sections – high school, higher secondary and degree students.

The union informed that in essay writing, the first position was bagged by Mughakali, UNB-B Sumi saa Kiphimi Küqhakulu (M.sc 2nd semester NEHU) while Ledina Sumi (Class-10) of Rincho Academy bagged the second position. The winner of the poem competition was Vilibo Chishi (B.A 6th semester) Tetso College and Tikhepu Muru (B.A 2nd semester) Unity College secured the second position.

Tonoka V Zhimo (class 10) Little Star Higher Secondary School bagged the first position in slogan writing while Kihikali H Zhimomi (class-7) Holy Child School bagged the second position. Toka Khujumi (class-8) Livingstone Foundation Higher Secondary School was declared the winner of the painting competition while Tolo K Awomi (class-4) Niu-colony Sumi Kiphimi Küqhakulu bagged the second position.

OCYO informs Dimapur: Oriental Colony Youth Organisation (OCYO) has informed all residents of the colony to dump garbage at proper disposal place demarcated by the colony panchayat. OCYO has also cautioned against dumping of animal carcasses on the dumping site and has requested every resident to comply by the civic rules. OCYO has informed that defaulters would be liable for strict punishment with a fine of Rs. 5000.

find the reason behind such a step. I have instructed the police,” he said.

The chief minister also said that many indigenous people in lower Assam districts like Kokrajhar and Dhubri are “threatened”, but he did not elaborate.

“We are not taking the deaths of the two indigenous girls lightly. That is why I have come here. I want to give one message from here that this government will not accept any torture on the poor and downtrodden people,” he said.

The incident took place inside a forest, where the bodies of the two siblings were found hanging from a tree on Friday evening.

SHILLONG, JUN 13 (PTI): The COVID-19 caseload of Meghalaya on Sunday mounted to 41,906 after 305 more people tested positive for the virus, a senior health official said.

During the past 24 hours, six patients have succumbed to the infection, taking the coronavirus death toll to 733, Health Services director Aman War said.

Among the fresh fatalities, 4 were reported from East Khasi Hills, and 1 each from East Jaintia Hills and West Garo Hills districts, he said.

At present, there are 4,623 active coronavirus cases in Meghalaya.

As many as 547 people have recuperated from the infection, taking the total number of recoveries in the northeastern state to 36,550.

count crossed the 15,000mark on Sunday as 346 more people tested positive for the infection, an official said. The fresh cases, detected from 3,866 samples tested on Saturday, took the single-day infection rate to 8.94 per cent, he said. The state’s southern-most district Lawngtlai recorded the highest 154 new infections, displacing Aizawl from the top spot.

Arunachal reports 298 new Covid cases ITANAGAR, JUN 13 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh on Sunday reported 298 new COVID-19 cases, taking the tally to 31,148, a Health Department official said. Five more persons died of COVID-19 in the state, pushing the toll to 143. The new deaths were reported from Changlang, Tawang, Capital Complex Region, Lower Siang and Lower Subansiri, State Surveillance officer Dr Lobsang Jampa said. There are 3,187 active cases in the state at present, he said.

In the last 24 hours, 380 patients recovered from the disease. So far, the state has reported 27,818 recoveries.

The new cases were detected after testing 5,909 samples on Saturday.

Assam Police foils cattle smuggling attempt in Dhubri Dhubri (Assam), Jun 13 (PTI): The Assam Police resorted to firing in the air after being attacked by a group of cattle smugglers, and rescued 30 bovines from them along the India- Bangladesh border in Dhubri district, a senior officer said on Sunday.

The incident took place on Saturday night near Birshing Char (sandbar) bordering Bangladesh when the cattle smugglers were on their way to the neighbouring countr y through the river route.

Acting on a specific input, two teams of police personnel were sent in

as many boats around 8 pm, Dhubri ASP Rosyrani Sarma said.

The teams of police personnel chased the smugglers’ boat and signalled them to stop but they tried to escape from the spot.

A boat carrying cattle was intercepted at around 10.40 pm, the additional superintendent of police said.

Sarma said when the police chased the smugglers, the boatman anchored it on the bank of the river and then they attacked the police teams with sharp weapons.

One lakh bags of FCI rice seized from private godown in Assam s Kamrup dist Rangia (Assam), Jun 13 (PTI): The Assam police has claimed to have busted a scam involving supply of government rice by seizing one lakh bags of the cereal, belonging to the Food Corporation of India’s Meghalaya unit, from a private godown in Kamrup district while the food item was being repackaged for selling.

Following a tip-off, a joint operation conducted by the police and district administration seized the bags, stuffed with FCI rice from the godown of a private company in Chhaygoan Industrial Development Centre, Chhatabari under Boko police station recently.

According to senior officials, the irregularities came to light after villagers of Nadiar Par noticed suspicious movement of a truck laden with bags of rice and

informed the police.

A team comprising Boko Police Officer-inCharge Sanjeet Roy and Chhaygoan Circle Officer Jayanta Borah seized the tr uck and interrogated the driver and handyman, which led them to unravel the massive irregularities taking place at the godown of the private company.

“We seized one lakh bags of FCI rice, each weighing 50 kgs, from the godown.

The private company was repackaging the commodity in their own brand and then sending it to Meghalaya,” a senior official said.

The team also seized 13 trucks, from the godown and the local area ,which were used for transporting the food item, he added.

“From our preliminary investigation, we found that the company sends rice to Assam Rifles in Meghalaya

tected at the remote Karlui village in the Lawngtlai district on June 10 and June 11 and the results could be updated only on Sunday due to poor internet connectivity. Aizawl district reported 130 new cases, followed by Lunglei (22) and Siaha (20). More than 59 children were among the newly-infected patients, the official said. One patient has a travel history.

after repackaging. They send it to other places too. A chain must be in existence and many people, including officials, are likely to be involved in the scam,” officials in Assam said.

It was found that the company, identified as Maruti Quality Products Pvt Ltd (MQPPL), has a tie-up with a leading multinational food giant and their roles are being probed, they added.

The MQPPL and its godown are owned by one Deepak Agarwal, who is absconding, and a joint investigation is being conducted by the police and the civil administrations.

Army, Air Force discuss joint operations in NE Correspondent SHILLONG, JUN 13: The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOCin-C), Eastern Command (EC), Lieutenant General Manoj Pande visited the Head Quarters Eastern Air Command (EAC), Shillong on Sunday and discussed defence preparedness with the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C), EAC, Air Marshal Amit Dev and discussed joint operations and other issues.

This was the first visit of the Army Commander after having assumed command on June 1, 2021.

“Joint operations and jointmanship was the main focus of discussions. The Army Commander was briefed on details of operations by Indian Air Force in support of Indian Army in the Eastern Sector,” a defence statement issued

by Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh said.

“Decisions were taken on conduct of realistic joint training exercises on a regular basis to draw out lessons for actual operations,” the statement read.

“Incidentally, both the commanders trained together at the National Defence Academy and graduated from the same batch in December, 1981,” the defence statement added.

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Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 188 Dimapur, MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2021

Deprived and denied

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onsequent upon the tripartite agreement arrived at between the government of India, government of Assam and six rebel outfits of Karbi Anglong district, the existing Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council (KAAC) is to be renamed as Karbi Anglong Autonomous Territorial Council (KAATC). It will have administrative functions over two districts- Karbi Anglong district and West Karbi Anglong district with headquarters in Diphu. The total area of the proposed Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council is 10,401 sq. km having a population of 961,275 as of 2011.The rejig of KAAC to KAATC is in line with the decision of the union cabinet in 2019 which approved a Constitutional amendment to increase the financial and executive powers of the ten autonomous councils in the Sixth Schedule areas of the northeast. There will be devolution of financial resources to the councils, transfer of additional 30 subjects to the KAATC including other autonomous tribal councils in the north east. While the creation of KAATC is positive development, there is more to it than meets the eye. For one, Karbi Anglong erstwhile Mikir Hills district is inhabited by various tribes and communities. One of the inhabitants of Karbi Anglong- the Rengma Nagas- who claim to be the indigenous people of the Rengma Hills in present day Karbi Anglong- are rightly incensed at being taken for granted after being disposed of their ancestral lands. Unlike other communities including tea tribes etc, the Rengmas in Karbi Anglong are indigenous inhabitants of the area and which even the Britishers acknowledge by creating the Rengma Hills in 1841. It has been recorded in some historical accounts, that even the very name ‘Mikir’ was originated from the Rengma word ‘mekeronnyu’ which is said to mean “burning the bodies after death”. The Rengmas in Karbi Anglong have cited historical accounts of being the indigenous inhabitants of Rengma Hills (till it was arbitrarily renamed as Mikir Hills in 1970). By 1976 the Mikir Hills district was again renamed as Karbi Anglong district. According to Rengmas most tribal communities in Karbi Anglong migrated from other states such as Karbis from Khasi Hills. There have been ethnic clashes in the district between Karbis and other ethnic tribes such as - Kukis-Karbis, Khasis-Karbis, north Indians-Karbis, Dimasa-Karbi and Rengmas-Karbis etc. The Rengmas in Karbi Anglong are not opposing the creation of the KAATC but resent the fact that they have not been consulted prior to proposal for creation of KAATC. The Rengmas have been demanding creation of Rengma Hills Autonomous District (RHAD) bifurcating from Karbi Anglong with Headquarters at Bokajan for Rengmas and Non Karbis. The Rengma Nagas have been submitting several memoranda to the central and state governments for many years for creation of RHAD but it has been ignored. Not only being deprived of their rightful opportunities which have instead gone to immigrants, the Rengmas in the district have also been preyed upon by militant outfits and when they wanted their share of political rights, the response has been clearly not only unresponsive but also hostile. If later day arrivals have been able to corner development and political influence, surely the Rengmas in Karbi Anglong have every right to expect equal share and opportunities as other communities?. The apex tribes of Nagaland could appeal to the state government to urge upon the Centre and Assam that peace and development is possible only when there is justice and equality for all communities of Karbi Anglong.

DailyDevotion Getting There (3) …come, follow Me. —Luke 18:22 Where our individual desire dies and sanctified surrender lives. One of the greatest hindrances in coming to Jesus is the excuse of our own individual temperament. We make our temperament and our natural desires barriers to coming to Jesus. Yet the first thing we realize when we do come to Jesus is that He pays no attention whatsoever to our natural desires. We have the idea that we can dedicate our gifts to God. However, you cannot dedicate what is not yours. There is actually only one thing you can dedicate to God, and that is your right to yourself (see Romans 12:1). If you will give God your right to yourself, He will make a holy experiment out of you— and His experiments always succeed. The one true mark of a saint of God is the inner creativity that flows from being totally surrendered to Jesus Christ.

In the life of a saint there is this amazing Well, which is a continual Source of original life. The Spirit of God is a Well of water springing up perpetually fresh. A saint realizes that it is God who engineers his circumstances; consequently there are no complaints, only unrestrained surrender to Jesus. Never try to make your experience a principle for others, but allow God to be as creative and original with others as He is with you.

If you abandon everything to Jesus, and come when He says, “Come,” then He will continue to say, “Come,” through you. You will go out into the world reproducing the echo of Christ’s “Come.” That is the result in every soul who has abandoned all and come to Jesus.

Have I come to Him? Will I come now?

Quotes

I have never in my life learned anything from any man who agreed with me. ~ Dudley Field Malone

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2021

Stop bank sales, empower the middle class

he middle class is supposed to be the backbone of Indian economy. It is shrinking and the government announces sale of two major public sector banks, Central Bank of India (CBI) and Indian Overseas Bank (IOB).

Should India privatise critical assets when it needs the finances most? The sales instead would be used for one-time financing of budgetary deficits.

Both the banks like many other public sector banks (PSB) have shown improvement in their balance sheets of late and no sooner their privatization is announced got impressive quotes at the stock market. On June 8, shares of Central Bank and IOB soared 7 to 14 percent soon after Niti Aayog announced their privatisation. Both the lenders are currently under the prompt corrective action (PCA) imposed by the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) and have shown marked improvements. This shows that the market is ready to lap up assets worth Rs 9.7 lakh crore – CBI Rs 3.56 lakh crore and IOB Rs 2.44 lakh crore. Another asset of United Insurance is Rs 3.7

lakh crore - a good sum for a race to a multi-trillion dollar economy.

The bank health is mysteriously linked to the growth of the middle class.

Since 1969 nationalisation of banks for development purposes has helped both the banks and the depositors, largely from the middle class. As they grew, so has risen the bank deposits and industrial and economic activities. But as the middle class got a jolt after the 2008 Lehman Brothers meltdown due to incentivisations by the UPA government causing erosion in bank assets, because of non-payment of huge sums, over Rs 50 lakh crore by large lenders (corporate), shrinkage of jobs and activities the middle class started taking the hit.

It has been exacerbated by the introduction of a low-interest, high prices and high-tax-on-deposit regime.

This may marginally buff-up government revenue figures, but has caused impoverisation of the middle class.

Most of them are paying income tax on a skewed higher income as interest, were not considered as hedging against inflation but

unwisely as “income”. This erodes savings. The process started during UPA and the NDA never heard to the people’s pleas. It condescended by 2018 into the middle class slipping. They and the poor were also hit by unwise demonetisation that had shaken the economy in 2016 when it was just turning around.

The Pew research is now looking into the severe pandemic lockdown and says that 33 million (3.3 Shivaji crore) people during the last one year have slid into poverty of a 99 million (9.9 crore) supposed middle class, defined as people with $ 10 to 20 a day earners. The report says that the poverty rate in India rose by 9.7 percent in 2020, up from January 2020 forecast of 4.3 percent and projected to have reached 134 million (13.4 crore). If the food dole is a standard the pandemic has hit 80 crore people. Despite large bankisation of the poor, the banks have not got that boost in actual deposits though the operational cost has increased manifold.

The size apart the class that is stated to be the key to growth has now lower

incomes and capacity to consume and save are down.

The first officially declared recession has left its middle class fearful of future.

It means the future growth would be delayed and if instead of corrective steps banks that were nationalised with great political will are sold back to the private, it would mean social assets would decline leading further economic chaos.

Often it is said that PSBs are unable Sarkar to cope up with private banks. This is a misnomer.

India’s private banks Axis, ICICI, HDFC and others have a record of being eroded by its own bosses. Axis has asset quality problems, ICICI was moth eaten by its chief executive Chanda Kochar and HDFC was fined Rs 10 crore for wrongfully selling third-party nonfinancial products to its auto loan customers. There are many complaints against HDFC insurance as well.

By privatizing some of the biggest financial institutions would the nation be forcing these also to go the unethical chaotic way?

During demonetisation and the pandemic, the

PSBs have given services to the people even with a dwindling number of employees. The CBI has 33,481 employees in 4685 branches, IOB 26334 in 3400 branches and UIA 14,322 in 2271 branches. Once privatized, one-third or more employees would lose jobs.

Despite the PCA curbs, both lenders have managed to grow their loan books.

Central Bank’s gross advances rose nearly three percent between March 31, 2020 and March 31, 2021 to Rs 1.77 lakh crore. IOB’s advances stood at Rs 1.37 lakh crore as on December 31, 2020, up two percent year-on-year.

Being state-owned banks, they continued to enjoy the trust of depositors despite being under PCA. Central Bank’s deposits grew over five percent in a year to Rs 3.3 lakh crore as on March 31, 2021 and IOB’s deposits also increased by a similar degree to Rs 2.34 lakh crore as on December 31, 2020.

Since nationalisation, the Indian banking sector expanded at an unmatched level but it made banks prone to political interference for many purposes including

the 2008 incentivisation of the rich corporate or Jan Dhan accounts that raised operational costs. Largely the financial woes of the PSBs are not due to corruption and nepotism. Many loans of banks like Bank of India, Punjab National bank, Bank of Baorda, Axis bank and IDBI Bank were written off to shore up balance sheets. The quantum of PSB loan stood at Rs 32,853 crore higher than recoveries of Rs 23,894 crore. Such figures are gradually coming down.

This also does not justify the process of privatization. Even the United Insurance is preferred to most private insurers as its claim settlement process is more realistic and ethical.

It is not easy to create Rs 10 billion asset. It might go to one or the other defaulters? Instead retaining the asset would help government create these more economic activities and boost jobs. An empowered middle class with lower taxes and TDS exemptions on their deposits can do wonders. Mere change in approach could strengthen the economy and open up many avenues for the government.

Post-mortem

‘Agreed Position’ assures Pan Naga identity & solution: NNPGs

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Vector, virulence and velocity

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s a nation, COVID19 has put us all to a severe stress test and extracted a heavy toll.

However, our collective conduct and response to it was unsatisfactory. This is a once-in-a-century health crisis. Ironically, it is being fought at a political level, at common man’s expense. The irresponsible, motor-mouth media coverage and open hostility to logic and reasoning are quite astonishing.

First came the question — Why the lockdown? Then politics on migrant sufferings ensued; followed by vaccine hesitancy created by a few parochial politicians.

Later, it was “why vaccine diplomacy”? The Government felt it had prevailed over COVID-19 better than any other country. Alas, the triumph was short-lived. The pandemic chose not to follow the eloquent graphs and, instead, spread like wildfire at the second instance — engulfing the country with ruthless speed.

C o n s e q u e n t ly, t h e health system collapsed with patient overload. The country felt humiliated by falling flat on its face and now gasping for breath. The critics quickly got their mojo back and floored the Government on several counts of alleged mismanagement. Amid this spectacle, media and the political class chipped away the national spine.

Showcasing br uises rather than the breakthroughs achieved, the Opposition and media offered their own narrow politics and collective depravity. They gravely compounded the confusion and trauma of the common man with their insensitive utterances and reporting, with lasting consequences.

But are only politicians and media to be blamed? Reckless public flouting rules exacerbated it. In a country like India, it can be a recipe for disaster. It is akin to offering the pandemic vector, velocity and virulence, all at the same time. No wonder the country was on the skids in the second wave.

The mayhem on TV news channels gave the impression that States and their administrators were running like headless chickens. Common sense, sensitivity and conscience were also given a hasty burial. The motormouth media scavenged every ounce of this tragedy.

The forensic reporting of the deaths and burials and ambulance-chasing continued regardless, assaulting and shocking the viewers’

senses. Tracking the death numbers became a competitive sport. As if arriving at a statistically correct figure would lend more credence to journalistic reporting.

Instead of erring on providing a measured tone and tenor, media got busy framing the macabre. In the process, it inflicted incalculable psychological trauma and emotional scars on an entire generation.

Foreign media laid bare their fangs. They have dissed us before and their continued interest in framing narratives for India — as an inferior nation that can’t get anything right — continues with charming regularity. Misrepresenting India pays rich dividends to the western press. Their entrenched prejudices towards our country fail to meet the journalistic standards they avow to follow.

They hunted for stories at the burial grounds. Invading the privacy of families, without consent, they gleefully and luridly captured drone shots of burning pyres. The western press couldn’t resist using the tantalising visuals to deck up their front pages. Even in this hour of universal human tragedy, the foreign media swooped so low; and how!

Adding to this rot are the ever-bankable, omniscient award-winning fiction writer celebrities. One wonders, what do these creatures eat and breathe to radiate such toxicity? Commenting on statecraft, health and policy decisions are perhaps the same things for them as writing fiction. One thing is clear, the western press has no appetite for any meaningful engagement with the country, its aspiration or its trials and tribulations.

Also, perplexing amidst all this was the hyper-venti-

lating doctors posting emotionally charged appeals on social media. Such outbursts needlessly created further panic among the common public. Maybe the intent was to spread awareness on the ruthlessness of the pandemic — but it compounded hopelessness. We can’t afford doctors, our frontline workers, to break down and be seen shaken and helpless.

It sends a jarring message.

Imagine a soldier at our borders broadcasting to the world all the hardships he is suffering on duty, would that be acceptable to us?

Umpteen “exper ts” and talking heads added chaos and cacophony more than comfort. The pandemic communication protocols are weak and need to be strengthened. A pool of welltrained medical professional who can articulate and provide consistent messaging in the most reassuring manner should form the backbone of any pandemic communications scenario in future.

It’s time medical education emphasises on teaching and “patient communications” as key soft skills and management subject area. Doctors require training on how to deliver critical health information to public and elicit trust and confidence among it. Most practising doctors seem to be incapable of drawing upon this vital skill.

Finally, a citizenry with no individual responsibility and expecting everything to be done by the Government is sheer delinquency. An irresponsible and devil-maycare attitude of the citizens was visible all through the pandemic. Nothing will work unless we do!

VV Sundar (The author is a communications specialist based in New Delhi. The views expressed are personal.)

here has been a brief lull owing the hands of the apex tribal leaders and to the raging pandemic across the Naga politicians. This gives no room for world, nevertheless, Naga people pessimists or anti-unity, anti-solution elare confident in the official position of ements to spew venom at. The progress GoI with NNPGs on the question of made thus far is the translation of the Indo-Naga political solution. The GoI Naga people’s will through the blessing under the astute leadership of Honourable and mercy of Jehovah, the Almighty Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi had Creator of Nagaland.

The Working Committee (WC) endorsed Mr. R.N Ravi as interlocutor for Naga Peace talks, who was also as- of the Naga National Political Groups signed gubernatorial charge for the state (NNPGs) is confident that Honourable of Nagaland, to begin political negotia- Prime Minister will fulfil the warm comtions with the Working Committee (WC), forting and reassuring words conveyed to NNPGs on 27thSeptember 2017. By 31st custodians and administrators of Naga Oct. 2019, GoI and the two negotiating customary laws and traditions in villages, Naga groups announced conclusion of the called Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation talks. All contentious matters had been (NGBF) when the delegation met him at resolved through intense negotiations. his office on 3rd August 2017 for early Few unresolved issues were to be pursued conclusion of the Indo-Naga political and resolved through democratic process talks. The Status paper of WC and GoI post solution. This is the official position talks reflect the commitment of Honourof the GOI till date. This is assuredly the able Prime Minister to NGBF and apex position of the Home Ministry, the GoI Naga civil societies. The NNPGs thus interlocutor, and the Nagaland State negotiated with GOI understanding the pulse of the Naga people.

Government.

There is a clear segment in the negotiThe WC, NNPGs in tandem with all Naga tribes and civil societies await ated points which entirely deals with the the Indo-Naga political solution. Despite Naga people and the ancestral territories thisthere is endless propaganda and in the present state of Assam. Zeliangrong disturbing distortion of truth to confuse areas of North Cachar, Rengma Region the Naga people. Fortunately, our people including Mikir Hills and other Naga can distinguish between those working Tribal Areas should not be brought under earnestly for early honourable and ac- the purview of any agreement till such ceptable solution and those changing areas are reassigned to the respective Naga goalposts each month to enrich themselves Tribes and the Constitutional position as and prolong the Naga issue. Hundred of 1949 is restored. Any agreement that press releases cannot nullify one politi- contravenes the Agreed Position with cal statement with fact and figures. Any the working Committee, Naga National entity deviating from this 31stOct. 2019 Political Groups (WC, NNPGs) and the open declaration must be deemed as open Government of India, will amount to defiance to Naga People’s aspiration for breach of trust and faith deposed by the Nagas on the Indian Union. honourable and acceptable solution.

The Naga Contiguous Territories and The basis of the negotiation between the GoI and the WC is the recognition of disputed border areas in Nagaland-Assam the Nagas by GoI to, “...self determine must not be infringed till a comprehensive their future in consonance with their Indo-Naga political solution is arrived at. distinct identity...” The unprecedented An Accord entered into with any entity support and endorsement from Apex to fulfill and safeguard their social and tribal Hohos and GBs, Churches, and economic interest is duly noted however, other Naga civil societies, allowed the to discard and dishonour Naga history “Agreed Position” to echo the very voice and political right through such exercise and spirit of the Naga National leader’s would add to the trust deficit of Nagas meeting with M.K Gandhi, the Father of with the Union of India festering for the Indian Nation, on that sunny morning many decades. It would be another unat Bhangi Colony in Delhi seven decades fortunate episode in the Political history back. It further agrees, “The two entities of the Nagas.

Enforcing any Accord of the kind agreed to work out the details of a relationship...” “...co-existence with due regards in Karbi Anglong or other area in Assam affecting Nagas and their land, creating to contemporary political realities” The “Agreed Position” signed on new system contrary to the negotiated 17thNovember 2017, and the subsequent political and administrative structure of political negotiations clearly answers the Assam Nagas in the status paper would Naga historical question, the Naga politi- be another lump of salt on the wound of cal question and future relationship for the Naga people.

WC, NNPGs, in order to maintain next generation. There is great confidence brimming within the Naga political and mutual respect and communal harmony bureaucratic fraternity, Naga intelligen- in the region, urge the GOI to reconsider tsia, the youthful generation down to vil- signing of accords in Assam in haste as lage dwellers, that finally, on the strength there is a clear negotiated chapter which Sir, and commitment of “Agreed Position” says that after the Naga Accord is inked, Numerous posts regarding vaccine injuries and the GoI is preparing to heal and correct the Neutral High Empowered Commitdeaths in India have been circulating on social media. A the historical, political and administrative tee would be constituted immediately to movement called Awaken India Movement has also been maladies of the past. This is the truth and pursue and commit to the historical and initiated online which adds more confusion. To begin if there are groups who cannot accept this legal contentions of the border dispute between Nagaland and Assam.

It is with, our people had always been skeptical about these reality, it is their problem and Nagas must Covid vaccines and these posts have only been spreading understand their obsessive, ever-changing against the spirit of the ongoing political dialogue between GOI and WC, NNPGs fear and reluctance among the people. Therefore, I would political sloganeering. be grateful if the health departments and every concerned The wrongs of the past against the should any accord is signed in the tribal authority can initiate an awareness regarding these vaccines Naga people and their inhabited ancestral belt that endangers the historical, demographic, political and cultural identity of and educate the public on the necessity of the vaccines to land is being relooked and restructured safeguard our health. as per the negotiated terms between GoI the Nagas.

Media Cell, WC, NNPGs Amen Ao, Dimapur and WC, NNPGs. The status paper is in Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

Reader’s Post

Importance of vaccination

5

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2021

Restaurants to reopen with 50% capacity in Delhi Pradhan says Cong-ruled states should cut tax on petrol, diesel

gatherings and congregations, stadia, sports complexes barring those used for training or any national or international event, business to business exhibitions, are also prohibited.

The religious places in the city will also be allowed to reopen from Monday, but visitors will not be allowed, Kejriwal said.

He said with declining number of coronavirus cases, the concern now is to bring back Delhi’s economy on track and preparing on a war footing for an anticipated third wave of the infection.

“The restaurants are allowed up to 50 per cent of the seating capacity in the city and their owners will be responsible for strict adherence to the prescribed standard operating procedure and government guidelines,

including those for COVID appropriate behaviour,” the DDMA order stated.

“All markets, market complexes, malls and restaurants (up to 50 percent seating capacity) will be allowed to function on trial basis for one week from 5 am on June 14 to 5 am on June 21,” it said A “very close” watch and supervision will be maintained on the overall functioning of markets, market complexes, malls and restaurants by district magistrates, DCPs, and other authorities.

It will be the responsibility of the market and restaurant associations and owners to strictly ensure that the COVID appropriate behaviour and the protocols are strictly followed, it said.

If it is found that COVID appropriate behaviour is not being followed in markets, market complexes, malls and restaurants, or if the positivity rate and number of COVID-19 positive people increases in Delhi, these centres will be “closed forthwith without any loss of time” to prevent any upsurge and likelihood of the next wave in Delhi, warned the DDMA. Only one authorised weekly market (up to the limit of 50 per cent of the allowed vendors at normal time) per day per zone, in

all three municipal corporations and New Delhi Municipal Council, Delhi Containment Board, will be allowed subject to the strict compliance of precautions, it said.

No weekly market will be allowed on roadsides.

It will have to be set up at suitable grounds where precautions against COVID-19 could be maintained.

There will be no restriction on inter-state and intrastate movement of persons and goods, and no separate permission or e-pass will be required for such movements, the order said.

The partly allowed activities announced last week and earlier, including opening of government and private offices with 50 per cent staff, marriages at home or in the court, operation of Delhi Metro trains and public transport buses with 50 per cent seating capacity, permission for a gathering of 20 persons during funerals, running of autos, e-rickshaws and other lastmile vehicles, will continue up to June 21 morning, it added.

“I hope our lives will be back on tracks if the Covid cases continue to decline. It is a massive calamity and we have to tackle it together, and hope the cases do not increase now,” Kejriwal added.

‘Love Jihad’ resurfaces in Kerala as terrorists’ widows refused return

Police officer files rape case against man in Mumbai

‘Even Ambedkar would’ve been slandered as pro-Pak by BJP’

Malls, markets to open daily NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (PTI): Restaurants with 50 per cent capacity, weekly markets and religious places will reopen in Delhi from June 14, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal announced on Sunday, saying the COVID-19 situation has significantly come under control in the city.

Salons, beauty parlours and barber shops closed since the imposition of lockdown on April 19, will also reopen from Monday, officials said.

“All activities, except certain prohibited ones, will be allowed from 5 am on Monday. There are also certain restricted or partly allowed activities announced last week that will continue,” Kejriwal said in an online briefing.

He said markets, malls and market complexes allowed to reopen on odd even basis, will now open on all days, from 10 am to 8 pm.

Only one weekly market per municipal zone per day will be allowed, he said.

“We will watch the relaxation allowed to reopen markets and restaurants during the next week. If Covid cases do not increase, we

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JUN 13 (IANS): The issue of ‘Love Jihad’ has cropped up again in Kerala after reports that the Centre has denied permission to return to four women, who had gone from the state to Afghanistan along with their husbands and children to live in the “Islamic Caliphate” promised by terror organisation IS. Four women-- Sonia Sebastian alias Ayisha, Merin Jacob alias Merrin, Nimisha Nair alias Fathima Isa, and Raffaela -- had gone with their families to Afghanistan to live in territory of the Islamic State in Khorasan Province (ISKP) in 2016-18. Their husbands

Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal addresses a press conference, in New Delhi. (PTI)

will continue the relaxation, but if cases increase, we will have to bring back the restrictions.

“I, therefore, appeal all market associations and others to prevent crowding and ensure social distancing and other precautions,” the chief minister said.

Schools, colleges, educational and coaching institutes, cinema halls, multiplexes, theatres, gyms, spas, yoga institutes, swimming pools, auditoriums, banquet halls, amusement and water parks, and public parks and gardens, will continue to be closed till 5 am on June 21, according to the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) order issued on Sunday.

All social, political, sports, entertainment, academic, cultural/religious, festival-related and other

were killed in separate attacks and the women surrendered before the Afghan authorities in November 2019.

Senior Indian officials including from the External Affairs Ministry and intelligence agencies had interrogated these four women in Kabul prisons and had reported to the Indian government that these women were highly radicalised.

However, Nimisha’s mother Bindu has already lashed out against the reports that the Indian government is not preferring to allow these women back into the country.

Addressing media at Thiruvananthapuram, Bindu said: “Why are they not

allowing my daughter back into the country. Let her undergo a trial and be given the punishment according to the law of the land. She has a small child and I don’t know why the authorities are so adamant on this.”

It was alleged that several Hindu and Christian girls were lured by Muslim youths, taken to IS strongholds, and trained as terrorists. The BJP, RSS and other Hindu organisations were at the forefront of the campaigns that girls were being lured under the guise of love, converted, and several of them were radicalised to end up in places like Afghanistan and Syria where they were doubled up as fighters for the IS.

Lakshadweep Administrator Praful Patel to reach Agatti on Monday

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, JUN 13 (IANS): Amidst the raging controversy over the “modernisation” of Lakshadweep, the Union Territory’s Administrator, Praful Khoda Patel is set to reach the islands on Monday, and stay there till June 20.

The “Save Lakshadweep Forum”, an umbrella group of local activists and opposition politicians who

have been in the forefront of agitations against the new reforms of the Administrator, have already announced that they would stage protest marches in the islands.

Ever since Patel, a former Gujarat Home Minister, assumed office as the Administrator, there have been concerted protests against his style of functioning with the opposition charging that he is bent on destroying

the culture of the island, a charge denied by the Administrator’s office.

Lakshadweep District Collector S. Askar Ali told IANS that the Administrator is reaching on Monday and will continue to stay there till Sunday. “He will be reviewing a slew of projects in power sector, hospitals, and schools at the Agatti, Kavaratti, Minicoy, Androth and Kalpeni islands.”

MUMBAI, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): A woman police officer in Mumbai has lodged a First Information Report (FIR) against a man claiming to be a banking professional for allegedly raping her under the pretext of marriage, an official said on Sunday.

In the FIR filed with the Powai police in the city on Friday, the victim, an Assistant Police Inspector (API), also named two more persons for threatening and blackmailing her in connection with the crime. “The main accused hails from Aurangabad and claims to be a banking professional.

He came in contact with the woman police officer through a social networking site and eventually they entered into a relationship.

The accused allegedly captured his intimate videos with the victim and later started harassing and blackmailing her,” the official said quoting the FIR. The accused and his two colleagues kept blackmailing the victim by threatening to release her videos on social media, he said. Fed up with the harassment, the woman approached the Powai police on Friday, he said. A case of rape and cheating was registered under various sections of the IPC but police are yet to make an arrest. Further investigation is underway.

‘Arrested Chinese intruder a PLA-run university student’ KO L K AT A , J U N 1 3 (IANS): Agencies investigating Chinese national Han Junwe, arrested while illegally crossing into India, say he was a student of a Peoples Liberation Armyrun university, where he studied English.

Han, produced in Malda district court on Saturday after his arrest on the Sultanpur border on Thursday, was sent to police custody until June 18.

Police now claim that the Chinese national has said during interrogation that he is a graduate in English from Chun Shi Gong Cheng University in China.

The university is said to be under the control of the Chinese army PLA. Usually the PLA or MSS (Chinese intelligence services) sponsor bright students to study English and other languages when they want them to accept a career

Han Junwe under the custody of Indian authorities

in espionage.

One investigators in the case told IANS that Han displayed amazing confidence in trying to reach his Chinese friend, Sun Jiang, in Lucknow even after he was held by the ATS there on serious charges.

“It is possible his superiors, were he to be working for Chinese intelligence,

had tasked him to rescue his friend, whose interrogation in Lucknow threatened to blow the lid on a wellentrenched spy network fronted by a shady commercial operation.”

Han has admitted to sending back to China 1,300 Indian SIM cards which would be of value only to an intelligence agency sending

agents regularly or a scamster syndicate.

It is not clear how he managed to procure such a large number of SIM cards in the first place. Interrogation also revealed that his associates used to hide the SIM cards in their undergarments to smuggle them out of India.

Han, a resident of Hubei in China, was arrested by the BSF when he was trying to enter the country through the India-Bangla border in Malda district last Thursday.

One of his associates, Sun Jiang, was arrested by the UP Police earlier this year.

In his initial interrogation, Han also told BSF officers that he owns a hotel in Gurugram and has been to India at least four times since 2010. While some of the hotel staffers are Chinese, some Indian nationals have also been employed at the hotel, he said.

S r inaga r , J un 1 3 (PTI): The BJP would have slandered even B R Ambedkar, the father of Indian Constitution, as proPakistan had he been alive, PDP president Mehbooba Mufti said Sunday, amidst criticism of Congress leader Digvijaya Singh over his remarks on Article 370.

Mehbooba said Article 370 -- which gave special status to the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir before its operative provisions were nullified by the Centre in 2019 -- was granted by the Constitution drafted by

mum on high taxes in BJP-ruled states

New Delhi, Jun 13 (AGENCIES): With petrol and diesel prices climbing to record high, Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday asked Congress governments in Rajasthan and Maharashtra to cut sales tax if the party was concerned about fuel price burden on common man, but did not say if BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka, where petrol has crossed Rs 100 mark, would do the same.

Petrol and diesel have risen to an all-time high across the country after fuel rates rose by Rs 5.72 to Rs 6.25 per litre in less than six weeks. This is due to a combination of rising international oil prices and record-high central and state taxes. Talking to reporters on the sidelines of an event organised to inaugurate the oxygen plant set up by Indraprastha Gas Ltd at Maharaja Agrasen Hospital, he said central and state governments need additional money from the taxes on petrol and diesel to meet expenses for fighting pandemic as well as development work.

“I accept that fuel prices are pinching consumers,” he said, adding the govern-

Mehbooba Mufti Ambedkar, but it has been “subverted” by the Centre.

Her remarks came amidst growing criticism of the Congress and Singh over his purported comments in

Dharmendra Pradhan ment is spending Rs 1 lakh crore on providing free food grains to poor this year alone besides spending money on vaccines and healthcare infrastructure.

Asked about Congress leader Rahul Gandhi’s repeated attacks on the Modi government for skyrocketing fuel prices, Pradhan said, “Why is fuel expensive in Maharashtra, Rajasthan and Punjab (which are ruled by the party)?”

“If Rahul Gandhi is concerned about the poor being hit by fuel prices, he should ask chief ministers of Congress-ruled states to cut taxes. He should ask (Maharashtra Chief Minister) Uddhav Thackeray to reduce taxes,” he said.

He, however, did not say if BJP-ruled states like Madhya Pradesh and Kar-

an audio chat on social media that his party will have a “relook” at Article 370 revocation and Jammu and Kashmir’s lost statehood if it returns to power.

The BJP has said that Singh’s remarks were part of a larger pattern of the party being “hand in glove” with Pakistan.

PDP president Mehbooba Mufti, who was a BJP ally for some time in Jammu and Kashmir, criticised the saffron party.

“Thank god Ambedkar ji isn’t alive or else he too would be slandered as pro-

nataka, which too have seen petrol price cross Rs 100 a litre mark due to local taxes, would follow suit.

Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges. And because of this, petrol retails at over Rs 100 per litre mark in seven states and union territories -- Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Karnataka and Ladakh.

Of these states, Congress is in power in Rajasthan and is a coalition partner with Shiv Sena and NCP in Maharashtra. BJP rules Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka and Ladakh too is under central rule. Andhra Pradesh has YSR-Congress in power while TRS rules in Telangana.

Rajasthan levies the highest value-added tax (VAT or sales tax) on petrol and diesel in the country, followed by Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Karnataka. While international oil prices have crossed USD 72 per barrel in anticipation of demand recovery following the rollout of vaccination programme by various countries.

Pakistan by BJP,” she said on Twitter.

Singh had purportedly made the remark during a clubhouse conversation with a person, who the BJP said was a journalist of Pakistani origin.

“The decision of revoking Article 370 and reducing the statehood of J&K is extremely, I would say, sad decision, and the Congress party would certainly have a relook on the issue,” Singh had said, according to excerpts of the clubhouse conversation available on social media.

War histories to be made public, but many caveats NEW DELHI, JUN 12 (AGENCIES): With three full-blown wars, a conflict in Kargil and several pathbreaking operations like the dramatic capture of Siachen Glacier in 1984 remaining cloaked in secrecy, the Ministry of Defence on Saturday approved a policy on archiving, declassification and compilation and publication of histories of wars and military operations.

The requirement of having war histories written with a clear-cut policy on declassification of war records was recommended by NN Vohra Committee and Kargil Review Committee. The declassification will be done through the history division of the MoD. A committee headed by Joint Secretary, MoD, and comprising representatives of the Services, MEA, MHA and other organisations will compile the histories. The MoD says the committee will be formed

within two years of the completion of a war.

Thereafter, the collection of records and compilation should be completed in three years and disseminated to all concerned. For past operations, the committee would take a call on each case.

So far the only officially released history is that of the India-Pakistan war of 1947-48. The histories of Indo-Pak wars of 1965 and 1971 were published, but these carry a caveat by the authors: “I don’t consider this as an account of proper history.” These are for “restricted circulation”, which means these are available only at select libraries of the forces. Both were released in the early 1990s.

The caveat means that access to records of Operation Meghdoot (Siachen), Operation Pawan (Sri Lanka) and Operation Falcon in Arunachal Pradesh in the mid-1980s will not be

made public immediately. The same applies to Operation Bluestar. All these could have political fallout.

As per existing policy the responsibility for declassification of records rests with the respective organisations as specified in the Public Record Act 1993 and Public Record Rules 1997.

According to these, records should ordinarily be declassified in 25 years.

The MoD has asked the armed forces, Assam Rifles and Indian Coast Guard, to transfer records, including war diaries, letters of proceedings and operational record books to the History Division for proper upkeep, archival and writing histories.

The requirement of having war histories written with clear cut policy on declassification of war records was recommended by Kargil Review Committee headed by K Subrahmanyam and also by the NN Vohra Committee.

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LUCKNOW, JUN 13 (IANS): It is now mandatory for tobacco sellers in Uttar Pradesh to take a license.

The government has taken this decision keeping in mind the growing problem of tobacco and the danger it poses to public health and also ensure effective enforcement of the rules and policies applicable for tobacco control.

According to the government spokesman, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare had sent an advisory letter to all the state governments recommending the licensing of tobacco vendors to the municipal corporation.

In view of this, this system has been implemented in UP.

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national/state

cops suspended Rajnath approves Rs 499 cr for 8forK’taka beating man to death innovations in defence sector NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved budgetary support of nearly Rs 499 crore for research and innovation in the defence sector for the next five years.

The Defence Ministry Sunday said the funds will be used to provide financial support to nearly 300 startups, micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and individual innovators with a larger goal of ensuring self-reliance in the defence sector.

The scheme is in sync with the government’s push to cut imports of military hardware and weapons and make India a hub for defence manufacturing.

“Defence Minister Rajnath Singh has approved the budgetary support of Rs 498.8 crore to Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX)-Defence Innovation Organisation (DIO) for the next five years,” the ministry said in a statement.

It said the iDEX–DIO has the primary objective of self-reliance and indigenisation in the defence and aerospace sector. The ministry said the setting up

Rajnath Singh of the iDEX framework and establishment of the DIO by the Department of Defence Production (DDP) is aimed at creating an ecosystem to foster innovation and technology development in the defence and aerospace sector. “The scheme, with budgetary support of Rs 498.8 crore for the next five years, is aimed at providing financial support to nearly 300 start-ups/MSMEs/ individual innovators and 20 partner incubators under the DIO framework,” the ministry said.

It said the DIO will enable the creation of channels for innovators to engage and interact with the Indian defence production industry.

“The scheme aims to facilitate rapid development of new, indigenised and

innovative technologies for the Indian defence and aerospace sector to meet their needs in shorter timelines,” it said. In the last couple of years, the government has unveiled a series of reform measures and initiatives to make India a hub of defence manufacturing.

Last August, Defence Minister Singh had announced that India will stop the import of 101 weapons and military platforms like transport aircraft, light combat helicopters, conventional submarines, cruise missiles and sonar systems by 2024.

A second negative list, putting import restrictions on 108 military weapons and systems such as nextgeneration corvettes, airborne early warning systems, tank engines and radars, was issued this week. In May last, the government announced increasing the FDI limit from 49 per cent to 74 per cent under the automatic route in the defence sector. India is one of the largest importers of arms globally. The government now wants to reduce dependence on imported military platforms and has decided to support domestic defence manufacturing.

Ravi Shankar asks Congress to make its stand clear on Digvijay’s remarks on Art 370 NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (PTI): Senior BJP leader and Union minister Ravi Shankar Prasad on Sunday asked the Congress leadership to make its stand clear on the purported remarks of Digvijay Singh that his party will have a “relook” at Article 370 revocation if it returns to power, saying “time of silence is over”.

A row erupted on Saturday over Congress leader Digvijay Singh’s comments in an audio chat on social media that his party will have a “relook” at Article 370 revocation and Jammu and Kashmir’s lost statehood

Ravi Shankar Prasad if it returns to power, with the BJP accusing him of spewing venom against India in “collaboration” with Pakistan. “It is now more than a day when the central leadership of the Congress is

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

maintaining a conspicuous silence on its stand about Article 370. Does the Congress want restoration of Article 370 as Digvijay Singh has indicated? Time of silence is over. Please explain your clear stand,” Prasad wrote on Twitter. Singh had said, “The decision of revoking Article 370 and reducing the statehood of J&K is extremely, I would say, sad decision, and the Congress party would certainly have a relook on the issue. Singh was responding to a question about the “way forward” on the issue “once the Modi government is gone” .

MADIKERI, JUN 13 (IANS): Eight policemen were suspended for allegedly beating a 50-year-old man to death after he reportedly attacked a constable with a knife in Karnataka’s Kodagu district, police said on Sunday.

“Eight policemen, including 2 head constables and 6 constables of Virajpet police station, have been suspended after the victim Roy D’Souza’s mother filed a complaint that her elder son was beaten to death for refusing to surrender after attacking beat policeman Sangmesh Shivapura with a knife on June 8,” Inspector General of Police, Southern Range, Praveen Madhukar Pawar told IANS on phone.

The suspended policemen are head constables M.U. Sunil and N.S. Lokesh, and constables H.J. Tanukumar, N.H. Satish, M. Sunil, A. Ramesh, K.G. Nehru, and B.T. Pradeep.

“Kodagu Superintendent of Police Kshma Misra filed an FIR under Section 302 of the Indian Penal Code against the policemen on a complaint by D’Souza’s mother Matilda on June 10,” said Pawar.

The case was trans-

ferred on June 12 to the CID for probe, as per the National Human Rights Commission guidelines.

According to the FIR, the incident occurred on June 8 night when D’Souza attacked Shivapura with a knife and ran after him to assault him again.

As Shivapura rushed into the police station, D’Souza was asked to surrender for attacking a policeman on duty. When he refused, the policemen there reportedly thrashed him up after detaining him. “On June 9 morning, D’Souza’s mother was called to the police station to take her son who lay critically injured in the police station compound.

When he was rushed to the government hospital at Madikeri, doctors declared him brought dead,” said the report.

The CID is waiting for the post-mortem report from the hospital at Madikeri where the victim’s inquest was conducted to ascertain the cause of death.

“The CID will also investigate if the victim was ‘mentally unsound’ as alleged by the policemen,” added Pawar.

Senior Cong leader Indira Hridayesh passes away

Indira Hridayesh D eh r adu n / Ne w Delhi, Jun 13 (PTI): Leader of Opposition in the Uttarakhand Assembly Indira Hridayesh passed away after suffering a cardiac arrest in New Delhi on Sunday.

The 80-year-old senior Congress died at the Ut-

tarakhand Sadan in New Delhi where she had gone to attend a party meeting, Pradesh Congress vice president Suryakant Dhasmana said quoting her son Sumit Hridayesh.

Hridayesh was a Congress MLA from Haldwani and one of the seniormost Congress leaders from the state. She had tested positive for COVID-19 in April this year and had undergone a heart surgery after her recovery.

Hridayesh had attended a party meeting chaired by party in-charge for Uttarakhand Devendra Yadav in New Delhi on Saturday.

No. 9946 Yesterday’s solution No. 9945

No. 4566 Yesterday’s solution No. 4565

No. 3590 Yesterday’s solution No. 3589

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, JUNE 14, 2021

Padma Shri Piyong Jamir passes away (From p-1) Condolences: Nagaland governor R.N. Ravi expressed pain at the demise of Padma Shri Piyong Temjen Jamir, noted Hindi scholar and litterateur, after a prolonged illness at Dimapur.

He said late Piyong made outstanding contributions towards popularizing Hindi in Nagaland. He also helped Naga folklores and literatures reach the rest of the country through Hindi.

Besides the Padma Shri award, Ravi said Piyong was conferred with many awards in the field of literature and education. He will go down in history for his contributions to the field of literature and a humanist intellectual who believed in universal

brotherhood of mankind, he added.

In a condolence message to Mrs. Pangertula Longkumer wife of late Piyong, Ravi said in his demise the country has lost a noted litterateur and a great thinker.

On behalf of the people of Nagaland and on his own behalf, Ravi convey heartfelt condolences and also pray that God grant strength to the bereaved family at this hour of pain and the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

Patton: State deputy chief minister, Y. Patton conveyed heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Padma Shri Piyong Temjen Jamir. “In him, we’ve lost today a devoted

social worker, noted Hindi scholar and littérateur. His contributions to the language and his tireless efforts to better society will always be remembered,” Patton said, adding that his contributions to the state will always be remembered.

Along: State BJP president and higher education & Tribal affairs minister Temjen Imna Along expressed sadness to learn about the demise of Padma Shri Piyong Temjen Jamir.

As a noted Hindi scholar & littérateur from Nagaland, Piyong’s contributions to the state will always be remembered, Along said. He conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the soul to rest in peace.

Along’s remarks draw AYO youth force’s ire (From p-1) According to AYO youth force, Nagaland was “a puppet proxy state of India through coercive power”.

Further, asserting that Nagaland state was “an illegitimate child” of the Naga political movement, the youth force said it was entirely up to Nagas whether they water “this child to our advantage.”

AYO youth force, however, said that the Naga rights could never be sold out so

cheaply. “Scotland, after almost 200 years faced a referendum. Catalonia of Spain inclusive of Madrid went for referendum just some few years ago to break away from UK and Spain respectively,” the youth force asserted. Stating that Nagas were a struggling people equipped with “full honourable and undeniable rights”, the youth force, therefore, said that “such utterance from a minister is sheer stupidity, nonsensical and absurd.”

Karbi accord: UTABA, RSZ react to proposed KAATC (From p-1) Nambor RF, Daigurung RF, Kaliani RF, Mikir RF, Diphu RF, Rengma RF, Daldali RF, Dhansiri RF, Langting Mupa RF and Lumding RF which were transferred from Naga Hills District to the then Nowgong and Sibsagar districts of Assam.

The association asserted that any political settlements that “maybe worked out with the immigrants or late settlers can never bring about peace and tranquillity in this part of the world.”

UNTABA has, therefore, urged the government of India to “go back to the history and acknowledge the same if its intent was to really bring about permanent political settlement with any ethnic community in the North East.”

Further, UNTABA urged the government of India to instead adopt proactive policies so as to review the North East Reorganization Act of 1971

in its entirety and affect necessary amendment so any political agreement/arrangement could be made with permanency.

RSZ affirms stand on KAATC issue

Affirming its stand on the proposed creation of KAATC in Assam, the Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) has stated that the government of India and government of Assam should first look into the legitimate rights of the Rengmas based on historical facts “before signing the final accord with the Karbis, or for that matter before entering into any agreement”.

In a press release, RSZ president Kenneth Kath and general secretary Sokenye maintained that the “sensitive ongoing political dialogue” between the government of India and the Naga people “should not be jeopardized by any misadventures, such as the present negotiations with certain Karbi groups,

which, besides being a travesty of justice, may lead to undesirable consequences.”

RSZ has also affirmed its full support to the Rengma Naga Peoples’ Council (RNPC)’s decades-long struggle for the creation of Rengma Hills Autonomous District with headquarters at Phentecho by upgrading the Bokajan sub-division, the erstwhile East Rengma Mouza. RSZ said that one assembly seat should also be created and reserved for the Rengmas.

F u r t h e r, R S Z ex pressed deep concern over the “current developments” wherein the land of the Nagas everywhere was “slowly but strategically being disintegrated for the benefit of undeserving and manipulative aliens at the expense of the Nagas”.

RSZ said it was a wakeup call for all the Nagas to stand united to protect and preserve “whatever is inalienably ours for posterity.”

No data breach of govt’s email system: Centre NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): Media reports that data breaches in some companies have compromised email accounts of the government’s National Informatics Centre are wrong, the centre said Sunday in a statement.

The NIC has institutional linkages across all ministries and departments of the central and state governments. It has been instrumental in steering e-governance applications across the country.

“A media story on impact of data breaches in organisations such as Air India, Big Basket and Domino’s has claimed that these breaches have exposed email accounts and passwords of NIC emails to the hackers,” the government said. “In view of this, it is important to clarify that firstly, there has been no cyber breach into the email system

of the government maintained by the National Informatics Centre (NIC). The email system is totally safe and secure,” it said.

The centre said cyber security breach on external websites may not affect users of the government’s email service, unless the users have registered on these websites using their government email addresses and have used the same password.

“NIC email system has put in place several security measures such as two-factor authentication and change of password in 90 days. Further, any change of password in NIC email requires mobile OTP and if the mobile OTP is incorrect then change of password will not be possible,” the government said. The NIC has large data centres in Delhi, Pune, Hyderabad and Bhubaneswar and 37 small data centres in state capitals.

‘Sena was treated as slaves in erstwhile BJP govt in Maha’ Mumbai, Jun 13 (PTI): The Shiv Sena was virtually treated as “slaves” and attempts were made to finish off the party politically when it was in power with the BJP in Maharashtra from 2014 to 2019, Sena MP Sanjay Raut has alleged.

Addressing Sena workers in Jalgaon in north Maharashtra on Saturday, Raut said, “The Shiv Sena had a secondary status in the previous government and was (treated) like slaves.

Attempts were also made to finish off our party by misusing the very power which was enjoyed because of our support”. Raut’s remarks came days after Maharashtra Chief Minister

and Shiv Sena president Ud- government was formed dhav Thackeray met Prime with this sentiment (in NoMinister Narendra Modi in vember 2019),” he said.

Delhi separately, setting off political speculations in the LAND FOR SALE AT state. The Shiv Sena-BJP NAGA UNITED VILLAGE alliance crumbled in 2019 over the issue of chief minAny size available istership. The Sena, which @ Rs. 195 per sq. ft. was one of the oldest allies Slightly negotiable, of the BJP, later formed an interested person can unlikely alliance with the NCP and Congress to form contact: 8732822594 the Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra.

Raut said he always FIT Teacher thought that the Sena should (Computer) have its chief minister in Maharashtra. “Even if Shiv Graduation (any stream) Sainiks don’t get anything, with PGDCA or BCA we can proudly say the Salary Rs 12000/- PM state’s leadership is now in Experienced preferred the hands of the Shiv Sena.

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international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2021

Netanyahu ousted, G7 leaders discuss Wuhan lab leak theory Bennett is Israel’s new PM

London, Jun 13 (PTI): World leaders gathered at the G7 Summit in Cornwall discussed the possibility that a laboratory leak in central China’s Wuhan city may have a connection with the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with the World Health Organisation (WHO) chief saying all hypotheses behind the origins of the deadly disease remain in play.

UK Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said that officials “compared notes” over the theory that the pandemic may have originated from a leak from a lab in Wuhan, calling for further investigations. However, he asserted that the UK’s “best information” remained that it “jumped” from animals to humans but admitted they did not have “all the answers”.

“That’s why internationally we wanted the review to be able to go into China to get all the answers, so that we have the full picture rather than these possible, potential, plausible options,” Raab told ‘Sky News’ on Sunday when asked about the issue.

“But, on balance, we

Leaders attend a plenary session during G7 summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, Britain, on June 13, 2021. (Reuters)

do not believe that it came from a laboratory. We think it is much more likely to have jumped from animal species,” he said.

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told reporters on Saturday that the theory was raised during a formal session at the G7 summit in Cornwall dedicated to health matters and that identifying the source of the pandemic was a core part of showing respect to the millions of people around the globe who have died from the deadly virus.

“Yes, it was raised, and we discussed about the origins,” he said in response to

a question. “The first phase of the origin study was not conclusive so there are four hypotheses, but [it’s] not conclusive yet. So we believe that all four hypotheses should be open, and we need to proceed with the second phase, to really know the origins,” said Dr Ghebreyesus.

“As you know, more than 174 million people have been confirmed for COVID illness. This is actually an underestimate, it could be more. And so far, close to 3.75 million people have died. This is very tragic and I think the respect these people deserve is knowing what the origin of this virus is so that we can prevent it

Algeria votes in parliamentary elections Algiers, Jun 13 (IANS): Algeria held its parliamentary elections, the seventh since the introduction of multi-party system in 1989, with a turnout of only 14.47 per cent.

Vote counting began shortly after polling ended at 8 p.m. on Saturday in the presence of representatives of the candidates and members of the National Independent Elections Authority (ANIE), with the final results due to be announced on Sunday, reports Xinhua news agency.

The polls will elect the first Parliament under incumbent President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. More than 24 million people voted to elect their 407 representatives at the National People’s Assembly (the lower house of parliament) for a five year term, from the 1,483 lists of candidates, or 646 parties

More than 24 million people voted to elect their 407 representatives at the National People’s Assembly.

and 837 independent lists.

The elections were marked by a wide participation of national and Islamic parties and a broader participation of young independent candidates, while the left wing and secular parties boycotted them.

The outgoing Parliament is dominated by former ruling parties the National Liberation Front and the National Democratic

Rally, with the Islamists as the major opposition force.

On February 18, President Tebboune dissolved Parliament and called for the early elections.

Saturday’s polls were the third organised under Tebboune’s rule, after the presidential elections he won on December 12, 2019, and the popular referendum on the new constitution on November 1, 2020.

from happening again,” he said, stressing on the importance of “cooperation from the Chinese side”.

The origins of the COVID-19 remain a widely debated topic, with some scientists and politicians maintaining that the possibility of a lab leak of the deadly virus exists.

China’s Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV) is near the outbreak’s known epicentre of Huanan Seafood Market in Wuhan, where the virus first emerged in late 2019 and became a pandemic. More than 175 million confirmed cases have since been confirmed worldwide and at least 3.79 million deaths reported.

China has been accused of withholding raw data and access to sites that would aid deeper investigation into how the virus came into being, and how it first spread. Scientists believe that the virus is likely to have passed from animals to humans, but there remains a possibility that it may have escaped from the Wuhan Institute of Virology, which investigates other coronaviruses.

US President Joe Biden

last month directed the country’s intelligence agencies to report in the next three months on whether COVID19 emerged from an animal or during a laboratory accident. However, Beijing has maintained there is no connection between the pandemic origins and the Wuhan lab and sought to dismiss the issue of a possible leak as an “absurd story”.

China asserts that the COVID-19 broke out in different places in the world and China only reported the virus first.

12 dead, over 100 injured in China gas explosion

Somalia, Unicef, ILO aim to end child labour

Beijing, Jun 13 (IANS): A gas explosion in China’s Hubei province on Sunday has killed 12 people and injured more than 100 people others, including 39 in serious condition, local authorities said.

As of 12 p.m. (local time), rescue workers found 150 people from the blast site in the city of Shiyan and rushed them to hospitals, reports Xinhua news agency.

The accident occurred in a residential community in the city’s Zhangwan district at 6.30 a.m., trapping a large number of people.

The exact number of casualties is still being verified as the search and rescue is underway.

G7 leaders to agree on tough climate action targets, fossil fuel clampdown

World leaders at the G7 Summit hosted by the UK in Cornwall, south-west England, are set to conclude on Sunday by setting out tough climate action targets and a clampdown on the use of coal and fossil fuels.

The leaders of the UK, the US, Canada, France, Germany Italy, Japan, alongside India, Australia, South Africa and South Korea as guest nations, are meeting for the third and final day of the Summit in Carbis Bay, Cornwall, on Sunday.

Mogadishu, Jun 13 (IANS): Somalia, the Unicef and the International Labour Organization (ILO) have agreed to scale up efforts to end child labour in the African country.

On the occasion of the World Day against Child Labour, they said in a joint statement issued here on Saturday that ending child labor can only happen through a collective systematic approach with a strong understanding of the root causes and a legal framework that prohibits children from entering the workforce at an early age.

The Somalian government has made efforts to eliminate child labor in the country. However, there is a long way to go to fully change the situation, reports Xinhua news agency.

Minister of Labor and

JERUSALEM, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): A motley alliance of Israeli parties on Sunday ousted Benjamin Netanyahu, the country’s longest-serving prime minister, and formed a new government in a seismic shift in the country’s turbulent politics.

49-year-old Naftali Bennett, a right-wing Jewish nationalist and former tech millionaire, took oath of office after parliament (Knesset) voted on Sunday on the new government led by him. The new government has 27 ministers, nine of them women.

Netanyahu, 71, in typically combative style, vowed shortly before his defeat that “if it’s our destiny to be in the opposition, we’ll do so with our heads high until we take down this bad government and return to lead the country our way”.

Beloved as “King Bibi” by his right-wing supporters and condemned as the “crime minister” by his critics, Netanyahu has long been the dominant, and increasingly divisive, figure in Israeli politics.

But on Sunday, a vote

(L-R) Benjamin Netanyahu and Naftali Bennett

in the Knesset legislature following weeks of intense political drama ended his government with a razorthin majority of 60 to 59 in the 120-seat chamber.

In Tel Aviv’s Rabin Square, Netanyahu’s opponents broke out in cheers and launched into an evening of joyous celebrations, having rallied in recent days with “Bye bye Bibi” placards. Bennett, 49, in a Knesset speech before the vote, promised the new government, a coalition of ideologically divergent parties, “represents all of Israel”.

He said the country, after four inconclusive elections in under two years, had been thrown “into a maelstrom of hatred and

According to Unicef, 49 per cent of children in Somalia work.

Social Affairs Abdiwahab Ugas Khalif said many families are forced to send their children to work due to economic hardship and lack of decent employment opportunities for family heads.

“Even more concerning, children who are recruited

by militias or groups are forced into dangerous lifethreatening roles such as soldiers, cooks, and cleaners,” Khalif said, calling for a well-developed national policy against child labor.

The Unicef and ILO said even though there are

in-fighting”. “The time has come for different leaders, from all parts of the population, to stop, to stop this madness”, he said, to angry shouts of “liar” and “criminal” from right-wing opponents.

Netanyahu, who is battling corruption charges in an ongoing trial he dismisses as a conspiracy, has been the dominant Israeli politician of his generation, having also served a previous threeyear term in the 1990s.

His supporters have hailed him as a strong defender of Israel who has been tough on arch foe Iran, but also struck a series of historic normalisation deals with several Arab nations last year.

different reasons behind child labour in Somalia, the government is working hard in close partnership with the international community to identify and eliminate child labor from Somalia.

Alexio Musindo, ILO Director for Ethiopia, Djibouti, Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan, said the organization is supporting Somalia to conduct a child labor assessment in order to better understand the key drivers of the situation in the country.

In terms of child labour, Somalia’s labour code stipulates 15 years old as the minimum working age, and 18 as the minimum working age for ‘hazardous work’.

In spite of this, according to Unicef, 49 per cent of children in Somalia work, with girls being disproportionately affected.

China tests stealth bomber Jordan’s Prince Hamzah sought Saudi help for coup: Court Pakistan puts travel ban on people from 26 countries H-20 opposite Ladakh The Xian H-20 strategic stealth bomber has stealth feature and long endurance, coupled with capability to carry heavy payloads, which could potentially dodge the “detect and disable radar” capability of India’s newly-inducted Rafale aircraft.

China, which has touted induction of H-20 bombers as a “game changer”, is the third country after the US and Russia to possess stealth technology for fighters.

The move could have repercussions for geopolitics in the region as also power play by the US and its allies in the disputed South China Sea and Taiwan.

Jordan’s Prince Hamzah (File)

king’s half-brother, who was accused of involvement in the alleged April 3 attempt to “destabilise the kingdom’s security”, will not stand trial.

Authorities have said his case had been resolved within the Hashemite royal family.

Regional powerhouse

Saudi Arabia has fervently denied any involvement in the alleged plot.

After the news first broke, Riyadh quickly expressed “its full support” for Jordan “and for the decisions and measures taken by King Abdullah II and Crown Prince Hussein to safeguard security and stability”.

But while Hamzah, the king’s half-brother, will not face trial, his alleged role will be central to the trial.

“Prince Hamzah was determined to satisfy his personal ambition to rule, in violation of the constitution and Hashemite custom,” the indictment read.

“To succeed, he sought

to exploit the concerns and problems of the population and to arouse sedition and frustration in society,” it added.

Awadallah is considered by several Jordanian media outlets to be close to Saudi Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman.

The indictment said Awadallah was “close to officials of the kingdom of Saudi Arabia” and had a network of contacts abroad.

Hamzah was reportedly especially concerned about Riyadh’s attitude.

“If something bad happens to me in Jordan, will Saudi officials help me or not?” Hamzah reportedly asked Awadallah, according to the indictment.

Fear of spike in mass shooting in united states

The mass shooting rates are higher than they were in pre-pandemic times.

C H I C A G O, J UN 1 3 (AGENCIES): Two people were killed and at least 30 others wounded in mass shootings overnight in three K Y M C

states, authorities said on Saturday, stoking concerns that a spike in US gun violence could continue into summer as coronavirus re-

strictions ease and more people are free to socialise, Reuters. The attacks took place late on Friday or early Saturday in the Texas capital of Austin, Chicago and Savannah, Georgia.

In Austin, authorities said they arrested one of two male suspects and were searching for the other after a shooting early on Saturday on a crowded pedestrianonly street packed with bars and restaurants.

Fourteen people were wounded, including two critically, in the gunfire, which the city’s interim police chief said is believed to have started as a dispute between two parties.

No arrests were reported by late Saturday in

the two other shootings.

In Chicago, a woman was killed and nine other people were wounded when two men opened fire on a group standing on a sidewalk in the Chatham neighborhood on the city’s South Side. The shooters also got away and hadn’t been identified by mid-afternoon Saturday.

In the south Georgia city of Savannah, police said one man was killed and seven other people were wounded in a mass shooting on Friday evening, police said. Two of the wounded are children — an 18-monthold and a 13-year-old.

Savannah’s police chief, Roy Minter, Jr, said the shooting may be linked to an ongoing dispute between

two groups, citing reports of gunshots being fired at the same apartment complex earlier in the week.

“It’s very disturbing what we’re seeing across the country and the level of gun violence that we’re seeing across the country,” he told reporters on Saturday. “It’s disturbing and it’s senseless”, he added.

The attacks come amid an easing of Covid-19 pandemic restrictions in much of the country, including Chicago, which lifted many of its remaining safeguards on Friday.

Many hoped that a spike in US shootings and homicides last year was an aberration perhaps caused by pandemic-related stress

amid a rise in gun ownership and debate over policing.

But those rates are still higher than they were in prepandemic times, including in cities that refused to slash police spending following the death of George Floyd and those that made modest cuts.

“There was a hope this might simply be a statistical blip that would start to come down,” said Chuck Wexler, executive director of the Police Executive Research Forum.

“That hasn’t happened.

And that’s what really makes chiefs worry that we may be entering a new period where we will see a reversal of 20 years of declines in these crimes.”

ISLAMABAD, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): Pakistan has placed strict restrictions on travellers from 26 countries, including India, to contain the spread of Covid-19 cases in the country, reports ANI. The National Command and Operation Centre (NCOC), a nerve centre to synergise effort against Covid-19 has placed these countries in the “C category” and revised the inbound air/land travel categories with an immediate effect, a Pakistani daily reported.

“Countries in A category are exempted from the mandatory Covid-19 test, travellers from areas in B category require a negative

polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test that must be taken within 72 hours of the travel date while countries in C category are restricted and people can travel only under specific NCOC guidelines,” an official of the country’s ministry of national health services (NHS) said.

The list of 26 countries includes India, Iran, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Indonesia, Iraq, the Maldives, Nepal, Sri Lanka, the Philippines, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Tunisia, Bolivia, Chile, Columbia, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Namibia, Paraguay, Peru, Trinidad and Tobago as well as Uruguay in the C category list.

OFFICE OF THE

ARKONG WARD YIMDEN MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND ESTD.1962

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT The Arkong Ward Yimden, Mokokchung expresses our profound and heartfelt gratitude to Shri.Sharingain Longkumer, Hon’ble Speaker NLA for your generous contribution financially and materially to the ward during this hard times of Covid-19 pandemic since last year.

We further appreciate and acknowledged for your continuous support by donating the following very needful equipment to the ward.

1. Face Mask : 500 Nos 2. Surgical Gloves : 200 Nos 3. Thermometer :1 4. Oximeter : 2 Nos 5. Rapid Antigen : 1 box 6. PPE : 5 Suit May Almighty God continue to bless you and your family for the welfare of the people.

A. Bendang Jamir Chairman

Jongpongtemjen Secretary

MKC-162

NEW DELHI, JUN 13 (IANS): China is conducting the final trials of Xian H-20 strategic stealth bombers at its Hotan airbase, opposite eastern Ladakh, as the US pulls out its troops from Afghanistan and the border standoff with India continues.

Top government sources said that H-20 bombers are aimed at ending the edge India acquired through the acquisition of Rafale jets.

The final trials of the long-range strategic stealth bomber began on June 8 and will continue till June 22, the day that marks 100 years of the formation of the Communist Party of China (CPC).

A M M A N , J UN 1 3 (AGENCIES): Jordan’s Prince Hamzah hoped to overthrow King Abdullah II with the backing of Saudi Arabia, according to court indictments against two alleged accomplices released Sunday.

Both the accused have close ties to neighbouring Saudi Arabia: former royal court chief Bassem Awadallah, who also holds Saudi nationality, and former special envoy to the kingdom, Sharif Hassan bin Zaid.

The two men face trial at the State Security Court later this month, and face up to 20 years in prison if found guilty, according to one of their lawyers.

But Hamzah, the

K Y M C

8

sports

Euro 2020: Sterling goal seals opening win for Eng

W E M B L E Y, J U N 1 3 (AGENCIES): England’s Euro 2020 campaign got off to a satisfactory start as Raheem Sterling’s goal secured victory over Croatia at Wembley. Sterling repaid England manager Gareth Southgate’s faith in him, sliding in the winner after 57 minutes following a perfect pass from man-ofthe-match Kalvin Phillips.

Southgate resisted the temptation to play Aston Villa’s Jack Grealish and was rewarded with a lively performance from Sterling as England secured the win their superiority deserved.

The Three Lions almost took an early lead when Phil Foden struck a post but there were the first signs of frustration from fans and players just as Sterling made the decisive contribution with his first goal in a major tournament.

Goalkeeper Jordan Pickford was barely tested by a disappointing Croatia side, who never looked like repeating their victory over England in the 2018 World Cup semifinal in Moscow - leaving England with three points to take into Friday’s second Group D game against Scotland at Wembley.

England’s Raheem Sterling, center, celebrates after scoring his side’s opening goal during the Euro 2020 soccer championship group D match between England and Croatia at Wembley stadium in London, Sunday. (AP/PTI)

Belgium thrash hapless Russia 3-0

Belgium scored twice in the first half and RomeluLukaku added another in the closing minutes to defeat a hapless Russia in their opening Euro 2020 Group B game. A brace from Lukaku and a goal from substitute Thomas Meunier helped clinical “Red Devils” to jump atop the standings in

the group as Russia gave a lacklustre display in the late Saturday night match. Russia started highly motivated on home soil while Belgium deliberately slowed the pace.

However, with 10 minutes into the game, Lukaku broke the deadlock after capitalising on Andrei Semyonov’s blackout inside the box before firing past goalkeeper Anton Shunin, reports Xinhua. Russia re-

sponded well and tested Belgium goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois in quick succession through Mario Fernandes, but Courtois was equal to both the headers.

Belgium remained ruthless and punished Russia for another mistake before the break as Shunin parried a shot on target into the path of Thomas Meunier, who made no mistake to tap home for a 2-0 lead,

seven minutes after his substitution in the 34th minute.

Belgium was in full control until the half time but after the break the “Red Devils” lost a bit of the initiative.

Finland claim historic win over Denmark

Joel Pohjanpalo’s 59th minute header gave Finland a 1-0 win over Denmark and their first ever triumph in the final stage

of a major football tournament on Saturday night in Copenhagen, but the opening game for both teams in the European Championships will almost certainly be remembered for another reason. The match was dominated by a single incident which had football fans all around the world in shock after Denmark midfielder Christian Eriksen collapsed on the pitch in the 42nd minute of the game.

UEFA later reported that after a meeting between both teams and referee Anthony Taylor both sides had asked to finish the match, with the Danes saying they wanted to win it for their companion.

The game restarted with the remaining minutes of the first half played ahead of a five-minute break before the second half kicked off. Denmark controlled the game but without threatening to score until the 72nd minute when they were given a penalty following Paulus Arajuuri’s clumsy challenge on YussefPoulsen.

Hojbjerg stepped up to take it, but his timid spot kick was easily saved by Hradecky.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JUNE 14, 2021

Australian swimmer breaks 100meter backstroke world record

Kaylee McKeown reacts with Minna Atherton after setting a new World Record in Women’s 100m Backstroke Final.

ADELAIDE, JUN 13 (AP): Swimmer Kaylee McKeown says the death of her father 10 months ago inspired her to break the 100-meter backstroke world record on Sunday at the Australian Olympic trials.

The 19-year-old McKeown had a time of 57.45 seconds at the South Australian Aquatic Centre to improve on the previous mark of 57.57 set by American Regan Smith in 2019.

McKeown’s father Sholto died last August from brain cancer. “With COVID and the passing of my dad in August last year, it has been a huge, huge build-up to these trials,” she

said. “And I have turned it into a bit of a hunger and motivation behind me. I use it every day that I wake up. I know it’s a privilege to be on this earth and walk and talk. So to get up and do that tonight is not really for me but my family.”

McKeown last month set a then-Commonwealth and Australian record of 57.63. Just before Sunday’s final, her coach Chris Mooney signaled the world record was a target. “He did say something to me before I got in for warmup, it was like ‘you know buddy, I believe in you’,” she said. “I knew and he knew at that time, that it was go time.

New Zealand win 2nd Test, clinch Adesanya beats Marvin Vettori to retain UFC middleweight title series in England after 22 years BIRMINGHAM, JUN 13 (IANS): New Zealand defeated England by eight wickets in the second Test on Sunday and won the twomatch series 1-0 - their first series triumph in England in 22 years. The win pushed New Zealand back to the No.1 spot in Test rankings.

The win is New Zealand’s first at Edgbaston in five attempts, and is only their sixth out of the 56 Tests they have played in England.

Set a target of 38 to win on the fourth day, after England were all out for 122 in their second innings, the Kiwis reached the target losing just two wickets, with opener and stand-in skipper Tom Latham scoring an unbeaten 23 off 32 deliveries.

Devon Conway and No.3 Will Young, who replaced injured captain Kane Williamson for this Test, were the batsmen dismissed. Earlier, England were bowled out at their overnight score of 122 when they lost the last wicket of

England’s Stuart Broad looks on as NZ Tom Lathamand Devon Conway run between the wickets. (AP/PTI)

Olly Stone off the first ball of the day, with the pace bowler edging a Trent Boult delivery to wicketkeeper Tom Blundell. Although the Kiwis lost Conway early for three, Latham ensured they reached home without much drama. This was the first Test series defeat for England at home since the 2014 series loss to Sri Lanka.

It was also New Zealand’s first series in England in 22 years. They had last won

a Test series in England in 1999, under Stephen Fleming’s captaincy.

Brief scores: England: 303 and 122 (Mark Wood 29, Ollie Pope 23, Neil Wagner 3/18, Matt Henry 3/36, Ajaz Patel 2/25, TrentBoult 2/34); New Zealand: 388 and 41/2 (Tom Latham 23 not out) Man of the Match: Matt Henry Man of the Series: Devon Conway

GLENDALE, JUN 13 (AGENCIES): UFC middleweight champion Israel Adesanya cruised to victory over Marvin Vettori as he retained his undisputed 185pound title in the main event of UFC 263 in Glendale, Arizona.

The pair had previously met, when Adesanya claimed a split-decision victory over Vettori in April 2018 in the Nigerian-born Kiwi’s second UFC bout.

But in Saturday night’s rematch Adesanya, 31, showed his class with a virtuoso performance as he picked apart the Italian over the full five-round championship duration at the Gila River Arena.

Vettori started the bout in aggressive fashion and landed an early takedown, but Adesanya soon settled into his work and dominated the striking exchanges, using repeated kicks to Vettori’s lead leg to punish the challenger from range.

Adesanya’s control of the bout caused plenty of consternation in Vettori’s corner between rounds, as

the title at the second attempt and in the process become the first Mexican champion in UFC history.

Moreno started out as the 16th seed on the 24th season of The Ultimate Fighter in 2016 and was cut from the UFC roster in 2018.

Edwards survives Diaz scare to claim big win

It was a big night, too, for England’s Leon Edwards, who survived a last-gasp onslaught from Nate Diaz to earn a landslide decision victory on the scorecards in a special fiveround welterweight feature Israel Adesanya throws a kick to Marvin Vettori during the UFC title fight. bout and put himself in the coach Rafael Cordeiro im- to his teammate FauVake, a Melbourne in their first frame for a shot at the UFC welterweight title. plored his man to be more promising up-and-coming meeting at UFC 243. aggressive in his pursuit of fighter who died in May Craig claims Moreno claims the takedown. from injuries sustained in an stoppage victory historic title But Vettori simply had alleged attack in Auckland, no answer for the champion, New Zealand.

Scottish submission In the night’s co-main who looked in complete Adesanya then said he event, Brandon Moreno specialist Paul Craig excontrol as he cruised to a wanted his next title defence completed a remarkable tended his 100% finish rate shutout decision victory to come against Australia’s career turnaround as he cap- as he claimed a TKO finish with all three judges scoring former champion Robert tured the undisputed UFC of fellow light heavyweight the bout 50-45 in Adesanya’s Whittaker, but on the condi- flyweight title. contender Jamahal Hill after favour. tion that the fight takes place Moreno, 27, submitted the referee initially failed to After the result was in Adesanya’s hometown of reigning champion Deiveson- spot that Craig had disloofficially announced, Ad- Auckland after Adesanya Figueiredo via third-round cated his opponent’s elbow esanya dedicated his victory dethroned Whittaker in rear-naked choke to capture during the bout.

Group D: Scotland vs Czech Group A: Italy vs Switzerland (6:30 am) (12:30 am) Republic (6:30 pm) (12:30 am) Group F: Portugal vs Group B: Finland vs Belgium Group E: Poland vs Slovakia Group C: Ukraine vs North (12:30 am) Germany (9:30 am) (9:30 pm) Macedonia (6:30 pm) June 23, Wednesday (IST) June 20, Sunday (IST) June 15, Tuesday (IST) Group B: Denmark vs Group D: Czech Republic vs Group E: Spain vs Poland Group E: Spain vs Sweden Belgium (9:30 pm) England (12:30 am) (12:30 am) (12:30 am) June 18, Friday (IST) Group D: Croatia vs Scotland Group A: Italy vs Wales Group F: Hungary vs Portu(12:30 am) Group C: Netherlands vs (6:30 pm) gal (9:30 pm) Group E: Slovakia vs Spain Austria (12:30 am) Group A: Switzerland vs June 16, Wednesday (IST) (9:30 pm) Group E: Sweden vs Slovakia Turkey (9:30 pm) Group F: France vs Germany Group E: Sweden vs Poland (6:30 pm) June 21, Monday (IST) (12:30 am) (9:30 pm) Group D: Croatia vs Czech Group C: North Macedonia vs Group B: Finland vs Russia June 24, Thursday (IST) Republic (9:30 pm) Netherlands (9:30 pm) (6:30 pm) Group F: Germany vs June 19, Saturday (IST) Group C: Ukraine vs Austria Group A: Turkey vs Wales Hungary (12:30 am) Group D: England vs (9:30 pm) (9:30 pm) Group F: Portugal v France Scotland (12:30 am) June 22, Tuesday (IST) June 17, Thursday (IST) (12:30 am) Group F: Hungary vs France Group B: Russia vs Denmark

ROUND OF 16 June 26, Saturday: 2A vs 2B (9:30 pm) June 27, Sunday (IST): 1A vs 2C (12:30 am)

1C vs 3D/E/F (9:30 pm) June 28, Monday (IST) 1B vs 3A/D/E/F (12:30 am) 2D vs 2E (21:30 pm)

June 29, Tuesday (IST) 1F vs 3A/B/C (12:30 am) 1D vs 2F (21:30 pm)

June 30, Wednesday (IST) 1E vs 3A/B/C/D (12:30 am)

QUARTERFINALS July 2, Friday (IST) QF1: Winner 6 vs Winner 5 (9:30 pm)

July 3, Saturday (IST) QF2: Winner 4 vs Winner 2 (12:30 am) QF3: Winner 3 vs Winner 1 (21:30 pm)

July 4, Sunday (IST) QF4: Winner 8 vs Winner 7 (12:30 am)

SEMIFINALS

July 7, Wednesday (IST) SF1: Winner QF2 vs Winner QF1 (12:30 am)

July 8, Thursday (IST) SF2: Winner QF4 vs Winner QF3 (12:30 am)

FINAL July 12, Monday (12:30 am)

*All the matches will be telecast on SONY TEN 2 (English) *(All timings are in IST)

French open: Herbert and Mahut clinch doubles title

PARIS, JUN 13 (IANS): The French doubles pair of Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut fought back from a set and a break down at 4-5 to overcome Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik and Andrey Golubev 4-6, 7-6(1), 6-4 and clinch their second French Open title. In a match that lasted two hours and 11 minutes, the duo became the first all-French team to triumph at Roland Garros twice. It is their fifth Grand Slam title overall, with the team having won the Australian Open, Wimbledon, and US Open titles once.

“At the end, we’re here with the trophy. It’s amazing,” said Mahut on Saturday. “With the family, with our wives, sons, it’s something that you’re lucky when it happens once in your life. This is the second time for us. We could not be any happier tonight.”

“From the start to the end, we had amazing support,” Herbert added.

“Maybe the best support I’ve had in my whole life for a two-week tournament.

The final was terrible for me as I was tight the whole match. I wanted it so badly,

Pierre-Hugues Herbert and Nicolas Mahut celebrate with the trophy after winning their men’s doubles final match.

maybe even more than the other four, so to win was really special,” he told atptour. com. Before Saturday, the Frenchmen had not won a Grand Slam doubles title since claiming the Australian Open crown in 2019.

Herbert claimed this had dented their confidence, but it has now been “restored”. “For us as a team, we’ve been kind of struggling. We have not won a really big title for a long time now. Coming into this tournament, we didn’t come with the same confidence as we did in the past. The way we stayed positive, the way we managed to play with the fears we had, that’s why

now we can look at each other and say we had an amazing week,” he added.

After an even start, Bublik and Golubev, who were aiming to become the first Kazakh men to win a Grand Slam title in any discipline, won three games in a row from 2-2, breaking the 2018 Roland Garros champions twice to move 5-2 ahead.

Although the French pair did make it 4-5, Bublik and Golubev held serve to clinch the set.

From there on, the experience of the French pair showed as they took their opportunities, dominating around the net to win their 18th title together.

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