16 Aug

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 251

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Haiti quake death toll rises to over 700

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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

Modi unveils roadmap of new India on 75th Independence Day

Prime Minister Modi raises slogans while addressing the nation from the ramparts of the Red Fort on Sunday. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (PTI): Outlining the roadmap for a new and assertive India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday announced a slew of development programmes, including a landmark Rs. 100 lakh crore “Gati Shakti” initiative to boost infrastructure and employment opportunities.

In his eighth consecutive address from the ramparts of Red Fort on the 75th Independence Day, Modi called for making the next 25 years glorious for India with “new thresholds, aspirations and dreams” in the runup to the centenary of its independence from British colonial rule. This will lead

to an India which will have every modern infrastructure of the world, he said.

Modi also said India is fighting the challenges of terrorism and expansionism with great courage and astuteness. He asserted that India does not hesitate in taking tough decisions and has political will to do so.

D u r i n g h i s n e a r ly 90-minute speech, the prime minister also called for a review of rules and procedures across the country so that every process that creates a hindrance for people and the country is removed.

Modi also added weight to his oft-quoted slogan ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’, by adding a new call -- Sabka Prayas (everyone’s effort), saying this would be very important for the achievement of all the country’s goals.

Describing the next 25 year as “amrit kaal”, a reference to deriving the best in every field, he said the nation cannot wait so long to attain these goals, making it imperative for everyone to make ‘prayas’ for this.

Addressing the gathering held under the shadow of Covid with social

distanced seating, Modi stressed that the day should not be merely a ceremony.

He lauded doctors, nurses as well those involved in vaccine manufacturing and others involved in fighting Covid-19.

On farmers, Modi said that it was high time when the country needs to apply scientific research and suggestions to the agriculture sector to provide food security to the nation and to increase food production.

He also said that the country must increase the collective power of small farmers and make them the nation’s pride.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

New e-commerce platform: Prime Minister said that the government will develop an e-commerce platform for the products made by women self-help groups (SHGs) in villages..

Fortified rice to poor by 2024: Modi announced that the government will fortify the rice distributed to the poor via different schemes such as Midday Meal in a bid to address the problem of malnutrition.

Hand-holding, reservation: Reservation is

India reach 181/6 at stumps on Day 4

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being ensured for Dalits, STs, backwards and general category poor, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said and stressed that the hand-holding of deprived communities is necessary.

Sainik schools for girls: Modi on Sunday also announced that all Sainik Schools in the country will now be open for girls also. At present, 33 Sainik schools are operating in the country. He said that two-and-a-half years ago, the maiden experiment of admitting girls in Sainik schools was carried out in Mizoram.

National Hydrogen Mission: He also announced the setting up of a National Hydrogen Mission to make India the new global hub of green carbon-free hydrogen fuel and its largest exporter, as he set a target of 2047 for India to achieve self-reliance in energy.

Water connections to all rural households: Asserting that the Jal Jeevan Mission aims to provide tap water connections to all rural households by 2024, Modi said over 4.5 crore new households received piped water connections under it in the last two years.

‘75 Vande Bharat trains to connect country’, says PM NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (AGENCIES): Seventy five Vande Bharat trains, like the Udan Scheme for flights, will help connect India’s farflung areas, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said today as India celebrates its 75th Independence Day. “The country has resolved that 75 Vande Bharat trains will be connecting every corner of the country in 75 weeks of Amrit Mahotsav of Independence,” Modi said.

“Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” is the government’s initiative to mark 75 years of India’s Independence, a tribute to freedom fighters and freedom struggle. A series of events are being organised across the country to mark the occasion.

“Today the speed at which new airports are being built in the country, the UDAN scheme connecting far-flung areas is also unprecedented,” the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister, who unfurled the national flag at the iconic Red Fort before his speech, said the capitals of North East states will soon be connected with the railways. The region, he said, is also getting connected with Bangladesh, Myanmar and southeast Asia. (Read more on p-4)

SPORTS, PAGE 12

State committed to early solution: Rio

Neiphiu Rio taking the Rashtriya salute on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day in Kohima. (DIPR)

Correspondent

KO H I M A , AU G 1 5 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister, Neiphiu Rio said Nagaland as a State in the Indian Union, was also pursuing a final solution to the political issue which was as old as the nation itself.

He was speaking at the 75th Independence Day celebration at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, here Sunday.

Rio pointed out that Naga Political Groups (NPGs) have been in ceasefire with the Centre which led to peace talks making significant progress over the years and subsequently giving hopes to the people.

Such a situation has provided space for both sides to understand each other’s position and reach a broader consensus on most of the issues, Rio said. He expressed sincere appreciation to government of India on behalf of Nagas for recognizing the

unique history and position of the Naga people and for acknowledging the problem as a political issue.

Rio said the State government has played the role of active facilitator to the “ongoing Indo-Naga political peace talks” and that it has also formed a parliamentary committee in order to give impetus to the peace talks and help arrive at the final solution at the earliest. Subsequently a core committee was constituted to ensure a focused approach by the legislators as facilitators.

The core committee has appealed to the negotiating parties to move forward with a positive approach of mutual respect and set aside preconditions in the greater interest of the people’s cry for long term peace. Appeals also have been made to the NPGs to make serious effort towards unity and reconciliation, Rio said.

He further said all the elected members of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly had come together irrespective of party affiliations on the Naga political issue and common people’s issues after listening to the voice of the people.

On border issue, CM said the State government took proactive steps along with Assam government to de-escalate the tense situations which broke out along the inter-state border. A select committee of the House has also been constituted to examine all aspects of the Assam-Nagaland border issue since it has to be settled amicably by the two State governments with the participation of local communities from both sides, Rio said.

On Covid-19 issue, Rio said that although the second wave of Covid had tested the capacities and resilience of the people, preventive measures were put in place on time as the health infrastructure was augmented simultaneously.

Paying homage to those who succumbed to the virus, he appealed to all citizens of the State to follow Covidappropriate behaviours at all times, besides urging all eligible persons to take vaccine not only for themselves, but in the greater interest of their family members and community. (Cont’d on p-8)

Meghalaya HM quits after violence in Shillong; curfew imposed Covid facility at CIHSR a complete project: officials Correspondent

SHILLONG, AUG 15: Meghalaya Home Minister Lahkmen Rymbui has resigned in the wake of vandalism, arson and snatching of weapons from the police personnel on Sunday by mobs protesting the killing of a surrendered former Hynniewtrep National Liberation Council (HNLC) militant leader, Cheristarfield Thangkhiew, in a police raid on Friday. Curfew has been clamped in Shillong and mobile internet services temporarily suspended.

Rymbui on Sunday wrote to chief minister Conrad Sangma urging him

Miscreants drive through the city after decamping with police weapons on Sunday. (Pic: Social media post)

to relieve from the Home portfolio to pave the way for free and fair investigation into the incident. Rymbui’s plea came after the several pressure groups demanded his resignation after the kill-

Covid-19: 54 new cases; 4 deaths take toll to 601

D I M A P U R , AU G 1 5 (NPN): Nagaland’s Covid-19 death toll breached the 600 mark on Sunday after four more patients succumbed to the infection while 54 Covid-19 positive cases were reported during the day.

Of the fresh cases, 27 were from Kohima, Dimapur-16, four in Mokokchung, three in Mon and two each in Wokha and

This is it!

Zunheboto, taking the total caseload to 29151. Further, four deaths-- two each in Dimapur and Kohima, pushed the death toll to 601 (including 14 non-Covid deaths).

PTI: India saw a singleday rise of 36,083 new Covid infections, raising its tally to 3,21,92,576, while the death toll has climbed to 4,31,225 with 493 fresh fatalities, the Health Ministry said.

ing of Thangkhiew, which various groups claimed was a “cold-blood murder”.

Thangkhiew’s family alleged that his death was a “cold-blooded murder by the police”.

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(Cont’d on p-4)

Petrol bombs hurled at CM’s residence

In an outrageous incident, miscreants on Sunday night around 10.15 p.m., hurled petrol bombs at Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma’s private residence.

Though no one was injured, a police official said that two petrol bombs were hurled at Sangma’s residence in Upper Shillong.

A man-hunt has been launched to nab the attackers and a criminal case has been registered, the official said.

Correspondent

KOHIMA, AUG 15 (NPN): Planning & Coordination, land revenue and parl. affairs minister, Neiba Kronu Sunday said that 227.60-km road has been sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) –II and were at various stages of completion He also claimed that, overall, 2932.83 km of roads

Neiba Kronu speaking at the District Rural Road Seminar. (DIPR)

had been completed under various verticals of the scheme as on July 31.

Speaking at the ‘District Rural Road Seminar’ to

commemorate the 75 years of India’s Independence ‘Azadi Ki Amrit Mahotsav’ at DC’s conference hall Wokha, Kronu asserted that

75th Independence Day celebrated in Dimapur D I M A P U R , AU G 1 5 (NPN): Minister public health engineering (PHE) Jacob Zhimomi unfurled the flag at the 75th Independence Day celebration as chief guest at the DDSC stadium Dimapur Sunday.

In his speech Jacob said India was moving ahead with determination in every domain and has secured its place amongst the important and influential nations in the world now.

He said Nagaland has also

Correspondent

KO H I M A , AU G 1 5 (NPN): Against the backdrop of allegation vis-à-vis construction of 200-bedded Covid-19 hospital at Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR), Dimapur, State government sources con Sunday clarified that Rs. 30 crore was the entire package awarded to Glocal Healthcare Systems Pvt Ltd. Sources informed Nagaland Post that the tripartite agreement between the State government, CIHSR and Glocal Healthcare Systems Pvt Ltd was reached under which the project was

taken up on an emergency basis under Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA).

The sources also said that the 200-bed acute care facility was a pre-engineered (modular steel and glass building), which was projected in the presentation by Glocal Healthcare Systems Pvt Ltd for a lowcost construction project having a time-bound completion period of three to four months.

On whether tender was floated, they explained that though tender was not floated but based on the company’s credibility, the project was taken up on

emergency basis keeping in mind the ongoing pandemic and the threat it posed, particularly to children, and most importantly, the time frame to complete the project within three months.

According to the information available in NSDMA website, the project will be a permanent structure with only ICU/HDU beds with ventilators, Bipaps, HFNC, oxygen, etc, and would be the apex of response.

It will also have OT complex, dialysis, etc, and function as a high-end Acute Care Hospiaztal post pandemic.

(Cont’d on p-8)

2932.83-km roads completed in State under PMGSY Taliban take over Kabul as Afghan Prez flees country

Staff Reporter

"It's real bank robbery.

Bank deducts every time I put money, draw money and transfer money."

Police claimed that they fired at Thangkhiew after he attacked them with a knife in an attempt to escape. His house was raided on Thursday night based on evidence that he was involved in the blast at Laitumkhrah. “When the police team tried to enter his house, he attacked the team with a knife in an attempt to escape.

The police team exerting the right to defend fired a single round, which hit him,” the police said in a statement.

On Sunday Black flags were spotted at several locations in Shillong in protest against the “killing” of Thangkhiew.

Jacob Zhimomi (NP)

become an equal partner along with other States in the country’s march towards development.

Mentioning that Nagaland’s sons and daughters had been part of India’s

journey towards progress, Jacob recalled that Naga soldiers had fought against the country’s enemies and secured its borders with courage and valour.

On Naga political issue, the minister lauded the elected members for listening to the voice of the people and coming together, irrespective of party affiliations.

Taking the spirit of collectiveness further, he noted that the House also appealed to Naga political negotiating groups to come together in order to hammer out their

differences to give the people an inclusive solution, which was “honourable and acceptable”.

Referring to the border row with Assam, he claimed that the Nagaland government had taken proactive steps with the Assam government to de-escalate the situation.

“We feel that the border issue should be settled amicably by the two State governments by involving local communities from both sides,” he remarked.

since its inception, 4382.5 km of roads have been sanctioned in Nagaland under PMGSY till July 2021 against 116 eligible habitations identified for coverage.

Further, he claimed that 109 eligible and feasible habitations under the scheme and seven under State’s various schemes were provided all-weather road connectivity.

(Cont’d on p-8) Taliban fighters and locals in Jalalabad province on August 15. (AFP)

MoS Dr. Ranjan on 2-day visit to state

D I M A P U R , AU G 1 5 (NPN): As part of the ‘Jan Aashirwad Yatra’-- public outreach programme of the BJP, Union Minister of State for Education and External Affairs, Dr. Rajkumar Ranjan Singh will be arriving Nagaland on August 16 for a two-day visit.

Ranjan, Lok Sabha MP from Inner Manipur, is scheduled to meet church leaders and interact with NGOs, civil societies and students’ organization both (Cont’d on p-8) in Dimapur and Kohima.

KABUL, AUG 15 (AGENCIES): The Taliban entered Afghanistan’s capital Kabul on Sunday as Taliban negotiators headed to the presidential palace for a ‘peaceful transition of power’, Associated Press reported.

An official said President Ashraf Ghani had left the city for Tajikistan.

Asked for comment, the President’s office said it “cannot say anything about Ashraf Ghani’s movement for security reasons”.

A representative of the Taliban said the group was checking on Ghani’s whereabouts. Taliban were poised to run Afghanistan again 20

years after they were toppled

by US-led forces following the September 11 attacks on the United States. Taliban fighters were reaching the capital “from all sides”, a senior Afghan interior ministry official told Reuters.

But there were no reports of fighting and the group’s spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said they were waiting on the outskirts and were in talks with the Western-backed government for a peaceful surrender.

Power would be handed over to a transitional administration, acting interior minister, Abdul Sattar Mirzakawal, tweeted.

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STATE

Ravi fetes awardees ‘At Home’ prog

Governor RN Ravi, his lady wife Laxmi Ravi, Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio and the recipients of Governor’s Award on August 15. (NP)

DIMAPUR: On the occasion of 75th Independence Day celebration, Nagaland g ove r n o r, R . N. R av i felicitated the recipients of Governor’s Award at the “At Home-cum-Governor’s Award” programme held at Dr.Imkongliba Ao Hall, Raj Bhavan, here on Sunday.

The recipients were Buddhi Bahadur Thapa for Arts and display of paintings; Kekhrielezo

Stephen Mark Medom for Arts and display of sculpture works; Bendangnungsang Ao for Arts and display of painting and Squadron band for display of music and Live performance.

According to DIPR report, the Gover nor’s Awards were conferred to the awardees of 2020 since the Award could not be held due to pandemic.

While congratulating the award recipients, RN Ravi lauded them for inspiring

the younger generations. He said the Britishers not only colonised India politically and economically but also colonised socio-cultural and intellectual institutions of the people of this country, and the de-colonisation of it remains and unfinished project even today.

He added that to sustain “British empire in India they had to infuse a sense of inferiority among the natives, and the infused sense of

superiority of Britishness was felt in their conduct, teachings, literature, music, art that they produced a n d e n c o u r a ge d , a n d we k e e p f o l l ow i n g i t without appreciating and understanding”.

Noting that Art, Culture and Music, were powerful medium of expression, he said the state has enormous rich cultural heritage but unfortunately most of it has been “mirrored in the forms of a few dances and dresses”.

He therefore said that the values which have preserved and transmitted down the line by the ancestors should be revived.

C h i e f m i n i s t e r, Neiphiu Rio, who was also present, in his brief speech said the formalities of the Award for 2021 could not be completed and will be carried over in 2022. He congratulated the awardees and said the recognition of their works was not only to promote but to encourage the youths in the field of Music, Art and Literature. Chief secretary, J. Alam also addressed the gathering and Matu Zeliang of Nagaland Police presented special song.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

Organisations condemn Aug 12 grenade attack D I M A P U R : S e ve r a l o r g a n i s a t i o n s h ave condemned the alleged grenade attack on Assam Rifles JCB on August 12 at ChenloishoVillage under Mon district.

CVC, CVSU: Chenloisho village council, Chenloisho village students’ union and public have strongly condemned the attack on 28 Assam Rifles by some miscreants wherein a civilian was also “severely injured”.

In a condemnation n o t e, C VC c h a i r m a n Nokkhah Konyak condemned the coward attack against the security forces in the civilian population area, saying that the attack has horrified and saddened peace loving people in the village.

C VC s a i d i t a l s o rejects and condemns any opposition or resistance with violence as it undermines the very foundation of peace and harmony in the society.

The council said it does not support any party engaging in any form of violence not only within its jurisdiction but any other place. CVC has further

urged all individuals and communities to reject and condemn violence.

CND: Chenloisho Nokden Union Dimapur (CNUD) has expressed dismay over the alleged grenade attack by suspected insurgent cadres which resulted in injury of an army personnel of D Coy of the 28 Assam Rifles and an innocent civilian.

In a condemnation note, CNUD strongly condemned the cowardly action of the insurgents on the innocent locals and security forces when the latter were assisting the people of the village.

CNUD said the people of Chenloisho village would not tolerate such inhuman action by any organisation, saying that grenade attack on the JCB belonging to Assam Rifles while the latter was helping in clearing the road of the village was a “direct attack on Chenloisho village”. The union said the citizens of the village, both living in and outside the village, s t r o n g ly d e m a n d t h e reason behind such attack in the village.

PMGSY schemes highlighed at ‘district rural roads seminar’

Sharingain Longkumer at the “District Rural Road Seminar”

their produce. He also said that Government of India has subsequently launched new interventions/verticals namely PMGSY-II for upgradation of 50,000 km of road length, road connectivity project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) for construction/upgradation of strategically important

roads and PMGSY-III for consolidation of 1,25,000 km of through routes and major rural links connecting habitations, inter-alia, to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals. The implementation period of PMGSY-III is till March, 2025. The advisor further

accompanied by advisor Higher and Technical Education and Election, MedoYhokha graced the programme.

Longkumer asserted that technical paper presented by the resource persons was an eye opener and he was pleased to know that new technologies were implemented in the state. He was optimistic that adoption of new technologies will improve the quality of the rural roads in the state and added that engineers in the field have a major role to play in achieving this objective.

He also said that he was extremely encouraged by the participation of all the stakeholders and further sought their cooperation and suppor t in all the

With immense pride and honour, Lotha youth organization Dimapur (LyoD) members would like to congratulate Mr. etsungmomo Kikon (retired additional director and former Chairman, Lotha Hoho Dimapur) for recently been elected as the president of Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) for the tenure of (2020-25).

The organization congratulates his victory and extend best wishes for his success as he along with his members prepares to take up the responsibilities and challenges of the high office.

As you embark upon your new responsibilities, we will wish to assure and extend our support in your endeavour.

LyoD President, nzanbemo humtsoe LyoD Press Secretary, nzano humtsoe

PACSU inaugurates building: Pungro Area College Students’ Union (PACSU) inaugurated its office building on August 10 at Pungro headquarters. The office was dedicated by Baptist Church Pungro Pastor Tsuyihpa.

KRC holds installation ceremony: Kohima Rotary Club held its 19th installation ceremony on August 14 wherein Rtn. Kezhokhoto Savi, advocate, was installed as president of the club along with a team of office-bearers, new board of directors and nine new members.

Dy. CM fetes awardees

DIMAPUR: Deputy chief minister and minister in charge of Home and PWD (R&B), Y. Patton has congratulated the officers and personnel for bagging awards in various categories for meritorious service. The awardees are: Martin Pienyu, IPS, IGP (INT) president’s police medal for distinguished service and Vekhosa Chakhesang NPS Commandant, 11 NAP (IR) battalion, police medal for meritorious service; Temsuyangba UBSI under Commissioner of Police Dimapur, Governor’s gold medal; Tsuponi Tsukru, UBSI, INT; Hav. Abemo Ezung, crime branch PHQ; Hav.Thepuzo Chakhesang, DEF Phek; Virhosa, constable 15 Mahila (IR) battalion; Er.Vimete Pusa, SDO under EE ( R&B), south division Kohima; Er. Nagashe Swu, SDO under EE PWD (R&B) Dimapur division and Er.Muzivoyi, SDO under EE PWD (R&B) Dimapur division for being awarded Governor’s commendation certificate. In a press release, Dy. CMO media cell stated that Patton thanked the officers and personnel for rendering their best services to the people and wished them a successful career.

1st Death anniversary

projects undertaken by the Government.

He also highlighted on the implementation of the scheme in the state.

Earlier, the resource person Er. S.B.Angh, EE PWD (R&B) Longleng division spoke on “Use of new technology in rural road construction” while JE, H. Baukup Phom spoke on “Implementation of PMGSY -III Scheme” and JE, H. Lakphak Phom on “Role of PMGSY in development of respective rural areas”.

of our beloved mother Lt. OnenPOKLa (Chuchuyimlang)

Died on 16th Aug’2020 It’s been a year since you left us but the memories of your love, prayers and the good deeds will forever cherished.

Each day missing you a lot with tears.

Loving husband, children, in-laws, grandchildren and relatives k-1531

1st Death anniversary of

Late B. naroLa WaLLing

k-1547

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1st Death anniversary

of

of

Late Methavi nagi

Late vichotha Kechü

To a loving husband, father and grandfather - gone but never forgotten.

Left for his heavenly abode on : 16:08:2020 Last year on this day you closed your tired eyes and departed to a new abode, leaving your loved ones in tears and sorrow. You had endured all the pain and suffering. God saw you needed rest and so he called you home for eternal rest, though it breaks our hearts to lose you.

We cherished your love and values with which you had enriched us. We look forward to the day when we shall meet again in the presence of our saviour.

Forever in our hearts.

Deeply missed by family members

k-1542

It’s been a year since you left us for your eternal home.

We still miss your presence, love and care. You will always be in our hearts until we meet again.

Loving wife, children, in-laws, grandchildren and great grandchildren db-127

Books in Tenyidie released: Writer and retired joint director, agriculture, Vizonyü Liezietsu on August 14 released four books in Tenyidie namely Liecie Dze (agriculture), Tezie Kechü (horticulture), Khunuo Dze (Animals) and Nha Dze mu Nhanyü Zasiko (botany & leaf exploration).

Died: 16/08/2020 A year has passed since you left us for your heavenly abode. However, the legacy of your virtuous deeds lives on as a source of inspiration and a guide for posterity.

In life, we loved you dearly and in death, we will continue doing so by honoring your deeds and cherishing all the memories that you have gifted us. You are forever missed!

Loving family members

FELICITATION

1St Death anniverSary

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called for active cooperation and participation from the district administration as well as stakeholder in the remaining activities which he said will play a key role to the success of this year long programme.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by EE, PWD (R&B), Peren Division, D r. K h u i t o M u r u m i and technical paper presentation on the topics “Use of new technology in rural road construction, Implementation of PMGSYIII Scheme and Role of PMGSY in development of respective rural areas” by SDO, PWD(R&B), Peren Sub-Division, Er. Asembe Mbungcha.

I n L o n l e n g, N L A S p e a k e r, S h a r i n g a i n Longkumer Speaker NLA

dp-3973

DIMAPUR: Along with the rest of the country, Nagaland also observed “ D i s t r i c t Ru r a l Ro a d Seminar” on August 15.

The road seminar was part of “Bharat Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” and will be celebrated from August 15 to 22 in all the district headquarters.

A t t h e s e m i n a r, implementation of the project under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) schemes and achievements were highlighted.

According to DIPR report, in Peren, the seminar was graced by advisor of Animal Husbandry and Ve t e r i n a r y S c i e n c e s , Wo m e n R e s o u r c e s Development, R. Khing as special guest.

Speaking at the programme, Khing said that PMGSY was launched on December 25, 2000, with the primary objective to provide connectivity, by way of an all-weather road (with necessary culverts and cross-drainage structures, which is operable throughout the year), to the eligible unconnected habitations in the rural areas with a population of 500+ in plain areas, 250+ in North-Easter n and Himalayan States and 100+ in the critical Left Wing Extremism (LWE) affected blocks (as identified by MHA)as per Census,2001, so that people in the rural area have access to basic health services, education and market for

NEWS IN BRIEF

Late Walutemjen Walling (Süngratsü) 16.04.1986 – 11.08.2021 We the bereaved family of Late Walutemjen Walling (Süngratsü) would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and everyone who stood by us and supported us physically, spiritually and financially as we mourned the loss of our dear son.

We pray and hope that the Almighty God will bless you all for the love and kindness showered upon our family.

Loving family and relatives db-128 K Y M C

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STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

75th Independence Day celebrated across Nagaland

Sharingain Longkumer

K.T. Sukhalu

DIMAPUR: Nagaland Sunday joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 75th Independence Day by organising various events across the state. Chief minister of Nagaland, Neiphiu Rio led his council of ministers, advisors and officers in hoisting the National Flag in all the district headquarters and sub-divisions.

Educational institutes, civil society organisations and others also joined in the celebration by organising various activities to mark the day.

Longleng: Independence Day in Longleng district was celebrated with Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Sharingain Longkumer as the special guest.

The special guest hoisted the National Flag and took Rastriya salute from the parade contingents while National Anthem was presented by the students of Yingli Government College Longleng. Before delivering the Independence Day speech, the Speaker also inspected the parade contingents. Longkumer gave away district award to the officers and staff of different department under Longleng district in recognition of their distinguish service rendered various fields. He also gave away poetry slam award to students which was initiated by the DPDB Longleng. He also inaugurated an exhibition stalls put up by the various departments of Longleng and Self Help Groups (SHG) of the district. Five parade contingents namely

P. Paiwang Konyak

Namri Nchang

DEF Longleng, 12th NAP (IR) Chingtok Longleng Village guard from Yaongyimchen and Yachem village, Bautung Government Higher Secondary School (Student Police cadet) commanded by SDPO Longleng, Impung Chang took part in the parade. The highlights of the celebration include folk dance by Bhumnyu cultural troupe and Yongnyah cultural troupe, special song by Crossroads band Longleng and poem recitation by Lily Phom of St. Joseph’s School Longleng, the winner of the poetry slam competition.

In the afternoon, football exhibition match was played between Officers Club and Phom Students’ Conference and volleyball between Longleng Town Students Union and Soti Club Longleng. (Correspondent) Mokokchung: Minister Transport, Civil Aviation and Land Resources, P. Paiwang Konyak hoisted the National Flag, inspected the parade and delivered speech during 75th Independence Day celebration at Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung.

During the celebration, cultural items were presented by Medem Reju Cultural Club, Mongsenyimti village, Sumi Union Mokokchung Town and Konyak Union Mokokchung Town. The minister also inaugurated the exhibition stalls set up by the Agri and allied departments. Another stall from the Health & Family Welfare department was also set up where COVID-19 testing facilities vaccination counter was nagalandpost.com Poll and made available to the public.

Q.: Is the fall of Afghanistan Konyak also gave away the to Talibans going to pose a district awards to Mokokcthreat to South East Asia? hung Eleos Initiative, Aotsung Ozukum, Moamongba 100% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– and Limanungsang Kichu.

90% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Nine villages were also 80% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 70% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– felicitated for achieving 60% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 100% COVID-19 vaccina50% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– tion coverage of all eligible 40% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– beneficiaries by the District 30% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Task Force COVID-19 Mo20% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– kokchung. (Correspondent) 10% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Kiphire: The 75th In0% dependence Day was celA B C ebrated at Public Ground 59% A Yes. Kiphire with minister of 32% B No. Housing, Mechanical, 9% C Can’t Say. Tongpang Ozukum as the special guest. Ozukum NEXT POLL hoisted the National flag Q: Are authorities able to and took salute from four strictly monitor and contingents comprising of check price of essential V.G. Kiphire Village, DEF commodities?

Kiphire, 14th IR Bn and 41  Yes. AR Bn. Special presentation  No. was presented by the Infi Can’t Say. nite Nagas, Three colours

by GHSS Kiphire, folk WEATHER song by Easter Sumi Totimi FORECAST Hoho and the “youth, a AUGUST 16 catalyst for addressal of gender issue in the Kiphire (Temperature in ºC) Max Min District”.

Agartala Cloudy with a few showers 29 25 The programme was Aizawl Cloudy with afternoon showers 24 21 followed by the launchGuwahati Cloudy with a thunderstorm 30 25 ing of “smoke free district Imphal A couple of afternoon showers 24 22 headquarter campaign” Itanagar A stray a.m. t-storm; cloudy 27 24 and Kiphire’s Mango Tea” Shillong A morning t-storm: cloudy 21 18 by the special guest. Prizes Kohima Couple of thunderstorms 22 19 were also distributed to the Dimapur A stray a.m. t-storm; cloudy 28 24 winners of the oratorical Mkg 24 21 A morning t-storm; cloudy speech competition, and Tuensang Cloudy, a couple of t-shower 19 16 essay, painting and debate Wokha Rain and drizzle in the a.m.

27 22 competition. The minister Zunheboto A morning t-storm; cloudy 21 19 also visited the Shalom K Y M C

Tongpang Ozukum

children Home and Kiphire District Disability Association.(Correspondent) Mon: Mon celebrated 75th Independence Day at Local Ground Mon with minister of Health & Family Welfare, S. Pangnyu Phom as the chief guest.

According to DIPR report, upon his arrival, the minister hoisted the National flag and inspected the parade. The event witnessed march past by DEF Mon, 6th NAP, Village Guards and 6th NAP Pipe Band led by Parade Commander, Asst. Commandant, Seyiechulhou contingents.

At the programme, Dr. Neiphrezo Sorunuo received the principal director’s commendation award under the department of Health & Family Welfare and six villages received awards for achieving 100% vaccination with first dose. The event also witnessed performances by Mon Chamber Choir, Mon District Dancers Union and Cultural Dance by Chen Union, Mon Town.

Noklak: Minister, Soil & Water Conservation, Geology & Mining, V.Kashiho Sangtam hoisted the National Flag at Noklak Hq during the 75th Independence Day celebration.

According to DIPR report, the minister also took the Rashtriya Salute from the contingent of DEF/3rd NAP Noklak, Village guard Yokao/PansoHq and Village guard Aniashu led by assistant commandant 3rd NAP, Logubo Nsu and 2nd parade commander ABI, Imkummeren Ao. The flag man was CHM 3rd NAP Noklak Simon and pilot driver was Khaikho.

Phek: In Phek, the celebration was held at Local Ground, Phek Town with minister, Higher Education & Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along, as the special guest. According to DIPR report, the minister hoisted the National Flag, took the Rashtriya Salute, inspected the parade and delivered the Independence Day speech.

Four Parade contingents took part in the march past, 22 Assam Rifles, Phek DEF, Phek, 5th NAP, Phek and Home Guards & Civil Defence, Phek. The highlights of the programme included special songs by Kuluvelu Swuro and Nuta D Vadeo and friends, folk song by Pochury Women Hoho, Phek Town and Folk Dances from Jericho II Colony Youth, Phek Town and Phek village Cultural Troupe. The special guest inaugurated exhibition stalls.

Wokha: The 75th Independence Day programme was celebrated at Wokha local ground with minister for Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue, Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu as the chief guest.

According to DIPR report, highlights of the day included feeding of inmates, Sub-Jail Wokha

by DLSA (Legal Services) Wokha, Mhondamo Memorial District Hospital by Wokha District Chambers of Commerce & Industry, Dr.Motsuo Memorial District Hospital by SBI, Wokha (Main Branch) and 40 Assam Rifles Hospital by All Nagaland Taxi Union, Wokha. Other highlights included folk song by Soying Cultural Group Elumyo village, Zuvotong cultural group Humtso village, special number by Zacheo Jeru Ezung and LobenoTungoe.

S. Pangnyu Phom

During the celebration, District Level award, District Commendation Certificate and Certificate of appreciation for achieving 100% COVID-19 Vaccination of eligible beneficiaries were given out. Two Parade contingents from Home Guard & Civil Defence and 7th NAP Bhandari took part in the parade.

The parade contingent was led by Assistant Commandant 7th NAP, Ashito Aye and ABI Temsumongba as the parade 2nd I/C. Tuensang: Tuensang celebrated the 75th Independence Day with advisor, Power department, H Tovihoto Ayemi as special at Parade ground Tuensang.

According to DIPR report, the review of parade was done by DIG Range Tuensang, Rajashekera.

A total of five contingents namely DEF Tuensang, 3rd NAP, VG Ngangpong, VG Kuthur and 3rd NAP Pipe band participated in march past with Shikato Swu deputy. SP as a parade commander and Tohanba ABI as second in command.

District commendation awards were also awarded to nine individuals. Chang Cultural troupe team CCSU, Sangtam Cultural Troupe and Yimchunger Cultural Troupe performed a cultural item as a part of celebration and Confederation of Chang Students Union also took part in entertainment presentation.

The advisor also inaugurated the exhibition stalls and also visited the GBs Court and interacted with GBs of the district.

Peren: Peren district celebrated 75th Independence Day at Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex, Peren with advisor, Veterinary & Animal Husbandry, Women Resources Development, R. Khing as the special guest.

According to DIPR report, the special guest hoisted the National Flag, took Rashtriya Salute and delivered Independence Day speech. This was followed with march past from the parade contingents comprising of 36th Assam Rifle (band party), DEF Peren, 9th IRB, Saijang, All Saints Hr. Sec. School, Peren and Peren Government College (NCC). Folk song and folk dance by Jalukie Dancing Troupe and a special number by Kizaiwi Mpom were the other highlights of the day. Meanwhile, 75th Independence Day was also successfully celebrated at Ahthibung Headquarter in the premises of SDO (C) Office, Athibung and ADC Office, Jalukie. The celebration programme officially concluded with beating of retreat by DEF, Peren in the evening.

Zunheboto: Zunheboto district celebrated 75th Independence Day at Zunheboto local ground with advisor for School Education K.T. Sukhalu as the special guest. According to DIPR report, parade contingent was led

by Tongpang Ao, Assistant Commandant and seven contingents participated in the parade. At the programme horticulture department presented award with certificate and cash to six individuals for best progressive farmer in the field of horticulture.

Tening: Tening Town celebrated the 75th Indian Independence Day at Tening HQ with advisor for Water Resource, Namri Nchang as the special guest.

Temjen Imna Along

According to DIPR report, the advisor hoisted the National flag, took Rastriya salute from the parade contingents and read out the Independence speech. The national anthem was sung by Government High School, Tening. Two villages were awarded for achieving Covid-19 vaccination for all the eligible beneficiaries.

Heraka council, Tening Town presented a cultural dance while a short speech was delivered by Kikhuidi Nring.

Pughoboto: Citizens of Pughoboto division including the government officials celebrated the 75th Independence Day at the ADC Pughoboto office.

According to DIPR report, the National flag was hoisted by ADC, Thungchanbemo Tungoe and also took the Rashtriya salute from the DEF police personnel followed by National Anthem by PPKK. ADC, who was the chief guest of the program, opened the by the farmers group mobilisation in ATMA stalls put up by the agriculture department.

Tseminyu: The 75th Independence Day was celebrated at ADC office compound with Additional Deputy Commissioner Tseminyu, W. Manpai Phom as chief guest, who hoisted the National Flag and took Rhastriya salute and delivered Independence Day speech. Special song was presented by Runole Tep which was followed by screening of documentary “Azadi Ka Amrut Mahotsav” at ADC conference hall, Tseminyu, informed a DIPR report.

Pfutsero: Pfutsero sub-division celebrated the 75th Independence Day at Pfutsero Sports Complex Ground with ADC Pfutsero, Japheth Woch as the chief guest. According to DIPR report, the chief guest hoisted the National Flag, took Rashtriya salute and read out the Independence Day speech. Five parade contingents, DEF Pfutsero, Pfutsero Government College, GHSS Pfutsero, CMHSS Pfutsero and Nazareth School Pfutsero led by parade commanderABSI Zamesu took part in the march pass.

Aghunato: Aghunato sub-division celebrated the 75th Independence Day at Additional Deputy Commissioner’s Office compound with ADC Aghunato, T. Moa Lemtor as chief quest. According to DIPR report, the chief guest hoisted the National flag and took Rashtriya salute from 8 NAP C. Coy, Aghunato. National Anthem was sung by Aghunato Town Students Union and later the chief quest read out the Independence Day speech.

Tuli: Independence Day was celebrated at Tuli ADC’s office complex wherein ADC Tuli, Shaying Sheu hoisted the national flag and took Rashtriya salute from the DEF personnel Tuli in the presence of government officials, GBs and public leaders, informed DIPR report.

Wakching: Independence Day was observed at Wakching sub-division under Mon wherein SDO (Civil) Wakching, L. Samuel Konyak hoisted the national flag and took salute from Nagaland police, informed DIPR report.

Shamator: Shamator celebrated 75thIndependence Day at ADC office compound with ADC Sha-

Neiba Kronu

mator, Warren Holohon Yepthomi as special guest.

According to DIPR report, the special guest hoisted the National Flag and read out the Independence Day speech while National Anthem was sung

by Shamator College, Shamator.

Chozuba: The 75th Independence Day was celebrated at Chozuba town with additional deputy commissioner, Theodore Yanthan as the chief guest at the ADC office Chozuba.

According to DIPR report, the chief guest hoisted the National Flag and took the Rastriya salute from the 5th NAP Chetheba and delivered the Independence Day speech.

Jakhama: Jakhama Sub-Division observed the 75th Independence Day at SDO (Civil) Office wherein the National Flag was hoisted, informed DIPR report.

Changtong ya:75th Independence Day was observed at SDO (C) office complex with SDO (C) Changtongya, Rorheu Peseyie as the chief guest.

According to DIPR report, the chief guest hoisted the National Flag, took the Rashtriya salute from DEF Police Station Changtongya and delivered the Independence Day speech.

Bhandari: Bhandari sub-division celebrated the 75th Independence Day at the Public ground Bhandari with ADC Bhandari, Tiameren Chang as the chief Guest. According to DIPR report, the chief guest hoisted the National flag, took salute from 7th NAP Bn Bhandari led by ABSI N. Zuchanbemo Lotha and delivered the Independence Day speech. In the programme officers of Bhandari sang the National Anthem and a special song was also presented by Gracy Enni.

Monyakshu:75th Independence Day was celebrated at SDO (Civil) office, Monyakshu with Head DB in-charge SDO Civil Monyakshu, Bumang as chief guest. He hoisted the National Flag and took Rashtiya salute from the VG’s special guard, stated a DIPR report.

Thonoknyu: Thonoknyu sub-division celebrated Independence Day at SDO Civil office Campus. The National Flag was hoisted by SDO Civil Longdiba L Sangtam, who also delivered the Independence Day speech and took Rashtriya salute from DEF Thonoknyu Head Quarter, stated DIPR report.

Meluri:The 75th Independence Day was celebrated at ADC’s office complex at Meluri with ADC Meluri, Fürhesie Nyuwi, who hoisted the National flag and took Rashtriya salute from 5th.NAP A/Coy Meluri led by Havildar, Tsierhosie Kajiri, stated a DIPR report.

Medziphema:75th Independence Day was celebrated at ADC Office Complex, Medziphema, Sub-division with ADC Medziphema, Imsongmeren as the chief guest.

According to DIPR report, the chief guest hoisted the National flag, took the Rashtriya Salute and delivered the Independence Day speech. The 1st NAP Chumukedima lead by Parade Commander ABI Pachio took part in the celebration.

Tizit:75th Independence Day was celebrated at Local Ground Tizit with ADC Tizit, PakonPhom as the chief gust who hoisted

H Tovihoto Ayemi

the National Flag and delivered the Independence Day speech. He took Rashtriya salute from the contingents which includes 6th NAP Tizit, VG Shangsa Village, NCC GHSS Tizit and NCC GHS Tizit Village, stated a DIPR report.

Niuland: Niuland subdivision under Dimapur district also celebrated the 75th Independence Day Celebration at Niuland Public ground wherein ADC Niuland, Athrila hoisted the National Flag and took the Rashtriya salute. Guard of honour was accorded by 8th NAP C COY, informed DIPR report.

Longkhim:75th Independence Day celebration was held at Additional Deputy Commissioner’s Office complex, Longkhim on with ADC Longkhim, Chubatemjen as chief guest.

According to DIPR report, after hoisting the national flag, the chief guest took Rashtriya Salute from Nagaland Police Longkhim, living local band and read out the Independence Day speech.

Chen:75th Independence Day Celebration was held at SDO (Civil) Complex with SDO (Civil) Chen, Relise Sangtam as chief guest who hoisted the National Flag and took a salute from the Chen Town VG, stated a DIPR report.

Tobu:75th Independence Day was celebrated at Tobu HQ with ADC Tobu, Keyiranding Hegui as special guest who hoisted the National Flag and read the Independence Day speech, stated a DIPR report.

Satakha: Satakha sub-division celebrated the 75th Independence Day at ADC Office Compound wherein ADC Satakha, T.L.KiusumongTikhir hoisted the national flag and took the Rashtriya salute and read out the Independence Day speech, stated a DIPR report.

Chiephobozou: Chiephobozou sub-division celebrated the 75th Independence Day 2021 at the Office premises of ADC Chiephobozou, wherein ADC, Chiephobozou, Vekhoyi Chakhesang hoisted the National flag, took salute and read out Independence Day speech, stated a DIPR report.

Pung ro:75th Independence Day 2021 was celebrated at Pungro Town at local ground wherein National flag was hoisted by ADC Pungro, Abhinav Shivam. He also delivered the Independence Day speech and inaugurated exhibition stalls followed by inspecting of stalls, stated a DIPR report.

Seyochung:75th Independence Day celebration was held in Seyochung HQ office complex ADC with Renbemo Ezung, who hoisted the National flag, took salute from the parade contingent and read out the Independence Day speech. Parade contingents comprised of VG HQ led by Tsalicho post Commander HQ, stated a DIPR report.

Naginimora:The 75th Independence Day celebration was held at ADC’s Office compound with ADC Niginimora, Vineet Kumar as the special guest, who hoisted the National Flag, took the Rastriya salute from 6th NAP and read out the Independence Day speech, stated a DIPR report.

A b o i : A b o i Tow n celebrated the 75th Independence Day at Local

R. Khing

Ground, Aboi Town with Additional Deputy Commissioner Aboi, Chumlamo Humtsoe who hoisted the National Flag as special guest. He took salute from three parade contingents and read out the Independence Day speech, stated a DIPR report.

Delhi: Additional Chief Secretary & Chief Resident Commissioner, Jyoti Kalash hoisted the National flag at Nagaland House, New Delhi on Indian’s 75th Independence Day. According to DIPR report, in his short speech, the ACS said Indian Nation had grown to full independence in every walk of life.

NPCC Minority: NPCC Minority Department observed 75th Independence Day by hoisting the National Flag at Dimapur DCC office NPCC vice president and incharge Dimapur District, V. Lashu.

Dimapur DCC working president, Kutoho Chishi said the vote of thanks.

DBSU: Dimapur Bengali Students’Union celebrated 75th Independence Day at its office building with its office bearers and executive members.

MMC: Mount Mary College, Chumukedima under the initiative Of History Department Celebrated “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” commemorating 75thIndependence Day. GOUN: Global Open University, Nagaland celebrated 75th Independence Day at its campus at Dimapur, in presence of students, faculties officials and staff maintaining social distance.

LCD: Lions Club of Dimapur Japfu celebrated the 75th Independence Day with the theme “Welcoming back our successful Olympians” with a run wearing the Indian Flag from N.L.Road to Purana Bazaar junction, followed by flag hoisting and National Anthem.

D H YO : D i m a p u r Hindu Youth Organization commemorated 75th Independence Day at Neighbourhood Children’s Home at Midland Dimapur.

YMC: Yemhi Memorial College Internal Quality Assurance Cell celebrated 75thIndependence Day under the theme, “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav” at the college premises.

PVHSSD: Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School, Dimapur celebrated 75th Independence Day by maintaining SOP and the social distance among the teaching and non-teaching faculty members of the institution.

SSC: To Commemorate the 75th Independence Day, the Department of Economics and Department of Physics of Sao Chang College, Tuensang, Nagaland organised an online quiz competition for students of the college. The winners were provided cash award along with merit e-certificate while e-certificates of participation were also awarded to all the participants.

SJC: St. Joseph’s College (A), Jakhama celebrated 75th Independence Day by hoisting the National Flag hoisting at the college campus. The NCC cadets of SJC (A), Jakhama under 1NL Girls BN NCCKohima took part in the programme and played out a historical show of how India struggled for its independence 75 years ago before our country attained freedom in their demonstration.

K Y M C

4

NORTHEAST

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

PM says NE capitals to be linked by rail soon Assam CM invites ULFA (I) chief for talks ‘A NEW HISTORY OF CONNECTIVITY IS BEING WRITTEN IN THE NORTH EAST’

GUWAHATI/AGARTALA, AUG 15 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s assertion on Tuesday from the ramparts of Delhi’s Red Fort that a new history of connectivity is being written in India’s northeast, is being borne out to a large extent by a slew of railway projects which are being undertaken in the region.

During his speech, Modi announced that work to connect state capitals in the region with railway lines will be completed soon.

“Today, a new history of connectivity is being written in the North East.

The work of connecting all the state capitals of the North-East with rail service is going to be completed very soon,” he said.

“Rail services will be connecting every capital of the Northeast very soon.

Under the Act East Policy, Northeastern states are being connected to Bangladesh, Myanmar and South East Asia,” he added.

Development of rail infrastructure in the eight states of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Manipur, Nagaland, Mizoram,

Narendra Modi Tripura and Sikkim has been given priority, a spokesperson of the Northeastern Frontier Railway (NF Railway) told PTI. However, problems in implementation ranging from land acquisition to opposition by locals continue to plague some of the projects.

NFR aims to complete major sections of 11 out of 19 ongoing projects in eight states of the region by 2022-23.

However, the remaining work will take more time with inevitable cost and time over-runs.

The 19 railway projects, including 13 new lines and 6 doubling of tracks, covering 2,008 kms

Education & health sector chief focus area of my govt: Tamang

GANGTOK, AUG 15 (PTI): Sikkim Chief Minister P S Tamang on Sunday said education and health sector are the chief focus area of his government.

The chief minister in his 75th Independence Day address said due to the COVID pandemic several restrictions have been imposed to avoid large gatherings because of which the people cannot grandly celebrate the event. He said that there are many goals that his government is steadily aspiring to reach and have formulated policies towards achieving them. Education and the health sector are the chief areas of focus for the state government and a major chunk of the budgetary allocation for the current financial year has been made towards these sectors.

Tamang said his government wants to provide best of healthcare and education to the citizens with state-of-the-art facilities which are easily accessible to all even in the remotest areas of the state.

He said that the COVID-19 pandemic has further strengthened the state government’s commitment towards ensuring that its citizens are safe, healthy and have the best of healthcare facilities easily available.

P S Tamang “We are determined to provide health facilities right at the doorsteps of both the rural and urban residents,” he said.

Major changes have been brought about in the health sector since the formation of our government.

More than 400 health workers, including specialist doctors, medical officers and non-technical employees have been recruited. He said that cancer hospital at Karfectar, South Sikkim is under consideration under PPP mode. Dialysis centres have been established in district hospitals of Gyalshing Namchi and Gangtok.

Sufficient ICU have been created in STNM and District Hospitals. Upscaling of Namchi Hospital to 300 bed hospitals with high-class modern facilities is underway which will cater for the need of South and West Sikkim district.

in length are being implemented at an estimated cost of Rs 75,579 crore.

Besides these projects, the NFR is also building two international railway projects with help from IRCON which include the long awaited 12.03-km long new broad gauge railway line from Agartala, in Tripura to Bangladesh’s Akhaura and a18.6-km railway line from Jogbani in Bihar to Biratnagar in Nepal.

The Rs 980 crore Agartala-Akhuara rail line is expected to be completed

by December, officials said.

While work on the Indian portion is complete, work on the Bangladesh portion which was delayed due to Covid restrictions is likely to be completed by December.

Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma here said that the Northeast is ‘’now on a new growth trajectory’’.

Out of the eight states, some form of rail network connectivity exists in seven while Sikkim is being connected with the 44-km Sivok-Rangpo project slated to be completed by March 2023. Among the new lines,

part of the 110.62 km Jiribam-Imphal project in Manipur will be completed soon.

The 29 km track between Khongsang and Tupul and the 26.58 Tupul to Imphal are scheduled to be completed by November 2022 and December 2023 respectively.

The 26-km new line between Sukhovi to Pherima of the 82.50 km DimapurKohima project in Nagaland is scheduled for completion

by March 2023.

The original timeline for the 51.38 km BairabiSairang project in Mizoram was March 2023, but it has now been pushed back by a year due to unavoidable reasons.

In Meghalaya, both the projects - 21.50 km Tetelia-Byrnihat and 108.40 km Byrnihat-Shillong, have been stalled due to law and order issues with some organisations opposing railway lines in the state fearing this will lead to an uncontrolled influx of outsiders.

According to Indian Railways’ annual report, the final location survey has not been allowed by local people in a five km stretch.

Similarly land acquisition

for fixing center line pillars in alignment has also been stalled.

In the Tetelia-Byrnihat project, the 10-km stretch of Tetelia-Kamalajari section in Assam has been completed and commissioned.

In Meghalaya, however, work has been stopped since 2017 due to law and order issues.

The target date for completing the 26.15 km new line from Murkongs e l e k t o Pa s i g h a t i n Arunachal Pradesh has also not been fixed, as land acquisition has been held up due to demands for higher compensation in Arunachal Pradesh.

Some 241 km, out of the 289 kms long New Maynaguri-Jogighopa New Line with Gauge Conversion of New Mal-Maynaguri Road and New ChangrabandhaChangrabandha has already been commissioned while work has been taken up in the balance portion.

The Dimapur-Tizit, Salona-Khumtai, SibsagarJorhat and Tezpur-Silghat were also included in the budget of 2017-18 but are pending various approvals.

GUWAHATI, AUG 15 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday appealed to ULFA (I) chief Paresh Barua to come to the negotiating table.

Sarma also expressed his gratitude to COVID warriors for their unrelenting fight against the pandemic, and reaffirmed his government’s commitment to the war against drugs and human trafficking. He made 10 ‘requests’ to the people of Assam, including taking care of aging parents and marrying off daughters not before the age of 21, to mark the 75th Independence Day. Speaking at the state function organised on the occasion, the chief minister said that Assam is celebrating Independence Day without any bandh called by militant groups, including ULFA, for the first time in decades. “On behalf of the people of Assam, I appeal to Paresh Barua to come forward for dialogue.

Let no youth of our state be killed anymore,” he said. The ULFA (I), which had been calling for Assam Bandh on Independence Day and Republic Day for several decades, refrained from the practice for the

Himanta Biswa Sarma first time for Independence Day this year.

The outfit has also declared a unilateral ceasefire since May this year in view of the pandemic situation. The chief minister had earlier urged Barua to come for peace talks after assuming power in May this year.

Sarma thanked all COVID warriors, including doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and ambulance drivers, for working tirelessly in the pandemic. Noting that COVID-19 vaccination for all eligible people was progressing well in the state, he said that 1.5 crore doses will be administered in the next one week.

He congratulated boxer Lovlina Borgohain for her Olympic bronze medal and said that her success is an inspiration for all.

Sarma paid tributes to the six Assam Police personnel

killed in violence along the inter-state border with Mizoram on July 26, and conferred them the ‘Chief Minister’s Special Service Medal in a Crisis Situation’ posthumously. He said that the Assam government is committed to resolving the border disputes without compromising with the state’s constitutional boundary. “I urge the northeastern states to resolve the disputes through talks to keep the ‘soul’ of our region alive,” he said.

The chief minister said that the Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021, which was passed by the assembly on Friday, shows the state government’s resolve to protect the cultural ethos of the state. He said that the government is committed to eradicating poverty through population control and will carry on its war against drugs, human trafficking and other social menaces.

Sarma said his government will fulfil its pre-poll promises including providing one lakh government jobs and waiving loans taken by women from micro-finance institutions.

“We want to do away with red-tapism in bureaucracy,” he said.

Law and order has improved in the state: Mnp CM M’laya HM quits after violence

Correspondent

IMPHAL, AUG 15: As in other parts of the country, the 75th Independence Day was celebrated in Manipur as well, amid total shutdown calls given by rebels boycotting the celebration of the day.

Rebel groups including the Coordination Committee (CorCom) of six major rebel groups, while boycotting the day, gave total shutdown calls in the state.

The total shutdown calls coupled with slew of restrictions to curb spread of COVID-19 hit normal life severely. Even as there was relaxation from the purview of the lockdown, shops dealing with essential items across the state, particularly in valley districts, downed their shutters for the day, reports said.

The streets across the Imphal city were deserted except the presence of police and security forces as almost all kinds of vehicles except those in essential services stayed off the road. Similar situations were reported in other districts of the state.

No untoward incident related to the rebel sponsored total shutdown was reported from any part of the state.

The state level celebration of the country’s 75th Independence Day was held with state chief minister N

Biren Singh hoisting the national tri-colour amid playing of national anthem in Imphal’s 1st Battalion Manipur Rifles parade ground.

The chief minister reviewed the guard of honour and took salute from 12 march-past contingents commanded by Anupam, SP (CID/Technical). Contingents of BSF, CRPF, Civil Police, India Reserve Battalion, Home Guards, VDF personnel and NCC took part in the march-past.

Addressing the occasion, the chief minister claimed the state achieved remarkable progress and development in the past four years and a half.

The law and order situation had seen significant improvement during this time, he claimed, and added that 1039 UG cadres belonging to different outfits had laid down arms till date - the most recent being 20 cadres of Thadou Peoples’ Liberation Army and valley based groups who surrendered in March 2021.

Government’s pro-active efforts to make Manipur a blockade and bandh-free state to ensure its all-round development had resulted in drastic decrease of bandhs and blockades in the last few years, he said.

Manipur was awarded the ‘Most Improved Small State’ in Overall and Law

in Shillong; curfew imposed

(From p-1)

India’s ID celebration in Imphal amid boycott calls given by rebel groups on Sunday (3) and Order categories in the annual ‘State of the States’ survey carried out by India Today, he mentioned while highlighting a bunch of his government’s achievements.

Intensifying the government “War on Drugs” campaign, the chief minister said that narcotics cells had been established in all the districts. Maintaining that one should never politicalize the issues related to drug menace, Singh said, in the past four years and a half, the state’s law enforcement agencies seized more than 1,000 kg of opium and derivatives, more than 100 kg of heroin and many other contraband substances.

Many clandestine brown sugar improvised laboratories had also been busted, he added.

He further informed that the Fast Track Court

for trial of ND&PS cases established in 2018 had disposed of 314 cases with 51 convictions.

Further, the Special ND&PS Court had also disposed of 962 cases, with 87 convictions since January 1, 2017. Manipur Police had also arrested Kyaw Kyaw Naing (Myanmar national) – an international drug dealer, he added.

Singh maintained that poor farmers affected due to destruction of poppy crops had been assisted by the government towards taking up farming of other economically viable horticultural crops on a sustainable basis.

He said that improvement in law and order has allowed the state to reap the benefits of peace and Manipur continued to excel in several areas.

The flags were put up by a group under the banner “Voice of Mawlai people”.

In wake of the series of incidents in Shillong and its outskirts, the Independence Day celebration was held in a very low-key manner.

Meghalaya DGP, R Chandranathan said that a SUV vehicle requisition by the State police was hijacked by miscreants near Umshing-Mawkynroh police outpost before it was set ablaze at Jaiaw area.

Chandranathan said the miscreants also decamped with three INSAS rifles and one magazine of the SF-10 personnel from the vehicle.

Hijackers drove the SUV vehicle through Mawlai, brandishing the police looted weapon, as witnessed

by people along streets in Mawlai. “The investigation is on to find out the identity of these miscreants,” the police official said.

Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills district, Isawanda Laloo said total curfew has been clamped from 8 p.m. on Sunday to 5.am of August 17 or till further order following incidents of stone pelting, arson and theft, and a serious breakdown of law and order in parts of Shillong city.

Internet services in the East Khasi Hills district, which includes Meghalaya capital Shillong and in adjoining districts of West Khasi Hills, South West Khasi Hills and Ri-Bhoi have been temporarily shut for 48 hours since 6 p.m. on August 15.

Arunachal reports 161 COVID-19 cases ITANAGAR, AUG 15 (PTI) Arunachal Pradesh reported 161 fresh COVID-19 cases, pushing the virus tally in the northeastern state to 51,300, a senior health department official said here on Sunday.

The COVID-19 death toll in the frontier state remained at 252 as no new fatality was reported in the last 24 hours, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said.

The Capital Complex Region recorded the highest number of fresh cases at 54, followed by Leparada (23), Changlang (12), East Siang and Lower Dibang Valley at 9 cases each, Upper Siang (8) and six cases each from Kamle and Tawang, the official said.

Arunachal govt to ensure affordable & Meghalaya govt committed to inter-state boundary resolution quality healthcare for all: CM Khandu Correspondent

ITANAGAR, AUG 15 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Pema Khandu Sunday asserted his government’s commitment to ensure affordable and quality healthcare service to the people of the state.

Unfurling the National Tricolour at Indira Gandhi Park here on the occasion of 75th Independence Day, the chief minister said his government has been fighting an unprecedented war against COVID-19 and with everyone’s constant support, the government is able to tackle the challenge.

“Our fight against the pandemic is probably one of the best examples of our resolves at trying times. The state has shown exemplary performance and as of today, almost 65 per cent of our population has received the first dose of vaccine, while nearly 20 per cent are fully vaccinated with almost 15,000 doses being administered regularly,” Khandu said.

Pema Khandu The chief minister disclosed that to fight the pandemic, Arunachal Pradesh ramped up testing capacity by establishing multiple testing labs. Oxygen supported beds were increased from 164 to almost 1000 within a time frame of three months.

“As many as 13 oxygen generation plants have been set up which will meet the need of oxygen for all districts, while five oxygen plants were ready before the onslaught of the second wave of the pandemic,” he said, adding

that a telemedicine hub at Tomo Riba Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (TRIHMS) and district Covid Control Rooms in every district have been set up.

Khandu added that the state recruited over 100 doctors and nearly 500 nurses and established adequate numbers of Covid Care Centers and facilities to provide treatment for all categories of patients.

“The government has already sanctioned a stateof-the-art 200 bed hospital in Ram Krishna Mission hospital here, which will provide quality healthcare services,” Khandu said.

The chief minister further disclosed that the government had launched the ‘Chief Minister’s Bal Seva Scheme’, for providing support to children who have become orphaned due to COVID-19 and also ensured grant support for the medical treatment of children with special needs.

SHILLONG, AUG 15: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma has iterated that the State Government is committed to finding an amicable solution to the boundary dispute with Assam.

“Law and order situation along the AssamMeghalaya inter-state border is normal except for a few incidents, which have

been addressed immediately,” he said in the course of his speech after unfurling the national tri-colour at the Polo Grounds, Shillong on Independence Day. “The inter-state boundary with Assam has been a long pending issue.

Meghalaya shares an 884 kms boundary with Assam.

There are 12 areas of differConrad K Sangma ence between the two States that need to be resolved. are keen to discuss and Both State Governments bring about a long lasting

solution,” he underscored.

“To take this forward, I held two meetings with the Chief Minister of Assam.

We decided to take up six out of the 12 areas of difference in the first phase and the remaining six areas in the next phase. Joint Committees headed by Cabinet Ministers from Meghalaya and Assam will conduct inspection of the six areas of the first phase namely, Tarabari, Gizang and Ha-

him in West Khasi Hills, Boklapara and Khanapara – Pillangkata in Ri-Bhoi and Ratacherra in East Jaintia Hills,” he said.

Stating that all the developmental efforts of the government rely on the foundations of peace, law and order and good governance, the chief minister said this year, the overall law and order situation in the State was by and large peaceful.

Project with World Bank to improve health services: Mizoram CM AIZAWL, AUG 15 (IANS) : Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Sunday said that his government has signed a 40 million US dollar ‘Mizoram Health Systems Strengthening Project’ with the World Bank in June to improve management capacity and quality of health services in the mountainous state.

Hoisting the National Tricolour at the Independence Day’s Zoramthanga main function at the Assam Rifles ground, the Chief Minister in his ment is doing its best to be prepared speech said the third wave of Co- for the worst. vid-19 was feared and the governHe said that the medical ex-

perts have forewarned that the third wave may affect children more severely and therefore, special care units of HDU/SICU and NICU have been installed at Zoram MMedical College and in the hospitals in the districts.

Zoramthanga said: “I once again salute all the medical and healthcare personnel working round-the-clock to save lives.”

He congratulated all the volunteers of the various task forces, NGOs, the Churches as well as the people of Mizoram for their support and conformity to the required stan-

dard operating procedure executed from time to time by the government for the safeguard and welfare of all.

Referring to the recent border troubles with neighbouring Assam, the Chief Minister assured the people of the state that no stone would be left unturned in order to promote, preserve and maintain peace and harmony amongst the people living in Assam and Mizoram, particularly in the border areas.

During the last one year, Rs 197.33 crore worth of illicit drugs and narcotics have been seized, he added.

More than 54 crore people vaccinated: PM

NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday that India takes pride in having the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination programme and more than 54 crore people have already taken the vaccine doses.

In his Independence Day address from the ramparts of the Red Fort, the prime minister spoke of the country’s fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and praised the scientists, doctors, paramedical staff among others.

He lauded those involved in vaccine m a nu f a c t u r i n g i n t h e country, saying India did not have to depend on others for vaccines due to their efforts.

“We can say with pride that the world’s largest COVID-19 vaccination programme is going on in India. More than 54 crore people have already taken the vaccine,” he said.

Modi said had India not developed its own vaccine, its supply from outside would have been uncertain.

“The period of c o r o n av i r u s p a n d e m i c presented a big challenge

5

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

in front of our country and the entire human race in the world. “The people of India exercised restraint and fought the pandemic with a lot of patience. We had many challenges. But in every field, we countrymen have worked at an extraordinary pace.

“It is the result of the strength of our scientists, our entrepreneurs that today we do not have to depend on any other country for COVID-19 vaccine,” Modi said. “Imagine for a moment what would have happened if India did not have its vaccine. It took years to get the polio vaccine. In such a big crisis, when there is an epidemic across the world, how would we have received vaccines?

“India might or might not have received it, and even if it had received the vaccine, there was no certainty of getting it in time,” he said.

“It is a moment of pride for us that because of our scientists, we were able to develop two make-inIndia COVID-19 vaccines and carry out the world’s largest vaccine drive,” he said.

Narendra Modi (PTI)

The prime minister stated that online platforms like CoWIN and the system of giving digital vaccination certificates are attracting the attention of the world.

“We have to ensure we meet our goal of building Aatmanirbhar Bharat when we celebrate 100 years of India’s Independence,” PM Modi said.

The prime minister said though it is true that compared to other countries fewer people got infected

by COVID-19 in India and also a high proportion of people could be saved from succumbing to the viral disease, it is not a matter of self-congratulation.

“It is not something to be proud of! We cannot rest on these laurels. To say that there was no challenge

will become a restrictive thought in the path of our own development,” he said.

“Our arrangements are less as compared to the rich countries of the world, we do not have what the world has, what the rich countries have... and we also have a large population and our lifestyle is also different.

“Despite all our efforts we could not save so many people in this fight against COVID-19. So many children have been orphaned. This unbearable pain will always remain with us,” he said. He also lauded scientists, doctors and paramedical staff for their role in combating the COVID-19 pandemic.

“During the coronavir us global pandemic, our doctors, our nurses, our paramedical staff, sanitation staff, scientists engaged in making vaccines and citizens who devoted their time to public service, they all deserve to be worshipped,” he said.

The campaign to provide better health facilities to every poor in the country is also going on at a fast pace. For this, important reforms have also been made

in medical education, the prime minister said, adding there has been a substantial increase in the number of medical seats in the country.

Equal attention has been paid to preventive healthcare. Under the Ayushman Bharat scheme, quality health services are being provided to every village in the country.

Affordable medicines are being made available to the poor and middle class through Jan Aushadhi Yojana, he stated.

“So far more than 75 thousand health and wellness centers have been set up. Now work is being done exclusively on the network of good hospitals and modern labs at the block level. Very soon thousands of hospitals in the country will also have their own oxygen plants,” he said.

Along with the concern of basic needs, reservation is being ensured for the poor of Dalits, Backward, Adivasis, general category.

More recently, in the field of medical education, a system of reservation has also been made for the OBC category in the All India quota, Modi highlighted.

TMC seeks PM’s apology for saying freedom fighter Matangini from Assam KO L K ATA , AU G 1 5 (PTI): The Trinamool Cong ress on Sunday alleged that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has scant knowledge of history and demanded an apology from him for incorrectly saying that freedom fighter from West Bengal, Matangini Hazra, hailed from Assam.

The BJP said that the TMC was unnecessarily creating a controversy over the gaffe made during t h e p r i m e m i n i s t e r ’s Independence Day speech, and claimed that West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had also made many faux pas in her speeches in the past.

West Bengal TMC general secretary Kunal Ghosh said that the prime minister has scant knowledge of history and merely read out a written text in a “dramatic style”.

T h e T M C spokesperson tweeted, “@ BJP4India Matangini Hazra from Assam? R u mad? U don’t know history. U have no feelings. You just read a written speech (that also by others) with drama.”

“This is insult to

Bengal. You must beg apology. Hope Your LOP from East Midnapore will also condemn such a mistake,” Ghosh added, while attaching a purported clipping of the speech.

The TMC leader sought a response from Leader of Opposition in West Bengal Assembly and Nandigram’s BJP MLA Suvendu Adhikari, who had often referred to the contribution of Medinipur, from where Matangini Hazra hailed, to the freedom struggle.

The TMC tweeted on its official handle, “Matangini Hazra is a freedom fighter f r o m B e n g a l , M r. @ narendramodi!” “ Wi t h s u c h s c a n t regard for our glorious history, you have insulted all of #Bengal once again.

Is @BJP4India committed to erasing our histor y?

Mocking it as they please?

SHAME,” the party said, attaching a purported video with the post.

Reacting to the controversy, state BJP chief Dilip Ghosh said, “It was a minor mistake on the prime minister’s part and the TMC is deliberately highlighting

it while trying to overlook other parts of his speech where he spoke about many projects initiated by the Centre.”

BJP state vice-president Jay Prakash Majumdar said, “It was a slip of tongue.

What about the series of gaffes made by the chief minister on our freedom fighters and history? Did she ever apologise for those blunders?”

Senior Congress leader Pradip Bhattacharya said, “It was a serious mistake by the PM showing his ignorance about Bengal’s history and its contribution to the freedom struggle.”

State Left Front chairman Biman Bose said, “Things like these happen if someone who has grown up with RSS teachings does not care to read or find out on his own and depends on the text prepared by his office without even checking.”

Hazra (1869-1942), w h o l ive d i n Ta m l u k i n p r e s e n t - d ay P u r b a Medinipur district, was shot dead by the British Indian Police while she was leading a procession as part of the Quit India movement.

PM giving same speech for 7 years, Will have to bow before China if dependence on it increases: Bhagwat did nothing on ground: Congress

Mallikarjun Kharge

being done for any aggrieved section, including small farmers.

“He announces new schemes but these are never implemented or seen on the ground. He says a lot of things but never adheres to them. And now, by bringing the three new farm laws, he has spelled doom for the farmers,” he told reporters after the prime minister’s Independence Day speech.

Kharge also took exception to the prime minister targeting the previous regimes on the issues of small farmers and

RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat salutes after hoisting the Tricolour at Raja Shivaji High School, in Mumbai, Sunday. (PTI)

technology should be based on our terms. “We have to be swa-nirbhar”, he said.

“Swadeshi does not mean ignoring everything else. International trade will remain, but on our terms,” he said. We have to be selfreliant for that, he added.

“What we can manufacture at home should not be brought from the market,” he said.

He said the economic vision should be to produce

more and competition should be for the best quality of produce. “ We a r e n o t against international trade and commerce but our production must be in villages. It should not be mass production but production by masses,” he said.

A decentralised production will help India’s e c o n o my t o g e n e r a t e e m p l oy m e n t a n d s e l f -

employment opportunities, he said.

With more producers, more people will be selfreliant, he said, adding the revenue generated should be distributed equitably.

Industries should get encouragement from the government, Bhagwat said.

The government should act as a regulator and not do business itself, he added. “ T h e g o ve r n m e n t will appeal and urge industries to manufacture what is important for the development of the country and formulate policies to encourage industries,” he said.

“We don’t believe in complete nationalisation but it is also not true that the nation has nothing to do with industries. All these should function together as a family unit,” he said.

Small industries should complement bigger industries, he said, adding the focus should be peoplecentric and not profit-centric.

The focus should be on research and development, MSMEs and cooperation sectors, he added.

“Considering the economic unit as a family will help the economy to be an employment generator,” he said.

T h e g ove r n m e n t ’s job has to be to support and encourage industries.

The government should give directions to produce what is important for the development of the country, he said.

A “controlled consumerism” is necessary to ensure there is no exploitation of natural resources, Bhagwat “The standard of living should not be decided by how much we earn, but by how much we give back,” the RSS chief said.

“We will be happy when we consider the welfare of all. To be happy, we need sound finances and for this, we need financial strength,” Bhagwat said.

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NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (PTI): The Congress on Sunday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of only making announcements about schemes in his Independence Day speeches and not implementing them, even as it hit out at him for not withdrawing the three agri laws against which the far mers have been protesting.

Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said for seven years the country has been listening to the “same speeches” by the prime minister but nothing is

development, saying the country will not progress by criticising the Congress from the ramparts of the Red Fort again and again.

“The Congress has done a lot of work for this country during its regime like providing irrigation systems for the farmers.

Manmohan Singh ji and Sonia Gandhi ji waived farmers’ debt when the UPA was in power,” he said.

Congress chief spokesperson Randee p Surjewala also took a swipe at the prime minister over his announcement of Rs 100 lakh crore investment in the infrastructure sector, saying it was the same two years ago.

“It has been two years since August 15, 2019. At least, the 100 lakh crore figure could have been changed,” he said in a tweet in Hindi while posting the news of the prime minister’s I-Day speech in 2019.

MUMBAI, AUG 15 (PTI): If dependence on China increases, we will have to bow before it, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat said on Sunday.

Speaking after hoisting the national f lag at a Mumbai school on the 75th Independence Day, the RSS chief also said “swadeshi” means doing business on India’s terms.

“We use the internet and technology a lot. Our countr y does not have the original technology.

It comes from outside,” Bhagwat said.

“No matter how much we shout as a society about China and boycott Chinese items, but from where does everything that is in your mobiles come from? If the dependence on China increases, then (we) will have to bow before China,” Bhagwat said.

Economic security is impor tant, he said, adding the adaptation of

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OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post VOL. XXXI NO. 251 DIMAPUR, MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

Running out of excuses

A

fter more than a year of being kept on the backburner, the Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland(RIIN) was tabled on the floor of the house on the last day of the two-day 8th session of the 13th NLA on August 5,2021. RIIN was to decide on who is and who is not an indigenous inhabitant of Nagaland for the purpose of enforcing ILP in Dimapur district. According to reports, the RIIN commission constituted by the government, had submitted its report to the cabinet during the end of 2019. Subsequently, the government issued a notification on December 11,2019 to extend the Inner Line Permit(ILP) under BEFR Act 1873 for entire Dimapur district but with November 21,1979 as the cut off date and year to determine who is and who is not an indigenous inhabitant of the state. On this day in 1979, the government had issued a notification declaring Dimapur district as a tribal belt. The tabling of the RIIN report has taken a long, tortuous and deliberate delay tactics since end of 2019. It may be recalled that the government decided to form RIIN on July 10,2019 after persistent demands since 2018 from various organisations, to extend ILP to entire Dimapur district to check illegal immigrants.

On July 28, the government formally constituted the RIIN commission headed by retired chief secretary Banuo Z. Jamir. The other members included- Home commissioner Abhijit Sinha as member-secretary and the following as members- secretary justice and law, Khanrila Koza T; retired commissioner Nagaland, M. Patton; C. Shingwang and K. Inaka Assumi.

The RIIN report was neither shared with JCPI nor with other tribe hohos of Nagaland. Despite JCPI asking the government to table the RIIN report on the floor of the house in the February and July 2020 sessions, it was not done so. Despite persistent and strong demands from JCPI along with other hohos to table the RIIN report in the February 2021 session also fell on deaf ears. JCPI launched protest rallies in Dimapur and Kohima on March 19,2021 demanding implementation of RIIN since the report of the Commission has already been accepted by the state cabinet. The government continued to indulge in delay tactic, when it again convened another ‘consultative meeting’, on April 16 with Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation(ENPO) , Central Nagaland Tribes Council (CNTC) and Tenyimi People’s Organisation(TPO), but did not invite JCPI, to deliberate on the issue. At the meeting, specifics were absent since the government provided only a gist of the RIIN commission report to the tribal bodies. The government again effected another delay when it got the nod at the April 16 meeting, to constitute a Joint Consultative Committee(JCC) at the state level and Sub Committees at the district levels for the same issue. It may be noted that more than enough deliberations have been done during the past one and half years besides written submissions from various organisations including JCPI. Even after finally tabling the RIIN report in the assembly on August 5, the government again said it will hold another round of consultations with civil society organisations before coming back with the report. The government appears more concerned with those from other states, who may have settled in Dimapur/Nagaland after December 1,1963. The government should not be over concerned with the issue since this does not mean forfeiture of rights.

Instead the government has to look after the interests of indigenous inhabitants of the state in line with Article 371A. Certainly, it is time that the government come clean with its hesitancy, as it cannot continue to run with the hare and hunt with the hounds.

DailyDevotion The Evidence of the New Birth You must be born again. —John 3:7 The answer to Nicodemus’ question, “How can a man be born when he is old?” is: Only when he is willing to die to everything in his life, including his rights, his virtues, and his religion, and becomes willing to receive into himself a new life that he has never before experienced (John 3:4). This new life exhibits itself in our conscious repentance and through our unconscious holiness.

“But as many as received Him…” (John 1:12). Is my knowledge of Jesus the result of my own internal spiritual perception, or is it only what I have learned through listening to others? Is there something in my life that unites me with the Lord Jesus as my personal Savior? My spiritual history must have as its underlying foundation a personal knowledge of Jesus Christ. To be born again means that I see Jesus. “…unless one is born again, he cannot see the kingdom of God ” (John 3:3). Am I seeking only for the evidence of God’s kingdom, or am I actually recognizing His absolute sovereign control? The new birth gives me a new power of vision by which I begin to discern God’s control.

His sovereignty was there all the time, but with God being true to His nature, I could not see it until I received His very nature myself.

“Whoever has been born of God does not sin…” (1 John 3:9). Am I seeking to stop sinning or have I actually stopped? To be born of God means that I have His supernatural power to stop sinning. The Bible never asks, “Should a Christian sin?” The Bible emphatically states that a Christian must not sin. The work of the new birth is being effective in us when we do not commit sin. It is not merely that we have the power not to sin, but that we have actually stopped sinning. Yet 1 John 3:9 does not mean that we cannot sin— it simply means that if we will obey the life of God in us, that we do not have to sin.

Quotes

Happiness is not a goal; it is a by-product ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

India loses Rs 11 trillion for illegal car scrapping policy I ndia needs pragmatic policies to strengthen the individual to revive the sagging economy and save its wealth. The policies like automobile scrappage, electric cars, single-use plastic, heavy penalties are detrimental to the interests of the nation.

The country may have a “waste-to-wealth” mission but it should not be at the cost of creating junk what already is a huge wealth.

Similarly, the policy on single-use plastic may not be as prudent as it is being made out. In a “plastic civilization” the flying bags or sticks for a number of products are a problem but the nation overlooks the problem of plastic use in every product – packaging materials, computers to cars. It is nice to synchronise with 4th UN Environment Assembly 2019 but it is imprudent to overlook the conditions of the country, which is reeling under severe almost poverty-like conditions. The wealthier nations have different problems and solutions but India must not ape them.

Indians are trying to come out of decades of

poverty. It is a gradual process. An individual does not transform in a jiffy.

Mere change in income level is also not guarantee that overnight he would have different economic status.

It takes years to add to wealth may be even through a process of raising debts.

The policy makers in their hurry to project achievement ignore the tedious path that they tread.

Let us for instance check how an individual acquires a mobike or car.

It is certainly not luxury in a country where public transport is rudimentary to have an automobile to help one travel with a bit of ease. The process has its rigmarole. Not more than a percent of people can make full down payment. Most resort to a four to seven years or more repayment schedule. Announcing it to be a junk in ten years suddenly does not add to his stability. Besides, if someone has spent a lifetime to pay for his prized car or any other possession, who is the state or government to declare it junk?

It is individual’s property, he is its custodian and

nobody else without his permission can issue an order that can be seized by a state agency without violating the basic fundamental rights. It is ultra vires of the statute. These issues cannot be discussed merely on legal grounds particularly in a society where the state agencies feel they are not answerable to anyone and if the court does that they need not listen to it either.

It is a s t r a n ge Shivaji anti-people mindset of an executive that is appointed by a government elected by the people.

It is like the servant disowning the master. Most problems that are being heaped on the people starts with this convoluted mindset.

T h e g ove r n m e n t ’s estimates that the scrapping policy would bring Rs 10,000 crore investments are illusory statistics. It has ignored the fact total registered vehicles in 2019 were 295.8 million – 29.6 crore. In 2011, 14.2 million vehicles were registered.

In other words, these 14.2 million – 1.4 crore -vehicles, most having a fine workable life, would now, as per the

arbitrary policy of ten years, be declared junk. Is that rationale? It means at least 1.4 crore families would be deprived of their wealth, which let us assume they had acquired on an average cost of about Rs 3 lakh per family. A total cost of Rs 4.2 trillion. In contrast for such sacrifice if at all the government estimates generate a miniscule one-time investment of Rs 10,000 crore.

Is that Sarkar justified?

Let us assume each year it a similar number of vehicles would be junked but every year there would not be that Rs 10,000 crore investment because it is a one-time affair and that would immensely boost the profits of the automobile companies because they would prospect not only the metal body but each workable parts to retrofit in their new vehicles.

Their profits would soar.

But the individuals who would be deprived of their vehicles would have to now invest not less than Rs 5.5 lakh each to remain at the same level or worse penury as the loss to the nation would be at the figure

of 2011 over Rs 7 trillion.

The nation even assuming that all those had vehicles would successfully acquire new vehicles would lose whopping over Rs 11 trillion for virtually keeping the nation at the wealth level of 2011.

It is an imprudent decision and must be junked by a country that is afflicted with 80 crore – 60 percent - people sustaining on free food dole. No sane country would waste such wealth knowing that most losing their vehicles would never be able to purchase another in their lifetime because by these ten years, most of the 1. 4 crore people may have become senior citizens with neither a job nor a pension or an income but many paying a hefty income-tax out of their savings.

Similarly, impractical is the single-use plastic. A plastic bag or a car seat or a computer cover cannot be recycled. The policy makers look for simplistic solution that are neither worth its value nor useful in any other terms. But billions are being wasted on looking for no-solution. The result is to be seen everywhere not only

in urban areas but all over the rural areas along the highways, roads or habitats.

The swachha Bharat is not becoming clean for these reasons and the country is ready to repeat its mistakes.

Plastic disposal needs a virulent solution. This country is nowhere near it.

Look at the contrast of e-vehicles that also use maximum plastic to keep its deadweight low. The latest lithium-ion batteries have a life of two-three years – or 300 to 500 chargings. If the battery is completely discharged, it can no longer be recharged again. The e-vehicle would not be less pollutant.

And the nation is committing yet another folly.

It wants to give up diesel, the cheapest petroleum byproduct as per international petroleum lobby decision.

It would treble crude imports and also have to look for diesel disposal system.

Yes, the policy makers are committing too many silly mistakes.

Let India have its own policy and not follow the western sharks so that it is easy to tread a path to prosperity.

Post-mortem India & Olympics Performance Message from NNC parent body

T

he Tokyo Olympics for India had various ups and downs with mixed sentiments. India sent its biggest-ever Olympic contingent to Tokyo and optimists projected it would bring home a record of double-digit medals but it came home with 7.

Despite India’s massive population of more than 1.2 billion people, India consistently fails to grab many medals at the Olympic Games. Tokyo was no exception. Let’s examine some reasons behind this.

As per the 2011 census, 21.9% of our population lives below the national poverty.

As per the 2020 Global Hunger Index, India’s rank is 94th out of 107 countries where 14% of the Indian population is undernourished and you can’t expect a sportsperson from a person who even fights for food.

Indian Parents and Sports The famous saying of “padhogay likhogay banogay nawab, khelogay kudogay banogay kharab (If you study you will become good if you spend your time playing you will become bad)” is somehow still prevalent.

During the initial growing days, parents insist on physical activities and sports but a stage arrives when parents want their child to solely focus on status and see sports as a hindrance to academics.

By pushing children towards academics than other co-curricular including sports, sports fade into the background and just become a hobby where sports is seen as a health supplement rather than a skill to excel at. Indian parents don’t see a return on investment in sports as there isn’t any job security and why would a parent send his child to a field where career choices are few.

Rashmita Patra was an ardent Indian footballer, and now she is working at a Betel Shop. Asha Roy was the fastest athlete in India when she clocked 11.85 seconds and now she is a vegetable seller. Dinesh Kumar is Asian games silver medalist in boxing, who was given the Arjuna Award, is now selling kulfi for survival. Sita Sahu is a double Special Olympics medalist for India is now forced to sell goll gappas to make a living. So why would parents send their children to sports when they aren’t assured of a stable future even if they excel in the sport?

Sports Infrastructure In India Have you ever thought

about why Gully cricket is amongst the most famous sport in India? The answer is the dearth of sports infrastructure where you don’t have ample sports facilities and playgrounds but can’t stop children’s urge to play.

The lack of infrastructural facilities is one of the major constraints in the process of the development of sports in India. With a lack of resources, little is left for sports allocation.

Sports only contribute 0.1% share of our GDP, while globally the industry is sized at around 0.5% of GDP share. Thus, there is a failure to provide basic infrastructure and this inadequate sports facility creates a divide between the rich and poor which excludes poor talented sports enthusiasts because of their financial circumstances.

Tokyo Olympics offered 339 gold medals and the 3 most rewarding sports are Aquatics, Athletics, and cycling with 49, 48, and 22 gold medals respectively and the status of the infrastructure of these sports is miserable.

Furthermore, participation is quite negligible in these sports. Tokyo Olympics has 33 sports in total where Indian participation was in only 20. We are not competing in 33% of sports.

Lacunas In The System We h ave w i t n e s s e d several incidents where an athlete is forced to take lowpaying jobs as we lack a proper sports policy and this leaves only a few options with the athletes and makes parents hesitant to send their children to the field of sports.

Lack of Govt support is a prime hurdle regardless of social stigma.

Abinav Bindra, Olympic Gold Medalist, in his autobiography “A Shot At History” says all government support is directed towards the elite athletes. That leads to struggling young talents being denied rightful support. “The biggest missing link in sports in our country is the lack of a strong support at the base when the kids are starting,” – says Bindra. This was agreed by the then Sports Minister of India Ajay Maken. India undoubtedly fails their athletes by the lack of subsidized training, facilities, and gear at the right time.

Corruption and scandals within the Indian Sports Federation are a nightmare. The 2010 Commonwealth games exposed it beautifully where Indian players were forced to play with partners they didn’t

want to. 13 Arjuna Award winners along with 25 other athletes reported corrupt practices of the sports bodies that control the infrastructure.

Many openly stated they were threatened since they asked for monetary support. Many athletes and coaches have complained that India’s chief medical officer at Rio Olympics had a standard response to most complaints of injuries; a dose of Combiflam.

He is a radiologist and son of the vice-president of the Indian Olympic Association.

Sports And Society The culture of India preaches that people who earn out of physical activities are low grade while the white collars are considered professional and elite. The situation is much worse for women.

Sania Mirza withdrew from the Bangalore Open in 2008 since conservative torch bearers screamed that a female Muslim is “exposing” her body with unacceptable attire.

Since then, there have been no WTA events sanctioned in India. End of a dream.

At a society level, sports have not been considered as a secure career, except for a few. With the majority of the population consisting of the poor and the middle class, economic aspirations are high. As a result, either the stress is to excel academically or to start earning. This restricts participation in sports.

There is an urgent requirement to fill these gaps while creating a robust sports policy, increasing sports experience, creating sports training centers at all levels – national, provincial, city, and county sports schools, and creating a sports culture within Indian society with more accountability, transparency, and penalties at every level of the federation to combat the malpractice. Above all, we have certain lessons to learn from IPL. If a sport is commercialized, it identifies more talents and brings them to the spotlight. It generates more revenue for the govt, the federation, and the country in general. We can learn from Haryana which has maximum participation for India in the Tokyo Olympics. Haryana has quite an encouraging sports policy and culture, and as a result, cities like Bhiwani (mini Cuba of India) and Jhajjar (wrestling cradle) are developing as a hub for boxing and wrestling respectively.

Kaustov Kashyap, Jail Road, Jorhat

I

give my utmost thanks and gratitude to almighty God for his all utmost care shown to our people till today.

I also salute and pay homage to our comrades both dead and alive who declared this historic day as Naga Independence Day to make known to the world for recognition.

Dear citizen, it is high time to come out and face the situation ‘UNITED’ togetherly, all the factions to work out the Naga political problem on the principle of 1929 memorandum of the Naga Hills (All Naga inhabited area) and 1951 plebiscite a political referendum for permanent solution.

Government of India must understand and know that once all Naga inhabited area comes under one umbrella administration as a free nation, then India country will also get more stronger in external defense security. With audacity, I hope that if all the factions of Naga national workers repent, reconcile, unite and make one platform, the GOI cannot deny our Naga National Right.

India national Congress declared its first independence day on 26th January 1930 and after 14 years of national struggle British Government recognized them and granted full independence on 15th August 1947.

Whereas, Naga national council declared its first independence day on 14th August 1947 and struggling for national right till date (running 75 years) but the great democratic country india don’t recognize and free the Nagas.

Indians and Nagas must not fight anymore like savages in the past many years but solution must be achieved at the earliest.

May god bless our nation.

Ekyimthung Patton, President, Lotha Region, Naga National Council PB (Parent Body)

90% Indian parents against sending unvaccinated kids to school: Survey

A

s plans to roll out Covid-19 vaccines for children seem to gain momentum, a survey conducted by parenting brand Rabitat shows that 9 out of 10 parents are eager to give their children the vaccine as soon as it is available.

The poll surveyed parents’ opinions regarding the vaccination for their kids and to assess whether parents would consider sending their children to school without getting vaccinated.

The result was mostly in favour of vaccination with just 1 in 10 parents not wanting to vaccinate their children.

Even though it’s a low number, it still poses a threat as children with mild infections of Covid-19 or asymptomatic can act as carriers and spread the virus further.

From the sample size of 300 parents, Rabitat found that 1.2 per cent of the parents didn’t consider vaccinations for children to be important, 5.6 per cent were unsure and 93.2 per cent considered them very important. Of all parents interviewed, 64.3 per cent of the parents has been vaccinated themselves. The top reasons for the rest not being vaccinated

were: Recovery from Covid-19 and waiting for the recommended 60-90 day period before taking the vaccination; pregnancy and breastfeeding; and the lack of availability of vaccines in their area and the unavailability of slots.

On asking if they have any preference of vaccine brand/company, 57.4 per cent preferred Covishield, 22.2 per cent vouched for Covaxin, 14.8 per cent for Sputnik and 5.6 per cent didn’t prefer any of the three. When asked if they are keen on getting their kids vaccinated when the vaccine is out, 89.5 per cent of the parents want their kids to get vaccinated, 8.9 per cent of parents are unsure and 1.6 per cent don’t want it.

The most concerning topic regarding children is the reopening of schools and as vaccinations would play a major role in keeping the kids safe, the survey asked if they would send their kids to school without getting them vaccinated.

89.7 per cent of the parents did not want to send their kids to school without getting vaccinated while 10.3 per cent said they are comfortable sending them even without vaccinations.

Siddhi Jain (IANS)

Reader’s Post

Don’t dump waste on the road Sir,

While taking morning walks, I have observed that people from nearby colonies and shopkeepers dump their waste on both Circular and Nyamo Lotha road. It is an ugly sight to behold and the DMC sweepers and cleaners have their task cut out collecting the waste from the road.

I would like to request the DMC to direct every shopkeepers to maintain at least two big waste bins in front of their shops and also prevent public from dumping waste on the road.

Dimapur has the dubious record of being one of the dirtiest cities in India in the under 2 lakh population category and it is no wonder why. When people have less civic sense, imposing hefty fines may help.

Chumbemo, Dimapur

Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

7

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

teach Pak a lesson if it tries ‘Punish unruly Oppn’ : Ministers to RS chairman Will to be adventurous: Punjab CM

NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (AGNECIES/ IANS): The “unprecedented, extreme, and violent acts” by Opposition MPs in the Rajya Sabha last week demands stern action, a delegation of seven Union Ministers has submitted to House Chairman Venkaiah Naidu.

Receiving a memorandum on the matter from the team, he said he will examine the matter and decide on an appropriate course of action.

During its meeting with the Chairman, which also saw the presence of Rajya Sabha Deputy Chairman Harivansh Narayan Singh, the delegation referred to marshals being prevented by the MPs from discharging their duties.

The team of ministers that met him consisted of Piyush Goyal, Prahlad Joshi, Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi, Dharmendra Pradhan, Bhupender Yadav, Arjun Ram Meghwal, and V Muralidharan.

Chairman Naidu later

Several women MPs have alleged they were physically assaulted by male marshals as they were protesting.

The government, however, rejected such claims and, in turn, alleged that it Venkaiah Naidu was a woman marshal who met MP Sasmit Patra, who was in fact manhandled by was in the Chair when the opposition members. events of August 11 took CJI rues lack of quality place in the Rajya Sabha.

On that day, as the debate in Parliament government presented a Chief Justice N.V. Ramana bill to allow greater private on Sunday pointed at the participation in public sector sharp difference in the qualinsurers, chaotic scenes were ity of the debate which took witnessed in the House, place in the various Houses including physical jostling (Parliament or other state between the opposition and Assemblies) post-Indepenparliament security staff. dence and contemporary de“In 55 years of my bates, which result in legislaparliamentary career, I have tion having gaps, ambiguity never seen this kind of be- in making laws, and absence haviour towards women of clarity in the laws.

MPs in the August House.

He added lack of wise More than 40 men and and constructive debates women were brought into in the Houses burdens the the house from outside. It courts with a lot of litigais painful. It is an attack tion and it is also difficult on democracy,” NCP chief to fathom the intent behind Sharad Pawar alleged. the law.

Justice Ramana was speaking at the 75th Independence Day celebrations conducted by the Supreme Court Bar Association at the top court.

Citing the nature of contemporary Parliament debates, the Chief Justice said: “Now, it is a sorry state of affairs. We see the legislations. Lots of gaps; lots of ambiguity in making laws. There is no clarity in laws. We do not know what is the intent of the legislature, what purpose laws are made, which is creating a lot of litigation, inconvenience and loss to the government as well as inconvenience to the public.”

He added that this is what happens when intellectuals and professionals like lawyers are not in the Houses; and lawyers should actively participate in public life.

Parliament saw several adjournments in the recently concluded Monsoon session, with the Opposition

cornering the government over the Pegasus spyware issue, farm laws and fuel hike.

The Chief Justice emphasized that “if you see debates, which used to take place in Houses postIndependence, were very, very wise and constructive and they used to debate any legislation, they were making.”

Citing a debate in connection with the Industrial Disputes Act, he said, “I have seen debates taking place and a CPI-M leader used to discuss elaborately -- what are the consequences of making these amendments in the Act and how will it affect the working class? Same way different laws used to be discussed and deliberated. So, the burden on the courts while interpreting or implementing is less.

So, we had a clear picture, what they thought; what they wanted to tell us; why they are making such a legislation,” he added.

AMRITSAR, AUG 15 (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Sunday vowed to protect the state against the “nefarious designs” of Pakistan and said “we want peace but will not tolerate any aggression or attack on our territory”.

Any threat to Punjab will mean danger to entire India, he underscored.

Addressing the people of Punjab after unfurling the tricolour here on the occasion of the country’s 75th Independence Day, Singh also pledged to continue fighting with the farmers for the repeal of the Centre’s farm laws. Calling for extreme vigil against Pakistan, he said, “We want peace but will not tolerate any aggression or attack on our territory.” “We will teach them (Pakistan) the lesson of their lifetime if they try to be adventurous,” he added. On the use of drones by Pakistan to smuggle arms and

Amarinder Singh

drugs into Punjab, Singh warned that Pakistan will not let go of any opportunity to take advantage of any of the state’s vulnerabilities.

Stressing the need to ensure peace in the state to promote the development of industry and the progress of its people, he said his government will not tolerate any threat, including those from gangsters and terrorists. “We will deal with them squarely,” he said, adding that “any threat to Punjab will be a danger to our entire nation”. Singh said since his government took charge, 47 Pakistani terrorist mod-

ules and 347 modules of gangsters have been busted.

Some key gangsters have been deported from Armenia, the UAE and other countries while more are awaiting deportation.

In his address, the chief minister also spoke about the legal efforts made by his government to get the sacrilege cases back from the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The previous SAD-BJP government had handed over three sacrilege cases to the CBI. It had also handed over another three FIRs registered in Kotkapura and Behbal Kalan firing cases to the central agency.

Since taking over the cases from the CBI, the Punjab Police has filed charge sheets in four of these cases against 23 people, 15 police personnel have been suspended, 10 people have been arrested and 10 challans have been presented, the chief minister said.

We have contingency plans: Govt sources Centre refuses to heed Opposition: Ashok Geghlot on evacuation of Indian staff from Kabul

NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (PTI): India has put in place contingency plans to evacuate hundreds of its officials and citizens from Kabul that has been gripped by fear and panic following reports of Taliban fighters entering the outskirts of the Afghan capital city on Sunday.

People familiar with the development said the government will not put the lives of its staffers at the Indian embassy and Indian citizens in Kabul at any risk and plans have already been finalised in case they require emergency evacuation.

“The government is closely monitoring the fastpaced developments in Afghanistan. We will not put the lives of our staff at the Indian embassy in Kabul at any risk,” said one of the persons cited above. Specifically asked when the Indian

staffers and citizens in Kabul will be evacuated, they said decisions will depend on the ground situation.

It is learnt that a fleet of the C-17 Globemaster military transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force is kept on standby to undertake evacuation missions.

According to reports from Kabul, Taliban fighters have entered the outskirts of the city, triggering panic and fear among the residents.

In the last few days, the Taliban fighters have swept through most parts of Afghanistan, seizing control of around 25 of the 34 provincial capitals, including cities such as Kandahar, Herat, Mazar-e-Sharif and Jalalabad.

The Afghan Presidential Palace said on Twitter that the situation is under control in Kabul and it has

not been attacked, though there were instances of sporadic gunshots.

It said the Afghan security forces are working with their international partners to ensure the security of Kabul.

“Kabul has not been attacked. The country’s security and defence forces are working together with international partners to ensure the security of the city and the situation is under control,” the statement in Pashto said. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani had a telephone conversation with security officials regarding the security of the citizens in Kabul, it said.

The BBC repor ted from Kabul, quoting the country’s acting interior minister, that a peaceful transfer of power to the transitional government is being prepared.

JAIPUR, AUG 15 (PTI): Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday accused the Centre of being too stubborn to heed anyone else, including the Opposition.

Counselling the Centre to shun the alleged arrogance “which does not last in politics”, Gehlot asserted that people understand everything and will teach it a lesson at an appropriate time.

“There is a place for dissent in a democracy. It must be there. When they were in the Opposition, they criticised us, leading to the resignations of the then railway minister, law minister and various chief ministers,” Gehlot told reporters after hoisting the Tricolour on Independence Day here.

“They are such people who are determined to rule the country stubbornly without bothering to hear anyone,” he added.

CM Ashok Ghelot salutes after unfurling the national flag at Sawai Mansingh Stadium in Jaipur, Sunday. (PTI)

The chief minister’s remark prompted Rajasthan’s BJP president Satish Poonia to take a dig at Gehlot and other Congress leaders.

“Gehlot is the first chief minister who proudly says he did not venture out of his home during the Covid pandemic,” said Poonia.

In the year 2023, the people of Rajasthan will end this and “quarantine” Congress out of power, he asserted.

He said the emergency was the biggest struggle in this country after independence and everyone knows who imposed it, he added.

“They talk about democracy. Either they do not know the history or are deliberately ignoring it,” Poonia said.

Earlier during the day, Independence Day was celebrated with much fervour in Rajasthan with Chief Minister Gehlot hoisting the

flag at Jaipur’s Sawai Man Singh Stadium and taking the guard of honour.

While talking to reporters, Gehlot also accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of being the “sole PM in the last 75 years who hesitates in taking the name of former PM Jawaharlal Nehru”. “I regret that PM Modi feels shy of speaking even two words about the first PM. With these people having such an attitude, one can understand where will they take the country to,” Gehlot said.

The chief minister also accused the Centre of keeping various democratic institutions and investigative agencies, including the judiciary, Income Tax Department, CBI and ED under its pressure and misusing them for political purposes.

“They start raids in states immediately before elec-

tions,” said Gehlot, adding raids by investigative agencies and electioneering by political parties have never happened together. Earlier in a video message on the 75th Independence Day of the country, Gehlot said people should follow the spirit of the Constitution to keep the country united.

He said the spirit of unity in diversity should be imbibed by the new generation. While greeting people, he recalled the sacrifices of leaders like Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, Maulana Abul Kalam Azad under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi. “Former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi sacrificed her life to ensure that Khalistan is not formed.

Similarly, former PM Rajiv Gandhi got martyred to ensure peace prevails in the subcontinent,” he added.

Mamata Banerjee

has Chandra Bose, whose 125th birth anniversary was celebrated this year. Though Banerjee did not address the people, she tweeted, “On the 75th Independence Day, let us all come together to

strengthen our voices against all forces that aim to stifle our freedom. We must never forget the sacrifice of those who fought a long and hard battle for this day. Warm wishes to all my brothers and sisters. Jai Hind!”

Colourful tableaux themed on various schemes and campaigns of the state government were taken out at the event. Many dignitaries, including Chief Secretary H K Dwidevi, Home Secretary B P Gopalika and Kolkata Police Commissioner Soumen Mitra, were

present at the programme.

Meanwhile, community clubs and social organisations also took out rallies, while the National Flag was hoisted at educational institutions and government offices. Various political parties also observed the day their offices. TMC workers hoisted the Tricolour and played patriotic songs at street corners across the state. Local party units also organised football matches at many places and distributed sweets and food among the people.

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KO L K ATA , AU G 1 5 (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Sunday called for strengthening voices against all forces that try to stifle freedom. She unfurled the National Flag and took salutes from various police wings during a parade on Red Road here on the occasion of the 75th Independence Day. The chief minister also awarded various police personnel for their gallantry and paid floral tributes at the Police Memorial and a statue of Netaji Sub-

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‘Raise voices against forces that try to stifle freedom’

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

BUSINESS/STATE

NCLT Chennai rejects ‘Business FM to meet CEOs of public sector banks Restructuring Plan’ of Siva Industries

2932.83-km roads completed in State...

(From p-1) Additionally, he said 53 bridges were also sanctioned under the PMGSY so far, out of which 21 bridges were complete, while another 20 bridges were at launching stage, adding that the implementation period of PMGSY-III was till March 2025.

He said projects sanctioned under PMGSY-I and II would be formally wound up by August 2022, adding that all the works were expected to be completed by March 31, 2022.

As per the provisions of Standard Bidding Document, 2020, followed for mainte-

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

nance of PMGSY roads, Kronu mentioned that a contractor building a PMGSY road was liable to ensure maintenance of its quality for five years from the date of its completion during the defect liability period (DLP).

He said the State government was providing funds for maintenance of the completed roads and that the expenditure would be incurred as per the guidelines of the Union ministry of road transport & highways.

With new technologies now available for road construction, he hoped that the quality of the roads would also improve.

Covid facility at CIHSR a complete ...

(From p-1) For long term plans of the facility post COVID-19 pandemic, it will be used as rehabilitation and palliative care ward, serve as an Ayushman Bharat ward, used as family medicine unit, concentrating on whole person care and, with the increase in kidney-related diseases due to diabetes mellitus in the State, the facility shall also be used as haemodialysis facility. Further, the website mentions that the hospital will strengthen and equip the State government in its fight against Covid-19 pandemic with world-class modern facilities.

No. 10009 Yesterday’s solution No. 10008

No. 4629 Yesterday’s solution No. 4628

No. 3653 Yesterday’s solution No. 3652

ACROSS 1. Permanently watery land (5) 6. Draconian (5) 9. A dictionary (7) 10. Archer’s missile (5) 11. Steal game (5) 12. Warning device (5) 13. Infectious disease (7) 15. Number (3) 17. Paradise (4) 18. Time to come (6) 19. Artificial waterway (5) 20. Introduce gradually (6) 22. Cult (4) 24. Foot digit (3) 25. Confuses (7) 26. Detests (5) 27. Timorous (5) 28. Ski-slope (5) 29. Old soldier (7) 30. Insurgent (5) 31. Discourage (5) DOWN 2. Overseas (6) 3. Catchword (6) 4. Cut with an axe (3) 5. Shinbone (5) 6. Optimistic (7) 7. Soon (4) 8. Association football (6) 12. Rope-making fibre (5) 13. Deserve (5) 14. Rental contract (5) 15. Melodies (5) 16. Amphibians (5) 18. Loses colour (5) 19. Fortified building (7) 21. Beginner (6) 22. Lying face upwards (6) 23. Middle point (6) 25. Brimless cap (5) 26. Bee structure (4) 28. Person’s residence (3)

State committed to early solution: Rio (From p-1) He commended the villages that had attained 100% vaccination and hoped that remaining villages too would proactively work to achieve similar feat.

He also lauded healthcare workers and frontline workers in the State and across the world for their enormous sacrifices for the cause of humanity.

He expressed his appreciation to civil society organisations, churches, village authorities and all citizens of the State for cooperation during the challenging times of “unavoidable” lockdowns. Rio reminded the people that their conduct, behaviour and safety precautions would largely determine the level of impact in the event of any further future wave. He also congratulated the Indian contingent at the recentlyconcluded Tokyo Olympic Games for the remarkable performance.

The chief minister urged Nagas to take a pledge to rededicate themselves to work sincerely for bringing positive developments to those areas where the State was lagging behind so that

Nagaland could be counted amongst the most developed and progressive States of the country.

He further called on everyone to put in their best efforts to make Nagaland shine brighter and work towards a situation where peace prevailed and platform was provided to youth to have equal opportunities and compete with rest of the world. Earlier, the chief minister hoisted the national flag, took the Rashtriya Salute and inspected the parade accompanied by DGP Nagaland, T.J. Longkumer.

Later, he gave away Governor’s Gold Medals for 2020. Altogether 11 contingents, including 1st Assam Right Rifles Battalion, 78th CRPF Battalion, 37th BSF Battalion, DEF Kohima, 4th NAP Battalion, 10th NAP (IR) Battalion, 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Battalion, STF, Home Guards & Civil Defence, Nagaland Police Central Brass Band, PTS and 14th Assam Rifles Pipe Band took part in the parade. The parade commander was 10th NAP (IR) deputy commandant Nikho Venuh, while 15th NAP (IR) Mahila Battalion assistant

commander Medemkala Tzudir was the second-incommand. Entertainment & cultural presentations: Divine Connection band sang “Vande Mataram”, while “Ode to My Motherland”, which was specially composed by Atso Chasie for the occasion, was performed

by Atso Chasie and team. T Yepthomi sang “Teri Mitti” while her team performed a dance.

Five cultural troupes also participated in the event. Old Shena Cultural club Kohima (Sumi) presented a Sumi warrior dance known as Aphilo, which is performed by brave and strong men folk signifying victory over enemies.

Pochury Cultural Club Kohima (Pochury) performed a folk dance to depict victory over evil, besides singing Tsethomaria and Maehnyo-hei-ia. Zhavame Union Kohima (Chakhesang) cultural troupe performed ZUK, which is a song of praise, while Aong Reju Club Organisation Kohima (Ao) performed the hornbill dance. Jakhama Youth Cultural club (Angami) presented a folk song dance called Melo Phita.

OMCs continue to hold petrol, diesel prices as global crude rates ease

NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (IANS): Oil marketing companies continued to keep the petrol and diesel prices unchanged for nearly a month now on the backdrop of easing crude oil prices.

On Sunday, petrol price in the national capital continued to be sold for Rs 101.84 per litre, while diesel is also being sold at the unchanged price of Rs 89.87 a litre.

Across the country as well, fuel prices remained unchanged providing some relief to consumers already feeling the heat of higher inflation that has raised prices of several other commodities including food items.

The October contract of Brent crude oil on the Intercontinental Exchange is at $70.59 per barrel.

Lower oil and product prices should have actually resulted in consumers getting relief by way of a cut in retail price of petrol and diesel. Rather, the OMCs have decided it’s best to wait and watch the disruption now, as crude prices are still swinging.

The pump price of fuel has been static since July 18.

In the city of Mumbai, where petrol price crossed Rs 100-mark for the first time ever on May 29, the fuel price is at Rs 107.83 per litre. Diesel price in the

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In Kolkata, petrol is sold for Rs 102.08 a litre and diesel is priced at Rs 93.02 per litre.

Petrol price in Chennai was unchanged on Sunday after Rs 3 drop on Saturday in compliance with the state government’s order of a tax cut on the fuel.

Petrol was retailed at Rs 99.47 per litre on Saturday. Diesel price also remained unchanged at Rs 94.39 per litre in Chennai.

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Council of 4 Lane-Foothill Cross Road to take any action as deemed fit and proper to fulfil its just demand.

Hetozu Chishi and Medoi Dozo said they were writing the letter on behalf of 11 member villages of joint council comprising Naga United, Aoyim, Xelhozhe, Perzha, Old Showuba, New Showuba, Nihoto, Khehokhu, Hoito, Lotovi and Vihokhu.

agreed to settle with the promoter of Siva Industries, a huge loan of Rs 4,863 crore at just 318 crore -- recovery of only 6.5 per cent.

Lenders were even withdrawing the bankruptcy process of Siva Industries It was pointed out that the settlement amount accepted by banks is even lower than the liquidation value of Siva Industries -- will result in loss of approximately Rs 4,700 crore public money.

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pointed out that with the onset of monsoon rain, the road has been utterly damaged with even small and medium vehicles being unable to ply on it.

They said as the road was the only route for residents of the area, they were facing untold misery and hardships.

The letter warned that failure on the part of the government to take measures would compel Joint

(From p-1) Jacob also paid tributes and extended appreciation to all healthcare and frontline workers in the State and across the world for the enormous sacrifices that they had made for the cause of humanity during Covid-19 pandemic He encouraged the gathering to re-dedicate themselves to work sincerely for bringing positive developments in areas where Nagaland lagged behind in order to get the State counted among the most developed and progressive States of the country. Meanwhile, 13 colonies and villages of Dimapur – Aoyimkum village, Rilanv illage, 5th Mile Model village, Hokhezhe village, Hoito village, Khopanala village, Singrijan village, Tir village, Molvom village, East Police Colony, Jharnapani village, Khughovi village and Xuvihe Colony – were felicitated at the Independence Day programme for achieving 100% vaccination of eligible beneficiaries. Other major highlights of the programme included a march past by contingents of 15th NAP IR Mahila Battalion, excise directorate, home guards, NAP IR Mahila Battalion and Dimapur Police commissionerate, while specials number were presented on the occasion by Kevizhapu Kire, group song by Musik-A school and a war dance by Ethnic Performing Arts.

of the terms of settlement, we cannot order for the withdrawal of CIRP.” The order also said that seeking liquidation should there be a default was beyond the scope of IBC. The NCLT said the application made by RCK Vallal, one of the shareholders of the company, is not conforming to the Section 12A of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Eyebrows had been raised at the settlement offer as public sector banks

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D I M A P U R , AU G 1 5 (NPN): Joint Council, 4 Lane-Foothill Cross Road has appealed to chief minister Neiphiu Rio to immediately complete construction of Foothill Road from 4th Mile, Diphupar to Niuland, which was totally stopped after soling work in February this year.

In an open letter to the chief minister, council chairman Hetozu Chishi and treasurer Medoi Dozo

75th Independence Day celebrated ...

NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (IANS): NCLT Chennai has rejected the one-time settlement offer made by Siva Industries and ordered that the company will go into liquidation.

T h e N C LT C h e n nai Bench, comprising R. Sucharitha and Anil Kumar B., said in the order, “The purported settlement plan proposed by the promoters of the Corporate Debtor is not a Settlement simpliciter, rather it is a ‘Business Restructuring Plan’. As per the plan, there is no final offer made by the promoter of the corporate debtor and also the acceptance made by the CoC in this regard. There is no finality reached between the promoter of the Corporate debtor and the CoC of the Settlement proposal; hence based on ambiguity

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Joint council urges CM to complete of Foothill Road work

nomic disruptions caused by the pandemic, PSBs have managed to raise a record Rs 58,700 crore from markets in 2020-21 through a mix of debt and equity to enhance capital base.

As a result capital to risk weighted assets ratio rose to 14.04 per cent as of March 31, 2021, as against regulatory requirement of 10.875 per cent boosting the ability of PSBs to further increase lending.

As a result, PSBs in aggregate recorded a profit of Rs 31,816 crore, highest in five years, despite 7.3 per cent contraction in economy in 2020-21.

The primary reason for PSBs to post such a Rs 57,832-crore turnaround from a loss of Rs 26,015 crore in 2019-20 to a combined profit of Rs 31,816 crore was the end of their legacy bad loan problem.

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she had said. Interestingly, this would be the first physical review meeting since the outbreak of the pandemic in March last year.

The meeting is expected to take stock of the banking sector, progress on restructuring 2.0 scheme announced by Reserve Bank of India (RBI), sources said, adding that banks may be nudged to push loan growth in productive sectors.

enabled PSBs to recover Rs 5,01,479 crore over the last six financial years, the government informed Parliament recently.

As far as credit growth of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) is concerned, it has remained positive for 2020-21 despite contraction in GDP (-7.3 per cent) due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gross loans and advances – outstanding of SCBs increased from Rs 109.19 lakh crore as of March 31, 2020 to Rs 113.99 lakh crore as of March 31, 2021. Agriculture and allied activities, micro, small and medium enterprises, housing and auto have witnessed a yearon-year growth of 12.3 per cent, 8.5 per cent, 9.1 per cent and 9.5 per cent, respectively, during the year.

Notwithstanding eco-

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Nirmala Sitharaman

The revamped Rs 4.5 lakh crore Emergency Credit Line Guarantee Scheme (ECLGS) would also be reviewed during the meeting likely to be held in Mumbai, sources said.

Besides, the Finance Minister expected to take a stock of the bad loan or non-performing asset (NPA) situation, and discuss various recovery measures by banks, they said.

As a result of government’s strategy of recognition, resolution, recapitalisation and reforms, NPAs have since declined to Rs 7,39,541 crore on March 31, 2019, Rs 6,78,317 crore on March 31, 2020 and further to Rs 6,16,616 crore as on March 31, 2021 (provisional data).

At the same time comprehensive steps were taken to control and to effect recovery in NPAs, which

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NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (PTI): Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to meet heads of public sector banks (PSBs) on August 25 to review financial performance of the lenders and progress made by them to support the economy battered by COVID-19 pandemic.

Given the importance of the banking sector in generating demand and boosting consumption, sources said the meeting with the MD and CEOs of PSBs is considered important.

Recently, the Finance Minister said the government is ready to do everything required to revive and support economic growth hit by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Growth will be given its importance. Growth will be pushed both by the Reserve Bank and by us...,”

Haiti quake death toll rises to over 700

LES CAYES (HAITI), AUG 15 (AP): The death toll from a powerful magnitude 7.2 earthquake in Haiti climbed sharply on Sunday, with at least 724 dead and a minimum of 2,800 injured.

The updated figures from Haiti’s Office of Civil Protection follow a previous count of 304 dead.

The office’s director, Jerry Chandler, said rescuers are continuing to search for possible survivors under the rubble.

People in the Caribbean island nation rushed into the streets to seek safety and to help help rescue those trapped in the rubble of collapsed homes, hotels and other structures.

Saturday’s earthquake struck the southwestern part of the hemisphere’s poorest nation, almost razing some towns and triggering landslides that hampered rescue efforts in two of the hardest-hit communities.

The disaster added to the plight of Haitians who were already grappling with the coronavirus pandemic, a presidential assassination

A private residence is damaged after a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in Les Cayes, Haiti, late Saturday. (AP/PTI)

and a wave of gang violence.

The epicenter of the quake was about 125 kilometers (78 miles) west of the capital of Port-au-Prince, the U.S. Geological Survey said. The widespread damage could worsen by early next week, with Tropical Storm Grace predicted to reach Haiti late Monday or early Tuesday, bringing torrential rains.

Aftershocks were felt throughout the day and through the night, when many people now homeless

or frightened by the possibility of their fractured homes collapsing on them stayed in the streets to sleep — if their nerves allowed.

In the badly damaged coastal town of Les Cayes, some families salvaged their few belongings and spent the night at an open-air football pitch. On Sunday morning, people lined up to buy what little was available: bananas, avocados and water at a local street market.

Some in the town praised God for surviving

the earthquake, and many went to the city’s cathedral, which appeared outwardly undamaged even if the priests’ residence was destroyed. “We only have Jesus now,” said Johanne Dorcely, 58, whose house was destroyed. “If it wasn’t for Jesus, I wouldn’t be able to be here today.” Prime Minister Ariel Henry said he was rushing aid to areas where towns were destroyed and hospitals overwhelmed with patients. A former senator rented a private airplane

28 killed in Lebanon fuel tank explosion

Finnish oppn party elects 1st female chairperson

Vehicles burn where the fuel tank exploded in Lebanon’s northern region of Akkar. (AFP)

SINGAPORE, AUG 15 (PTI): Singapore and India have managed to forge even closer ties through continued mutual support despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, Singapore’s President Halimah Yacob said on Sunday as she congratulated the people of India on the country’s 75th Independence Day. The president said the two countries shared a robust partnership that is broad and deep and is underpinned by strong fundamentals in areas including economic, security and people-to-people ties.

“On behalf of the people of Singapore, I extend my warmest congratulations to Your Excellency and the people of India on the occasion of India’s 75th Independence Day. Please

22 people killed in Nigeria armed attack

Thai police clash with protesters near PM’s residence

WASHINGTON, AUG 15 (PTI): Guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence, India achieved its long journey towards independence, US President Joe Biden said on the country’s 75th Independence Day, asserting that the commitment to respecting the will of the people through democracy continues to inspire the world.

Greeting Indians on the 75th Independence Day, Biden said in this moment of great challenges and opportunities, the partnership between India and the United States was more important than ever.

“On this day, August 15, 1947, India achieved its long journey toward independence, guided by Mahatma Gandhi’s message of truth and non-violence,” Biden said in a statement on Saturday.

“Today, that foundational commitment to respecting the will of the people through democracy continues to inspire the world and is the basis of

Joe Biden

the special bond between our two nations. Over the decades, the ties between our people, including a vibrant community of more than four million IndianAmericans, have sustained and strengthened our partnership,” he said.

Biden pointed out that in the past one year, the two nations have come together in new ways as they tackle the COVID-19 pandemic, including working in partnership with Japan and Australia — through the Quad grouping — to expand global manufacturing of safe and effective COVID-19 vaccines and to strengthen the last-mile coordination to reach people throughout the Indo-Pacific.

The US, India, Aus-

tralia and Japan have established the Quad grouping as the leaders of the four countries in March this year expounded their vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific, amidst China flexing its muscles in the strategicallyvital region.

“Together, we must show the world that our two great and diverse democracies can deliver for people everywhere. And as we do, the friendship between our nations will continue to flourish and grow,” Biden said.

“I wish all those celebrating today, in India, in the United States, and throughout the world, a safe and happy Indian Independence Day,” he said in his message.

Extending warm wishes to the people of India on the country’s 75th Independence Day, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the bonds between the United States and India began over seven decades ago and have transformed into a growing partnership.

Halimah Yacob

accept my best wishes for Your Excellency’s good health and continued success,” said Halimah in a message to her Indian counterpart President Ram Nath Kovind.

“Despite the challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, our two countries have managed to forge even closer ties through continued mutual support. This was made possible by the longstanding friendship between our

two countries, underpinned by strong fundamentals in areas including economic, security and people-to-people ties,” said President Halimah.

She said Singapore continues to be confident of India’s growth prospects and remains the largest source of foreign direct investment annually.

“As we look ahead and seek to future-proof our workforce and economies, our two countries are also pursuing greater cooperation in emerging areas of Fintech, digitisation, and innovation,” she said.

Singapore has just assumed the role of Country Coordinator for ASEAN-India Dialogue Relations this month.

“We look forward to working with India to deepen India’s engagement of

the region and to strengthen the ASEAN-India Strategic Partnership. Given the wide-ranging cooperation between our two countries, I am confident that relations between Singapore and India will continue to strengthen as we emerge from the pandemic,” said the Singaporean president.

Chairman of Singapore Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry T Chandroo led the Singapore business community in congratulating India on its 75 Independence Day. “The Board and Staff of SICCI would like to wish all Indians a Happy Independence Day,” said Chandroo.

Over 8,000 Indian companies are registered in Singapore and over 440 companies from Singapore are registered in India.

Nigeria’s Adamawa detects re-emergence of polio Abdullahi Isa, health and human services commissioner in Adamawa, who confirmed the new case during the flag-off of a firstround outbreak response immunisation against polio in the state, did not say when exactly the case was detected.

Isa described the VDPV as “a strain of the weakened poliovirus that was initially included in

ABUJA, AUG 15 (IANS): A case of the Circulating Vaccine-Derived Poliovirus (VDPV) type 2 was detected in Nigeria’s northern state of Adamawa, marking the re-emergence of the disease, local authorities said.

The new case was detected a year after the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Nigeria a polio-free nation, reports Xinhua news agency.

Anti-government protesters blocked road with cars and motorcycles as a part of their car mobs driving along several roads in Bangkok, Thailand, August 15. (AP/PTI)

after demonstrations last year attracted hundreds of thousands of people before a crackdown by the authorities.

Other political groups, including some of Prayuth’s former allies, are now joining the protests as the country struggles to cope with its worst wave of COVID-19, with many blaming the government’s handling of the

Gandhi’s message of truth, non-violence guided India to its independence: Biden

Singapore, India forged closer ties despite Covid: Halimah

ably needed quick treatment abroad to save their lives.

Army and security forces personnel were among the casualties, sources said.

Accounts varied as to what caused the explosion.

“There was a rush of people, and arguments between some of them led to gunfire which hit the tank of gasoline and so it exploded,” said a security source.

Local Al-Jadeed TV channel reported from eyewitnesses that it was caused by a person who ignited a lighter. Abdelrahman, whose face and body was covered in gauze as he laid in Tripoli’s al-Salam hospital, was one of those in line to get gasoline. “There were hundreds gathered there, right next to the tank, and God only knows what happened to them,” he said.

ABUJA, AUG 15 (IANS): At least 22 persons were killed and 14 others injured in an armed attack in central Nigeria’s Plateau state, according to the police.

Ubah Ogaba, the police spokesperson in Plateau, said in a statement Saturday that a convoy of five buses with Muslim followers were attacked by armed men along Rukuba road of Jos North local government area of the state, reports Xinhua news agency.

The victims were returning from “the Annual Zikr prayer in Bauchi State and heading to Ikare in Ondo State” when they were attacked by a group of attackers “suspected to be Irigwe (a local ethnic group) youths and their sympathisers”, Ogaba said.

He said a team of police personnel, the military and other security agencies were immediately mobilised to the scene, where 21 people were rescued and six suspects arrested, after receiving a distress call.

The father of another casualty at the hospital said he had two other sons he still hadn’t located. The Red Cross said its teams were still searching the explosion site. Angry residents in Akkar gathered at the site and set fire to two dump trucks, according to a Reuters witness. With Lebanon deep in economic crisis, hospitals have warned that fuel shortages may force them to shut down in coming days, and have also reported low supplies of medicines and other essentials. “The Akkar massacre is no different from the port massacre,” said former Prime Minister Saad al-Hariri on Twitter, referring to last year’s massive explosion at the port in Beirut. He called on Lebanese officials including the president to take responsibility and resign.

H E L S I N K I , AU G 1 5 (IANS): Finland’s opposition party, the Finns Party, has elected Riikka Purra, a 44-year-old MP, as its new chairperson, making her the first woman to hold the position. Purra had said she wouldn’t change much about the party’s current policies but would like to focus more on economic issues, pledging to limit immigration, reports Xinhua news agency.

She received 774 votes on Saturday, around 59 per cent of the 1,302 ballots cast at the party conference in Seinajoki. The Finns Party was founded in 1995 and its predecessor was the Finnish Rural Party which stemmed from the populist movement of the 1950s and 1960s.

to move injured people from Les Cayes to Port-au-Prince for medical assistance.

Henry declared a onemonth state of emergency for the whole country and said he would not ask for international help until the extent of damage was known.

“The most important thing is to recover as many survivors as possible under the rubble,” said Henry.

“We have learned that the local hospitals, in particular that of Les Cayes, are overwhelmed with wounded, fractured people.” Rescue workers and bystanders were able to pull many people to safety from the rubble.

Chandler said a partial survey of structural damage found at least 860 destroyed homes and more than 700 damaged. Hospitals, schools, offices and churches were also affected.

On the tiny island of Ile-a-Vache, about 6.5 miles (10.5 kilometers) from Les Cayes, the quake damaged a seaside resort popular with Haitian officials, business leaders, diplomats and humanitarian workers.

BEIRUT, AUG 15 (AGENCIES): At least 28 people were killed and 79 injured when a fuel tank exploded in northern Lebanon early on Sunday, the health ministry said. Military and security sources said that the army had seized a fuel storage tank hidden by black marketeers and was handing out gasoline to residents when the explosion occured.

Lebanon is suffering from a severe fuel shortage, leading to long lines at gas stations and extended blackouts. The disaster happened in the town of Altalil, in the Akkar region that is one of Lebanon’s poorest areas. About 200 people were nearby at the time of the explosion, eyewitnesses said. Caretaker Health Minister Hamad Hassan said the worst cases of burns prob-

BA N G KO K , AU G 1 5 (AGENCIES): Thai police clashed with protesters near the residence of Prime Minister Prayuth Chan-ocha on Sunday for a fifth time in the past week, with officers using water cannon and teargas against demonstrators hurling projectiles towards them.

A separate “car mob” convoy of thousands of cars and motorcycles urging Prayuth to resign amid anger over his government’s handling of the COVID-19 pandemic had earlier passed through Bangkok peacefully.

But once again the anti-government protests of recent weeks resulted in violent clashes in front of Prayuth’s residence. Authorities say public gatherings are illegal under the COVID-19 emergency.

One of the organisers of the so-called car mob, Nattawut Saikua, a veteran political activist, went to the site of the clashes to urge protesters to head home.

Thailand’s youth-led anti-government protest movement appears have regained momentum and its support has broadened

9

INTERNATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

crisis. Throughout the day thousands of protesters carried red flags, honked their horns and tied red ribbons on their vehicles as they moved peacefully in several large convoys through Bangkok.

The organisers made speeches and music performance to supporters through social media platforms to maintain a degree of social

distancing throughout the protests.

Many Bangkok’s residents came out to greet the convoys, many cheering them on and making gestures of support.

“Our goal is to drive Prayuth out of the position of prime minister and we will do this peacefully,” Nattawut said earlier during the vehicle rally.

Zambian Prez declares elections as unfair LU S A K A , AU G 1 5 (IANS): Zambian President Edgar Lungu has declared the general elections as not being free and fair.

The Zambian President said the August 12 elections held across three provinces were characterized by violence, rendering the whole exercise a nullity, reports Xinhua news agency.

The governing party, the Patriotic Front, was consulting on the next course of action concerning the polls, he said. The Zambian leader said the governing party polling agents were brutalized and chased from polling stations in Western, Northwestern and Southern provinces, a situation that left the ruling party votes unprotected. According to him, two governing party officials in northwestern Zambia were killed by criminal acts.

Lungu is trailing by 183,497 votes from main opposition leader Hakainde Hichilema, according to official results released by the country’s electoral body from 31 out of 156 polling stations.

Oral Polio Vaccine (OPV) that has changed over time and behaves more like the wild or naturally occurring virus”.

The new case, which has resurfaced, makes the outbreak of the transmitted virus possible, he said. “The resurface of the poliovirus type 2 necessitated the immediate flag-off of the first round outbreak response for the OPV,” Isa said.

OFFICE OF THE

ALICHEN LONGKHUM STUDENTS’ UNION ALICHEN : LONGKHUM

FELICITATION

The Alichen Longkhum Students’ Union (ALSU) with immense pride and honor, extend our heartiest congratulations to: HSLC 1. Rongsenrenla, D/o Mr. & Mrs. Imnamayang for securing distinction in Eng, Alt, Maths, Science, S.S, EVS. 2. Imtirenla, D/o Mr. & Mrs. Impokchiba for securing distinction in Eng, Alt, Maths, S.S, EVS HSSLC 1. Longchady, S/o Mr. & Mrs. Rongpangwati for securing distinction in Eng, Alt, History, Pol. Science, EVS Furthermore, ALSU extends warmest congratulations to all the successful HSLC and HSSLC students and wish them success in all their future endeavors.

Sd/- Mefosungba President, ALSU mkc-294

GRATITUDE

I, on behalf of the beneficiary residents, Bamunpukhuri-1 would like to express our sincere gratitude to Shri Tovihoto Aye, Advisor, Power Department, Govt. of Nagaland for his immense efforts and support by approving and sanctioning electrification from United Baptist Church to Yekuto Aye near Aries Shooting Complex Bamunpukhuri-1 Village, Dimapur covering the distance of about 400 mtrs width 7 LT Pole has been completed.

Upon having successfully installed the long felt need of Proper electricity of LT Poles connection in that area will benefit to more than 50 household in that particular place in Bamunpukhuri-1. I take this opportunity to appreciate the efforts undertaken by your office Engineers and staffs to accelerate the completion of LT Pole connection and to put them into operation. Sir, Your contribution and support in meeting the power needs of the said areas is mutual benefit of each household and for the benefit of the Bamunpukhuri -1 at large.

We sincerely acknowledged your support in the making reality of availing facility and wish that you would keep up the good work in future too.

Sincerely, (Solomon L. Awomi) Purana Bazar, Dimapur dp-3970

INFOTAINMENT

10

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

Filmmakers say Neeraj Chopra Why elderly, diabetic are at will draw Bollywood to athletes higher risk of Covid infection?

School of Life Sciences.

Ser um exosomes containing these miRNAs from young people could strongly inhibit SARSCoV-2 replication, but this inhibitory effect was low in older people and diabetic patients, the researchers said.

Long-term exercise was found to increase the level of these miRNAs in the blood offering better protection against the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

The team found that three out of the four circulating miRNAs are significantly increased in the serum of healthy volunteers after 8-weeks’ continuous physical exercise. Serum exosomes isolated from these volunteers also showed stronger inhibitory effects on S protein expression and SARS-CoV-2 replication.

The study also provides an interesting

Neeraj Chopra

T

he achievement of Neeraj Chopra, who bagged a gold medal in javelin throw at the recent Tokyo Olympics, will inspire more films based on athletics as a subject in Bollywood, filmmakers say.

Talking about the same, filmmaker Anees Bazmee told IANS: “Definitely!

It is a great achievement.

Gold medal is a big thing and has inspired the entire nation. Films have earlier been made on athletics like Mary Kom biopic and others. More such films will be made I think. He is an inspiration not only for the film industry but for the entire nation.”

“However, I personally think it is too early to make a biopic on Neeraj Chopra because I’m sure this is just the beginning of his achievements. He will achieve a lot more,” the ‘Bhool Bhulaiyaa 2’ director added.

Producer Ashoke Pandit, who has recently announced a biopic on track

‘Blue’ hydrogen may be worse than gas, coal: Study

“B

lue” hydrogen -an energy source that involves a process for making hydrogen by using methane in natural gas -- is being lauded as a clean, green energy to help reduce global warming. But researchers believe it may harm the climate more than burning fossil fuels.

The carbon footprint to create blue hydrogen is more than 20 per cent greater than using either natural gas or coal directly for heat, or about 60 per cent greater than using diesel oil for heat, according to new research published in the journal Energy Science and Engineering.

Blue hydrogen starts with converting methane

to hydrogen and carbon dioxide (CO2) by using heat, steam and pressure, or gray hydrogen, but goes further to capture some of the CO2.

Once the byproduct CO2 and the other impurities are sequestered, it becomes blue hydrogen, according to the US Department of Energy.

The process to make blue hydrogen takes a large amount of energy, which is generally provided by burning more natural gas, according to the researchers from the Universities of Cornell and Stanford.

“In the past, no effort was made to capture the CO2

Cats prefer to get free meals rather than work for them

W

hen given the choice between a free meal and performing a task for a meal, your feline friends wo u l d p r e f e r the meal that doesn’t require much effort, finds a study.

M o s t animals prefer to work for their food -- a behaviour called contrafreeloading.

But, the new study from researchers at the University of California-Davis showed that most domestic cats choose not to contrafreeload.

The team found that cats would rather eat from a tray of easily available food rather than work out a simple puzzle to get their food.

“There is an entire body of research that shows that most species including birds, rodents, wolves, primates, even giraffes, prefer to work for their food,” said lead author Mikel Delgado, a cat behaviourist and research affiliate at UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine.

“What’s sur prising is out of all these species cats seem to be the only ones that showed no strong tendency to contrafreeload,” Delgado added.

In the study, published in the journal Animal Cognition, the team provided 17 cats with a food puzzle and a tray of food.

The puzzle allowed the cats to easily see the food but required some manipulation to extract it. Some of the cats even had food puzzle experience.

“It wasn’t that cats never used the food puzzle, but cats ate more food from the tray, spent more time at the tray and made more first choices to approach and eat from the tray rather than the puzzle,” said Delgado.

The study also found that even cats that K Y M C

were more active still chose the freely available food. Delgado said the study should not be taken as a dismissal of food puzzles. She said just because they don’t prefer it, doesn’t mean they don’t like it.

Why cats prefer to freeload is also unclear. Delgado said the food puzzles used in the study may not have stimulated their natural hunting behaviour, which usually involves ambushing their prey. (IANS)

byproduct of gray hydrogen, and the greenhouse gas emissions have been huge,” s a i d Ro b e r t H owa r t h , professor of ecology and environmental biology at Cornell.

“Now the industr y promotes blue hydrogen as a solution, an approach that still uses the methane from natural gas, while attempting to capture the byproduct C O 2 . U n f o r t u n a t e l y, emissions remain ver y large,” he added.

Methane is a powerful greenhouse gas, Howarth said. It is more than 100 times stronger as an atmospheric warming agent than CO2 when first emitted.

The recent United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel

on Climate Change report shows that cumulatively to date over the past century, methane has contributed about two-thirds as much to global warming as CO2 has, he said. Emissions of blue hydrogen are less than for gray hydrogen, but only by about 9 per cent to 12 per cent.

Blue hydrogen as a strategy only works to the extent it is possible to store CO2 long-term indefinitely into the future without leakage back to the atmosphere. On the other hand, an ecologically friendly “green” hydrogen does exist, but it remains a small sector and it has not been commercially realised.

(IANS)

Atso Chasie and team presenting ‘Ode to My Motherland’, specially composed by him for the 75th Independence Day celebration at the Secretariat Plaza, Kohima on August 15. (DIPR)

Obed Kath from the Divine Connection presenting ‘Vande Mataram’ during 75th Independence Day celebration at the Secretariat Plaza, Kohima on August 15. (DIPR)

S

Scientists have a new word for birds stealing animal hair

ome tiny birds take bold risks to gather a beakful of hair for their nests. Titmice have been spotted divebombing cats, alighting on dozing predators’ backs and plucking strands of hair from people’s heads.

Now, there’s a term for the unusual behavior: kleptotrichy.

D e r ive d f r o m t h e Greek words for “to steal” and “hair,” kleptotrichy has rarely been described by scientists, but dozens of YouTube videos capture the behavior, researchers report online July 27 in Ecology. Titmice — and one chickadee — have been caught on video tugging hair from dogs, cats, humans, raccoons and even a porcupine.

“Citizen scientists, bird watchers and people with dogs knew this behavior much more than the scientists themselves,”

says animal behaviorist Mark Hauber of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

“Popular obser vations precede science rather than the other way around, which is a valid way to do science.”

Witnessing a bird steal hair from a mammal in the wild is what first inspired H a u b e r ’ s c o l l e a g u e, ecologist Henry Pollock, to dig deeper. While counting birds in an Illinois state park in May 2020, Pollock and colleagues spotted a tufted titmouse pluck fur from a sleeping raccoon. “I was like, ‘Wow, I’ve never seen anything like that,” says Pollock, also of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

In South America, palm swifts snatch feathers from f lying pigeons and parrots — a behavior already known as kleptoptily. Searching

through the scientific literature, Hauber, Pollock and colleagues found only 11 anecdotes of birds stealing hair from live mammals. While most published accounts involve titmice in North America, at least five other bird species get in on the action.

Researchers have seen an American crow harvest hair from a cow and a redwinged starling in Africa peck a small antelope called a klipspringer. In Australia, three honeyeater bird species steal fur from koalas.

Meanwhile, a YouTube search by the team turned up 99 videos of tufted titmice, a mountain chickadee and a blackcrested titmouse plucking hair from mammals. The latter two bird species had not previously been identified as hair thieves in the scientific literature.

(Science News)

FELICITATION

With immense pride and honor, from the Noah’s Ark Ministry and Noah’s Ark School Staff, we extend our heartiest congratulations to our former student MiSS KUNGTHON, securing 1st Division, distinction in two subjects with flying colours in HSSLC Exam, 2021.

She started her schooling from Nursery to Class VIII (Eight) in Noah’s Ark International School and pursued her matriculation from A.G. Higher Secondary School, Dimapur.

Distinction Subjects:- Social Sciences (92) & Alternative English (92) We wish and pray that the Almighty God bless you and guide you in all your future endeavors.

From The Director’s office NOAH’S ARK MiNiSTRY & NOAH’S ARK iNTL. SCHOOL dp-3972

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e s e a r c h e r s h ave identified that l ow m i c r o R NA ( m i R NA ) i m mu n i t y increases the risk of Covid-19 infection in older adults and people with diabetes.

MicroRNAs are a key class of gene expression regulators which play an important role in inflammation and immune response.

T h e s t u dy l e d b y researchers from Nanjing University in China identified four circulating miRNAs -- miR-7-5p, miR24-3p, miR-145-5p and miR-223-3p -- which are high in healthy people and much lower in older people and diabetic patients.

These miRNAs could effectively inhibit SARS-CoV-2 replication by directly targeting the S protein, said Chen-Yu Zhang from the varsity’s

Photo for reprentation

observation that continuous physical exercise could boost miRNA immunity a g a i n s t S A R S - C o V- 2 , which gives you another reason to hit the gym after work. Working out every day would therefore help all of us, old or young, to stay out of Covid-19’s way.

Further, the findings, detailed in the journal Signal Transduction and Targeted Therapy, also demonstrates for the first time that our own endogenous miRNAs could directly inhibit SARSCoV-2 virus.

Previous studies led by the tema have shown that approximately 89 per cent of viruses that infect humans could be targeted b y h u m a n m i R NA s .

The new study provides strong and direct evidence supporting the theory that miRNAs, par ticularly extracellular miRNAs, could function as “RNA defense” and protect cells against foreign nucleic acids, Zhang said.

The study indicates t h a t m i R NA s a r e a n important component of the endogenous RNA-based immune system to fight virus infection. This new understanding of miRNA function may provide new perspectives for prevention, surveillance and treatment of Covid-19, Zhang added.

(IANS)

and field athlete Pinki Pramanik, said: “Our industry is always on the lookout for inspiring stories. What inspires the nation and the world, always inspires a filmmaker. We are also creative people and subjects like these excite us.”

Talking about Neeraj Chopra, Pandit added: “His back story, his struggling days, family, his hard work, will not only inspire makers but also encourage youngsters to get into sports. Javelin throw is something which has already started exciting children after Neeraj’s achievement.”

Jaydeep Sarkar, one of the directors of the latest anthology ‘Feels Like Ishq’, feels Neeraj Chopra’s story will make a very nice biopic.

He shared: “Sports have always fascinated filmmakers, because it’s more than just the sport.

It’s about a triumph of the spirit. Neeraj Chopra’s story is so compelling and his humanity is so inspiring.

It’ll make for a very riveting film.”

While biopics and sports dramas seem to be hot favourite genres in B-Town of late, whether Neeraj’s success can attract more filmmakers towards athletics as a subject, only time will tell. (IANS)

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

Naomi Osaka to donate Cincinnati Real kick off season with 4-1 win over Alaves Open prize money to Haiti relief efforts

Real Madrid’s forward Karim Benzema (3R) celebrates with teammates after scoring during the Spanish League football match against Alaves at the Mendizorroza stadium in Vitoria. (AFP)

M A D R I D, AU G 1 5 (IANS): Real Madrid kicked off the new season with a 4-1 win away to Alaves thanks to two goals from Karim Benzema and a header from defender Nacho Fernandez.

Gareth Bale and Eden Hazard both started for Real Madrid, but the game was even in the first half and it wasn’t until the 48th minute that Benzema opened the scoring after a move involving Bale and

Hazard.

Nacho then doubled Real Madrid’s lead following a smart free kick and good work from Rede Valverde allowed Benzema to net his second of the game.

Although Joselu got a

goal back from the penalty spot, Vinicius Jr added Madrid’s fourth in injury time to complete a satisfactory return for Carlo Ancelotti, Xinhua reports.

Saturday’s three other games all ended in draws

with Espanyol returning to La Liga with a 0-0 draw away to Osasuna. Wu Lei played 63 minutes for Espanyol on their return to the top flight.

Mallorca took a point on their return to La Liga with a 1-1 draw at home to Betis, after Betis striker Juanmi canceled out Brian Olivan’s first half opener with the help of a big deflection off Mallorca keeper Manolo Reina.

A 96th minute equaliser from Cadiz forward Alfonso Espino rescued a point for his side at home Levante, who led though Jose Luis Morales’ 50th top-flight goal in the 39th minute of the game.

Levante did enough to win the game, but Cadiz’s pressure in the closing moments saw them rescue a point that looked to be lost.

On Friday night, Carlos Soler got Valencia and new boss Pepe Bordalas off to a winning start with a 1-0 win at home to Bordalas’ former club Getafe. Valencia had defender Hugo Guillamon sent off in the second minute of the game, but Soler’s first half penalty was enough to give them a win against a rival that had a lot of the ball, but looked light in attack.

CINCINNATI, AUG 15 (IANS): Top women’s tennis player, Naomi Osaka of Japan on Sunday pledged to donate all the prize money from the Cincinnati Open, beginning Monday, to relief efforts for Haiti’s earthquake victims.

An ear thquake of magnitude 7.2 hit Haiti on Saturday morning killing more than 300 people and leaving thousands homeless.

Born in Japan to a Haitian father and a Japanese mother, Naomi tweeted, “Really hurts to see all the devastation that’s going on in Haiti, and I feel like we really can’t catch a break. I’m about to play a tournament this week and I’ll give all the prize money to relief efforts for Haiti. I know our ancestors blood is strong we’ll keep rising (Flag of Haiti, Red heart, Folded hands symbols).”

The tournament, called the Wester n & Southern Open, is expected to award the women’s singles winner USD 2,55,220, while the runner-up will receive USD 1,88,945, according to perfect-tennis. com.

Naomi’s last com-

Naomi Osaka

petition was the Tokyo Olympics where she could not make it to the medal round after losing to Marketa Vondrousova of the Czech Republic in the third round. She had also lit the Olympic cauldron during the opening ceremony.

World No. 2 Naomi

Joshua Buatsi knocks out Mumbai Indians greeted with special Ricards Bolotniks in 11th round message on flight to Abu Dhabi

LONDON, AUG 15 (AGENCIES): Unbeaten British light heavyweight Joshua Buatsi knocked out Latvian Ricards Bolotniks in the 11th round to extend his winning run to 15 fights.

The 28-year-old staked his claim for a world title shot with the 13th KO of his career in the WBA eliminator. Buatsi dropped his opponent with a left hook in the sixth round and remained in charge until clinching victory with a powerful right-hander.

“He pushed me every round. He’s a great champion,” said Buatsi. “It was a good hard fight and I’m glad I managed to close the show.” Buatsi, a 2016 Olympic bronze medallist managed by world heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua, put in a controlled performance at Matchroom’s Fight Camp in Brentwood, Essex.

“That was methodical. That was the new-look Buatsi,” said BBC Radio 5 live pundit Steve Bunce.

Felicitation

File photo of Mumbai Indians team members.

time Kieron Pollard needs to score another century.”

“Forecast conditions at the destination, we are expecting a sunny morning with the temperature of 32 degrees. Pretty much calmness just like Jasprit Bumrah kept during the super over of 2017 playoff against KKR. “We shall try landing in Abu Dhabi as early as possible depending on air traffic congestion. However, I can say it won’t be as quick as Hardik Pandya or

Ishan Kishan’s half-century record.

“On behalf of the entire Indigo family, we wish you all the very best for the season. It’s an absolute honour to have you on board this morning. Thank You!” concluded the pilot on landing. The Indian domestic members of the Mumbai Indians along with talent scouts landed in Abu Dhabi on Friday.

Post quarantine, the team will begin their pre-season training.

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Joshua Buatsi throws a punch against Ricards Bolotniks during the WBA fight.

ABU DHABI, AUG 15 (IANS): Mumbai Indians, the defending champions of the Indian Premier League (IPL) on Sunday posted a small video which had the captain of their flight from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi make a special inflight announcement in a cricketing way.

“It is an honour to welcome you aboard on this flight 9065 charter service from Mumbai to Abu Dhabi. Considering the rains coming in today morning, we managed a quick started departure.

Just like how Rohit Sharma and Quinton de Kock do it for the team,” said the pilot on Friday. He further said, “As per the flight details, we are flying airbus 321 aircraft cruising at 3000ft above sea level. Flight will be maintaining a ground speed of about 900km/h that gives us about 45 minutes before we land at our destination. That’s just the

had withdrawn from the French Open in May after winning her first-round match over her stand to not speak to the media due to her mental health.

The four-time Grand Slam champion had also withdrawn from the Wimbledon in June.

With profound joy Holy cross church, dimapur felicitate and congratulate Shri Etsungmomo Thomas Kikon for being elected as the president of Naga council dimapur (Ncd). He has been an eminent church leader for three decades; vice president and president of Holy cross church church for several terms. He glorified God as president of catholic Association of Nagaland (cAN). A soft spoken and yet a powerful visionary leader. An honest man with high moral integrity.

His leadership is influenced by spiritual convictions and Gospel values.

Best wishes from Holy Cross Church Council

ATK Mohun Bagan players reach Maldives for AFC Cup matches

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Players of ATK Mohun Bagan

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MALE (MALDIVES), AUG 15 (IANS): The 21-member Indian Super League side ATK Mohun Bagan (ATKMB) has reached Maldives for their upcoming AFC Cup matches in Group D, South Zone beginning on August 18.

ATKMB, the 2020/21 ISL runners-up, will kick off their campaign against the winners of the playoff match between Indian Super League side Bengaluru FC and Maldives’ Club Eagles to be played later on Sunday). It will be followed by matches on August 21 (vs Maldives’ Maziya Sports & Recreation) and August 24 (vs Bangladesh’s Bashundhara Kings).

Arindam Bhattachar ja, Amrinder Singh, Pritam Kotal, Lenny Rodrigues, Subhasish Bose, Avilash Paul, Ashutosh Mehta, Liston Colaco, Manvir Singh, Deepak Tangri, Sumit Rathi, SK Sahil, Bidyananda Singh, Abhishek Suryavanshi, Kiyan Nassiri Giri, N Engson Singh, Ricky John Shabong, Roy Krishna, Carl McHugh, David Williams and Hugo Boumous comprise the squad under head coach Antonio Lopez Habas.

Five out of six new

signings for ATKMB since the 2020/21 Indian Super League final defeat to Mumbai City FC earlier this year have made it to the squad. Only Joni Kauko doesn’t feature in there.

The central midfielder from Finland though was part of the camp in the build-up in Kolkata which

lasted nearly two weeks.

According to rules, all participant clubs in the competition are allowed to have no more than four foreign players in their squad and one of these four must belong to an AFC-affiliated country. Aussie striker David Williams fulfils that criterion for the Kolkatabased team.

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India reach 181/6 at stumps on Day 4

LO N D O N, AU G 1 5 (PTI): The seasoned duo of Cheteshwar Pujara and Ajinkya Rahane found much-needed runs from their bats to rescue India from a perilous position and give their team a fighting chance in the second Test against England here on Sunday.

With their in-form openers and skipper Virat Kohli back in the hut at 55 for three and India effectively ahead by only 28 runs, the visitors stared at a batting collapse considering the prolonged struggles of the middle-order and their long tail.

However, Pujara (45 off 206) and Rahane (61 off 146) thrived under tremendous pressure to bat for almost 50 overs for a 100run stand, taking the game to Day five.

When bad light forced early stumps on day four, India reached 181 for six, leading England by 154 runs.

Rishabh Pant (14 batting off 29) will need some support from the long Indian tail to add some valuable runs on the fifth morning. With the pitch already playing a few tricks, England will have to

Bayern Munich’s German legend Gerd Muller dies aged 75 BERLIN, AUG 15 (AGENCIES): Bayern Munich and Germany legend Gerd Muller has died at the age of 75. The striker scored 68 goals in 62 appearances for West Germany, including the winning goal in the 1974 World Cup final against the Netherlands. Muller also spent 15 years at Bundesliga giants Bayern Munich, scoring 547 goals in 594 competitive games for the club.

“Today is a sad, black day for FC Bayern and all of its fans,” Bayern president Herbert Hainer said.

Muller won the Golden Boot for netting 10 goals at the 1970 World Cup and also won the Ballon d’Or that year. He then helped West Germany win the European Championship two years later. “The news of Gerd Muller’s death deeply saddens us all,” Bayern chief executive Oliver Kahn said. Muller held the record for the most goals in a calendar year after scoring 85 in 1972 until Lionel Messi surpassed his total in 2012.

His record of 40 goals in a Bundesliga season stood for 49 years before it was broken by Robert Lewandowski in May.

India’s Cheteshwar Pujara and teammate Ajinkya Rahane touch gloves during the 4th day of the 2nd cricket test between England and India in London, Sunday. (AP/PTI)

bat extremely well to secure victory.

Both Pujara and Rahane, who were desperately searching for runs, showed the grit and determination that they are known for to get back among the runs.

They might not have scored big hundreds but the amount of balls they consumed kept the visitors in the game. Rahane got a life on 31 when

he was dropped by Jonny Bairstow off Moeen Ali. Both struggled early in their innings but got better and better as their innings progressed. Pujara, who took 35 balls to get off the mark, played his trademark cut shot off James Anderson while Rahane was good with his pull shot off the pacers and sweep against Ali. Their fall in quick suc-

cession tilted the game back in England’s favour.

Pujara got an unplayable ball from Mark Wood that rose sharply from back of length while Rahane edged one back to the wicketkeeper off Ali. Three overs later, Ali bowled a beauty that turned just enough to beat Ravindra Jadeja’s bat and hit the off-stump. In the afternoon, Pujara and

Rahane put up a dogged resistance against a probing England attack to bat out the entire second session. The two senior batsmen steadied the innings after the visitors lost their top three for 56 runs by lunch.

Only 49 runs came in the 28 overs bowled in the session but, most importantly, for India, they did not lose a wicket.

Rahane hit a couple of boundaries which included a pull shot off Ollie Robinson while there was a loud cheer from the crowd when Pujara played his 100th ball with only 12 runs to his name. The cheer got louder when he got his first boundary, a flick off Mark Wood, off his 118th delivery.

Like he had done successfully with Rohit Sharma in the opening session, Wood tried to bounce out Pujara with a barrage of short balls, but the Saurashtra strongman was up for the challenge.

Brief scores India: 364 all out and 181/6 in 82 overs (Cheteshwar Pujara 45, Ajinkya Rahane 61; Mark Wood 3/40) England 1st innings: 391 all out in 128 overs.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, AUGUST 16, 2021

Olympics a major turning point for the country: PM Narendra Modi NEW DELHI, AUG 15 (IANS): Speaking from the historic ramparts of the Red Fort on the 75th Independence Day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi showered praise on India’s Olympians and urged the nation to “give them a big round of applause for their achievements.”

In his 88-minute address, the Prime Minister made a pointed reference to the way the Olympics have impacted thinking within the country. “It is a major turning point for our country,” he said. “In this decade we have to speed up the drive to bring talent, technology and professionalism into sports in the country.”

Drawing the nation’s attention to the Olympians present in the audience, the Prime Minister said, “The athletes who have made us proud at the Tokyo Olympics are here among us today. I urge the nation to applaud their achievement today. They have not only won our hearts but also inspired future generations.”

He also highlighted the achievements of In-

Narendra Modi

dian women athletes when he announced that Sainik Schools, for the first time in their history, will be opened up for girls. “It is a matter of pride that India’s daughters are performing splendidly, be it in Board exams or the Olympics,” the PM declared.

Emphasising the importance of sports in the school curriculum, he said: “There was a time when sports were not considered to be a part of the mainstream.

Parents used to say to children that they would spoil their life if they kept playing. But today, awareness about the importance

of sports and fitness is widespread all over the country.

We have experienced it in the Olympics this time.”

As many as 240 Olympians, including gold medallist Neeraj Chopra and silver medallist Mirabai Chanu, the men’s and women’s hockey teams, their support staff, and officials of the Sports Authority of India were present to listen to the Prime MInister.

On his way out of the Red Fort, the Prime Minister’s cavalcade stopped at the enclosure reserved for the Olympians and he walked around waving at them. In view of the Covid protocols, the sportspersons remained seated.

The athletes surely were excited and shared pictures from the Red Fort on social media platforms as well. Olympian shooter Sanjeev Rajpoot took to Twitter to express his feelings from Red Fort.

“Nothing comes close to the feeling of representing your country. Saluting the sacrifices and valour of our freedom fighters! Happy Independence Day. Jai Hind.”

Muhammad Ali’s grandson Nico Ali YRS announces result of virtual football skill competition wins on professional boxing debut Correspondent

TULSA (OKLAHOMA), AUG 15 (IANS): Nico Ali Walsh, the grandson of boxing great Muhammad Ali, won his debut match in professional boxing at Tulsa in Oklahoma, USA on Saturday in a scheduled fourround middleweight bout.

21-year-old Ali Walsh, who fought as an amateur, defeated Jordan Weeks, a former MMA fighter, in a middle-weight bout at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino. Ali Walsh was so effective with his punches that the match was stopped at 1:49 with him declared as the winner by TKO. Ali Walsh’s debut bout saw him wearing trunks with black linings made for his famous grandfather. The match was promoted by Bob Arum, who was famous for promoting Ali’s fights. Ali Walsh is signed to Arum’s company, Top Rank Boxing.

Arum, 89, first promoted a Muhammad Ali fight in 1966 against George Chuvalo and organised 27 fights of Ali between 1966 and 1978. One of those bouts was the famous ‘The

Nico Ali Walsh (right) lands a punch against Jordan Weeks during the MMA fight.

Thrilla in Manila’ against Joe Frazer.

“What a magical night for this young man. His grandfather would have been so proud of the way he’s honouring him in his own way. We at Top Rank are looking forward to leading him on his professional

journey,” wrote Arum on Twitter.

Ali Walsh, who will juggle his boxing career with classes for graduating with a business degree from University of Nevada in Las Vegas, is the son of Ali’s daughter Rasheda Ali Walsh.

KO H I M A , AU G 1 5 (NPN): Awang Konyak and Imlimerenla Jamir were declared as the winners of Nagaland Virtual Football Skill Competition for boys’ and girls’ categories organised by Department of Youth Resources and Sports (DYRS) Nagaland.

The results of the competition were announced on Sunday afternoon decided by a panel of judges basing on their techniques, execution, skills, accuracy, tricks and creativity.

The competition was initiated as a part of the celebration of 75th Year of India’s Independence (Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav) programme held from July 1 to August 14, 2021.

The competition targeted to provide platform for talented footballers and freestylers to show their skills virtually. It also encouraged competitive opportunity and platform for players who are missing the pitch actions for many months.

In girls’ categor y, 17-year-old Imlimerenla Jamir from Mokokchung district took the title while second position was bagged

Awang Konyak

Imlimerenla Jamir

Renchan Odyuo

by 22-year-old B. Watijungla from Mokokchung district followed by third holder 17-year-old Neke Konyak from Mon district.

In the boys’ category, 17-year-old Awang Konyak from Mon district emerged as the winner, followed by 18-year-old Thungcheva Lotha from Dimapur district as runner-up and 19-year-old Aching Anns from Mon district as the second runner-up.

The winners of both the categories will receive Rs. 10,000 for the champion, while the runners-up will get ` 7,000, and ` 5000 for third positions respectively. The youngest partici-

pant was a 6-year-old Renchan Odyuo from Bhandari town, Wokha district and will receive a cash award of Rs 1000. While the viewer choice award was adjudged to Thungcheva Lotha and will get Rs. 1000.

Youth Resources and Sports director, Akumla Chuba, in her virtual message said a total of 21 participants took part in the competition including five girls from different parts of Nagaland. Over the past year, she said the department had conducted physical tournaments and talent hunts to identify young talents who can be given fur-

ther training in the academy.

However, due to the pandemic, the department were unable to conduct such activities. In this regard, she said the department has come up with the idea of launching this Virtual Football Skill Competition with a message to all the young aspiring footballers not to give up hope, but to keep on practicing till the situation improves and till such time the department resume its activities. The director also informed that the department would also be planning to start such activities for other disciplines in the near future.

PSG’s Lionel Messi waves during players presentation before the League One match against Strasbourg in Paris.

PARIS, AUG 15 (IANS): Lionel Messi was introduced to some 49,000 fans in a full Parc des Princess stadium before watching his teammates beat Strasbourg 4-2 on Ligue 1 action late on Saturday evening.

The former Barcelona ace was presented with PSG’s other four summer signings Sergio Ramos, Gianluigi Donnarumma, Georginio Wijnaldum, and Achraf Hakimi in a welcome ceremony at the centre of the pitch just one hour before the kick-off.

The six-time Ballon d’Or winner then joined Neymar and his fellow Argentine Angel di Maria to watch from the stands as

Mauricio Pochettino’s side escaped a fightback from the visitors in the second half to pocket their second win in as many games in the new season.

Mauro Icardi opened the scoring for PSG only two minutes into the game and Kylian Mbappe made it 2-0 in the 25th minute before the French forward set up another for Julian Draxler only two minutes later, Xinhua reports.

Strasbourg created more chances in the second half and clawed back to 3-2 thanks to two headers from Kevin Gameiro and Ludovic Ajorque. But they suffered a blow in the closing period when Alexander

Djiku fouled on Icardi to receive his second yellow card and make his team being reduced to 10 men.

Pablo Sarabia tapped in PSG’s four th from Mbappe’s cross in the 86th minute to make the score out of Strasbourg’s reach.

Mbappe, whose contract with PSG is to expire next year, has been linked with Real Madrid recently as home fans whistled at the 22-year-old amid transfer speculation.

PSG’s president Nasser al-Khelaifi has said on Wednesday, at the unveiling ceremony of Messi, that Mbappe “has no reason to leave” since PSG now is the right place for him to seek for the trophies.

Earlier in the day, defending champions Lille were hammered 4-0 at home by Nice, whose coach Christophe Galtier had led Lille to the title last season and arrived in the southern French team this summer.

Denmark striker Kasper Dolberg hit a brace for Nice with Hicham Boudaoui and Amine Gouiri were also on target.

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Messi receives rapturous ovation from 49,000 fans as PSG beat Strasbourg

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