17 Dec 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXII No. 15

DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

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Banking services hit across India NPCC holds state govt responsible for Oting massacre

DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): Banking operations were impacted across the country on Thursday as lakhs of public sector bank (PSB) employees began their two-day strike to protest against bank privatisation.

Shutters of many branches of PSBs like State Bank of India (SBI), Punjab National Bank and Bank of India were down on Thursday across the country.

In Dimapur, United For um of Bank Union (UFBU) Nagaland committee joined rest of the bank unions across the country.

Employees of public sector banks (PSBs) including SBI organized a protest at State Bank of India (SBI) Regional Business Office, Supermarket complex. Employees were seen with placards some of which read:“Bank Bachao Desh Bachao”, “ Withdraw Bank Law Amendment Bill 2021”, “We oppose privatization of Banks” etc.

SBI Officers Association (SBIOA) regional secre-

Demands all-party Parl panel to probe Dec 4 Oting killings

Staff Reporter

Bank employees during the protest at Super Market area in Dimapur on Thursday.

tary TL Lango Neikha said that they were compelled to hold the strike since the government was not ready to listen to the demands of UFBU. He said privatization of banks was neither efficient nor safe, since many private banks had failed in the past.

He also said that privatisation would create crony capitalism, financial exclusion and would only lead to loss of jobs and at the same time make it inconvenient for the rural population to have easy banking access.

Others who spoke at the programme included deputy general secretary (ST/ SC Welfare Asso-

ciation) Ramesh Hasnu, SBIOA president Talisunep Longkumer and executive member of SBIOA Anthony Ngouri.

The strike call has been given by United Forum of Bank Union (UFBU), an umbrella body of nine bank unions including All India Bank Officers' Confederation (AIBOC), All India Bank Employees Association (AIBEA) and National Organisation of Bank Workers (NOBW).

Services such as deposits and withdrawals at branches, cheque clearance and loan approvals were affected. However, ATMs

Rio launches online ILP module DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): State chief minister, Neiphiu Rio on Thursday launched the online Inner Line Permit (ILP) module portal (www.ilp.nagaland. gov.in) at the chief minister’s residential complex, Kohima. In his address, Rio stated that though the module for online issue of ILPs for tourists was made operational in November 2019, the new module will cover other categories such as businessmen, traders, labourers, priests, students and expand online services.

Rio said that this was part of the government’s effort to make public services available in a more efficient and user-friendly manner.

The chief minister said that ILP was a tool to pro-

Neiphiu Rio launching the online ILP module on Thursday. (DIPR)

tect the indigenous people of Nagaland, enforced under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation, 1873 and was also agreed as part of the 16-Point Agreement that led to the formation of the State, adding that similar provisions were also available in Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram and Manipur.

With strict timelines and monitoring in place, Rio said it should be possible to see that the approval process

was not abused and the ILP applicants were also happy.

Rio said the module would enable authorities to capture all data of visitors to the state, analyse it and help in planning better for various facilities.

He also advocated for more government services online so that the public could avail services through computers, mobile devices or through Computer Service Centers. (Cont’d on p-8)

at many places were working fine.

According to AIBEA general secretary C H Venkatachalam, about 20.4 lakh cheques worth Rs 18,600 crore could not be transacted on Thursday.

Private sector lenders like HDFC Bank, ICICI Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank were working as usual, though inter-bank cheque clearances were impacted.

To facilitate privatisation, the government has listed the Banking Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2021, for introduction and passage during the current session of Parliament.

STPF urges govt to expedite Shamator dist upgradation DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): Shamator Town Public Forum (STPF) has extended support to the representations by Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) and urged the State government to expedite the matter of upgrading Shamator town to a full-fledged district and fulfil the long-cherished aspirations of the Yimkhiungs as assured.

STPF president S Yanhokiu and general secretary K Hankiu recalled that the council had been relentless entreating for upgrading Shamator town to a fullfledged district since past several years.

(Cont’d on p-8)

DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie has blamed chief minister Neiphiu Rio for the Oting incident that claimed lives of several innocent civilians as, according to him, law and order was a State subject. He alleged that the State government was solely responsible for the loss of 15 lives, including one army personnel.

Addressing the media at Congress Bhavan here on Thursday, Therie said that the party has written to the President of India with a three-point charter of demands. These include constitution of an all-party parliamentary committee to investigate Oting massacre, deliver justice by arresting

(2nd from L) K. Therie addressing the media on Thursday. (NP)

the culprits and implement political solution under President’s Rule to avoid bias and ill-will.

Therie said that Nagaland was the territory of the chief minister and questioned why the troops of 21 Para Special Forces from Jorhat were brought in to attack people in Nagaland.

He noted that Oting massacre happened with intelligence report, which could not escape the ears of the chief minister and home minister. “Military cannot take suo motto action when there is cease fire,” he added.

He remarked that it was very clear from the State List that public order was a

State subject, adding that life and security of people was the responsibility of the State’s chief minister and the government. He pointed out that law and order was a State subject and not of the army or the union home ministry.

He said that 21 Para troopers operated under 4 Corps of Indian Army based at Tezpur, which looked after Assam and Arunachal Pradesh, while Nagaland, Manipur and Mizoram fell under 3 Corps.

Therie further pointed out that according to Concurrent List 2A, para troopers or home ministry forces could not be used without

NH demands public apology from Shah DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): Naga Hoho (NH) has demanded that Union home minister Amit Shah must immediately tender public apology for the misleading statement in Parliament. In a press note, NH also insisted that government of India must immediately revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the Northeast and Naga areas in particular, besides removing “Disturb Area” tag from Nagaland that was causing more harm than good to citizen.

NH said it took strong exception to the “distorted statement” of Shah in Parliament. While the incident was evidently intentional, the hoho alleged that the home minister tried to cover

up the incident by terming it as a case of “mistaken identity” and the forces acted in “self-defence”, which it said was not at all acceptable.

“We strongly believe that the ambush has been masterminded by the political masters of 21 para commandos,” NH said. It further emphasised that the Indo-Naga peace process must conclude at the earliest, in view of the commitment made to the people to avoid misuse of AFSPA by Indian armed forces in future.

NH said that government of India empowering security forces to operate under the cover of AFSPA was nothing but to suppress the rights of people to move freely and express, which contradicted the Constitu-

tion of India. It asserted that AFSPA was a direct violation of human rights and a negation of democracy even though India claims with pride to be the largest democratic nation in the world. “India’s acclaimed peace keeper at the international level is a farce as it deputed its forces to suppress and dehumanise the people,” it added.

NH pointed out that Nagas hoped for a political solution after the signing of Framework Agreement.

However, instead of resolving the Naga issue, it accused government of India of trying to create law and order situation by torturing and killing innocent people, unable to live by its commitments for justice.

Cab clears bill to raise women’s legal marriage age from 18 to 21 CNTC holds poster campaign in Dimapur NEW DELHI, DEC 16 (PTI): The government has decided to raise the legal age of marriage for women from 18 to 21 years, bringing it at par with that of men. The Union Cabinet had on Wednesday cleared a proposal to bring in uniformity in the marriageable age of men and women, sources said on Thursday.

The government is likely to bring a bill in the ongoing Winter Session of Parliament to amend the Prohibition of Child Marriage Act, 2006, they said. The proposed bill may also seek to make con-

sequential changes to various personal laws relating to marriage of different communities to ensure a uniform marriage age, sources said.

As of now, the legal age of women to get married is 18 while that for men is 21 years.

The decision came a year after Prime Minister Narendra Modi said the government was deliberating on what should be the minimum age for marriage of women.

The decision is based on the recommendation of a fourmember task force led by former Samata Party chief Jaya

Jaitly. Jaitly said the task force submitted its recommendations to the PMO, Ministry of Women and Child Development and NITI Aayog last December.

The other members in the panel include V K Paul, member (health) NITI Aayog; secretaries of higher education, school education, health, women and child development, legislative department apart from academicians Najma Akhtar, Vasudha Kamat and Dipti Shah. Amita Pitre, Lead Specialist, Gender Justice, Oxfam India, said the latest NFHS 5 report shows that the number

of women marrying early (before 18 years) has reduced from 27% in NFHS 4 to 23%.

“Even so nearly, 50 to 60 per cent of marriages still take place before the age of 21 years.

Raising the age of marriage to 21 years will criminalise all such marriages taking place in future. The minimum age of marriage has been 18 years since 1978. Clearly law alone is not successful in raising the age of marriage. In upper and middle classes, girls marry much beyond the age of 21 years and this happened without the compulsion of law,” he said.

the chief minister’s requisition.

“Thus, chief minister was very much in the knowledge from the beginning to the end about Oting massacre and he is responsible,” he alleged.

He asked if there was any law and order problem, why superintendent of police or deputy commissioner did not use their administration powers.

He alleged that the “objective” of the State government was to derail peace, so that the chief minister could continue to fish in “troubled waters”.

Referring to the statement made by Union home minister Amit Shah in Parliament that the incident was a case of “mistaken identity” and by State lone Lok Sabha member Tokheho Yepthomi that intelligence report was about movement of NSCN (K) cadres in the area, the NPCC president said cadres of NSCN (K) were not the only ones roaming in the area.

(Cont’d on p-8)

State logs 3 fresh cases, 1 Covid death DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): Nagaland on Thursday recorded three fresh Covid-19 positive cases while one more patient succumbed to the virus. The three fresh cases and death were reported in Dimapur, taking the total caseload to 32164 and death toll to 701 (including 16 non-Covid deaths but with positivity) respectively. Further, a total of 13,25,579 persons had been inoculated against Covid-19 including 7,56,231 first dose and 5,69,348 second dose.

PTI adds: India added 7,974 new Covid infections taking the total tally of cases to 3,47,18,602, while the death toll climbed to 4,76,478 with 343 fresh fatalities.

NLA session on Dec 20

DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): Business Advisory Committee of the Assembly under the chairmanship of NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer finalised the provisional programme for the 10th session of the 13th NLA, where following business will be transacted during the emergent session to be held on December 20-- Reporting on Assent to Bills, introduction of government resolutions, discussion, consideration and adoption of government resolutions and Central Nagaland Tribes Council on Thursday organised a poster campaign unfinished Business, if any, in Dimapur in protest against the Oting incident and to demand for repeal of NLA commissioner & secthe Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA). (NP) retary Dr. P.J. Antony stated.

This is it! Public rallies against Dec 4 & 5 killings across Eastern Nagaland Power disconnection drive in Kma

Mon

Kiphire

Shamator

Apex tribal bodies and civil society organizations during the ‘mass peaceful public rally’ held across five districts of Eastern Nagaland, Thursday.

"What brings all of us here is because the online payment system is still with teething problems."

K Y M C

DIMAPUR/MON/KIPHIRE, DEC 16 (NPN): ‘Mass peaceful public’ rallies were held across five district headquarters of Eastern Nagaland on Thursday where thousands took to the streets in protest against the brutal killing of 14 innocent

civilians and injuring of several others by security forces on December 4 and 5.

Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO) said that the rally was successful and held without untoward incidents.

As part of the protest,

a total bandh was observed in Mon district from 6 a.m. till 4 p.m., where hundreds of people from different walks of life took out a rally from private station to DC’s office in Mon town. They were seen carrying placards and banners. Konyak Union

had earlier said that the December 16 public rally across Mon district would be the first phase of agitation against the tyranny of the Indian armed forces.

After reaching DC’s office, KU submitted a reminder memorandum to President

of India in pursuance of its earlier memorandum, through Nagaland governor.

In the memorandum, KU asserted that Konyaks would not tolerate the incident being termed as “mistaken identity”.

(Cont’d on p-7)

DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): Power department (electrical division, Kohima) has informed all consumers that the division would be carrying out disconnection drive of payment defaulters and illegal/unauthorized connections including government offices and villages/ SPMs from January 2022.

Executive engineer Er. Rukongutuo Suohu has therefore urged all consumers under Kohima town and rural areas under the division to clear the bills at the earliest in order to avoid disconnection and inconvenience. It warned that all illegal/unauthorized tapping

and use of electricity was an offence and would invite penalty in the form of fine/ imprisonment or both as per Electricity Act, 2003.

It further requested consumers to read the information printed at the back of the electricity bill and to note that “non-receipt of bills is not a valid excuse for failure to make payment within due date. Duplicate bill may be obtained from local office on demand”.

In case of any discrepancies/grievances, consumers have been advised to visit the offices of their respective SDOs (E ) No. I, II, III for clarification, correction.

K Y M C

2

STATE

Sümi Hoho organises ‘thanksgiving’ programme

DIMAPUR: Sümi Hoho (SH) organised a “thanksgiving programme” on completion of 60 kilometres road maintenance works from Kandiniu-Zunheboto via Puneboqa-Saptiqa-Ghukiye on December 15 at Langki river.

In a press release, SH general secretary, Dr. Vihuto Asumi informed that short speeches were delivered by the deputy commissioner (DC) Peter Lichamo, SH advisor Hekhushe Shikhu, Sümi Kükami Hoho president Kashito Yepthomi, Sümi Kiphimi Küqhakulu vice president Ayeto Jimomi, Zunheboto Town GBs Association president Shihoto Zhimomi and Zunheboto Area Public Organization president Kakugha Rotokha.

The speakers ac-

DC Zunheboto Peter Lichamo along with members of Sümi frontal organisations at the programme.

knowledged SH for initiating the project and completing the 60 kilometres road maintenance works in a short span of time.

T h e s p e a k e r s ex pressed happiness that a 5-6 hours journey from Zunheboto to Kohima was

now reduced to 3-4 hours after the maintenance of “almost abandoned road”.

Meanwhile, SH president Nikheto Jimomi gave a detailed report on the road maintenance works.

He expressed gratitude to all the individu-

als and groups for generously donating towards the campaign which was a public cause. Nikheto also thanked Zunheboto district administration and roads and bridges department for logistics support.

The programme was

chaired by Dr. Vihuto Asumi, short exhortation and thanksgiving prayer

by ZTSBC pastor Rev. Dr. Daniel Chishi, invocation and benediction were said

by SBCZ associate pastors, Aboli Aye and Holika Aye respectively.

The programme was attended by leaders of frontal organisations including Sümi Kükami Hoho, Sümi Kiphimi Küqhakulu, Sümi Totimi Hoho, Zunheboto Town GBs Association, Zunheboto Area Public Organization church leaders and sub divisional police officer. It may be mentioned that the “citizens good road campaign” which was initiated by Sümi Hoho was flagged off on November 9 and the road maintenance works was carried out with voluntary donations of the public.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

Trg prog on backyard poultry DIMAPUR: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Peren organised a two-day programme on backyard poultry production, December 13 and 15 at Mhainamtshi village.

During the programme, SMS (A/Sc) and training coordinator, Dr. L. Babita Devi highlighted the importance of using improved poultry germplasm in backyard condition for sustainable livelihood and income generation.

Altogether, 28 farmers including seven farm women attended the training programme.

As a part of the training, expert –farmer interaction /group discussion and hands on training on vaccine and medicine delivery in poultry was also conducted.

DRDA Kohima employees to continue stir NCSU holds meeting; adopts 7-point resolution

DIMAPUR: Employees of District Rural Development Agency (DRDA) Kohima at an emergency meeting held on December 14, 2021, have resolved to continue the ongoing strike.

The employees said the meeting, which deliberate on the issue of pending salary and the appeals, was convened in view of

the government’s appeal to DRDAs to call off the ongoing agitation.

During the meeting, the officers and staff of DRDA Kohima demanded that the payment of pending salaries be made in full before December 22, 2021.

Failure to make payment or arranged within the stipulated date, the employ-

ees cautioned to take legal action.

They also cautioned once it becomes a legal matter, the authority would be held liable for attorney’s fee and court cost related in the lawsuit. They said that the authority would also be held liable to pay all the interest accrued as required legally.

Members of the NCSU at the meeting on Thursday.

DIMAPUR: Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) on Thursday reaffirmed its stand on mandatory open tender system and awarding of contractual works only to NCSU identity card holders as per government standing order. In a press release, NCSU media cell informed that the reaffirmation was made during its annual general meeting in the conferDirectorate of Higher Education Nagaland bade farewell to retired registrar, Sedele ence hall of the NCSU, Kohima. The union resolved to Lohe on Thursday.

DIMAPUR: St. Clare higher Secondary School (SCHSS) organised an annual peace club meet with 35 club members and teacher animators.

During the valedictory function Dr. Fr. C.P Anto said peace was one of the most essential requirements of humanity and a necessary per-requisite for progress, development and sustainability.

He also spoke about the different types of conflicts and stated that all the conflicts could be resolved through dialogue and peace building process.

Dr. Fr. C.P Anto encouraged the members to work on their inter and intra personal communication skills so they would be able to convince and communicate the message to the people. As we are going to commemorate the birth of Jesus let us love, forgive and reconcile with each other by willingly accepting our mistakes and failures, he said.

Fur ther, he urged upon the students to do good deeds every day in their homes, schools and localities as they prepare for Christmas.

Earlier, SCHSS principal, Sr. Jessin spoke on the importance of Christmas while peace club member Loreni was facilitator of the programme.

ICAR Nagaland centre organises trg

DIMAPUR: ICAR Nagaland Centre organised a training on “role of tribal women in strengthening of pig value chain in Nagaland” from November 29-December 1 under NASF project. The training was organised in coordination with Chakhesang Women Welfare Society (CWWS), Pfutsero.

K Y M C

3rd DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR BELOVED MOTHER

Lt. THONGDINARO MHONTHUNG LOTHA Each day we pass through without your presence, we endure our deepest sorrows looking up to God, you are safe in His caring hands. You are and will always be cherished and missed.

We miss you so much everyday. dp-5871/21

Annual peace club meet held at SCHSS

Loving husband, children, mother and relatives.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

celebrate its golden jubilee of and to construct NCSU head office building while also deciding to review the constitution.

It resolved to pursue pending liabilities from state government departments and to write representation to the state government with regard to various taxes.

The house also decided to ask the state government to come out with a yearly works programme. Later, NCSU nominated its new

NEWS IN BRIEF

DC Kohima on existing lockdown measures: Deputy commissioner Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie has informed that the existing lockdown measures and relaxation as contained in the DC’s office order of even number dated October 28, 2021 (Unlock-8) in Kohima district would continue from December 15-January 15, 2022.

DRFCB elects new office bearers: Dhanshiri River Flood Control Board held a general meeting on Thursday and elected new office bearers for the tenure 2021-2026 with Kashito Kiba as chairman, Hekuto Wotsa as vice chairman, Edento as general secretary, Hokheto as founder and advisor along with six other members. The office bearers would oversee all official matters related to all river-based issues and affairs falling under Dimapur district jurisdiction.

NPAD office to remain closed from Dec 20: Nagaland Pensioners’ Association Dimapur has informed all pensioners in Dimapur district that the NPAD office would remain close from December 20 till first of January, 2022.

LVBC to celebrate platinum jubilee: Lozaphuhü Village Baptist Church has informed that it would be celebrating its platinum jubilee December 18 and 19.

The church has solicited the presence and blessings of well-wishers and friends.

NNC/FGN (WC) NNPGs Lotha region informs: NNC/FGN (WC) NNPGs Lotha region has informed the public and departments under Lotha region “not to entertain anyone seeking contribution and any kind of donation without the knowledge of Medan Peyu”. For queries, one could contact Thungchamo Kithan at 9436213807 or 9862011904.

DC Dimapur informs on extension of lockdown measures: In view of the home department’s order on extension of the existing lockdown measures, deputy commissioner R. Soundararajan has informed that the order will continue to remain in force in Dimapur district with effect from December 15 2021 till January 15, 2022.

team of office bearers for a term of five years with incumbent officials Pele Khezhie and John Kath to continue as president and general secretary along with N. Neilo Koza, Hoshito Assumi and K. L. Setuo Rutsaas vice presidents and others.

The nomination committee was headed by T. Yanger Imchen as convener and S. K. Rangma, H. Muzung Yimchunger, Kuzhasheyi Alex & Hotoshe Sumi as members.

AcKnowLedgement

‘Life is not forever but dearest mom your love will always cherish in our hearts’ Dearest Mom, This beautiful world but just countable days of life Heaven is the only everlasting dwelling Your love, your good deeds and your teachings we will follow Until we meet in the glorious Eternal place

dp-5968/21

AcknowLedgement

Our beloved mother, grandmother and my wife Late Sayangkala LKR (B.S. Akala) in her prolonged illness and demise on 8th December 2021, we express our heartfelt gratitude to each individuals, families, various unions and churches who came forward and stood by us in our brokenness and supported us emotionally, practically and spiritually.

Words seems inadequate to thank you all.

Prayers to Almighty God for blessings upon you all.

Loving husband, children, in -laws, grand children and family members mkc-477/21

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” 2 Timothy 4:7

02.08.1968 - 07.12.2021 The family members of Late Repamangyang Lkr (Mongsenyimti) would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to all the friends, neighbours and well-wishers who have visited us during his illness and death, attended his funeral service and burial. We remember each one of you who came and consoled us in our downhearted moments. Your prayers, kind words and actions have comforted us and made our loss more bearable. It is our prayer that the Almighty bless each and everyone of you abundantly.

"Only a brave soul like you could endure life's raging tempest with humility". mkc-476/21

1st Death anniversary of our beloved dad, grandfather

Born on : 24th Oct., 1963 – Died on : 10th Dec., 2021 We, the bereaved family members of Lt. Mrs. Toilung Konyak would like to thank each and every individual for your support, condolence & sympathy in our time of mourning and grief.

Though we may not be able to thank each and every individual who have supported and helped us, we would like to extend special thanks to the following.

1. Konyak Baptist Bumeinok, Dimapur 2. Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong, Dimapur 3. Konyak Baptist Fellowship, Bor-lengri 4. United Baptist Church, Choto Lengri 5. Totok Union Dimapur 6. Konyak Union, Bor-Lengri 7. 80’s Footprint 8. Two Wheelers’ Taxi Association, Dimapur 9. Totok Chingkho Bumeinok 10. UBC Women Dept. Choto Lengri 11. Choto Lengri Village Development Committee 12. UBC Youth Dept. Choto Lengri 13. Sheanghah Union, Dimapur 14. Phomching Area Union, Dimapur 15. Konyak Baptist Bumeinok, Youth Dept.

16. Dimapur Eastern Naga Students’ Union 17. Ebenezer Prayer Home 18. Konyak Baptist Fellowship, Diphupar 19. United Konyak Baptist Church, Naga United 20. Dimapur Longphong Khong 21. Grace Place Mother’s Group 22. Honyin Union, Chumoukedima 23. Grace Prayer Ministry 24. Konyak Union, Dimapur 25. Konyak Baptist Bumeinok Dimapur, Shekokhong dp-6014/21

Loving husband, sons and relatives

Lt. t. azuzu abraham thurr Born : 14-01-1957

Died : 10-12-2021

Late aHaINI teP

We, the bereaved family members of Lt. ahaini tep, convey our heartfelt and sincere gratitude to each and every individuals, groups, churches, friends, neighbours and well-wishers for supporting us physically, morally, financially and upholding us spiritually at the sudden demise of our beloved mother on 10-12-2021.

We regret our inability to thank each and everyone personally but we humbly pray to our Almighty God to bless you all abundantly.

Special thanks to: 1. Rengma Baptist Church Kohima.

9. Tesophenyu Prayer Centre.

2. K.N.Z. Sector Fellowship, Kohima.

10. Rengma Public Organisation Kohima.

11. Tesophenyu Group Union, Kohima.

3. Tesophenyu Group Fellowship, 12. Tesophenyu Group Pensioner’s Kohima.

Forum Kohima.

4. Hosanna Prayer Group Kohima.

13. Tesophenyu Group Mother’s Union 5. Bread of Life Church, Kohima.

Kohima.

6. Ezikiel Prayer Group D.B.S. Colony, 14. Gwighihai-Zi Group.

Kohima.

15. Sun Rise Brother Society.

7. Soul Harvest Church of Living God, 16. A-Tsen Zi. Kohima.

8. Tesophenyu Upper Baptist Church.

Loving Children, In-laws and Grandchildren k-2418/21

29/03/1929 – 17/12/2020

“The memory of the righteous is a blessing”

Proverbs 10:7 A year has passed by since you left us, Yet we miss you deeply.

We cherish the memories of your love and find strength in knowing that even though you are gone, you will still live on in our hearts forever.

Loving children and grand children k-2415/21 K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: In view of new threat from Omicron, should public events be curtailed?

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

A B C

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

76% 20% 4%

NEXT POLL

Q: S h o u l d t h e C o u r t

intervene for removal of union minister Teni for the Lakhimpur violence?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST DECEMBER 17

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sunshine

26 12

Aizawl

Partly sunny and pleasant

Guwahati Hazy sunshine

23

8

26 12

Imphal

Mostly sunny and nice

23

Itanagar

Mostly sunny and pleasant

23 11

Shillong

Hazy sunshine

20

5

Kohima

Mostly sunny

21

7

Dimapur

Mostly sunny and beautiful

25 11

Mkg

Brilliant sunshine and nice

23

8

16

4

Tuensang Sunny and cooler Wokha

5

Mostly sunny and not as warm 20 10

Zunheboto Sunshine

20

6

Zhaleo unveils foundation stone of TUD office complex

DIMAPUR: Advisor, sericulture, excise & minority Zhaleo Rio on Thursday unveiled the foundation stone for new office complex of Tenyimi Union Dimapur (TUD) at TUD Complex Dimapur.

In a press release, NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II A/C media secretary, Thejangukho Yalietsu informed that while speaking at the programme as special guest, Zhaleo pointed out that Tenyimi people had come a long way since inception of the union 46 years ago.

He advised them to forge brotherhood ties through love and unity and said that it was time to spread love and positive attitude sharing not only among the 11 tribes but to the people around them in Dimapur and Nagas in general.

Urging everyone to work for the upliftment and prosperity of Naga people, Zhaleo lamented that Nagas had the “tendency to create negative vibes without rhyme or reason”.

We should inculcate good habits or practices

Zhaleo Rio addressing the gathering during the programme on Thursday. (NP)

of other tribes and people groups which would impact the society positively, he stated.

He assured to lend his hand towards construction of the new office complex and advocated for all Tenyimi people to contribute their might as responsible members.

Calling upon the people to support leaders, the advisor said that understanding, cooperation and unity among the people was indispensable for a better tomorrow.

He urged the people to introspect further, consider all challenges ahead and strive together “as we move

into the new year”.

The programme was chaired by TUD president Vekhosayi Nyekha while TBC Dimapur associate pastor, Zakie Terhüja invoked God’s blessings and building committee report was tabled by building committee convenor, Tsathvü C. Thevüry.

Speeches were also delivered by commissioner of police, Dimapur, Rothihü Tetseo and APO president Razouvotuo Chatsu while TWUD president Neivi proposed the vote of thanks and Hindi Baptist Church Dimapur pastor, Rev. Peuhau N. Hau said the benediction.

Home deptt notifies on online Inner Line Permit DIMAPUR: Nagaland home department has informed that the provision for online application and issue of Inner Line Permit (ILP) has been extended with immediate effect to non-indigenous persons belonging to the categories of trader, businessman, labourer, student and priest for entry and temporary stay in Nagaland as per provisions of ILP regime laid down in the home department office notifications of even number dated May 3, 2018 and December 9, 2019.

It informed that the application for issue of online ILP may be made by registering at www.ilp.nagaland.gov.in providing all requisite details, uploading photograph, valid government recognised photo IDs, address proof and paying prescribed fees as per instructions on the website.

Guarantor for persons seeking ILP online would also be required to register on the site as per instructions on the website.

The digital copy of ILP card generated or its hard copy would be considered as valid ILP document when carried along with a government recognized photo ID. The facility of online ILP would be in addition to the existing offline mode of obtaining ILPs, the department informed.

the contractors with an agreement made for the operation of log/timber under certain condition and period cannot be banned by any individual or groups as contractors have every right to operate until validity period is over.”

Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union has, therefore, said the timber traders would “never bow down to the dictates of the Peren CSOs and the term and conditions laid down by them”. During the meeting, NTTU and its affiliated units also iterated that local timber farmer and contractors in Peren district who were operating in their own land and forests had every right to continue with their trade without any interference.

NTTU in a representation dated December 6 to DC Peren served a deadline that in the event of the Peren CSOs sticking to “ban”, the Peren CSOs should pay back the invested amount of Rs. 6,67,55,709 together with interest at 12% per annum to the timber traders within 15 days from the date of submission of the representation.

“If the Peren CSOs consent to refund the invested amount, then Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union and its units are ready to quit timber operation in Peren district”, NTTU stated.

DIMAPUR: KVK Phek, ICAR-NRCM sponsored by NABARD, Dimapur organised exposure-cum-hands on training for progressive farmers of Phek district on vermicomposting technology, cultivation of vegetable crops under protected cultivation at ICAR-RCNEHR, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema and shitake mushroom production at Konger Agritech, Dimapur from December 12-16.

CTO-Soil Science, KVK Phek, ICAR-NRCM, Dr. T Esther Longkumer informed that on the first day, scientist, ICAR, Nagaland centre, Medziphema Dr Azeze Seyie explained the importance of protected cultivation to the participants followed by field visit.

The team also visited ICAR-NRC on Mithun where principal scientist Dr N Haque explained salt licking block, mineral mixture and feed block for animals.

On the second day, farmers visited ICAR-RC for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre farm where CTO and farm manager Dr LJ Bordoloi explained the importance of vermicomposting.

Scientist, ICAR, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Dr Christy BK Sangma presented organic farming and its scope in the Region while mushroom expert, Director, Konger Agritech Dr Sosang Longkumer talked on importance of shiitake oyster mushroom. Altogether 25 farmers participated in the exposure cum training programme.

Temjen Imna Along flags off ‘peace angel rally’ in Kohima

Temjen Imna Along flagging off Peace Angel Rally at Kohima on December 15. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Minister of Higher Education & Tribal Affairs, Temjen Imna Along flagged off the peace angel rally on the theme “universal peace and harmony” on December 15 at Sokhriezie Park.

The rally culminated at Ura Academy, Kohima.

According to a DIPR report, speaking as the chief guest, Along said the rally initiative would help every citizen of the state endeavor to have peace within oneself and to achieve it all around.

He lauded Brahma Kumaris which he said was recognised worldwide for helping people overcome many difficulties through meditation and bringing communities together. BK sister Rupa Raj said that the Brahma Kumaris was a “spiritual movement that originated in Hyderabad during the 1930s”.

Adding that it taught a form of meditation that focused on identity as souls as opposed to bodies and believed that all souls

were intrinsically good and that God was the source of all goodness.

She said that the organisation taught on transcending labels associated with the body, such as race, nationality, religion and gender and aspired to establish a global culture based on what it called “soul-consciousness”.

Earlier, BK sister spoke on the importance of value education and meditation and BK brother Vinod highlighted aims and objectives.

Peren CSOs hold coordination meeting

Phek conducts trg NTTU meeting discusses KVK on vermicomposting ban on timber by Peren CSOs DIMAPUR: Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union (NTTU) held a joint meeting with its affiliated units including Chumoukedima Timber Traders’ Association (CTTA) and Dimapur District Timber Mill Owners’ Association (DDTMOA) on December 15 to deliberate on the ban imposed on movement of unprocessed timber from Peren district to other districts

by Peren Civil Society Organisations (CSOs).

In a press release, NTTU president Kevise Sogotsu informed that meeting resolved that the ban imposed

by Peren CSOs was unconstitutional and infringement of Article 371 (A) of the Indian constitution, which states that “ownership and transfer of land and its resources” solely lies with the people or individual owners of land.

Nagaland Timber Traders’ Union stated that the timber contractors operating in Peren district entered into contract and signed legal agreements with 50 land/forest owners from different villages.

In this regard, as per the agreements, which could be validated in any legal court, it said the timber contractors had “every right to operate till expiry of the agreement”.

In this connection, 27 villages under Peren district asserted that “the material forest products sold out to

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

Leaders from various Peren CSOs at the coordination meeting on December 14.

DIMAPUR: Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) of Peren district held a coordination meeting at Ahthibung on December 14.

The meeting was hosted by Kuki Inpi Nagaland (KIN).

In a press release, KIN informed that the meeting comprised of Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland, Zeliang Peoples’ Organisation, Zeliangrong Youth Front, Zeliangrong Mipui Organisation, Zeliang Students’ Union, Kuki Inpi Nagaland, Kuki Students Organisation and Kuki Nupi Kiloikhom.

During the pro-

gramme, Thangkhokai Gangte delivered welcome address and L. Singsit IPS (Retd) Kuki Inpi president delivered the keynote address.

Speeches were also delivered by Zelaingrong Baudi president CR Zeliang, Nagaland Zeliang Peoples’ Organisation (NZPO) president Kevipele, representative from district administration, SDO (C) Peren, Kimsylile, Zeme council president, Zeliangrong youth, Zeliangrong Mapui Organisation president, Kuki Student Organisation president and

Zeliangrong Baudi Nagaland, Manipur, Assam president, Akhang.

The speakers of the consultation meeting stressed on the importance of maintaining peace and harmony for all-round progress and development of the district.

The CSOs also discussed maintenance and preservation of natural resources which they said was vital for sustenance of life and ecological imbalance.

The meeting constituted a Joint Action Committee (JAC) comprising of

Zeme Council vice president as convener, Kuki Inpi vice president as member, Liangmei Council vice president as member and Rongmei Council Peren vice president as member “to cater to emergency situations”.

The organisations agreed to conduct annual coordination meetings regularly and entrusted NZPO to host the next meeting.

The meeting was presided over by KIN speaker, Denis Hangsing while Zeliangrong Mothers Association chairperson, Apeuna said the benediction.

DC office Kma, Pughoboto SDPDB celebrate advent Christmas Shalom Public School 9th annual day

DC Kohima Gregory Thejawelie delivering Christmas SDBDB chairman and Y. Vikheho Swu, speaking at the message on Thursday. (DIPR) programme. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Deputy commissioner office, Kohima organised an advent Christmas programme on Thursday at the DC’s farm site, Kohima.

According to a DIPR report, DC Kohima Gregory Thejawelie in his message said that they were grateful to God for what they were today and that they would not be celebrating the day if it was not by the grace of God. God has been so kind to us that we could celebrate together with the improved situation today, he stated.

DC said that as people exchanged good wishes in kind and in words with friends and strangers, they K Y M C

also marked the day with prayers, special services and carols besides traditional mass community feasts.

In this regard, he said that besides the joy and love they shared, it was important to understand and know deeper the insight and true meaning of Christmas and the birth of Jesus Christ.

Gregory urged upon the officers and staff from various departments that they should open their hearts and submit their lives spiritually to God and ask for guidance while acknowledging the supreme sacrifice He had made for them.

Earlier, SDO (C) R.

Daniel Angami chaired the programme while a special number was presented by SDO (C) office Zubza and Jakhama.

Pughoboto SDPDB: Pughoboto SDPDB organised a meeting-cum-preChristmas celebration with SDBDB chairman and Y. Vikheho Swu, MLA at the DB court hall, Pughoboto on Thursday.

According to a DIPR report, Vikheho urged upon all the village chairmen to beautify and develop their areas during their chairmanship.

He informed that more tree saplings would be planted in all 24 villages with the help

of officers in the month of April 2022.

On the Pughoboto district demand, the MLA urged the people to reflect on the upliftment of areas and also introspect their forefathers’ contribution in nationalism, migration and religion. He said that he would continue to give his best for the people as the representative of the area and asked them to contribute positive thinking and not to miss the bus for creation of Pughoboto district.

Pughoboto district demand memorandum booklet copy was also handed over to all the VCC during the meeting.

ADC Thungchanbemo Tungoe also informed the VCC to play their roles with positive mindsets for a healthy and prosperous environment.

Meanwhile, SAH president Inavi Swu while highlighting Pughoboto district demand dwelt on the need to establish a State Bank of India office in Pughoboto.

Appreciating the MLA and ADC for taking special meeting with the VC Chairman and grassroots level workers, he urged the chairman to know more about the government developmental activities and requested them to cooperate with each other.

Vikheho also delivered a Christmas greetings message.

During the programme, the members observed a twominute silence in remembrance of the 14 innocent civilians killed at Oting village and apprised the government to repeal AFSPA. Earlier, the programme was chaired by SDO civil, Longasen EE PWD Er. Chengato said the invocation, SABAK youth secretary, Hokato Futhena delivered a Christmas message while a special song was presented by Kaboto Swu. The house also welcomed new member SDEO Pughoboto, Wobenthung Lotha.

Teachers and staff of the school at the 9th annual day programme.

DIMAPUR: Shalom Public School Chümoukedima held its 9th annual day on December 15 on the theme “moulding a star” with EAC Chümoukedima, Seyiekhrietuo Solo as chief guest.

A press release from the school informed that during the programme, Seyiekhrietuo emphasised on the impact of teachers’ role in students’ life as there were numerous graduates who were unemployable because they lacked skills.

He encouraged the gathering to inculcate civic sense for a cleaner environment and advised the students to strive for excellence and become better human beings.

In her speech, director, Merenla Longchar also stressed on the role of parents and teachers in students’ life as they played vital roles in laying strong foundation during their upbringing.

The programme saw various performances from students including musical drama, a presentation of chorale from the school choir conducted by music teacher, R. Tali Longkumer.

The programme was chaired by Bambino Swu, Imsurenla Longkumer of grade VII said the invocation, welcome speech from headmaster, Mhondamo Lotha and closing prayer

by Lerina Yim of grade VI. K Y M C

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NORTHEAST

Modi only fears losing elections: PC

GUWAHATI, DEC 16 (PTI): Calling the BJP-led central government “disastrous”, senior Congress leader P Chidambaram said on Thursday Prime Minister Narendra Modi fears only one thing--”losing elections”--and doesn’t care for anything else, including his party colleagues.

Addressing a threeday training camp for Assam Congress workers here, the former Union minister said the country is “sliding down” fast and it will be in “grave peril” if the present government continues in office.

“This is a disastrous government. To cover up its monumental failures, this government has taken recourse to religion. Another reason to take side with religion is to divide the country on religious lines to win elections,” he said.

The senior Congress leader said, “Modi has no fear of anything--his party, MPs, CMs, ministers, the

P Chidambaram being felicitated by Congress leaders in Guwahati, Thursday. (PTI) president, the vice president, something. The only way to judges, God or anyone else. save the country is to defeat “He fears only one Modi in every election.” thing--losing an election.

The Congress veteran Under no circumstances he said more dangers lay ahead wants to lose an election. for the country with China I’m glad that he fears at least occupying Indian territory

and building villages at the border, youth in Kashmir turning back to militancy and the economy collapsing.

Referring to the resurgence of former prime minister Indira Gandhi after the massive electoral defeat in 1977, the former Union home and finance minister asked Congress workers to be confident about winning once again.

“We also lost in 1996, 1998, 1999. In 1999, we lost to a charismatic leader, good orator and lifelong swayamsevak Atal Bihari Vajpayee.

But we again won back from him in 2004 due to the hard work of Sonia Gandhi and state Congress units.

“So, I want to tell you that the last seven-and-half years should not lead to a conclusion that Narendra Modi is invincible or unbeatable. We must believe that our idea (of politics) is right and his (Modi’s) wrong. If you can convince yourself, only then you will be able to convince others,” he noted.

NE observes 50th anniv of ‘Vijay Diwas’

Manipur CM Biren Singh addressing a gathering.

AGARTALA/GUWAHATI, DEC 16 (IANS): ‘Vijay Diwas’, which marks Indian military’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 India-Pakistan war and the creation of sovereign Bangladesh, was observed across the Northeastern states on Thursday.

Wreath laying ceremonies were organised at the War Memorials in Agartala, Guwahati and other places.

The Bangladesh Assistant High Commissions in Guwahati and Agartala also organised discussions, cultural programmes and a get-together on the occasion.

The day-long celebrations are

B’desh to preserve places in Tripura with 1971 war memories AGARTALA, DEC 16 (PTI): Bangladesh Assistant High Commissioner in Agartala, Mohammad Jobayed Hossain, on Thursday said that his country is keen on preserving places in Tripura that have memories of the 1971 Liberation War. Addressing a programme at Bangladesh Assistant High Commission here to commemorate the golden jubilee of the country’s liberation from Pakistan, Hossain said, “Our country is keen on preserving the places in Tripura that have memories of the Liberation War. Roughly 20 such locations

have been identified. The process slowed down due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but it would gain pace soon.”

He said that the Bharat-Bangladesh Maitri Udyan in South Tripura’s Chottakhola is one of the biggest such places, and other prominent locations will be identified soon.

A massive park on 20 hectares of land has been established in the border village, which was an erstwhile base of the Mukti Bahini used for launching attacks on the Pakistan Army in Noakhali, Feni and parts of Comilla district in erstwhile East

Pakistan. The park, which encompasses seven hillocks and a lake near the Trishna Wildlife Sanctuary, was inaugurated on December 16, 2017. The foundation for the park was laid by then Bangladesh Foreign Minister Dipu Moni in November 2010.

Two statues of Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and former Indian prime minister India Gandhi have been erected in the park.

Tripura Assembly Speaker Ratan Chakraborty, in his speech as the chief guest, said that the relations between the two countries have reached

new heights at present with cooperation on mutually beneficial issues.

He lauded the Bangladesh government for taking action against insurgents from the northeastern states based in that country.

Officials said that Bangladesh security forces have destroyed camps set up by insurgents from Tripura and other northeastern states. Pakistan Armed Forces under General AAK Niazi had surrendered to the Indian Armed Forces and Mukti Bahini in Dhaka on December 16, 1971, leading to the liberation of Bangladesh.

Tripura Chief Minis-

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

ter Biplab Deb tweeted on the occasion, “Warm greetings of the #VijayDiwas!

Today, we commemorate 50 years of India’s victory over Pakistan in the 1971 war. My salute to all the brave hearts of the Indian armed forces who fought the enemy and liberated a new nation.”

“On #Swar nimVijayDiwas, I remember the indomitable courage of the brave hearts of the Indian Armed Forces who defeated the oppressive forces during the #1971War. India is forever proud of our armed forces and their achievements,” he said in another Twitter post.

Gov of Meghalaya Satya Pal Malik in Shillong. (PTI)

taking place in both the mission complexes.

Assistant High Commissioner of Bangladesh in Agartala, Mohammad Jobayed Hosen said besides cultural programmes by the Indian and Bangladeshi artists, seminars and discussions are being held to commemorate the historic Liberation War and the incredible victory.

In Tripura, Agriculture and Transport Minister Pranajit Singha Roy paid tributes to the valiant personnel of the Armed Forces at the war memorial at Albert Ekka Park in Lichu Bagan on the outskirts of

Agartala city.

In Mizoram, state Governor Dr Hari Babu Kambhampati paid the floral tributes at the War Memorial in Treasury Square in Aizawl. Chief Minister Zoramthanga, Home Minister Lalchamliana also paid their tributes on the occasion.

In Manipur, Chief Minister N.Biren Singh and his council of Ministers visited the First Manipur Rifles ground in Imphal to pay tributes.

The day was also celebrated in Meghalaya, Nagaland, Arunachal Pradesh and other parts of Northeast India.

Construction of the Bairabi-Sairang railway line to be accelerated in Mizoram

Baitabi railway station in Mizoram MIZORAM, DEC 16 In answer to a ques(AGENCIES): The railway tion from Mizoram MP line connecting Bairabi and C. Lalrosanga, Vaishnaw Sairang in Mizoram would claimed that the Northeast be accelerated, according Frontier Railway (NFR) is to Union Railway Minister completing the 51.38 km Ashwini Vaishnaw, who long Bhairabi-Sairang new spoke to Parliament on railway line project at an Wednesday, reports The estimated cost of Rs. 6,527 crore. “While the exact Sentinel Assam.

Mnp media protest non-clearance of ad bills Scindia inaugurates IndiGo’s Guwahati-Pune flight

Correspondent

IMPHAL, DEC 16: Media houses in Manipur closed for the day on Thursday to observe a one-day cease work to protest non-clearance of government advertisement bills.

Following the cease work, local cable TV networks have suspended broadcasting of news and other news related events including discussion hours.

With the closure of media houses, no newspaper will hit the stands next (December 17).

The Editors’ Guild Manipur and Manipur Hill Journalists’ Union that spearheaded the protest against the non-clearance of bills for government

advertisement alleged that the state government was not clearing the bills for the last around two years.

A meeting of the editors, members of the Editors’ Guild Manipur and Manipur Hill Journalists’ Union held on Wednesday resolved to observe a cease work for a day in protest against non-clearance of government advertisement bills to various media houses.

A joint statement of the two bodies informed that there will be no news bulletin and discussion program for electronic media on December 16 and no publication on December 17.

The statement added that if no visible action was

seen from the government’s side, the media will begin boycotting news related to ministers followed by the government and the ruling parties.

It further appealed to the government to take up the matter immediately to save the media.

When contacted, some officials of the Directorate of Information And Public Relations familiar with the advertisement said that processes were on to clear the pending bills.

The estimated amount the state government owed could not be available till late this evening.

Maximum number of government advertisements went through the state Directorate of Infor-

mation And Public Relations (DIPR) even though some government departments directly bypassed the department (DIPR).

However, officials were reportedly working out a due amount for each media house which is likely to be tabled in a proposed talk between the government and the striking scribes’ bodies.

An official disclosed that not all the bills for the advertisements were pending except delay in the payment of the amount at some point of time.

At the same time, many bills were unable to be processed due to nonsubmission of the bills by the respective media houses.

NEW DELHI, DEC 16 (PTI): Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia has inaugurated IndiGo’s daily flight between Guwahati and Pune, the airline said in a statement on Thursday.

The daily flight, which was launched Wednesday evening, will depart from the Guwahati airport at 10.40 PM and arrive at the Pune airport at 2.15 AM, the statement said.

The return flight will depart at 2.50 AM and land at the Guwahati airport at 6.05 AM, it added.

The airline said it currently operates more than 500 weekly flights from four cities of Assam including Guwahati, Silchar, Dibrugarh and Jorhat.

Hasina Bhanu The FT had upheld Bhanu’s Indian citizenship in August 2016, but declared her a foreigner after the Assam police said she was a suspected Bangladeshi, and referred the matter back to the tribunal.

A division bench of Justices Kotiswar Singh and Malasri Nandy ruled on Monday that the identity of the petitioner in the earlier proceeding and the impugned second proceeding is the same and there is no finding by the tribunal that the present petitioner is different from the earlier person, and as such the second opinion in respect of the same person was not sustainable.

The Supreme Court’s decision that the principle of ‘res judicata’ will be applicable even in a proceed-

ing before the foreigners tribunal also makes the FT’s opinion not sustainable and that issue has already been settled, the judges observed.

“In view of the decision of the Supreme Court, the Tribunal could not have proceeded with the matter, and as such, it would be illegal being violative of the mandate of law under Article 141 of the Constitution of India, binding on every Court and Tribunal,” the bench said in the order.

Article 141 of the Constitution of India stipulates that the law declared by the Supreme Court shall be binding on all courts within the territory of India.

The judges pointed out that the court, in a number of earlier decisions, had already applied the “aforesaid decision and interfered with the subsequent proceeding initiated by the Foreigners Tribunal against the same proceedee”.

Following the HC order, Darrang Superintendent of Police Sushanta Biswa Sarma approved her release order on Wednesday and a team of Darrang police reached Tezpur Central Jail, about 100 kms from her home town, this evening. Bhanu was handed over to the police team after completion of necessary paperwork, jail authorities said. She was, however, not allowed to speak to the media waiting outside the jail.

Bhanu’s relatives in Darrang told reporters that they are relieved that she has been released and will be home.

“This is a case of sheer harassment as she was already declared an Indian in 2016 but another case alleging that she was foreigner was slapped against her. We had to spend a lot of money to prove her citizenship. We will always remain grateful to the high court for ordering her release,” one of them said.

GUWAHATI, DEC 16 (AGENCIES): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed that drivers will not be allowed to drink and drive on New Year’s evening. The Minister asserted that drivers caught drinking and driving on an intervening night between 31 December and 1 January will have to face detention as per the traffic guidelines for New Year’s Eve, reports The Sentinel Assam.

While addressing the media on Thursday, the CM also made it clear that anyone who drives in a drunken state during New Year’s Eve will be detained.

He further informed that not just the driver will be arrested on being driving in an inebriated state but the passengers accompanying will also be arrested.

During his interaction with the media, the CM warns that the drivers found consuming alcohol will be the guest of the government for the whole night along with the people traveling

Arunachal logs 5 new COVID cases

ITANAGAR, DEC 16 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh on Thursday reported five new COVID-19 cases, four more than the previous day, with the tally rising to 55,319, a health department official said.

The death toll remained at 280 as no fresh fatality due to the infection was reported in the past 24 hours, State Surveillance Officer Dr Lobsang Jampa said.

Seven people recuperated from the disease on Wednesday, taking the total number of recoveries to 55,007, the official said.

T h e r e c ove r y r a t e Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia flagged among coronavirus patients off an IndiGo non-spot inaugurating Guwahati-Pune in the state remained at route on Wednesday (Jyotiraditya Scindia- Twitter) 99.43 per cent.

Woman first declared ‘Indian’ and then Assam CM warns ‘detention’ for ‘foreigner’ released in Assam on HC order drunk driving on New Year’s eve

TEZPUR/GUWAHATI, DEC 16 (PTI): A 55-year old woman, declared an ‘Indian’ and then a foreigner by a Foreigners Tribunal in Assam within a span of less than five years, walked out of Tezpur Central Jail on Thursday following a directive of the Gauhati High Court.

Hasina Bhanu alias Hasna Bhanu was declared ‘Indian’ in 2016 and a ‘foreigner of 25:3:1971 stream’ in 2021 by the Darrang Foreigners Tribunal (FT), after which she was arrested and lodged in a detention camp in Tezpur jail in October 2021.

The Gauhati High Court, however, overturned the tribunal’s order earlier this week, invoking the doctrine of ‘res judicata’ which relates to matters finally decided on merit by a court having competent jurisdiction and not subject to further litigation by the same parties.

“The proceedings against her cannot be sustained,” the bench ruled.

amount of time is uncertain, the railway line’s development will be expedited,” he added.

According to the Union Minister, Rs 4,343 crore of the Rs 6,527 crore has been spent, with Rs 1,036 crore put aside for fiscal 2021-2022. The project would have 55 major bridges, 87 minor bridges, and 32 tunnels totalling 12.65 kilometres, according to Vaishnaw. Work of a 51-kilometer broad gauge railway between Aizawl’s Sairang and Bairabi, on the Assam border, began in 2015

with them and they will be keeping a strict watch over allowed to leave only the the citizens. next morning.

The Minister stated in his discussion with media that he has no problem with people enjoying New Year’s Eve and has objection to people celebrating the upcoming year holding parties but those who will be caught driving a vehicle in a drunken state will surely face detention therefore they should not drink and drive.

He mentioned that IN THE COURT OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER INdecision THE COURT OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER the to detention DIMAPUR, NAGALAND of drunk driversDIMAPUR, on New NAGALAND NOTICE Year’s evening came in NOTICE light No. M-667/21/6251-52 Dated Dimapur, the 14/12/2021 ofNo.maintaining the safety M-667/21/6251-52 Dated Dimapur, the 14/12/2021 Notice is hereby given that Shri Avilie Nagi Vrs Shri Akumwapang of the citizens.

As earlier Notice is hereby given that Shri Avilie Nagi Vrs Shri Akumwapang resident of Burma Camp in the District of Dimapur, Nagaland many people have lost their Pongen, resident of Burma Camp in Pongen, the District of Dimapur, Nagaland Rule 50 & 51 ofAct the1886 Assam Land Revenue Regulation Act 1886 have underwhile Rule 50celebrating & 51 of the Assam Revenue Regulation have lives NewLand under applied for Mutation of :-land described in the schedule below :applied for Mutation of land described in the schedule below Year and driving under the underinvites Rule 52 of the said Rules do hereby invites The undersigned under Rule 52 of theThe saidundersigned Rules do hereby influence of alcohol during said land concerning Claims/Objections concerning to the Claims/Objections if any & should theretobethe said land if any & should there be should submit this Court on or before 1(one) month from the date the any,celebration. should submit toTherefore this Court on or any, before 1(one) monthtofrom the date this time thein local Statenewspaper. govern- of publication in local newspaper. of publication SCHEDULE OF LAND AND BOUNDARY ment will ensure thatOFno SCHEDULE LAND AND BOUNDARY Name of Patta Holder such incidents took place Name of Patta Holder : Shri. Avilie Nagi, Block No : 9 (Nine), : Shri. Avilie Nagi, Block No : 9 (Nine), Patta No : 1228, Dag No : 1379, Area : 00B-00K-13Ls, Patta Nothe : 1228, Dag No :of 1379, Area : 00B-00K-13Ls, during occasion New North :Road, Methinu Rongmai, South : Approach Road, North : Methinu Rongmai, South : Approach Year.

EastPamei. : Methinu Rongmai, West : Alugang Pamei.

East The : Methinu Rongmai, West : Alugang Assam police have Sd/- Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS Sd/- Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS been given instructions for Deputy Commissioner Deputy Commissioner Dimapur : Nagaland maintaining the order and dp-6018/21 Dimapur : Nagaland dp-6018/21

Oppn demand sacking of MoS Teni

NEW DELHI, DEC 16 (PTI/IANS): Lok Sabha proceedings were adjourned for the day on Thursday amid continuous protests by opposition members led by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi demanding sacking of Union Minister Ajay Mishra from the government in connection with the Lakhimpur Kheri violence.

Gandhi, who had a question on MSME sector listed on Thursday, linked Mishra with the Lakhimpur Kheri violence and demanded his ouster when Speaker Om Birla called his name during the Question Hour.

It was trouble from the word go, as opposition members trooped into the Well raising slogans and waving placards demanding removal of Mishra, whose son has been arrested in connection with the Lakhimpur Kheri violence in October in which eight people, including four farmers, were killed.

Trinamool Congress members, who had earlier stayed away from the opposition grouping, were also in the Well of the House raising slogans along with members of the Congress and Left parties.

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

House. I will give you ad“ Yo u r m i n i s t e r. . . equate time if you stick to should resign. He should be the question listed by you,” punished for that. He should the Speaker said. be removed from the governParliamentary Affairs ment,” Gandhi said.

Minister Pralhad Joshi said Congress member Gandhi was trying to speak Gaurav Gogoi said the minat a time when Congress ister had misbehaved with members were in the Well journalists on Wednesday.

He was referring to of the House. “How can this be allowed. Ask him to call the minister losing his cool the members back to their at reporters in Lakhimpur Kheri on Wednesday, calling seats,” Joshi said.

Rahul Gandhi BJP members too were them “thieves” and lunging “This minister should up on their feet as Gandhi at one of them when they be removed from the gov- continued to speak on the questioned him on the Ocernment...action should be Lakhimpur Kheri violence. tober 3 violence. taken against him,” Gandhi said. “We should be allowed to speak about it (Lakhimpur Kheri),” the Lok Sabha member from Wayanad Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi continued to said as opposition members attack Union Minister of State for Home, Ajay Kumar Misra waved placards and raised alias Teni, saying that he will ensure he is jailed even if it slogans in the Well of the takes 15 years. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing House. The Speaker asked the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case on Tuesday claimed on Gandhi to stick to the ques- the basis of its probe and evidence that Misra’s son Ashish tion related to the MSME Misra, along with several others, had acted deliberately to sector that was listed against carry out the killing of farmers as per a well-planned conhis name. spiracy. Many farmers were killed in this accident following “You are a senior which the opposition parties have been slamming the BJP. member. You ask the quesOn the Lakhimpur Kheri violence case, Gandhi on tion number 262. You will Wednesday said, “This is a conspiracy, it was not a random be given adequate time to event. And it is quite obvious who hatched the conspiracy ask the question you have and how. We (Congress) wanted to discuss the matter in the listed for Question Hour. Parliament. the Congress demands the resignation of the You claim that you are not accused Minister but the Union government is not ready to allowed to speak in the debate the matter.”

Will send MoS Ajay Misra to jail even if it takes 15 yrs: Rahul Gandhi

Petition filed to stop namaz at Shahi Idgah MATHURA (UP), DEC 16 (PTI): A petition has been filed at a local court here seeking prohibition on namaz at the Shahi Idgah, located close to the temple in Shri Krishna Janmasthan here. In recent months, some organisations have moved the courts here seeking the ‘removal’ of the Idgah claiming it is built in the “actual birthplace” of Lord Krishna.

“The court has been requested to pass an injunction order restraining the Muslim community from offering namaz in Shahi Masjid Idgah and on adjacent road,” Mahendra Pratap Singh, the petitioner said in his application.

He said Moghul emperor Aurangzeb had built the mosque by dismantling the temple in 1669 and that the walls of the Idgah still had signs of Om, Swastik and Shesh Nag. In the petition filed at the court of civil judge, senior division, Singh alleged that the management of the mosque was now attempting to either deface or removed them.

‘Swarnim Vijay Dwar’ dedicated to 1971 war martyrs

Inauguration of the ‘Swarnim Vijay Dwar’ in Jammu.

JAMMU, DEC 16 (PTI): The northern command of the India Army on Thursday commemorated the sacrifice of its forces in the 1971 war by dedicating to them ‘Swarnim Vijay Dwar’ in Udhampur.

This year is the 50th anniversary of the 1971 India-Pakistan war, and is is being celebrated as ‘Swarnim Vijay Varsh’. On Dec 16, 1971, about 93000 Pakistani armed soldiers surrendered to the Indian

Army in a historic capitulation.

The war was waged for the cause of liberation of the oppressed in the erstwhile East Pakistan, which resulted in formation of Bangladesh. More than 2500 Indian soldiers lost their lives during the war.

Kargil War hero and northern command chief Lt Gen Y K Joshi dedicated the ‘Swarnim Vijay Dwar’ to the supreme sacrifice by of Indian soldiers in

a ceremony at Udhampur Military Station, a defence spokesperson said.

The General Officer Commanding-in-Chief (GOC-in-C), Norther n Command presided over the event at the Dhruva War Memorial and laid a wreath on behalf of all ranks of northern command, the spokesperson said.

He also highlighted the indomitable courage and dogged determination of all soldiers, who continue to inspire the country.

The day was also marked by the unveiling of busts of two Param Vir Chakra and 18 Maha Vir Chakra recipients who participated in the 1971 War. On December 7, the Khalra cycling expedition was also flagged off at Rakhmuthi Military Station at Akhnoor, Kashmir to commemorate the war anniversary.

During its 10-day course, the expedition, undertaken by a team of 14 Soldiers, covered a distance of 650 Kilometres.

All actions taken in BJP negating Indira Gandhi’s contribution in 1971 war: Cong Will probe Cong’s allegation of DELHI, DEC 16 praised Indira after the said.

Lakhimpur case: UP govt NEW sexual exploitation: Milind Naik (IANS): The Congress on 1971 war victory. Vajpayee “The Prime Minister’s Congress legislature party leader Aradhana Mishra Mona said that the matter was serious because the SIT set up by the government had found that the killing of farmers was ‘well planned’.

The Speaker rejected the notice.

Earlier, the proceedings of the Assembly were repeatedly disrupted by the Opposition that raised slogans against the government on various issues and demanded the dismissal of union Minister of State for Home Ajay Misra Teni over the Lakhimpur Kheri violence. As soon as the House assembled in the morning, leader of opposition Ram Govind Chaudhary raised the issue of alleged police harassment of SP MLA Prabhu Narayan Yadav in Chandauli district and demanded a discussion in the House.

Thursday alleged that an “insecure” BJP government was negating the then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi’s contribution to the 1971 Bangladesh Liberation war.

Interacting with media, Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge said that Bangladesh attained freedom 50 years ago and the then Indira Gandhi-led Congress government played a key role in emancipating the people from the dominance of Pakistan.

“With the help of government and the army, she managed to divide Pakistan into two countries, thus bringing Bangladesh into existence. Till date, Bangladesh is grateful to Indira Gandhi and India.

“Since the time of Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, the Congress has been helping the democratic countries but

Akhilesh announces alliance with uncle Shivpal’s party

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav during a meeting with Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia) chief Shivpal Yadav.

LU C K N OW, D E C 1 6 (PTI): Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday announced alliance with his uncle Shivpal Singh Yadav’s Pragatisheel Samajwadi Party (Lohia).

The announcement came after a meet between the SP chief and Shivpal at the latter’s residence in the afternoon. “Met national president of PSPL and finalised alliance. The SP’s

policy to take along regional parties is strengthening the party and take SP and its allies towards victory,” Akhilesh said in a tweet in Hindi after the meeting.

Hundreds of supporters of both parties gathered outside Shivpal’s residence raising slogan “ChachaBhatija zindabad”.

SP founder Mulayam SIngh Yadav was present at Shivpal’s residence before Akhilesh reached there, SP sources said. The relationship between uncle and nephew had gone sour in 2016 with the sacking of Shivpal by Akhilesh when he was Chief Minister.

Mallikarjun Kharge

unfortunately, some people at the helm of affairs are attempting to wipe out her efforts and contributions,” he said.

The Indira Gandhi government had kept around 95,000 Pakistani soldiers as war prisoners for a year, which is unprecedented in the world, he added.

“When any leader from Bangladesh, especially Sheikh Hasina, visits our country, she makes it a point to recall Indira Gandhi’s contributions. Even the opposition leaders like Atal Bihari Vaypayee had

had gone to the extent of calling her an ‘incarnation of Goddess Durga’. But the Narendra Modi government is negating the contribution of Indira Gandhi and the then Congress government’s contribution,” Kharge said.

When in power, the Congress had never shied away from assisting any democracy, he asserted.

Echoing his sentiments, MP Gaurav Gogoi said if Bangladesh is celebrating its victory day, it is only because of the Congress. Undeniably, it is the achievement of the Congress and Indira Gandhi’s government which should be forgotten.

An event was organised to commemorate the day in Parliament, but nobody from the Opposition was given a chance to speak which is condemnable, he

I was never a politician: Metroman Sreedharan quits politics THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, DEC 16 (IANS): In a surprise move, Metroman E.Sreedharan on Thursday said he was quitting from active politics.

Speaking to the media at his hometown in Malappuram, he said, “Many people do not know, I am 90 years old now and I am in the advanced stage as far as my age is considered. When I say I am quitting active politics, it doesn’t mean I am leaving politics. When I lost the polls, I felt sad, but now I am not sad because with one legislator nothing can be done.”

He said that the state unit of the BJP had a vote share of 16 to 17 per cent, but it has come down now.

“I was never a politician as I am a bureaucrat and even though I am not going to be active in politics, I can always serve the people in other ways. I have three Trusts and I have work in that to be done,” added Sreedharan.

He joined the BJP in February ahead of the Assembly polls in Kerala. Sreedharan was touted by a section of the Kerala BJP unit as the Chief Ministerial candidate of the party, and fought from the Palakkad Assembly constituency. He lost to young Congress legislator Shafi Parambil by a margin of 3,859 votes in the April 6 Assembly polls.

Need to take agriculture out of chemical lab and link it with nature: Modi ANAND, DEC 16 (PTI): Urging farmers to turn to organic or natural farming, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday said there is a need to take agriculture out of the chemical laboratory and connect it with the nature’s lab.

Modi, in his virtual address at the National Conclave on Natural Farming held at Anand, also expressed concern over the issue of stubble burning, saying the practice would actually harm the productivity of the agricultural land.

He said time has now come to “correct the mistakes” that have become part of farming.

“It is a fact that chemicals and fertilizers have

played a crucial role in the green revolution. But it is also imperative to work on their alternatives. It is the right time to take big steps before the issues related to farming become severe.

In Gujarati, it is said that prevention is always better than cure,” the prime minister said in his virtual address.

He stressed the need to find alternatives of chemical fertilizers and pesticides saying the high cost of import shoots up the cost of farming and in turn increases the prices of farm produce for the common man.

Time has come to correct the mistakes that have now become part of farming, such as burning of farm

Narendra Modi

residue and use of chemical fertilizers, he said, adding, “Experts say that burning farm residue would actually reduce the productivity of the land. As we know, bricks are made after heating the clay. Despite knowing that, it has become a tradition in our country to burn the stubble.”

Air pollution due to stubble burning, especially in northern parts of India, has become a major cause of concern as farmers burn several tons of crop waste from their paddy fields after harvesting.

The prime minister added that there is another misconception among the farmers, which is higher yield is not possible without chemical fertilizers.

“We need to take agriculture out of the chemical lab and connect it with the nature’s lab. And natural farming is also sciencebased. Experts had opined that cows can play an important role in organic farming as their dung and urine can be used as both fertilizer as

well as pesticide. This will reduce the cost of farming,” Modi said, adding that natural farming would prove more beneficial to small and marginal farmers.

During the address, he urged the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) and other such institutions as well as agricultural universities to adopt the concept of ‘Lab to Land’ and take their research on natural farming on the ground to help farmers.

Modi appealed to all the state governments to take up natural farming as a people’s movement and turn at least one village of each panchayat towards the organic methods of agriculture.

insecurity was so obvious that during the entire programme, he did not even take the name of Indira Gandhi - the person who was instrumental in the entire exercise. Its akin to changing the history of the country,” he added.

He said before the 1971 Bangladesh war, Gandhi had reached out to the all the leaders and undertaken a 20-day worldwide tour to build consensus on the issue.

She visited 24 countries and raised the issue of human rights violation in Bangladesh which was supported

by Russia and opposed by America.

Despite this, a war was fought and Pakistan was divided into two countries which changed the world map. Unfortunately, the current dispensation is indulging in cheap and dirty politics, he said.

Milind Naik

PANAJI, DEC 16 (PTI): Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant has said the state government will conduct an investigation into the Congress’ allegation of BJP legislator Milind Naik being involved in a sexual exploitation case.

Naik, who was serving as Goa’s urban development minister, resigned from the state cabinet on Wednesday after meeting the chief minister in Panaji.

Goa Congress chief

Girish Chodankar had accused Naik of being involved in the sexual exploitation of a woman by misusing his power as a cabinet member.

State Congress vice president Sankalp Amonkar had also filed a police complaint against Naik and released a purported audio conversation between the victim and the MLA. After meeting the BJP legislator late Wednesday night, CM Sawant told reporters that Naik has resigned for a free and fair investigation into the case.

“I have accepted the resignation and also sent it to the governor. Whatever evidence the Congress has produced that we will be investigate,” he said.

The chief minister also said Naik told him that he will fight the case at a personal level.

India, Vietnam sign LoI for digital media

NEW DELHI, DEC 16 (IANS): Strengthening partnership, India and Vietnam on Thursday signed a Letter of Intent (LoI) on collaboration in the fields of digital media. Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur signed the LoI with Minister of Information and Communication, Government of Vietnam Nguyen Manh Hung.

The LoI envisages sharing of information and experience in establishing policies and regulatory frameworks on digital media and social networks, and conducting capacity building and training programs for media professionals and officials in the two countries.

The warmth in the rela-

tionship between India and Vietnam was reflected in the cordial discussion between the two ministers at the residence of Thakur.

Thakur emphasised that the deep relationship between India and Vietnam was further strengthened with the recent visits of the

President and Prime Minister of India to Vietnam and that today’s meeting would shape the bilateral cooperation in the field of new technologies and challenges, such as the ‘infodemic’, which all countries are grappling with during the Covid-19 pandemic.

dc-1352/21

LU C K N OW, D E C 1 6 (IANS): The Yogi Adityanath government, on Thursday, said in the state Assembly that it had taken all appropriate steps in the Lakhimpur Kheri incident, in keeping with the law, and the Opposition should desist from raising the issue for political gains.

Parliamentary affairs minister Suresh Khanna said that a minister’s son was arrested and sent to jail after the FIR was filed against him.

“He is still in jail along with other accused. The families of the deceased have been paid adequate compensation. Investigations are being monitored by the Supreme Court and what more does the Opposition want?” he asked.

The Cong ress had moved an adjournment notice on the matter and

CENTRAL INSTITUTE OF HORTICULTURE department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Government of India Medziphema, dimapur, Nagaland-797106 Email: directorcih-ngl@gov.in Website: www.cihner.gov.in

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6

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post VOL. XXXII NO. 15 DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

I

India’s finest hour

t has been fifty years since India achieved a historic military victory against Pakistan on two fronts- northern( West Pakistan) and eastern(East Pakistan) culminating in the capture of over 90,000 Pakistani military personnel in East Pakistan on December 16,1971 and most importantly, dismembering Pakistan through the liberation of East Pakistan and creation of a new nation called Bangladesh. Earlier in 1965, Pakistan had attempted to internationalise the Kashmir issue when it sent in thousands of armed personnel to the north- Jammu & Kashmir to create an uprising. Pakistan under Gen.Ayub Khan thought that India will not be able to resist a prolonged and sustained push especially after its devastating defeat at the hands of the Chinese in 1962,was proved wrong.

India responded and launched an attack in the western front. In the 17-day war in 1965 both armies suffered huge casualties and both had lost around a hundred aircraft each. In the Indo-Pak war, one of the largest tank battle of the 1965 war, also compared with the famous Battle of Kursk(in second world war), called Battle of Asal Uttar, India destroyed around 130 superior Pakistani Patton tanks besides capturing around 50 others. The success was attributed to the strategy adopted by Brig. Thomas Krishnan Theograj after the loss of Khem Kharan. There was no clear winner in the Indo-Pak war of 1965 when cease fire was called by the UN. g. When Indira Gandhi became prime minister during 1971,Pakistan thought, she could hardly be any different from her father Jawaharlal Nehru ( who mishandled Indo-China war in 1962 ) and Lal Bahadur Shastri (who hastily agreed to cease fire in 1965).

During those days, freedom movement in erstwhile East Pakistan was a ignited by total deprivation of political and economic rights of the Bengali speaking Muslims. Though East Pakistan earned over 70% of exports, it got only 25% of the shares. In the 1970 Pakistan elections, Sheikh Mujibur Rahman’s Awami League won an absolute majority in the 313-Pakistan National Assembly, but he was denied the chance to form the government. Instead he was arrested on trumped-up charges and faced prospects of being sentenced to death. This was the last straw for the people in East Pakistan. It was also the beginning of reprisals by the West Pakistani military leaders. Indira Gandhi tried to talk sense to the Pakistani leaders but failed. The Pakistani generals had misjudged Indira when they mistook her patience for weakness.

Indira with Army chief General (later Field Marshal) .S.H.F.J Manekshaw prepared for the worst. To her credit, Indira allowed Gen.Manekshaw full freedom to plan and prepare for a war. Though Indira wanted an early offensive against East Pakistan , her army chief disagreed and told her to leave the fighting to him. Field Marshal(FM) Manekshaw on his part, fully backed and supported his field commander Gen.Jagjit Singh Aurora, GOC Eastern Command, to handle the war theatre with the Indian Air Force(IAF) and Indian Navy(IN). India defeated Pakistan decisively in both the Northern and Eastern fronts. Pakistani Gen.A.A. K.Niazi surrendered to Gen.J.S.Aurora on December 16,1971 with over 90,000 Pakistani military personnel. Indira should be credited for her astute leadership in keeping the pro-Pakistan Western powers at bay while the army achieved its goal. She also held the nation together in those trying days which made even her staunchest political critics to humbly admit : “ These Days Madam, You’re Adam”.

DailyDevotion Wrestling Before God

Take up the whole armor of God…praying always… — Ephesians 6:13,18

You must learn to wrestle against the things that hinder your communication with God, and wrestle in prayer for other people; but to wrestle with God in prayer is unscriptural. If you ever do wrestle with God, you will be crippled for the rest of your life. If you grab hold of God and wrestle with Him, as Jacob did, simply because He is working in a way that doesn’t meet with your approval, you force Him to put you out of joint (see Genesis 32:24-25). Don’t become a cripple by wrestling with the ways of God, but be someone who wrestles before God with the things of this world, because “we are more than conquerors through Him…” (Romans 8:37). Wrestling before God makes an impact in His kingdom. If you ask me to pray for you, and I am not complete in Christ, my prayer accomplishes nothing.

But if I am complete in Christ, my prayer brings victory all the time. Prayer is effective only when there is completeness— “take up the whole armor of God….”

Always make a distinction between God’s perfect will and His permissive will, which He uses to accomplish His divine purpose for our lives. God’s perfect will is unchangeable. It is with His permissive will, or the various things that He allows into our lives, that we must wrestle before Him. It is our reaction to these things allowed by His permissive will that enables us to come to the point of seeing His perfect will for us. “We know that all things work together for good to those who love God…” (Romans 8:28)— to those who remain true to God’s perfect will— His calling in Christ Jesus. God’s permissive will is the testing He uses to reveal His true sons and daughters. We should not be spineless and automatically say, “Yes, it is the Lord’s will.” We don’t have to fight or wrestle with God, but we must wrestle before God with things. Beware of lazily giving up. Instead, put up a glorious fight and you will find yourself empowered with His strength.

Quotes

People fall forward to success. ~ Mary Kay Ash

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

Post-mortem

Naga National Council vis-a-vis Oting incident in Mon area T he Naga National Council (NNC) would like to reiterate our stand once again on the political journey of our people.

Our pioneers adopted Nonviolence policy. But, taking advantage of our policy, the Indian army started committing chain of horrible crimes against our people and, therefore, we, at one time, set up Naga army for self-defence. To us, India is not a democratic country, rather it is military dictatorship with no difference of what we had heard about Idi Amin of Uganda at one time.

The Indian army have been committing horrible crimes against the Naga people for the last more than six decades and the recent Oting incident is a grim reminder of that chain of crimes committed to the Naga people by the Indian army.

While conveying my deepest sympathy and condolences to the bereaved families of the patriots, the Oting villagers and the Konyak people, I would also like to invite my fellow Naga citizens to retrospect once again the political history of our people in brief.

We know that the first ever recorded political history of the Nagas is the Memorandum submitted to the Simon Commission in 1929 in which Nagas made our stand very clear to the Commission. Nagas asked the Commission to place Naga Hills outside the Reformed Scheme on the ground that we have nothing in common with the plain people, means Indians. Therefore, they have asked the Commission that if the British were leaving, “we should not be thrust to the mercy of the people who could never subjugate us, but leave us alone to determine ourselves as in ancient time.”

Naga Hills was only a small portion of the present Naga areas occupied by the British Colonials only during the last part of Nineteen century. The Commission having clear understanding about us, placed even that small portion of Naga ancestral land outside the Reformed Scheme and the rest of the Naga ancestral areas were identified as “Excluded Areas.” You will find this on old maps. Even Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of India said, “The tribal areas are defined as being those long frontiers of India which are neither part of India nor Burma, nor of Indian states nor of any foreign power”. Nehru said this on August 19, 1946 in connection with the proposed British colony of Couplan Plan. Nagaland is not part of India. And this is exactly the position of the whole region and nothing could be more precise than this historic testimony from Mr. Nehru.

The British Government left India without any decision and the Indian Government then launched its aggression in Naga ancestral land since then. It is a clear case of aggression resulting in the dead of countless precious Naga lives in the hands of Indian army, Oting incident being one of such ugly incidents.

Nehru and U Nu, the first Prime Ministers of India and Burma came to Kohima in 1953 to divide Naga areas into India and Burma. Accordingly, officers from both the countries were sent and surveyed the area on helicopter and divided the Naga areas into India and Burma without the consent of the Naga people. NNC do not accept and can never give recognition to these imaginary boundaries. Nagas will continue to stand as a people liv-

ing in contiguous area called Nagaland. The presence of a vast number of Indian army in Nagaland is a clear case of aggression. They are waging war against the Nagas. In the fifties, Indian army invaded the then Tuensang district which is now ENPO area.

The proof of this is also found in B.N.Mullik’s book “My Years with Nehru” on page 308 which says, “Troops moved into Tuensang by Oct. 1955 and the war with the Nagas started from thence.”

B.N. Mullik was Chief of Indian Intelligence who worked closely with Nehru. In fact, war with the Nagas in this area started before. Take for example, the mass massacre in Yengpang Village on 15th Nov., 1954. All living beings in that small village were wiped out in two hours time.

On Nov. 27, 1954, Indian army destroyed Chingmie village. Chenimong (23) and Shemshimnong (25) were crucified. Yemkhotong (35) had his thigh bored through with bayonet and a core was passed through the hole to bind him to a post and after being flayed , he was soaked with petrol and burned alive.

Indian army committed heinous crimes against innocent and unarmed villagers wherever they went.

One wonders how the moral of Indian army could allow them to commit such ugly crimes against humanity which any decent human being could not even imagine in their wildest dream. All villages in Nagaland, except few towns, were burnt down including granaries. Some villages were burnt down not only once but a number of times as time passed.

Many villagers were starved to death. Torture method of all kinds were adopted such as beating, pouring hot water

on the people, pouring cold water to the people in winter; putting chilli powder on the secret parts of men as well as women, gang raping, applying electric shocks, hanging upside down and beating, etc. etc.; imposing curfew, grouping of villages etc. They used Jet fighters to bomb many places. War tanks are regular scene going up and down every day. Such a big and powerful nation, with all her military might fighting against a small helpless people is shame.

Take for example, on August 26, 1960, an Indian Air Force Dakota plane engaged in dropping arms and ammunition and ration to the Indian troops stationed at Phor was shot down by the Naga Home Guards and pilots and all crew members were captured. During this period, one Gavin Young, a British Journalist sneaked into Nagaland from Burma because journalists were never allowed to come to Nagaland by the Indian Government during that time.

Gavin Young saw it with his own eyes; he had interview with the captured pilots and left. He published a small booklet entitled, “The Naga Unknown War” It was indeed unknown to the outside world, not even to the Indian public what was going on in Nagaland at that period of time. The 4 pilots were released on May, 1962, by an order issued by the Federal Government of Nagaland.

They were first handed over to the Burmese Govt. for onward handing over to International Red Cross Society and finally to the Govt. of India. Capt. Anand Sinha, one of the captives who became the personal pilot to Assam Governor later was a living witness who visited Nagaland

and told the Naga people how they were treated well by the Naga Home Guards while they were under captivity.

The captives were all released in good health.

While Naga army was giving good treatment to their captives in the jungle, the Indian army was not.

On 6th Sept,1960, the combined forces of Sikhs and Gorkha Regiment under the command of Lt. General Thomas reached Matikhrü and surrounded the village before dawn while the whole village was sleeping. At dawn, they ordered all the villagers to gather together in the playground. They separated the menfolk and bind their hands from behind, brought them to the middle of the ground while children and womenfolk were at the side of the ground. The menfolk were then beheaded one after another in the full view of their wives and children. The wives and children fled to the jungle.

They heard firing again in the village. Nobody knew what had happened after they fled, they only saw that their village was burnt down by the army, the survived wives and children abandoned the village for several years.

On 27thFebruary, 1956, Thepfucha, the Chief of Mima village and his assistant Lhoupizhü were shot dead in the village. Their hands were tied together, their legs were also tied together; put a bamboo through the tied hands and legs to be carried by two persons. Their dead bodies were brought to Kohima market for exhibition.

But that had, contrary to their expectation to frighten the public, created bitter anger among the population.

One Naga Home Guard, Kevidelhoulie came to see her sister in the field one

day. He was surrounded and shot while he was trying to escape. They beheaded him and forced his sister to carry his head to the Kohima Police Station. When they reached the police station they rolled down the head and asked his sister whose head was it.

Ghastly! Which the civilised world can never expect. On August 12, 1956, nine young people between 24-37 years of age were arrested at Lakhuni, bound them together, put thatch over them, poured some petrol and burnt them.

All these and many,many more atrocities committed by the Indian army against the Naga people but there will be no end if we go on telling or writing one after another.

Records show that NNC and Federal Government of Nagaland had written many letters to the successive Indian Prime Ministers, to the United Nations, to Human Right Commission etc. Yet, the problem here in Nagaland still remains unknown to the Indian public and the outside world. But since our stand is just, we are not discouraged.

Our objective, as propounded by our leader, A.Z.Phizo, is to be a man among men and a nation among nations. Our objective in life is to live in harmony with our fellow men and be of service to others at all times. We are against any form of violence and, therefore, in a peaceful way, we will continue to tell others how we have been suffering for too long. I assure our people that we will continue to fight for our birthright and our fundamental right, because we are born free as citizens of any other nations.

President, Naga National Council, Gen. (Rtd) Thinoselie M. Keyho

We-the-ring versus othering: Nagaland a Flashpoint The Meaning of Christmas

B

inaries are vociferously pitched against each other in such ways that resonates: ‘I versus You’, ‘Minority versus Majority’, ‘We versus They’. Nowadays usage of these divisive constructions has become a common narrative and an everyday parlance in the Indian society. Polarization is possible only in ‘othering’ a community or a group or a cluster of people and in the process consolidating ‘we-the-ring’ and by isolating the ‘othering’. As against the backdrop recent cold-blooded massacre of civilians in Nagaland prompts us to raise a question: Is Northeast still the ‘other’?

The gory killing of a group of miners, mistaken for insurgents, has once again renewed the debate about AFSPA (Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. At the time when it was enacted in the Parliament, the then Home Minister Govind Ballabh Pant called it “a very simple measure” to control “misguided Nagas indulging in mischievous activities”. It was in 1958. Resonating after many decades Josy Joseph, the author of The Silent Coup, in an interview said that “We gave the army power when we sent them into Nagaland in the fifties. Still they have not come out.”

Sandeep Roy in his short article titled Patel to today, the othering of the North-East has a long history in Times of India dated 12th of December, 2021, page 14 describes in a nutshell that “… the entire NorthEast has remained an even more shadowy presence in Indian minds from the very beginning. In 1950, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel had a famous exchange of letters with Jawaharlal Nehru about the latter’s China Policy.

Those letters are frequently cited to illustrate Nehru’s naivete and Patel’s farsightedness vis a vis China.”

In the same write up, he adds that “While that is true, what’s less often mentioned is in those letters, as reproduced in the new book Nehru: The Debates that Defined India that “The people inhabiting these portions have no establishing loyalty or devotion to India,” he warns.

He further substantiates that “Even the Darjeeling and Kalimpong areas are not free from proMongoloid prejudices.” In such a setting Sandip Roy opines “That attitude can become a self-fulfilling prophecy. The sense of being other-ed gets deeply ingrained.”

When I was shuttling between Bangalore and North-Eastern region between 2013 and 2015, whether I travelled by rail or air, as soon as I set my footprints in North-East, I was

to my surprise did witness the presence of military and para-military forces. The flash point of North-East is that the presence and the surveillance of military and para-military forces 24/7 can never be minimized.

Of course, GOI offers a number of justifications for the presence and proliferation of army, but the perceptions of the citizens are entirely different though the landscape is so beautiful like a rainbow.

The GOI ruled by BJP since 2015 is trying its best to be more ‘inclusive’ with the North-East with political framework and objective.

However, in reality, North-East is yet to be integrated though despite many initiatives and agreements at different levels. The region is truly like a rainbow wherein multiple ethnicities, cultures, traditions, belief systems and usages flourish. Diverse ethnic identities live and co-exists for hundreds of years. NE is unique and distinct in its own ways that adds to plurality and diversity of India.

NE region undoubtedly adds beauty, splendor and bounties to the secular ideals of the Indian Republic.

And yet, stories that surface on and off and the slurs the mainstream India employs vividly manifests ‘otherness’. A number of cases that surfaced in recent times across the major cities such as Delhi, Bengaluru and other major cities and towns ridiculing those from the North-Eastern region have lowered the ethos that we utter all the time such as ‘Live and Let Live’ and mutual co-existence we laud and claim as part of our heritage.

In the name of “external aggression” and “internal insurgency” a number of laws are invoked by the State – all happened to be draconian and colonizer-driven.

Paradoxically those given the sole responsibility to employ and take action are the military and the para-military forces. India is gradually becoming a surveillance state monitoring the movements of everyone infringing upon their freedom.

All the time surrounded by the armoury; armed trucks with soldiers surveilling the roads; detaining whoever is suspected and rifles pointed at you paints an image and thus raises a set of questions that fall under Constitution: All the North-Eastern states have their elected governments. But in terms of security and other details, a question still looms at large is that when you see huge number of military hardware roaming the roads and streets all the times, who governs whether the elected government or

the army: In fact, after the recent episode it is pertinent to ask: Who governs the states of North-East?

The brute power of the State now emboldened by the militarization and pollicization. Law enforcing agencies are given ample powers to mute by stringent brute force. To control the citizens the State engages in creating fear amongst the citizens by deploying troops with refiles and machine guns. AFSPA plays the safe cover-up for the nefarious designs of the State and its paraphernalia. The army and paramilitary forces are given the freeride to use the power that is born out of the barrels of the guns.

This is what happened on the 4-5th of December, 2021, when the commandos unleashed fire on the innocent unarmed miners assuming that they were ‘insurgents’. Giving away AFSPA to the military in NE region is like extending supra-power to the military without any moderation or any controlling mechanisms. Their actions are given the blanket sanction and extends to the army all kinds of cover-up saying that those killed happened to be ‘insurgents’, which legitimizes the State’s declaration of the region filled with ‘insurgency’.

Weaponization and militarization are two-sides of the same coin.

The totalitarians and dictators increasingly spend on procuring weapons upgrading military arsenals so that their military and para-military forces be fit enough to combat any uprisings. Though the totalitarians and dictators chant the chorus in unison about rule of law, democracy and freedom of expression, in their actions they hardly believe in these principles. Instead they throttle, gag and silence those who speak and act for democracy, rule of law and governance.

‘We-thering’ versus ‘Othering’ is being carefully and clandestinely schemed formulation by the dominant who tends to push those who do not fit into their framework. The mainstream vis-à-vis ‘we-thering’ shall never tolerate the ‘other’ to be part of their identity.

The ‘otherness’ expresses a clear message that you do not look like us, you do not behave like us and so you are the ‘other’. ‘We-the-ring’ thinks that you the ‘othering’ is somewhat a ‘different species’, and so, we have the right to control your very being because you are the ‘othering’. When some says “It’s a mistaken identity”, it means many things.

Dr. John Mohan Razu Professor of Social Ethics

T

here is a lot of confusion in the celebration of Christmas. In my last article I have written God’s history of His rescue operation.

Allow me some digression here. There is a difference between Gods history and the accounts of human historians. No human historian can write about the beginning because there were no human eyewitnesses. Also no human historians can write about the things after the Church Age. But God’s history encompasses everything about the beginning and what will come to pass after the end of this Age. This is important to know.

This time, I would like to write about the meaning of Christmas. We may call it the Theology of Christmas. Many of us believers in Jesus Christ, Christmas means merely the day of the birth of Jesus Christ.

True, we are all celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ but what for and why?

If we want to understand why He had to be born, the answer can be found in the whole Bible from Genesis to the Gospels. For the sake of brevity in an article like this we will confine ourselves to Pauls Epistles to the believers in Philippi. (Philippians 2:5-11).

In this portion of the Bible we can get the purpose. It is simply to know that Jesus is Lord.

We are told “though in the form of God” which means he is God possessing all the attributes of the Triune God. Jesus, though God as the Son of God, abandoned His Sovereign position for our redemption.

He had to come in the form of man by abandoning His attributes; in perfect obedience to His Father.

We are told, “Being” in the form of God. He relinquished His Sovereignty to God in obedience. In heaven, Lucifer, as the Arch Angel of the worship leader wanted to snatch away God’s Sovereignty.

He wanted to be equal with his Creator. (Isaiah 14:13&14) This was the cause of his fall.

He was separated from God. But Jesus was willing to leave the form of God and became human. He was willing to give up everything and become a slave of God. By doing so,

Jesus did not give up His nature as God. He remained the Triune God as the Son. His glory had to be veiled and humbly accepted the lowliest form of mankind. He surrendered His Sovereignty and Majesty. He removed the Royal robe and put on the rags of a slave. He was conceived supernaturally but went through the progress of the growth in the womb of human. He was born as a baby like any human being.

He was wrapped in a cloth, cried as any baby. Raised in a rural, small village; learnt the trade of his father as a carpenter and grew up with the other children in the village. He ran around on errands as any young boy, was thirsty, hungry, tired and slept. But he remained selfless even to die on the cross.

He grieved and cried with the heart broken relatives of the dead. He received all the anger and punishment of his Father.

But He remained obedient, till death on a cross. He felt the abandonment of his Father crying, “why have you forsaken me”? He died, buried like any human being. But he rose from the dead and ascended to heaven.

Therefore God exalted Him to the highest place and gave Him the name that is above every name; that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow in heaven and on Earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord to the glory of God, the Father.

Sovereignty and Majesty without glory is a false god. The glory of God is everything.

Isaiah the prophet told us the name of God, “I am the Lord; that is my name. I will not give my glory to another; or my praise to idols” (Isahia42:8).

Jesus Christ is a human name.

Now the name of Christ is “The Lord”. He is fully man and fully God. This is the meaning of Christmas. Let us turn away from the chaos in the World with so many tradition and practices like Christmas trees, Santa Clause, Rein Deer and every conceivable tradition of man. Let us focus our attention to Christ the Lord and His Glory. Amen.

Dr. L.M. Murry

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/STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

Cash for bail scam: Conman extorted Rs 200 crore Mortal remains of Group Captain Varun

NEW DELHI, DEC 16 (AGENCIES): While a former billionaire is in jail, his wife spends hours on the phone discussing payments to obtain bail for him. She seems to believe that she is talking to senior government officials, including the Home Secretary of the country. She asks for a meeting with the Home Minister - and is told it will happen in due time if she “co-operates.” She discusses money that was paid without the promised results. She talks of money given by her to “a party fund.”

It takes months for her to discover that her conversations are with an impersonator, that she has been scammed for crores.

After being alerted by the Enforcement Directorate in July, she starts recording the chats. She then hands these over to the Enforcement Directorate. And files a case with the Delhi Police alleging extortion and

cheating adding up to 200 crores.

This is a story packed with twists. The biggest of which is that the man who was calling her was doing so from prison. He had access to a cellphone and used software that allowed him to ‘replicate’ or ‘spoof ’ the phone numbers of top government officers.

The recordings - 84 of them - have been submitted by the Enforcement Directorate to a Delhi court to help nail Sukesh Chandrashekhar, who has been in jail since 2017.

The woman who helped ‘sting’ him is Aditi Singh, whose husband, Shivinder Singh, at one time co-owned pharma giant Ranbaxy with his brother, Malvinder Singh. Shivinder Singh was arrested in 2019 on charges of money laundering.

No government officer impersonated by Sukesh Chandrashekhar has filed a police complaint. Because

Sukesh Chandrashekhar

no part of the 200 crores was paid to a government official, there is no ‘bribe’ involved.

Aditi Singh’s police case is filed against Sukesh Chandrashekhar, alleging that she was threatened into paying 200 crores. NDTV has reached out to her for comment; this report will be updated with a response from her lawyer or her, when received.

In June 2020, Aditi Singh began engaging with what she thought were senior government officers.

Sukesh Chandrashekhar was ambitious in the identities he faked - he had some

conversations with her as Ajay Bhalla, the top bureaucrat in the Home Ministry; as Anoop Kumar, the country’s Law Secretary; and as ‘Abhinav’, a junior Law Ministry officer, who was more forthright than the others in discussing the cash payments needed.

The phones of Sukesh Chandrashekhar and Aditi Singh had been tapped for different cases linked to them. Their conversations were spread over 11 months; the later exchanges were recorded by Aditi Singh, according to investigators. Her sister, Arundhati Khanna, is also on tape, discussing how assets are being liquidated by her family to mobilize payments.

Sukesh Chandrashekhar, in his different avatars, refers to bail hearings in Supreme Court and demands cash ahead of them. Aditi Singh’s sister, Arundhati, expresses her discomfort with this direct reference to

the court proceedings, stating: “So now if you put so much pressure on me brother I can’t work. I’ve told you this before. And before also it’s been done. It’s only bought trouble, trouble and more trouble. And we don’t know what you’re using the money for. I’ve never asked you, I’ve never been told.

I don’t want to know. Because we were giving it for a party fund. We are giving a donation. What you use the donation for? Whether you use for elections or whether you use for putting in Ganga or whether you use it for planting trees - upto you. We don’t know so we don’t ask.”

In one conversation, participating from prison, Shivinder Singh asks for a meeting between his wife and the Law Secretary.

Aditi Singh is also promised this meeting by ‘Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla’.

He claims he has been “instructed personally by Home Minister Mr Amit Shah” to call her.

Singh reach Bhopal, last rites on Friday

BHOPAL, DEC 16 (PTI): The mortal remains of Group Captain Varun Singh, who died at a military hospital in Bengaluru after surviving in a chopper crash in Tamil Nadu, were on Thursday brought to Bhopal, where his family members reside. The mortal remains arrived in a special plane at the city airport around 3 pm. After the guard of honour, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, military and other officials paid floral tributes to the decorated air warrior, official sources said.

Chouhan met the Group Captain’s grieving family members and consoled them.

The coffin draped in the tricolour was kept in a decorated army vehicle, behind which Chouhan, medical education minister Vishvash Sarang and local MLA Rameshwar Sharma and the armed forces person-

Family members and relative near the mortal remains of Group Captain Varun Singh in Bhopal, Thursday. (PTI)

nel walked for some distance as a mark of respect.

The mortal remains later reached the Inner Court Apartment, where the group captain’s family resides in Suncity locality near the airport. People were seen carrying national flag and raising slogans of ‘Vande mataram’ and ‘Bharat mata ki jai’.

Family members performed rituals before the coffin was taken inside the apartment.

The last rites will be performed at Bairagarh cremation ground around 11

am on Friday, the sources said. Earlier in the day, Chouhan said that the Madhya Pradesh government will give “Samman Nidhi” of Rs one crore to the kin of the officer. “The state government will give Rs one crore Samman Nidhi to the family of the martyred Group Captain Varun Singh and in consultation with them, install his statue, name an institution after him and also offer a job to his kin in the state govt” he told reporters here.

‘Khela Hobe’ in 2024; BJP will be 10 Omicron cases in Delhi so far, none severe: Satyendar Jain defeated across India: Mamata

KO L K ATA , D E C 1 5 (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday asserted that the BJP will be defeated across the country in the next Lok Sabha polls due in 2024, and claimed that the saffron party would face similar drubbing that it had tasted in the last assembly polls in the state.

While addressing a rally for the December 19 Kolkata Municipal election (KMC) at Phoolbagan area in the city, Banerjee said her sole aim after returning to power for the third consecutive term in the state is to bring industry and generate jobs. “During the assembly polls, we have seen the campaign that the BJP had unleashed in the state. Everybody was afraid of it. But the people of the state defeated them. Bengal is a place of communal harmony. What Bengal thinks today, India thinks tomorrow. We will defeat the BJP in the 2024 Lok Sabha polls. It will meet the same fate as it had faced in the last assembly polls,” she said.

The rally is Banerjee’s first public function after her return from Goa on Tuesday, where she had gone on a two-day political visit.

“I want to see the BJP lose across the country in the 2024 elections. It will be Khela Hobey (there will be a game) again,” she said.

The “Khela Hobe” slogan of the TMC had become immensely popular during the high-octane campaigning of the assembly election held earlier this year.

“We have opened a new unit in Goa. In Tripura too, we have expanded. In Tripura, we have faced a lot of atrocities,” she said The ruling camp of West Bengal is trying to expand its footprint nationally. The TMC, in its bid to enter Tripura’s political arena, recently engaged in a bitter battle with the BJP during the municipal elections there. It is also gearing up to contest the assembly elections in Goa to pitch Banerjee firmly as the foremost anti-BJP opposition voice.

Assembly elections in Goa and Tripura are due in

2022 and 2023 respectively.

Reacting to Banerjee’s claim that BJP will be defeated in the next Lok Sabha poll, BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar said the TMC supremo should stop daydreaming about becoming the next prime minister. “She had said similar things in 2014 and in 2019 and all of us have seen the results,” he said.

The CM, while speaking on her government’s vision in her third tenure, said, “I am working towards bringing industry in the state so that jobs can be generated. That’s my aim, and I will achieve it,” she said.

She said her government is mulling to set up a one-stop online mechanism for clearing industries and building approvals easier and make the system corruption-free.

Giving a call for a “corruption-free” civic body, the TMC boss asked the party candidates in the KMC polls to work for the people and ensure that their grievances related to civic issues are addressed at the earliest.

NEW DELHI, DEC 16 (PTI): Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain on Thursday said 10 cases of the new COVID-19 variant Omicron have been detected in the national capital so far and none of them has developed “severe” disease.

He said 40 people are currently admitted to the special facility at the Lok Nayak Hospital meant for isolating and treating suspected Omicron cases. Of

them, 38 are Covid positive.

“Ten Omicron cases have been detected in Delhi so far. One of them has been discharged,” Jain told reporters.

There has been no “severe” case so far, he said.

There were six cases of Omicron in Delhi till Tuesday. The number increased to eight on Wednesday and 10 on Thursday.

The minister said many international travellers are

Satyendar Jain

turning out Covid positive upon arrival at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. “Eight such people

PM to lay foundation stone of Ganga Expressway in UP’s Shahjahanpur NEW DELHI, DEC 16 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Saturday lay the foundation stone of the Ganga Expressway in Uttar Pradesh’s Shahjahanpur, his office said Thursday.

The 594-km long sixlane expressway will be built at a cost of over Rs 36,200 crore, the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) said in a statement.

The foundation stone will be laid at around 1 PM on December 18 in Shah-

jahanpur. The inspiration behind the expressway is the vision of the Prime Minister to provide fast paced connectivity across the country, the PMO said.

Starting near the Bijauli village in Meerut, the expressway will extend till near the Judapur Dandu village in Prayagraj.

It will pass through Meerut, Hapur, Bulandshahr, Amroha, Sambhal, Budaun, Shahjahanpur, Hardoi, Unnao, RaeBareli,

Pratapgarh and Prayagraj.

Upon completion, it will become the longest expressway of Uttar Pradesh, connecting the western and eastern regions of the state, the PMO said.

A 3.5-km long air strip for assisting emergency take off and landing of Air Force planes will also be constructed on the Expressway in Shahjahanpur, it said.

An industrial corridor is also proposed to be built along the expressway.

were admitted to the hospital today (Thursday),” he said.

On Tuesday, Jain had said the Omicron variant of coronavirus has not spread in the community so far and the situation is under control. Delhi’s first patient of the Omicron variant -- a 37-year-old man from Ranchi -- was discharged on Monday after he tested negative for COVID-19 twice, officials said.

He had travelled from Tanzania to Doha and from there, to Delhi on a Qatar Airways flight on December 2. He stayed in Johannesburg in South Africa for a week and had mild symptoms.

Under the new norms, RT-PCR tests are mandatory for passengers arriving from the “at-risk” countries and they are allowed to leave the airport only after the results come.

Bill to encourage cultivation of medicinal plants in Lok Sabha NEW DELHI, DEC 16 (PTI): A bill which seeks to reduce the pressure on wild medicinal plants by encouraging cultivation of such plants and facilitating fast-tracking of research, patent application process and transfer of research results, was introduced in Lok Sabha on Thursday.

The Biological Diversity (Amendment) Bill, 2021, was introduced by Minister of Environment, Forest and Climate Change Bhupender Yadav amid din created by the Opposition over the

Lakhimpur Kheri violence issue. According to the statement of objects and reasons of the bill, the Biological Diversity Act, 2002, was enacted to provide for the conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components, and fair and equitable sharing of the benefits arising out of the use of biological resources and knowledge. The Act seeks to fulfil India’s obligations under the Convention of Biological Diversity and Nagoya Protocol on “access and benefit sharing.”

Public rallies against Dec 4 & 5 killings across Eastern Nagaland up independent probe under competent investigating agency immediately, putting in public domain within 30 days the action taken and immediate removal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the Northeast.

The memorandum warned that if justice was not delivered within the stipulated time frame, the Konyak CSOs would have no option left but to initiate further steps till Govern-

Gen Naravane takes charge as head of Chiefs of Staff Committee

Gen MM Naravane

NEW DELHI, DEC 16 ( AGENCIES) : Army Chief Gen MM Naravane has assumed the charge as the chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee that comprises the three service chiefs, people familiar with the development said on Wednesday, reports NDTV. The post fell vacant following the death of Chief of Defence Staff Gen Bipin Rawat in the IAF helicopter crash on December 8.

Gen Naravane has been given the charge as the chairman of the commit-

tee as he is the senior-most among the three service chiefs, the people cited above said.

IAF Chief Air Chief Marshal V R Chaudhari and Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar had taken over their respective positions on September 30 and November 30.

Before the creation of the post of the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), the senior-most among the three service chiefs used to be the chairman of the Chiefs of Staff Committee.

The Chiefs of Staff Committee (CoSC) met on Tuesday and condoled the death of Gen Rawat, his wife Madhulika and 11 armed forces personnel.

Group Captain Varun Singh, the lone survivor of the crash, succumbed to injuries on Wednesday at a military hospital in Bengaluru.

ment of India justified its action.

Simultaneous rallies were held in Tuensang, Longleng, Kiphire and Noklak districts where people sought immediate justice for the victims and at the same time demanded action against those involved in the massacre.

The people of the five districts also demanded immediate repeal of AFSPA. At Kiphire, the rally was organised under the

banner of United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USLP) at Deluxe Point.

Speaking on the occasion, USLP general secretary P Achumse Sangtam highlighted the resolution adopted by ENPO members at Longleng.

Akehta Sangtamlarü Thsingmujang (AST) president Apila, United Sangtam Likhüm Pümji (USSC) vice president Sethrongba Yingphidongre; Kiphire town head GB Throng-

lise Sangtam; Tikhir Tribal Council general secretary W Philip Tothong; Zikemong Sangtam and Phutoi vice president on behalf of public and Eastern Sumi Hoho respectively addressed the gathering.

At Shamator, Yimkhiung Tribal Council organised a mass public rally at public ground Shamator, followed by mass rally around Shamator Town after which a representation was submitted to ADC

Shamator. ENPO secretary Yansomong Yimkhiung delivered the key note address while short speeches were given by representatives of YTC, YAA and YGBA. At Tobu, a brief programme was held, which was chaired by TTSU president. Short speeches were delivered on the occasion by former KU (B) Tobu president SB Poangba and general secretary Tobu Area Students’ Union Ngaupu A Konyak.

dp-6023/21

(From p-1) It alleged that the incident was a deliberate attempt to take innocent lives, which has been proven by concrete evidence available in the public domain.

KU also reminded that all civil society organisations (CSOs) have set a 30-day deadline to fulfil the charters of demands. These include identification of all army personnel involved in the incident and book and punish them under civil laws, set

Malik to HC: Public has right to know that Sameer Wankhede is leading ‘dual life’ MUMBAI, DEC 16 (PTI): Maharashtra minister Nawab Malik has stated before the Bombay High Court that he spoke out against Sameer Wankhede as people have the right to know how the NCB official got his job “illegally”. He wanted people to know that Wankhede, zonal director of the Narcotics Control Bureau here, was leading a “dual life” as “a Hindu and a Muslim”, the NCP leader said in an affidavit filed two days ago.

“The materials published by me show the illegal manner in which Sameer Wankhede acquired his job and the illegalities committed by him during the discharge of his official duties,” it said. “Thus, the public has a right to know the truth related to the same,” the affidavit added.

Malik’s affidavit was in response to a defamation

Nawab Malik

suit filed against him by Sameer Wankhede’s father Dnyandev. Dnyandev filed the suit in November after Malik posted a series of tweets claiming, among other things, that Sameer Wankhede was born a Muslim but submitted a false caste certificate declaring that he belonged to a scheduled caste to secure a central government job.

Dnyandev denied the allegation and claimed that Malik was targeting him and his family because the min-

ister’s son-in-law had been arrested by NCB officials led by Sameer Wankhede in a drugs case.

Last month, a single HC judge rejected Dnyandev’s prayer for an interim order to Malik not to make statements against the Wankhede family during the defamation suit’s pendency.

The suit and interim relief prayer will now be heard afresh by another judge after Christmas vacation as both the parties have agreed to a fresh hearing.

The minister also denied that he was making statements against the Wankhede family because of his son-in-law’s arrest in January 2021.

He had been speaking out about the NCB’s illegal actions since November 2020, before the arrest and subsequent release on bail of his son-in-law, Malik said.

VISITING CONSULTANTS

Dr. Imtiakum Jamir, Associate consultant Dept of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery (HPB Surgery) and Liver transplant, BLK Super Specialty Hospital New Delhi, will be available for consultation at Eden Medical Centre on 18th Dec. 2021 from 10 AM to 4 PM. For further details and Appointments, kindly call the Reception at 03862-248288 / 248722

No. 1-82/2016-17/NEIAH/Admission/UG/PT-III/153

NOTICE

dp-6021/21

Dated : 09.12.2021

North Eastern Institute of Ayurveda and Homoeopathy (NEIAH), Shillong is going to admit 63 nos. of candidates each for BAMS (Bachelor of Ayurvedic Medicine & Surgery) and BHMS (Bachelor of Homoeopathic Medicine & Surgery) courses for the academic session 2021-22. Out of 63 seats, 31 seats will be for All India Quota, 31 seats will be for North Eastern States Quota (except Assam) and 01 seat is for Foreign National. All India Quota seats will be directly filled up by Ministry of AYUSH via centralized counseling, to be notified by Ministry through its website www.aaccc.gov.in. Foreign National seat will be filled up through Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR).

Applications are hereby invited only for 31 seats of NE States Quota. Candidates who have qualified in NEET 2021 and desirous of taking admission in NEIAH under North Eastern States Quota (except Assam) for the above mentioned courses may access the prescribed application form and information brouchure from the Institute website www.neiah.nic.in Sd/Director, NEIAH dc-1350/21

8

BUSINESS/STATE Rio launches online ILP module

B’desh to import defence items from India

DHAKA, DEC 16 (PTI): Bangladesh will soon import defence related items from India under the USD 500 million Line of Credit provided by New Delhi as several identified equipment are being fast tracked, according to Foreign Secretary Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

His remarks came after President Ram Nath Kovind, who is here on his maiden state visit at the invitation of his counterpart M Abdul Hamid to attend the golden jubilee celebrations of Bangladesh’s independence from Pakistan in 1971, held delegation-level talks with the country’s top leadership on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called on President Kovind and the two leaders discussed several issues of mutual interest and bilateral cooperation. They reviewed the progress in the multifaceted and comprehensive bilateral ties.

Addressing a press briefing here on Wednesday night, Shringla said, “As far

as we are concerned, India and Bangladesh are bound by ties of history, language, spirituality and culture.”

He said that the defence issue was discussed during President Kovind’s talks with Bangladesh’s top leadership.

“I think the issue of imports of defence related items by Bangladesh, you are aware that we have signed, we have extended the line of credit for defence items for USD 500 million.

Under this line of credit, several items have been identified and being fast

tracked. They’re in fairly advanced stages of being processed… we will see certain defence items exports from India coming to Bangladesh and this is something that we would like to see,” the foreign secretary said.

Sringla said that “essentially the entire gamut of cooperation, whether it is training, exchanges, joint manufacturing in the defence sector, this is something that we would like to see enhanced”.

In 2019, India provided USD 500 million Line of Credit to Bangladesh for

defence-related procurement in the neighbouring country.

Export Import Bank of India (Exim Bank) entered into an agreement on April 11 with Bangladesh’s Armed Forces Division for making available to the latter a Government of Indiasupported LoC of USD 500 million.

The LoC is for the purpose of financing defencerelated procurement in Bangladesh.

In April 2017 during Prime Minister Hasina’s visit to New Delhi, India committed USD 500 million LoC for Bangladesh’s defence.

President Kovind on Wednesday assured the top leadership here that Bangladesh has a “special place” in India’s ‘Neighbourhood First’ policy and underlined that the bilateral relationship based on sovereignty, equality, trust and understanding is mature enough to handle the “most complex of problems”.

(From p-1) Advisor, IT&C, S&T, N&RE, Mmhonlumo Kikon informed that till date, a total of 17,786 online ILP applications have been received. He said that the new module is easy to use and it can be accessed by everyone. Kikon stated that with new module in place, the State will be able to check the outflow and inflow of visitors to the State.

Briefing on the online ILP module, principal secretary (home), Abhijit Sinha said that with the new module, all categories of visitors can now apply online for permits at the comfort of their homes and added that payment for applications can be made online for all categories.

Sinha also informed that offline mode will continue for some time and the government will take a final call on it later.

Meanwhile, the vote of thanks was proposed by principal secretary IT&C, K.D. Vizo.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

NPCC holds state govt responsible...

(From p-1) Mentioning that all factions were there and also some at designated camps located nearby, he questioned why target only one faction that was under ceasefire. Alleging that the Oting incident was a gameplan to derail the peace process, he asked why Government of India wanted to violate the ceasefire agreement.

Hitting out at the State gover nment for having failed to come out with a proper statement on the Oting incident till date, he accused the latter of trying to shrug off its responsibility.

Therie further alleged that, after taking over the reins of the government, Rio adopted the policy to facilitate and support the ongoing peace process. Instead, Therie said several thousand youths joined the resistant forces and also causing splits within groups, for reasons best known to them.

He pointed out that there were currently 11 factions in the state, with nine ceasefire monitoring offices in Dimapur, guarded with

over thousand AK47 and other unseen arms, collecting “multi-government taxes” from businesses.

Therie also alleged that the State’s administration, police and judiciary were subverted, whereby courts of resistant forces had become more important than the government’s. “State government does not have any control, be it land dispute, criminals, opening or closing shop. Anything you say, it is with the permission of the resistant forces,” he added.

Pointing out that the change promised by Rio’s government after 2018 included the decision to actively facilitate the resistant forces, Therie observed that corruption level and infrastructure developments have remained the same.

He accused Rio of actually not wanting the political solution to be implemented, pointing out that even after governor had stated in Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) that talks had concluded, Rio had moved a resolution urg-

ing the Central government to resume talks.

He recalled how Rio had made a statement in NLA on August 3 that Government of India (GoI) had not rejected separate flag and constitution and integration, and that the same would be pursued post agreement. On the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, Therie asserted that the draconian Act was not necessary in the State as all the resistant forces were under cease fire and 99% of the citizens were peaceful.

He stressed that there was no need for AFSPA in the State, given the fact that ceasefire agreements were signed between resistant groups and GoI. Meanwhile, Therie said NPCC has set a threepoint charter of demands.

These include constitution of an all-party parliamentary committee to investigate Oting massacre, deliver justice by arresting the culprits and implement political solution under President’s Rule to avoid bias and illwill.

CAIT seeks ban on ‘Chinese’ Bank of Maharashtra organizes Retail & MSME outreach programme firm Shopee for FDI violations

No. 3774 Yesterday’s solution No. 3773

Sumo Gold CX 2019

NL Reg. In Tip Top condition All seal and no body sound Price: 535000 (Negotiable) Call/Watsapp: 9089660868 FOR SALE FORTUNER 2011 (N) INNOVA CRISTA 2019 (N) TERRANO 2016 (N) XUV 2014 (N) CRETA 2021 (N) TUV W8 2018 (N) HONDA CRV 2019 (N) i20 Magna & Elite 2015, 2017 (N) i10 SPORTS 2015 (N) SWIFT D’ZIRE ZXI + 2019 (N) SWIFT D’ZIRE VXI 2016, 2018 (N) SWIFT VXI ‘12, 2016, 2018, 2019 (N) BOLERO POWER + 2017 (N) BOLERO SLX 2012, 2014, 2015 (N) BALENO 2018, 2019 (N) SCORPIO S11 2019 (N) SCORPIO M.HAWK 2011 (N) ALTO 800 LXI 2013, 2014, 2016 (N) ALTO 800 VXI 2014 (N) DUSTER 2018 (N) ALTO K10 2012, 2016 (N) WAGON R VXI ‘08, 2012 2018, 2020 (N) BOLERO PIC-UP 2018 (N) GYPSY E-II & E-III (Auction) # 9774699215, 8974247694

LAND FOR SALE THILIXU VILLAGE 90X90 330 pER SQ. FT. CONTACT NO : 8787773261

LOST NOTICE A black colour Wallet containing Aadhaar Card, ID Card (Directorate of Geology & Mining) and SBI ATM Card has been lost on 15.12.2021 within Town Area.

Name : Jekuto Sumi F/Name : Lukhuie Finders will be rewarded. dp-6017/21

Contact : 7628865106 9436027458

reaffirmed their resolute stand for upgrading Shamator ADC headquarters to district headquarters wholeheartedly without any condition.

STPF therefore urged the state government to look into the matter and expedite its implementation at the earliest, adding justice delayed was justice denied.

LAND FOR SALE

Land For SaLe

Land For SaLe

Contact : 7005748793

LAND FOR SALE LOCATION : Vidima Village 4 kms from New DC Office, 5 kms from ARTC Sukhovi All plots JCB leveled and Agri link road touched.

48.5 x 70 = Rs 2.88 Lakhs 49 x 81.5 = Rs 3.39 Lakhs 61.5 x 75 = Rs 3.92 Lakhs 61 x 87.5 = Rs 4.53 Lakhs 90.5 x 95 = Rs 7.30 Lakhs 120.25 x 120 = Rs 12.26 Lakhs 140 x 120 = Rs 14.28 Lakhs And more…

Price : Rs 85/ sq. ft.

No brokers please

Contact : KeVI'S reaL eSTaTe 8974509536

Rs. 165/- per sq. ft.

Any size available

Contact no : 6909697260

Land For SaLe

80 x 80 near Highway rs. 3.5 Lakhs 6 Kms from New Showuba, towards Niuland Contact: 8974848301

3 aCreS at Seithekema 'C'

Near Dr. T. Ao Stadium 1 minute drive from 4 lane Road Any size available Price : Rs. 150 per sq. ft.

(Negotiable)

at dubagaon dp-5997/21

(A) 14 Bighas any type of Farming & Residential site Rs. 65 per sq. ft.

(B) 9 Bighas Paddy Field Rs. 50 per sq. ft.

Location : KHUGHOVI VILLAGE 3 minutes walk able from 4 lane Slightly Negotiable Contact : (9362359493 or 8787702327)

DP-5957/21

For SaLe

incorporate all Yimkhiung administrative headquarters in the proposed Shamator district, as stated in the representation of YTC. Further, they mentioned that Yimkhiung community had held a public referendum on December 2 and 3 at Shamator town and Pungro towns respectively, which unanimously

dp-6022/21

(From p-1) On several occasions, they said the council had submitted and apprised the State government on the matter, to which the latter had in principle also assured to the Yimkhiung of doing the needful.

They therefore requested the government to fulfil its commitment at the earliest both in letter and spirit.

Claiming that it was the desire of Yimkhiungs to live under one administrative headquarter, STPF urged the government to

dB-439/21

LAND FOR SALE

At Naga United Village, Dimapur Boundary between Nihoto Village Price 140 Per Sq.Ft. (Negotiable) Any Size Available No Broker Genuine Buyers only Contact : 8413808228

dp-5949/21

No. 4750 Yesterday’s solution No. 4749

ACROSS 9. U.S. state (8) 10. Body of water (3) 11. Affront (6) 12. Help (6) 13. Steal attention from (7) 14. Duty list (4) 15. Thumbtack (7,3) 17. Vehicle (8) 18. Declaimed (7) 19. Milk pudding ingredient (4) 21. Trying experience (6) 24. Treat without consideration (4,9,4) 27. Haphazard (6) 29. Cooking fat (4) 30. Mixture (7) 33. Uncivilised (8) 35. Owner (10) 36. Song of praise (4) 37. Salad fruit (7) 38. Weather map line (6) 40. Fuel (6) 41. Male offspring (3) 42. Praiseworthy (8) DOWN 1. Very tall building (10) 2. Cab (4) 3. Carry on (8) 4. Move clumsily and heavily, informally (7) 5. Disaster (11) 6. Probability (10) 7. Off course (6) 8. Small fleet (8) 10. Girl’s name (5) 16. Injured (7) 20. Loathe (5) 22. Reveal (7) 23. Inn (6,5) 25. Noteworthy (10) 26. Not excessive (10) 28. Detailed examination (8) 31. Clement (8) 32. Eyeglass (7) 34. Drive away (6) 35. Unadorned (5) 39. Of the mouth (4)

STPF urges govt to expedite Shamator ...

dp-6002/21

No. 10128 Yesterday’s solution No. 10127

Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Chümoukedima, Seyiekhrietuo Solo, inaugurated Jack’n Jill shopping mall at Chümoukedima, on December 16.

LAND FOR SALE

1. Near Medical College, Kohima.

60 x 70 = 32 lacs, 40 x 85 = 25 lacs, 40 x 95 = 28 lacs Main Road touched.

2. New Secretariat Area Below NPSC Office, Kohima Road attached.

Area = 73,679 sq.ft Bulk Sale only@ Rs. 250/- per sq. ft.

Contact: 7085416488

k-2413/21

KAKURO

commenced its operations in India through an entity, SPPIN India Pvt Ltd, held by two holding companies, SPPIN I Pvt Ltd and SPPIN II Pvt Ltd, both registered in Singapore, the traders’ body claimed in the letter to Sitharaman.

“These two entities are in turn held by another parent company SPPIN Ltd, registered in the Cayman Islands. This complex structuring of entities is nothing but an attempt to hoodwink the Indian government and infuse Chinese funds into India,” the letter added.

“As such, I request you to examine, enquire (sic) and take necessary action as may be deemed appropriate in law against the mobile application, Shopee and the corresponding website, www. shopee.in, and all similarly situated entities, including SPPIN India Private Ltd.”

UrGenTLY reQUIred on HIre (For Road Construction Works in Nagaland)

 TRACK EXCAVATOR with General Purpose (GP) Bucket =4 nos  TRACK EXCAVATOR with ROCK Bucket=1 no Interested owners kindly Contact: Project Manager,

naaGaaMII InFraTeCH PVT LTd. Jharnapani, dimapur, nagaland Whatsapp/Mobile no. 9862 86 05 83

DP-5982/21

Su doku

NEW DELHI, DEC 16 (IANS): The Confederation of All India Traders on Thursday urged Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to ban Chinese e-commerce company Shopee, which it claimed to be operating in India against FEMA Rules and FDI Press Note of 2020.

The traders body urged the Centre to take immediate cognisance of the matter.

According to the 2020 rule, an entity of any country, which shares land border with India or where the beneficial owner of an investment into India is situated in or is a citizen of any such country, can invest only through the government route. CAIT accuses the Chinese e-commerce company Shopee of violating the rule.

Shopee is a Chinese ecommerce giant which has

DP-5965/21

Crossword

all the states in NER having projects with good cash flow and fundamentally sound business prospects.

Sanjay Rudra, general manager, corporate credit while addressing the event said Bank of Maharashtra has the widest tailored product base in the offering for various categories and has remained a pillar of support in strengthening the MSMEs with highest growth in terms of financing to MSMEs. Bank has brought slew of changes in its product base to fit into the market scenario and will continue to do so in future at most competitive pricing.

Dilip Kumar Raulo, zonal manager, Bank of Maharashtra Kolkata zone, Bank of Maharashtra officials from Kohima and Dimapur also attended outreach Programme.

dp-6020/21

to especially harness the growth potential in the region and for better monitoring of the branches in NER. With the proposed zonal office, Bank of Maharashtra is eyeing to magnify the existing business by three fold from existing Rs.1400 crore to Rs.4200 crore within one year in the region. He highlighted the bank’s products which are most competitive and currently the credit to deposit ratio of Bank of Maharashtra is more than 150% in comparison to the average credit to deposit ratio which is approximately 40% in the region.

Vijayakumar further added Bank of Maharashtra sees ample business opportunity in North East Region and there has been good support from existing as well as potential customers. Bank is also supported well from

dp-6019/21

DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): Bank of Maharashtra conducted a retail and MSME outreach program at Guwahati on December 15. The bank facilitated sanctions amounting to Rs.52 crore to the retail and MSME customers.

A press release by branch manager Bank of Maharashtra, Kohima Eugene Ohara stated that executive director, Bank of Maharashtra Vijayakumar while addressing the outreach programme said that in continuation of its strategy of branch expansion to add fillip to its business growth, Bank of Maharashtra is set to open five more Branches in North East Region (NER) this fiscal.

Bank of Maharashtra also has a plan to set up a new zonal office at Guwahati by the end of June 2022

Russia-Ukraine tensions spiral RUSSIA HANDS DRAFT SECURITY PACTS TO US, EXPECTS QUICK TALKS

Covid could have been engineered in China: scientist NEW DELHI, DEC 16 (IANS): A lab leak in the Chinese city of Wuhan is thought to be the most likely origin of Covid-19 because an animal host has not been found after two years of searching, top scientists believe.

Alina Chan, a specialist in gene therapy and cell engineering at MIT and Harvard, said there was also a risk that Covid-19 was engineered in China, Metro UK reported.

She went on to say she believed that the virus could even have been engineered.

“We have heard from many top virologists that a genetically engineered origin is reasonable and that includes virologists who made modifications to the first Sars virus,” she said.

The 33-year-old has cowritten a book with British science writer Matt Ridley about the origins of SarsCoV-2, the virus behind the pandemic. The pair gave an update to UK MPs at the Science and Technology Select Committee.

Chan said: “I think the lab origin is more likely than a natural origin at this point. We all agree there was a critical event at the Wuhan seafood market, that was a super spreader event caused by humans, but there’s no evidence pointing to a natural animal origin of the virus at that market.”

FILE — Russian service members hold drills in the Rostov region.

there, calling such actions a “red line” for Moscow.

The U.S. and its allies have refused to provide such pledges, but Biden and Putin agreed last week on further talks to discuss Russia’s concerns.

Peskov said Thursday that Russia has submitted drafts of a treaty and an agreement to the United States, but he refused to specify what specific arrangements they contained and who could be the signatories.

He said Putin’s foreign affairs adviser, Yuri Ushakov, discussed the Russian drafts with U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan during a call Wednesday, and that Moscow was ready

to start negotiations.

Moscow’s proposals were passed on to U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for European and Eurasian Affairs Karen Donfried, who visited Moscow on Wednesday and met with Russia’s Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov.

Ryabkov would be ready to depart for talks on prospective agreements in a neutral country, Peskov said without giving details.

Speaking last week, Ryabkov warned that the failure to stem mounting Russia-West tensions could push them to a showdown similar to the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis that put the world on the verge of a nuclear war.

Message to scale back parties, as Omicron cases surge in UK LONDON, DEC 16 (PTI): The British public are being urged to scale back their pre-Christmas parties and gatherings on Thursday to try and manage the surge in coronavirus cases due to the rapidly transmissing Omicron variant of COVID-19.

Downing Street has denied plans for further lockdown restrictions being imposed any time soon beyond the current work from home guidance where possible guidance, compulsory face masks in indoor settings and COVID vaccine certifications for large venues.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reiterated the government’s top-up vaccine “Get Boosted Now” approach as he led a team of ministers and experts to advise people to self-conduct a lateral flow test before attending events or gatherings as the UK recorded 78,610 COVID cases on Wednesday – the country’s highest since the pandemic began last year.

“Think carefully before you go,” said Johnson.

“Let’s carry on giving Omicron both barrels. Let’s slow its spread and give the vaccines more time: wear face masks indoors, use ventilation, get tested if you’re going to an event where you’re likely to meet lots of people, and get tested if you’re going to meet elderly

and vulnerable relatives,” he said.

England’s Chief Medical Officer (CMO), Professor Chris Whitty, went further to urge the public not to “mix with people you don’t have to” as he ominously predicted that more Covid records would be broken in the coming weeks as the UK is undergoing “two epidemics on top of one another”, one driven by the “very rapidly growing” Omicron and the other by the already dominant Delta variant.

“I’m afraid we have to be realistic that records will be broken a lot over the next few weeks as the rates continue to go up,” he said.

The advice is particularly crucial at a time of the year when Christmas related parties and gatherings are the norm across the UK. Health Minister Gillian Keegan urged people “make a sensible choice” and prioritise gatherings in the coming weeks to try and keep infections under some control to avoid overwhelming the National Health Service (NHS).

“Make a sensible choice. If you’re going to go to a party, take a test. If there’s lots of people there you don’t know, if that’s your priority, fine. If your priority is to make it through to Christmas Day with your family then take a different approach,” she said.

A European Union summit on Thursday was set to focus on avoiding a Russian military invasion in Ukraine with threats of unprecedented sanctions for Moscow and the promise of diplomatic talks.

U.S. intelligence officials say Russia has moved 70,000 troops to its border with Ukraine and is preparing for a possible invasion early next year. Moscow has denied an intention to attack and accused Ukrainian authorities of planning an offensive to reclaim control of rebel-held eastern Ukraine — an allegation Ukraine has rejected.

F i g h t i n g b e t we e n Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed separatists in eastern Ukraine began after Russia’s 2014 annexation of UKraine’s Crimean Peninsula. It has killed over 14,000 people and devastated Ukraine’s industrial heartland called Donbas.

Ukraine and the West have accused Russia of sending troops and weapons into eastern Ukraine to back up separatists, but Moscow denied the accusations, charging that Russians who fought in the east were there on their own as volunteers.

JOHANNESBURG, DEC 16 (PTI): South Africa’s security authorities are ready for any possible anarchy that might arise following a court decision terming former President Jacob Zuma’s medical parole as invalid and ordering him back to prison to complete his 15-month sentence for contempt of court, a senior minister said on Thursday.

The High Court in Pretoria on Wednesday ruled that the country’s former president Zuma should be returned to prison to complete his sentence for contempt of court, invalidating the medical parole he was granted in September by declaring it “unlawful”.

Zuma, 79, started serving his term in July after handing himself over to the

S Y D N E Y, D E C 1 6 (AGENCIES): Five children died and four others were in critical condition on Thursday after falling from a bouncy castle that was lifted 10 meters (33 feet) into the air by a gust of wind at a school on Australia’s island state of Tasmania.

The school was holding a celebration to mark the end of the school year.

The children who died

included two boys and two girls in year 6, which would make them 10 or 11 years old, said Tasmania police Commissioner Darren Hine. Police later Thursday confirmed a fifth child died in the hospital.

Five other children were being treated, including four in critical condition. Hine said an investigation is underway.

Images published by the Australian Broadcast-

authorities, but was released on medical parole just two months later by then National Commissioner of Correctional Services Arthur Fraser in controversial circumstances.

In the judgement, Judge K E Matojane said the decision by Fraser, which was taken on September 5, “is reviewed, declared unlawful, and set aside.”

After Zuma started his sentence in July, there were several days of widespread looting, arson and even murders by rampant mobs in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng provinces, with little police action.

Minister of Police Bheki Cele said at a media briefing on Thursday that the police had learnt from the experiences of the July

Jacob Zuma

unrest, when President Cyril Ramaphosa had to call in the army after overwhelmed police failed to control the situation.

“We’ll have to use those experiences so that a repeat of the destruction of property and the loss of life as it happened, shouldn’t (happen again),” Cele said.

“We have met with the management and leadership of the South African

Christian officials accuse Israel of holiday discrimination

JERUSALEM, DEC 16 (AGENCIES): A spokesman for Christian churches in the Holy Land on Wednesday accused Israel of discriminating against Christian tourists during the normally busy Christmas holiday season.

Israel last month closed its borders to foreign tourists in response to the outbreak of the omicron coronavirus variant.

But this week, Israeli

officials decided to make an exception for “Birthright,” a popular program that provides free trips to Israel to young Jews from around the world. Groups from the United States are expected to arrive next week, with participants all fully vaccinated and remaining in small “capsules.”

For now, restrictions remain in effect for other foreign tourists, including Christian pilgrims who

traditionally have flocked to sites like Jerusalem, Nazareth and Bethlehem, the biblical town in the occupied West Bank revered by Christians as the birthplace of Jesus.

Wadie Abunassar, a spokesman and adviser to churches in the Holy Land, said various denominations were upset over the selective treatment and he accused Israel of discriminating against Christian pilgrims.

MEZOMA BAPTIST CHURCH 75 Years Celebration December 18, 2021

Theme: “Declare His Glory among the Nations” (Psalms 96: 3a).

Guest Speaker: Rev. Dr. Zelhu Keyho General Secretary, Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC) Dedication of Prayer Altar Rev. Dr. V. Atsi Dolie, Executive Director, Angami Baptist Church Council (ABCC).

Other Speakers: Rev. Asselie Krose, Former Secretary NPBCC, Mr. Rokosato Keyho, Missionary (Assam).

Guest Churches: Baptist Churches under Angami Baptist Church Council; Churches from Tesophenyu, Tseminyu and Kikruma; Molungkimong Baptist Church (MBC)- first Baptist Church in Naga soil Other highlights of the Celebration: Release of Souvenir, publication of Book of 75 Songs, Fellowship with Catholic and Revival Church, Community feast and exposition of talents from selected artists etc.

A pledge towards Centennial Jubilee.

Come and witness the many great things God had done while also receive blessing from this very special occasion.

Rev. Vivacor Krose Rajuselie Lhousa Convenor, Organizing Committee Secretary, Organizing Committee

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The scene is processed after a bouncy castle was blown away in Australia, killing five children.

MANILA, DEC 16 (AGENCIES): A powerful typhoon slammed into the southeastern Philippines on Thursday, toppling trees, ripping tin roofs and knocking down power as it blew across island provinces where nearly 100,000 people have been evacuated.

Coast guard personnel were rescuing residents stranded by chestdeep waters in a southern province, where pounding rains swamped villages in brownish water. In southern Cagayan de Oro city, footage showed two rescuers struggling to keep a monthold baby inside a laundry basin above the waters and shielded from the wind and rain with an umbrella.

Forecasters said Typhoon Rai further strengthened with sustained winds of 195 kilometers (121 miles) per hour and gusts of up to 270 kph (168 mph) as it blew from the Pacific Ocean into the Siargao Islands. There were no immediate reports of casualties or major damage.

“I’m scared and praying here in my house that this stops now. The wind outside is so strong it’s cutting down trees,” Teresa Lozano, a resident of eastern MacArthur town in coastal Leyte province, told DZMM

Rescuers assist residents over floodwaters in Cagayan de Oro City, southern Philippines, Thursday.

radio by telephone, adding roofs of nearby houses were damaged and that her farming village had lost power.

Disaster-response officials said about 10,000 villages lie in the projected path of the typhoon, which has a 400-kilometer (248-mile)-wide rain band and is one of the strongest to hit the country this year.

The coast guard said it has grounded all vessels, stranding nearly 4,000 passengers and ferry and cargo ship workers in dozens of southern and central ports.

Several mostly domestic flights have been canceled and schools and workplaces were shut in the most vulnerable areas.More than 98,000 people have been evacuated to safety, the government’s disaster-response agency

said. Crowding in evacuation centers was complicating efforts to keep people safely distanced after authorities detected the country’s first infections caused by the omicron variant of the coronavirus. Intensified vaccinations were also halted in provinces likely to experience stormy weather.

The Philippines is among the hardest-hit in Southeast Asia by the pandemic, with confirmed infections of more than 2.8 million and more than 50,000 deaths. Quarantine restrictions have been eased and more businesses have been allowed to reopen in recent weeks after an intensified vaccination campaign helped reduce infections to a few hundred from more than 26,000 in September.

‘SA ready for any possible anarchy as court orders Zuma back to jail’

5 die in Australia bouncy castle accident

ing Corporation showed police officers consoling each other as paramedics provided first aid to victims.

Parents arrived at the school gate to collect their children as helicopters ferried the injured to hospitals.

Tasmania state Premier Peter Gutwein called the incident “simply inconceivable... I know this is a strong and caring community that will stand together and support one another.”

Tasmania police commander Debbie Williams told reporters “several children fell from the jumping castle. It appears they may have fallen from a height of approximately 10 meters.”

“This is a very tragic event and our thoughts are with the families and the wider school community and also our first responders,” Williams said.

A recent ruling by a district court in the southern Russian city of Rostovon-Don, located near the border with Ukraine, challenged Moscow’s denials.

The city’s Kirov District Court last week found a local businessman guilty of offering a military officer bribes to procure contracts to supply food to Russian troops deployed to eastern Ukraine.

The verdict, posted on the court’s website, said a convoy of 70 trucks delivered 1,300 metric tons (1,433 tons) of food supplies once every two weeks in 2018-2019 to the separatistcontrolled areas of Ukraine.

The supplies, which were worth an equivalent of about $1.8 million, included canned food, flour and fresh vegetables and were intended “for units of the Russian armed forces” deployed “on combat duty” to the rebelheld territory, according to the verdict.

Asked to comment on the court’s findings, Kremlin spokesman Peskov reaffirmed a strong denial of any Russian troops presence in the rebel-controlled areas of eastern Ukraine, saying the judge who wrote the ruling must have made an error.

Rescuers battle strong typhoon lashing southern Philippines

Police and Defence to make the preparations that the responses and reactions are much better this time. We believe they are in preparation on the ground as we speak, but not necessarily just for the announcement that was made yesterday on Zuma,” Cele said.

Cele said it was the usual practice of the police to strengthen resources in the coastal provinces during the festive season.

The coastal province of KwaZulu-Natal, which is Zuma’s home province, bore the brunt of the unrest in July.

Minister of Defence and Military Veterans Thandi Modise did not say if the army would be deployed during December.

“But usually, if there is

any uncertainty to life and limb, to property, to any economic interest of the country, Defence gets interested, so we will not hesitate if we are approached, to be on standby, but we have not actually decided to be on standby simply because there is a court ruling (about Zuma).

“We have an interest, as the military, to look after strategic infrastructure,” Modise added.

“The ministers are saying very clearly that the lessons of July will not be wasted,” said Minister in the Presidency Mondli Gungubele.

Correctional Services Minister Ronald Lamola called for calm and restraint after the court judgement about Zuma.

Israeli missiles target Syria again DAMASCUS, DEC 16 (IANS): The Syrian air defences were triggered by a fresh Israeli missile strike, which targeted sites in the south earlier on Thursday and killed a Syrian soldier, state news agency SANA reported.

According to a military statement, the renewed Israeli strike was carried out after midnight with several missiles fired over the Israeli-occupied

Golan Heights toward military sites in the southern region, Xinhua news agency reported, citing SANA. One soldier was killed during the attack and damage was reported at the targeted sites, it added.

The report said that the air defences intercepted most of the missiles.

The attack is the latest in a string of Israeli operations targeting Syrian military sites.

Lotha NCRC CouNCiL ChaiRmaN Wokha : NagalaNd

50 Years (goldeN Jubilee) Mungya N.C.R.C will be celebrating its Golden Jubilee from ‘Dec’ 18th & 19th on the Theme : “you are my witnesses.” Isaiah 43:10. With theme speaker Rev. Vangpong Phom, President N.C.R.C & Rev. Imcha Jamir Ao, Missionary at Large as the main speakers. All are invited to come and be blessed. renthungo ezung Council Chairman N.C.r.C lotha, h.Q. Wokha Town

DP-5928/21

oFFiCe oF The

KaNGChiNG ShuthEiVoNGaNGLa h. Q. kaNgChiNg, disT: loNgleNg, NagalaNd

FELICITATION With much pride and honour, the Kangching Shutheivongangla extend our heartiest congratulations to Mrs. elong Phom on being promoted as Station Superintendent under the Department of Nagaland State Transport.

We wish her good health and success in all her future endeavours.

TeMsulila President

MuNgleN PhoM General Secretary

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M O S C OW, D E C 1 6 (AGENCIES): The Kremlin said Thursday that Russia submitted draft documents outlining security arrangements it wants to negotiate with the United States and its NATO allies amid spiralling tensions over Ukraine.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said a senior Russian envoy stood ready to immediately depart for talks in a neutral country on the proposal.

Peskov told reporters that Russian President Vladimir Putin may have another call with U.S. President Joe Biden before the year’s end to discuss the security issue, but he said it hasn’t been agreed to yet.

In a video call with Putin last week, Biden voiced concern about a buildup of Russian troops near Ukraine and warned him that Russia would face “severe consequences” if Moscow attacked its neighbor.

Putin has denied plans of launching an invasion and reversed the conversation by prodding Western leaders to provide legally binding guarantees precluding NATO’s expansion to Ukraine and the deployment of the alliance’s weapons

9

INTERNATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

INFOTAINMENT

10

B

ruce Springsteen has sold his publishing catalog to Sony for a reported $500 million, as Billboard reports.

The musician has sold his masters to Sony Music and his publishing to Sony Music Publishing in a combined deal, according Billboard sources. A rep for Sony declined to comment on the deal.

Springsteen has remained with Sony’s Columbia Records since he launched his career, and was given ownership of his earlier albums. According the the RIAA, his album catalog has sold 65.5 million in the U.S., which includes his 15-times platinum Born in the U.S.A. and five-times platinum The River. A rep for Springsteen did not immediately return Rolling Stone‘s request for comment.

Springsteen is the latest in a long line of veteran artists that have parted ways with their publishing rights in the past couple of years. That list includes Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Mick Fleetwood, Shakira, Jimmy Iovine, and David Crosby.

“Time is passing,” Neil Young explained to fans after news of his deal broke. “I want to

cover my family and my art.… A good father plans on how to take care of his children.”

Many of these deals were put together after the pandemic brought the live music business to a complete stop, meaning many

Denzel Washington tears up on ‘Colbert’ while talking about his late mother

W

aterworks were flowing Wednesday on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert as Denzel Washington broke down while discussing his late mother, Lennis Washington, who died in June at the age of 97.

Colbert brought up a quote Washington said about a mother being a boy’s first true love, and the host asked the actor how he is honoring that love with his work. That’s when the Oscar winner was hit with some unexpected emotions.

“A mother is a son’s first true love. A son, especially that first son, is a mother’s last true love,” Washington began. “That’s... I’m getting choked up. Sorry.”

Washington, who stars in the new Joel Coen film The Tragedy of Macbeth, went on to say that his mother was there for everything throughout his life and career, but “she went home,” before asking Colbert for a tissue.

The emotions of the moment caught up with viewers at home, who took

to Twitter with comments like “Crying with Denzel Washington tonight was not something I had on my agenda.”

After sitting for a moment in an attempt to gather himself, Washington then told Colbert that he didn’t even cry at his mother’s funeral. And when the host asked why he thinks that is, the answer was a perfect way to lighten the mood.

“I don’t know. I guess I saved it up for you,” Washington said, laughing. “For crying out loud!”

But Washington, who is the father of actor John David Washington, did choose a pretty good shoulder to cry on, considering Colbert lost his father and two of his older brothers in a plane crash when he was just 10 years old, and his own mother died in 2013.

So when Washington closed his interview by saying, “Hug them, love them,” Colbert simply added, “I know it well.”

The Late Show With Stephen Colbert airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m. on CBS.

veteran artists were suddenly shut off from their main source of income. “Given our current inability to work live,” David Crosby said about the sales of his songs, who noted that it allowed him to pay off his house, “this deal is a blessing

for me and my family.”

And while Springsteen is in a far better financial situation than Crosby, he still has many incentives to part ways with his catalog. Interest rates are at historical lows, and many artists want to personally oversee the deals before the task falls to their heirs. There’s also a flood of new companies investing huge money in song catalogs, including Merck Mercuriadis’ Hipgnosis and Irving Azoff ’s Iconic Artists Group.

Neil Young sold only half his publishing, and one of the conditions was that the songs cannot be used in advertisements. “I built Hipgnosis to be a company Neil would want to be a part of,” Mercuriadis said when the deal became public. “We have a common integrity, ethos and passion born out of a belief in music and these important songs. There will never be a ‘Burger of Gold’ but we will work together to make sure everyone gets to hear them on Neil’s terms.”

It’s unclear if Springsteen has a similar deal with Sony. If not, we might be seeing “Born To Go To Burger King” or “Hungry Heart For McDonalds” before long.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

Participants along with organisers, judges, chief guest and guest of honours.

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itoka Assumi bagged the “Mr Sumi 2021” title, organized by Ecstatic Entertainment at IMC Hall, Dimapur on December 16, 2021 while T Nipuka Swu and Mughaka Zhimo were declared first runner-up and second runner-up respectively.

The male pageant contest held on the theme “I am coming for everything I deserve” was graced by Western Sumi Students Union (WSSU) president Kughato Achumi as chief guest and proprietor of

Breakfast: Is It the Most Important Meal?

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reakfast kickstarts your metabolism, helping you burn calories throughout the day.

It also gives you the energy you need to get things done and helps you focus at work or at school. Those are just a few reasons why it’s the most important meal of the day.

Many studies have linked eating breakfast to good health, including better memory and concentration, lower levels of “bad” LDL cholesterol, and lower chances of getting diabetes, heart disease, and being overweight.

It’s hard to know, though, if breakfast causes these healthy habits or if people who eat it have healthier lifestyles.

But this much is clear: Skipping the morning meal can throw off your body’s rhythm of fasting and eating. When you wake up, the blood sugar your body needs to make your muscles and brain work their best is usually low.

Breakfast helps replenish it.

If your body doesn’t get that fuel from food, you may feel zapped of energy -- and you’ll be more likely to overeat later in the day.

Breakfast also gives you a chance to get in some vitamins and nutrients from healthy foods like dairy, grains, and fruits. If you don’t eat it, you aren’t likely to get all of the nutrients your body needs.

Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ heads to Berlinale

Many people skip the a.m. meal because they’re rushing to get out the door.

That’s a mistake. You need food in your system long before lunchtime. If you don’t eat first thing, you may get so hungry later on that you snack on high-fat, high-sugar foods.

Breakfast and Your Weight Can a morning meal be good for your waistline?

Some studies say yes. Researchers have found that on average, people who eat breakfast are thinner than those who don’t. That could be because eating foods with protein and fiber in the morning keeps your appetite in check the rest of the day.

But it doesn’t guarantee you’ll fit into those skinny jeans. A recent study compared weight loss among people who ate breakfast with those with didn’t. The meal didn’t make any difference.

If you’re dieting, don’t think cutting calories by skipping the meal will help.

Studies show that most people who lose weight and keep the weight off eat breakfast every day.

On the other hand, you need to pay attention to what, when, and how much you eat. One study showed that people who had large breakfasts ate more during the day.

Why Kids Need Breakfast Sometimes children don’t feel like eating in the morning, but it’s important that they do. Their growing bodies need the nutrients and fuel.

Kids who don’t eat in the a.m. have a harder time focusing, and they become more tired in school. They may also be cranky or restless. And it isn’t just their moods that can suffer. Their schoolwork can, too. One study showed that kids who ate breakfast had higher test scores than those who didn’t. Most children don’t get all the vitamins and minerals they need from just lunch and dinner.

Kids who skip breakfast are more likely to eat junk food during the day and be overweight. One study showed that teenagers who ate breakfast every day had a lower body mass index (BMI) -- a measure of body fat based on height and weight -- than teens who never ate the meal or who sometimes did.

If your youngster doesn’t want to eat in the morning at home, pack something they can have on the way to school or between classes. Opt for fruit, nuts, or half a peanut butter and banana sandwich.

A Doughnut Won’t Do You don’t need to eat a big meal for breakfast, but it’s a good idea to have something small within an hour of waking up. Even last night’s leftovers zapped in the microwave will do.

Resist that pastry or doughnut, though. Your best bet is a mix of foods that have carbohydrates, protein, healthy fats, and fiber. Carbs will give you energy right away, and the protein will give it to you later on. Fiber keeps you feeling full.

Try a whole-grain cereal, low-fat milk and fruit, or a breakfast smoothie made from low-fat yogurt, fruit, and a teaspoon of bran. Nuts or whole-grain granola bars are also easy options.

Lisa Hill

Bilala Entrepreneurs Kamal Jain as guest of honour.

Speaking at the programme, WSSU president Kughato Achumi encouraged the participants to be serious in whatever they do. He also urged them to consistent and hardworking if they were truly passionate about modelling and bring laurels to the society. He advised the contestants to be humble as one soared higher in life.

In a brief message, guest of honour Kamal Jain acknowledged the organiz-

‘Fast & Furious 10’ Moves Release Date to May 2023

T

he next installment of Universal Pictures’ “Fast & Furious” saga will take a little detour before reaching its final destination.

The 10th chapter in the long-running ode to fast cars, physics-defying stunts and family will hit theaters on May 19, 2023.

That’s a little more than a month after its previously scheduled debut of April 7, 2023 and moves the “Fast & Furious” sequel firmly into the summer blockbuster season.

Universal is taking advantage of the space left by Dom Toretto and company and will slot an untitled animated film into that berth.

It moves from the previously announced March 24, 2023 slot. No details yet on that one beyond that it’s from the studio behind “Shrek” and that it promises to be an event (we’ll be the judge of that).

The most recent “Fast & Furious” film, “F9” aka “F9: The Fast Saga” also known as “Fast & Furious 9” opened in theaters last summer. It grossed $726 million globally, an impressive figure that was less than other films in the series primarily because

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COVID-19 has depressed ticket sales. The series has become one of Universal’s most enduring and valuable franchises, spawning sequels and spinoffs since the first installment opened two decades ago.

Justin Lin, the director of the ninth film in the series as well as several previous installments, returns behind the camera. The tenth entry will bring back Vin Diesel, Sung Kang, Nathalie Emmanuel, Michelle Rodriguez, Ludacris and other long-standing members of the “Fast” faithful. Cars will likely crash, odometers will reach their maximum setting, quips will be made and Vin Diesel will almost invariably rhapsodize about the importance of family.

EM2 ExclusivE christMas haMpEr

S

anjay Leela Bhansali’s upcoming drama ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, starring Alia Bhatt and Ajay Devgn, will have its world premiere at the 72nd edition of the Berlin International Film Festival in February.

For Bhansali, who celebrates 25 years in cinema, with his 10th film ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’, it’s special a moment, as he said, “The story of ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ has been very close to my heart and me and my team have given it all to make this dream possible.

We take pride and honour in showcasing our film at the prestigious Berlin International Film Festival.”

Talking about the film’s screening at the Berlinale, producer Jayantilal Gada of Pen Studios said, “I believe in Mr Bhansali and his craft.

It gives me great joy that our

ers for organizing the event and also wished good luck to all participants.

Earlier, the event was hosted by Avika Achumi and Tolicy Wotsa, and invocation was offered by NCRC Sumi mission director Dr. Nitoshe Neikha.

Special presentations were also presented by Psycho K4, Kito Tuccu and Rebels Crew.

The pageant was judged by Dr. Hesheto Chishi, Ani Yepthomi and Anashi Sumi.

(Staff Reporter)

dp-6024/21

film will be presented at the Berlin International Film Festival and I am proud to associate with Mr Bhansali.

Alia has given a great performance and I am thankful to Ajay Devgn too for being a part of this project. It’s a story that will engage and appeal to global audiences.”

Artistic Director, Berlin International Film Festival, Carlo Chatrian said, “We are happy to premiere ‘Gangubai Kathiawadi’ and continue the tradition of the Berlin Film Festival being a special setting for Indian

movies. This time with a film that joins the usual craft in shaping camera movement and the choreography of bodies with a subject that is socially relevant, not only in India. From the very beginning we were taken by the story of Gangubai, an exceptional woman dragged into exceptional circumstances.”

The film, produced

by Sanjay Leela Bhansali and Jayantilal Gada (Pen Studios) is all set to release theatrically on February 18, 2022.

(IANS)

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Arsenal beat 10-man West Ham 2-0

LO N D O N, D E C 1 6 (AGENCIES): Arsenal moved into the Premier League’s top four at West Ham United’s expense as goals by Gabriel Martinelli and Emile Smith Rowe earned a 2-0 win in a lively London derby on Wednesday.

Brazilian forward Martinelli struck just after halftime with a clinical finish and substitute Smith Rowe eventually gave a dominant Arsenal some welcome breathing space with a superb 87th-minute effort.

It could have been a more comfortable night for Arsenal had Alexandre Lacazette, captain for the night in place of the disciplined Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, not had his harshly-awarded penalty saved midway through the second half. West Ham, for whom Vladimir Coufal was red-carded after conceding the penalty, failed to produce the kind of form that has seen them stationed in the top four since October.

They huffed and puffed and threatened sporadically but home keeper Aaron Ramsdale’s only real save was from a Jarrod Bowen effort shortly after Martinelli’s opener. Victory hoisted Arsenal up two places into

Arsenal jumped ahead of West Ham into the top four of the Premier League after taking a 2-0 win over the Hammers.

fourth spot with 29 points from 17 games with West Ham on 28.

The pre-match buildup had been dominated

by Arsenal’s decision to strip Aubameyang of the captaincy for another lapse of discipline. Just as in the comfortable win against Southampton at the weekend, Arsenal did not miss him.

Mikel Arteta’s side produced a vibrant second-

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

half display after a scrappy opening 45 minutes with Lacazette outstanding.

Disappointing as they were, West Ham were justifiably angry at referee Anthony Taylor’s decision to show Coufal a second yellow card despite replays showing he had played the ball before sending Lacazette tumbling for the penalty.

A frantic opening half saw West Ham’s Craig Dawson slice the first chance of the

night high and wide while the visitors went close again when Pablo Fornals curled a right-footed effort wide.

But as halftime approached Arsenal were dominating and were close to taking the lead when Kieran Tierney’s fiercelystruck shot was touched on to the crossbar by keeper Lukasz Fabianski.

Fabianski was then alert to keep out Lacazette’s shot before Dawson pro-

duced a goal-saving tackle to stop Martinelli pouncing on the rebound.

It did not take Arsenal long to take the lead in the second half as Lacazette was given too much space and time to slide a pass through to Martinelli who calmly shot past Fabianski.

West Ham were incensed when Lacazette went down under a challenge from Coufal and the referee pointed to the spot, before showing the Czech defender a second yellow card.

Fabianski saved Lacazette’s poor spot kick and as further chances went begging it seemed Arsenal might pay for their failure to finish off the visitors.

But Smith Rowe came off the bench and soon raced on to a pass by the impressive Bukayo Sako before curling home left-footed to make the points safe.

Meanwhile, Crystal Palace and Southampton played out a 2-2 draw at Selhurst Park.

After Wilfried Zaha’s early opener for the Eagles was cancelled out by James Ward-Prowse’s free-kick in the 32nd minute, Armando Broja put Southampton in front four minutes later.

Jordan Ayew then netted a 65th-minute equaliser.

Pakistan beat West Indies by seven wickets to sweep series

Mohammad Rizwan (L) and Babar Azam.

K A R AC H I , D E C 1 6 (AGENCIES): Pakistan beat the West Indies by seven wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international in Karachi on Thursday, sweeping the series 3-0.

Mohammad Rizwan scored 87 and skipper Babar Azam hit 79 as Pakistan achieved their highest run-chase in all Twenty20 internationals by reaching the 208-run target in 18.5 overs. Babar and Rizwan, who put on 158 for the opening wicket, registered their sixth century stand in

T20 internationals – all this year. It is the most by any pair in the shortest format.

Earlier, West Indies skipper Nicholas Pooran struck a rapid-fire halfcentury to lead his team to 207-3.

Pooran hit a careerbest 37-ball 64 with six sixes and two boundaries after the West Indies won the toss and opted to bat at National Stadium.

The match was given the go-ahead after some uncertainty after five members – including three players – of the West Indies

squad tested positive on Thursday.

That took the squad’s tally to nine positive cases – including six cricketers – after three players and a staff member tested positive on Saturday.

Pooran added 93 for the third wicket with Darren Bravo, who scored an unbeaten 27-ball 34.

Shamarh Brooks (49) and Brandon King (43) also played brisk knocks.

Pakistan lead the three-match series 2-0 winning the first two matches – also played in Karachi.

1st Naga Silat Competition 2021 Two more EPL matches off Men’s Open Volleyball tourney at Pfutsero as COVID problems worsen

Organisers along with medal winners.

DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): First Naga Silat Competition organised by Nagaland Pencak Silat Association kicked off at the Immanuel Hall, Y Zhimo Colony Signal Basti, Dimapur on December 15, 2021.

The competition was sponsored by the Department of Tourism, Government of Nagaland.

National People’s Party (NPP) Nagaland state unit president Dr. Andrew Ahoto graced the competition as the special guest.

Altogether, 70 players and 12 officials participated in the event. The medal winners of the competition in Tanding event included Gold medal — Echang Magdalene, Kinayala Aier, Zouzam Yala, Temennaro, Sungjemmenla Pongen,

Liike Kibami, Kivikito, Litam Justin, Mhonyamo Kevin Ngullie, Ritodeep Bhattacharjee, Ronald Toppo, Jon, Kuputo Zhimo, Kevin and Imnatoshi Longkumer.

Silver Medal—Rahane, Shreya Das, Hoichem Aimee, Varshita Bothra, Anna Joy Phom, Hinokali, Sebastian Thatal, Hridhinandan Bhattacharjee, Eshan Kumar Singh, Mehboob Ahmed, Nito Awomi, Chithuyio Kajisho, Mintu Debnath, Kitenlo K. Thono and Ricky Ghosh.

Bronze Medal—Taochiren Aier, Henloi W Ang ya, Rachel Kikon, Lucy Grace Phom, Kezia Rai, Shazida Khatun, Rupa Thapa, Kezevino, Khyothungo Ethan Ngullie, Hike Awomi, Ashis Kumar Ray, Vinay Kumar Bothra,

Bautok Melvin, Talimoa Longchar, Moakaba, Taposh Dutta, Dipraj Paswan and Sibom Das. In Tunggal event, gold medals were won by Litam Justin, Varshita Bothra and Kevin; silver medal by Moakaba and bronze medals by Aman Kumar Ray and Hike Awomi.

In Regu event, Liike Kibami, Hinokali, Sungjemmenla Pongen, Chithuyio Kajisho, Nito Awomi and Ritodeep Bhattacharjee won gold medals.

Silver medallists included Rachel Kikon, Shreya Das, Kinayala Aier, Rahul Kumar Ray, Mehboob Ahmed and Hridhinandan Bhattacharjee and bronze medals by Taochiren Aier, Echang Magdalene and Henloi W Angya.

LONDON, DEC 16 (AP): The number of postponements in the English Premier League rose to five in a week on Thursday after two more matches were called off.

A growing number of infections at Leicester led to its game against Tottenham being postponed hours before kickoff on Thursday. An ongoing outbreak within Manchester United’s squad also meant its game against Brighton on Saturday won’t go ahead.

COVID-19 cases at Brentford meant it was unable to host United on Tuesday, while BrightonTottenham on Sunday and Burnley-Watford were also postponed — reflecting the worsening health emergency in Britain as the omicron variant spreads.

Brentford manager Thomas Frank said he wants the weekend round of fixtures to be postponed to allow clubs to deal with the outbreaks. Frank was informed midway through his news conference on Thursday, ahead of Brentford’s away match at Southampton on Saturday, of four more cases of the coro-

navirus among players and staff at the club. That took the total to 13.

“We should postpone the full round of Premier League games this weekend,” Frank said. “COVID cases are going through the roof at all Premier League clubs, everyone is dealing with it and having problems.

“To postpone this round and also (next week’s English League Cup) round would give everyone a week at least, or four or five days to clean and do everything at the training ground so everything is clean and you break the chain.”

Frank said postponing this weekend’s round could be enough to ensure the busy festive program in the division will be able to go ahead largely as planned.

“We fully respect that we want to play and it is important football keeps going,” Frank said, “and this way we can make sure Boxing Day keeps going, I’m 100% sure of that.

“This omicron variant is running like wildfire around the world and I think we need to do all we can to protect and avoid it.”

DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): The Second Men’s Open Volleyball Tournament organised by Viva Club at Pfutsero came to an end on December 15, 2021.

Out of the 20 teams, Runguzu Nasa emerged as the champions and Rukizu

Youth Organisation Pfutsero finished as runner-up.

The semi-finalists were Ace Team Menyitsuda and Walla’s United Kezo Town.

The prizes were handed over by the president of the club, Kopenyi Chiero”.

Er.Toshikaba, executive engineer PWD (Roads and Bridges) Pfutsero division, who was the guest speaker of the inaugural function, encouraged the competing teams to give their best and not to be afraid of failing.

Hockey Nationals: Bengal, UP advance to QFs

PUNE, DEC 16 (PTI): Bengal and Uttar Pradesh advanced to the quarterfinals of the Hockey India Senior Men National Championship by registering victories on the sixth day of the competition here.

Odisha, Jharkhand, Tamil Nadu, Chhattisgarh and Maharashtra also earned victories in their respective match-

es. In the day’s opener, Odisha beat Goa 14-0 in a Pool F game. In another Pool F match, Bengal beat Gujarat 19-0.

In Pool G, Uttar Pradesh registered a comfortable 6-0 win against Assam to seal a spot in the quarterfinals. Jharkhand earned a hard-fought 2-1 victory over Kerala to end the campaign on a winning note.

16-member Muaythai team led by Nagaland Muaythai Association president Takameren left for Imphal to take part in the National Muaythai Championship on December 16.

French govt unveils new anti-hooliganism measures NE Zonal Senior National Basketball C’ship PARIS, DEC 16 (AGENCIES): Football matches in France will be called off definitively if a player or official is injured by a projectile thrown from the stands, the government said Thursday.

It was one of a series of measures announced after meetings between Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and French football chiefs in the wake of a spate of incidents in the French league this season.

The government decided action needed to be taken after a match between Lyon and Marseille on November 21 was brought to a halt when Marseille skipper Dimitri Payet was felled by a plastic bottle.

“If a referee or a player is injured by a projectile thrown from the stands the match will be automatically abandoned,” the ministries of the interior, justice and sports said in a joint statement.

The authorities took over two hours to reach a decision to call off the November 21 match -- it will be replayed behind K Y M C

Marseille captain Dimitri Payet was struck by a plastic bottle in a November game against Lyon.

closed doors.

The government says that is far too long to deliberate and that decisions -- over matches that are halted for other reasons -- should be reached in 30 minutes max by a group that does not include the presidents of the football clubs concerned. The call to prohibit the presidents

from the decision-making process comes after JeanMichel Aulas, Lyon president, received a five-match ban on Wednesday over his behaviour regarding whether the Lyon-Marseille match should resume.

“There will be a clear dividing line regarding the competence of the match referee and the police over

the stopping of matches,” the ministerial statement said. “A clearly thought out, unified and rapid decision must be reached,” it added.

In addition, both the sale of plastic bottles on site and bringing them into the stadium will be barred “by July 1, 2022, at the latest”.

The ministerial troika -- Darmanin was assisted

by Sports Minister Roxana Maracineanu and Justice Minister Eric DupondMoretti -- decided that the measures in place to bar supporters from stadiums are effective enough but could be “better applied”.

Ligue 1 and tier two clubs must also have security measures in place from the 2022-23 season against projectiles being thrown, which the regional police chief can order them to install for particular matches.

No security net was in place at Lyon’s stadium nor at matches involving Marseille at Montpellier and Nice in August, when their players were targeted with projectiles.

Payet for his part had criticised the government and football authorities on Wednesday in an op-ed piece published by French daily Le Monde.

“I am surprised that the actors -- the government, la Ligue, the clubs -do not assume a little more responsibility,” he wrote, calling it “a collective abrogation of duty.”

Players in action at the NE Zonal Senior National Basketball Championship.

DIMAPUR, DEC 16 (NPN): Northeast Zonal Senior National Basketball Championship kicked off to a belligerent fashion with Mizoram men thrashing Tripura by a margin of 116 points, 124 - 08.

In the second match, Meghalaya defeated Manipur 72 - 47. During the inaugural function, Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma, who was the chief guest, encouraged the play-

ers to give their best during the Zonal Championship.

He said that sports in general helped build the character of a person. Sangma expressed hope that more Northeast basketball players would don the national colours in the future.

In the only women match on Thursday, a far superior host team Meghalaya easily defeated Mizoram 54 - 26.

I n a n o t h e r m e n’s

game, Assam and Nagaland played a very exciting and fast game. However, a far experienced play by Assam men gave a 97 - 64 win over the Nagaland team.

For Assam, B Singh and M Kumar scored 20 and 19 points respectively, and for Nagaland Seyie Kire scored 18 points and K. Belho 14 points. In the final game of the day, Meghalaya men easily defeated Tripura.

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 17, 2021

PV Sindhu, Srikanth sail into ISL: Bengaluru hold Bagan in six-goal draw quarters at World Championships BAMBOLIM, DEC 16 (PTI): A high-scoring fixture with six different goal scorers saw Bengaluru FC and ATK Mohun Bagan play out a 3-3 draw in the Indian Super League here on Thursday.

The result stretches BFC’s winless run to six matches and further extends ATKMB’s run to four games without a win.

Subhasish Bose (13th) broke the deadlock early on with a well-placed header before Cleiton Silva (18th) scored from a penalty to level the score.

Danish Farooq (26th) scored his first-ever goal in the competition to send the Blues into the lead but Hugo Boumos (38th) turned up to draw level for the Mariners.

Roy Krishna (58th) also got on the scoresheet as he converted a second-half penalty but Prince Ibara (72th) equalised with his second goal of the season.

Sunil Chhetri started from the bench while Ashique Kuruniyan was slotted in a more offensive role. ATK Mohun Bagan

Bengaluru FC team celebrates after scoring a goal during ISL match at the GMC Athletic Stadium in Goa, Thursday.

after conceding the goal, BFC was awarded a third penalty of the campaign when Liston Colaco brought down Silva inside the box.

The Brazilian stepped up and calmly converted from the spot to bring the game to level terms.

Just before the halfhour mark, the scorer then

turned provider as Farooq found the back of the net with a header from Silva’s corner for his first-ever goal in the Hero ISL. Post the drinks break, ATKMB scored against the run of play with Krishna feeding Hugo Boumos with a perfectly weighted through pass and the attacker effort-

Verstappen crowned F1 champion after Mercedes drop appeal

Purnima wins gold at Commonwealth Championship

L O N D O N, D E C 1 6 ( AG E N C I E S ) : L ew i s Hamilton’s Mercedes team dropped plans to appeal the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix outcome on Thursday and congratulated Max Verstappen as Formula One world champion.

Red Bull’s Verstappen, 24, seized the title after overtaking seven-time world champion Hamilton on the last lap of the race amid uproar over how a late safety car period was conducted.

The Dutch driver is due to collect his trophy at a gala awards ceremony in Paris on Thursday evening.

Mercedes welcomed the governing FIA’s decision, announced on Wednesday, to analyse what happened at Yas Marina and bring clarity for the future.

“We will hold the FIA accountable for this process and we hereby withdraw our appeal,” the team said.

Mercedes had announced their intention to appeal after two post-race protests were dismissed. The deadline was Thursday evening.

“We left Abu Dhabi in disbelief of what we had just

started on the front foot and had a goal disallowed for offside in the first seven minutes.

Following sustained pressure, Bose gave his team the lead after connecting with a corner and heading the ball past Gurpreet Sandhu.

Within a few minutes

Max Verstappen

witnessed. Of course, it’s part of the game to lose a race, but it’s something different when you lose faith in racing,” Mercedes said.

“Together with Lewis, we have deliberated carefully over how to respond to the events... we have always been guided by our love of this sport and we believe that every competition should be won on merit. “In the race on Sunday many felt, us included, that the way things unfolded was not right.” The safety car was deployed five laps from the end after Canadian Nicholas Latifi crashed his Williams, with marshals needing to be on track to recover it. Racing

resumed with one lap remaining after race director Michael Masi broke with a protocol requiring all lapped cars should overtake the safety car first.

Instead, only those between Verstappen and Hamilton unlapped themselves, giving the Red Bull driver a clear track to close on Hamilton and overtake.

Hamilton had not pitted, unlike Verstappen, when the safety car was deployed because he would have lost the lead and Mercedes calculated there was not enough time remaining to resume racing under the rules. “We appealed in the interest of sporting fairness,” said Mercedes.

TASHKENT, DEC 16 (PTI): Indian lifter Purnima Pandey created eight national records on the way to a gold in the women’s +87kg category at the Commonwealth Championships here on Thursday. Purnima lifted 229kg (102kg+127kg) to stand on top of the podium and directly qualify for the Commonwealth Games next year. Purnima created eight national records, two in the snatch section and three each in clean and jerk and total category.

Lovepreet Singh lifted 348kg (161kg+187kg) to win the silver in the men’s 109kg event. The Asian Youth and Junior Weightlifting Championship bronze medallist created three national records in the snatch section, and one each in the clean and jerk and total here.

In the women’s 87kg event, Anuradha Pavunraj bagged the bronze medal with a total effort of 195kg (90kg+105kg). The Commonwealth Weightlifting Championships also serve as a qualifying event for the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

lessly scored with his left foot by slotting the ball past the advancing goalkeeper.

A yellow card each was shown to Ajith Kumar and Hugo before the teams went into the break. The second half got off to a more cautious start from each side.

Referee Crystal John saw an infringement in the box by Prince Ibara and awarded a penalty to ATKMB which was easily scored

by Roy Krishna just before the hour mark.

The villain then turned hero as Ibara scored with a powerful header from a corner taken by Roshan Naorem.

A flurry of attacking opportunities, mainly from set-piece situations from both teams were created but the tie was settled at three goals each.

Four minutes were added after the regulation period but neither team deserved to lose and shared the points after a great contest.

FRIDAY’S MATCH NorthEast United vs.

East Bengal

HUELVA (SPAIN), DEC 16 (PTI): Defending champion PV Sindhu and Kidambi Srikanth stormed into the quarterfinals of the BWF World Championships with straight-game wins in their respective singles round of 16 matches here on Thursday.

World number 7 Sindhu defeated Pornpawee Chochuwong of Thailand, ranked three places below her, 21-14 21-18 in the prequarterfinal match that lasted 48 minutes.

With the win, Sindhu, seeded sixth in the showpiece tournament, extended her head-to-head record against Chochuwong to 5-3.

Sindhu also avenged her twin loss to Chochuwong this season -- group match of BWF World Tour Finals earlier this month and All England Championships in March.

The double Olympic medallist Sindhu faces top seed and world number one Tai Tzu Ying of Chinese Taipei, who beat Kirsty Gilmour of Scotland 21-10

PV Sindhu

19-21 21-11, in the quarterfinals. In the men’s singles, 12th seed Srikanth outplayed unseeded Guang Zu Lu of China 21-10, 21-15 to enter the last eight.

Indians, however, suffered defeats in both the women’s and men’s doubles in the pre-quarterfinals.

The women’s doubles pair of Ashwini Ponnappa and N Sikki Reddy lost 1321 15-21 to the Thai duo of Jongkolphan Kititharakul and Rawinda Prajongjai.

The men’s doubles pair of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty suffered

a 20-22 21-18 15-21 defeat to Ong Yew Sin and Teo Ee Yi of Malaysia.

Sindhu took an early 5-1 lead but Chochuwong rallied to narrow the gap to 5-4 and then to 10-9. The Indian zoomed ahead from there on as she made it 15-10 and then 19-11 to pocket the first game.

The second game was a tighter affair though Sindhu began on the front foot with a 3-0 lead. Sindhu led 11-6 at the change of ends and the second half saw some long rallies with the Thai player winning a few of them.

Nadal ‘feeling better’ as he targets Aus Open ABU DHABI/MELBOURNE, DEC 16 (AGENCIES): Rafael Nadal will head to the Australian Open with low expectations after his latest injury lay-off but still believes he can challenge for the biggest prizes in the sport.

The Spaniard will be back on court on Friday at the exhibition Mubadala World Tennis Championship in Abu Dhabi when he takes on either Andy Murray or Dan Evans It will be the first time Nadal has been seen in a match since a defeat to Lloyd Harris in Washington in early August, which was his first tournament since withdrawing from Wimbledon and the Olympics.

The 35-year-old has been battling a left foot problem and accepts he has a long road in front of him if he is to return to top form.

Speaking at a press conference in Abu Dhabi, Nadal said: “I am super happy to be back. It’s not about pain. I had pain a lot of times during my career, almost all the time, it’s more about having the chance to have a pain that I can manage to compete well.

impossible or almost im- lia will be not much but the possible, nobody knows main thing is still always the what can happen in one same – be healthy. If I am month. healthy, I still have the inte“It’s going to be super rior fire to keep going and to difficult for me. If things fight for my goals.” are going well, I’m only goIn Nadal’s absence, ing to play one tournament Djokovic drew level with the before Australia and these Spaniard and Roger Federer two matches here so the at the peak of men’s tennis amount of hours on court at with his 20th grand slam the competitive level before title at Wimbledon before Rafael Nadal such a tough and demand- narrowly missing out on a “Let’s see. I need to try ing tournament like Austra- 21st in New York. it in competition. Of course, Karolina out of Aus Open with hand injury I am feeling better, if not I Karolina Pliskova has withwill not be here. I know the drawn from next month’s Auscomeback will be not easy. I tralian Open and two warm-up don’t have big expectations tournaments because of a right now.

“My only expectation hand injury sustained in training.

Australian Open officials on is to be here, to play in front of a great crowd again, to Thursday confirmed the world feel myself competing again fourth-ranked player’s withdrawagainst great players, and al, and said in a tweet: “wishing Karolina Pliskova then enjoy. It has been a very you a speedy recovery.”

Pliskova had earlier said on social media “unfortough period of time for me, honestly, so just to be here is tunately I hurt my right hand in practice yesterday and I won’t be able to play in Adelaide, Sydney and Austragreat news for me.

“I really hope the foot lian Open this year.”

The 29-year-old Czech Republic player is a twois going to get better and time Grand Slam finalist. She lost to No. 1-ranked Ash better to be again at the level that I want to be. If I am able Barty in this year’s Wimbledon title match and in the to play with no limitations, I 2016 U.S. Open final to Angelique Kerber after Pliskova want to fight again for every- beat Serena Williams in the semifinals.

Pliskova’s best finish at Melbourne Park was the thing, so that’s the goal. semifinals in 2019, where she lost to eventual champion “My experience says Naomi Osaka after beating Williams in the quarterfithat things change very quick. What today seems nals. The Australian Open begins Jan. 17.

2nd Ashes Test: Aus get to 221/2 at stumps on Day 1 Kohli Saga: BCCI unlikely to take any

ADELAIDE, DEC 16 (IANS): David Warner and Marnus Labuschagne struck the 90s in putting Australia in a strong position on Day One of the second Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday. At stumps, Australia were 221/2 in 89 overs with Labuschagne (batting at 95) and Steve Smith (batting 18) at the crease.

Things were chaotic for Australia before the start of the match. Regular captain Pat Cummins was ruled out after being deemed close contact of a Covid-19 case. It brought Steve Smith back as the captain for the first time since 2018. Cummi’s’ absence paved the way for pacer Michael Neser to debut in Test cricket apart from Jhye Richardson replacing an injured Josh Hazlewood in the playing eleven.

But Warner and Labuschagne laboured hard and got past testing periods to ensure Australia were in a strong position at the end of day one. England were left to rue their missed chances off Labuschagne twice in the day.

Labuschagne, who earlier braved a testing short-ball exam from Ben

Warner and Labuschagne (R) were at their best against England at Adelaide.

Stokes in the first session, received a reprieve on 21.

Stokes had him edging a pull on a bouncer but it went high to the left of keeper Jos Buttler, who jumped to catch with both hands but ‘ouldn’t get hold of it.

Warner reached his 32nd Test fifty with a magnificent pull off Stokes, splitting deep square leg and deep backward square leg to perfection. Labuschagne also reached his 12th Test half-century by pushing Ollie Robinson to

mid-off for three runs.

Post tea, things were going smooth for Australia till Ben Stokes struck to break the 172-run stand.

Warner fell five short of century, looking to cut through the off-side but the ball went straight to the hands of Stuart Broad at the cover. It was also the second consecutive Test match where Warner was out in the 90s.

Labuschagne started to find some fluency in the company of Smith as Joe Root found some turn off

his part-time off-spin. The Queenslander had luck on his side as Buttler put down his catch again on 95, denying Anderson his first wicket with the second new ball. Labuschagne attempted to punch off the backfoot but got a thick edge that was put down by Buttler.

P r e v i o u s l y, a f t e r Smith elected to bat first, Anderson and Broad provided limited scoring opportunities and challenged the outer edges of Harris and Warner. Harris, saved

by DRS on lbw off Broad, was the first wicket to fall for Australia, brilliantly caught down the legside by keeper Jos Buttler diving to his right off Broad.

England went on to burn their two reviews in order to send Warner back to the dressing room.

Broad thought he had Warner lbw on 0 in the eighth over while Chris Woakes chased an lbw against Warner. After 12 overs, Australia had just 15 on the board with Warner getting off the mark on his 20th ball.

With Labuschagne from the other end, Warner settled down and struck a couple of boundaries against Broad and Woakes.

Labuschagne seemed to be in trouble against short balls from Ben Stokes despite getting a boundary off him.

But then, Labuschagne persisted to stand on the cusp of his first Ashes hundred with Smith looking comfortable as well. England now have a huge task at their hands to claw back into the match on day two.

Brief Scores: Australia 221/2 in 89 overs (Marnus Labuschagne 95 not out, David Warner 95, Stuart Broad 1/34) against England

hasty step with Test series nearing

NEW DELHI, DEC 16 (PTI): India captain Virat Kohli’s eyeball-grabbing media conference has forced a shell-shocked BCCI into a huddle as it explores its options on how to deal with the crisis while ensuring that the team is not distracted by off-field drama ahead of an important Test series.

The Indian Test captain, during a press conference before departing to South Africa for a threematch series, said that he was never asked “not to quit T20 captaincy”, contrary to what BCCI president Sourav Ganguly had said to various media outlets.

There are hardly any instances in the past where it becomes a choice between the word spoken by a sitting captain, who is also the reigning superstar of Indian cricket, against a decorated former skipper, who holds the chair of the president.

It is understood that no one in BCCI is happy at what transpired on Wednesday but they also understand that any strong reaction in their bid to do a quick-fix could be counter-

Virat Kohli

productive.

While Kohli reached South Africa this evening, the board president, in Kolkata, made it clear that he will make no public statement.

“No statements, no press conference. We will deal with it, leave it to (the) BCCI,” Ganguly told media-persons in his home town.

It is reliably learnt that the senior BCCI officebearers, including Ganguly, secretary Jay Shah were engaged in a zoom call on Wednesday where a collective decision was taken that none would do a press conference or issue a press release.

“Expert opinion was taken on how to deal with the sensitive matter as it also involves the respect of a president’s office. The

BCCI knows that a Test series is round the corner and any hasty decision or statement from them could affect the morale of the team,” a senior BCCI source told PTI on conditions of anonymity.

The best way is for both the captain and the president to sit across the table and amicably sort out the difference of opinion or mis-communication where statements perhaps have been lost in translation.

However, as of now, neither Ganguly nor Shah might speak to the captain.

Normally, a centrallycontracted player is not supposed to make any critical comments about the establishment or officebearers.

But whether Kohli’s clarification on what transpired, in response to a question, rather than making a statement would amount to breaking the protocol is also a question.

So there are no easy solutions to this problem.

The Indian captain, a veteran at handling media for more than 13 years now, knew exactly what was coming his way and he was prepared.

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