19 june

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 193

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

EURO 2020: Croatia hold Czech Republic; Sweden beat Slovakia 1-0

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IMA, doctors hold nationwide protest

NEW DELHI, JUN 18 (PTI): Over 3.5 lakh doctors, under the banner of Indian Medical Association (IMA), Friday staged a nation-wide protest as ‘National Protest Day’ demanding stringent central law to protect health professionals from incidents of violence.

With the slogan- ‘Save the survivors’, the IMA in a statement, said as many as 3.5 lakh doctors, with proper Covid protocol, participated in the agitation.

All across the country, in every state, in different hospitals, the doctors and healthcare professionals wore black badges, ribbons and black shirts, and raised slogans ‘Save the Saviours’ and uploaded their photographs on social media,” the statement said.

IMA said medical professionals from other specialty organisations like ASI, API, FOGSI, among others, also joined the protest, while

 Demands stringent central law to protect health professionals  To enhance security at hospitals and to declare hospitals as “protected zones”.  To punish those who assault doctors or the profession under the fasttrack trial mode Doctors hold placards during the nationwide protest in Gurugram, Friday. (PTI)

several corporate hospitals put up hoardings demanding safety of doctors.

IMA and its branches also submitted a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, requesting him to ensure safety of the medical fraternity and also take appropriate action against people involved in spreading fake news against Covid vaccination and its protocol. “In many medical colleges, students boycotted

their classes and organised virtual students’ parliament in which more than 1,000 students participated.

The national president and the secretary general of IMA also met Union health secretary and submitted a memorandum. The apex medical body said women doctors also organised special protest meets in various parts of the country.

T h e d o c t o r s h ave sought enhanced security

 Urges Centre to fulfil demand ahead of July 1-- Doctors’ Day. of hospitals and that the hospitals be declared as “protected zones”.

“Those who assault doctors or the profession should be punished under the fast-track trial mode.

IMA believes that the Government of India will respond to this unified peaceful protest and initiate steps to bring a central law, and ensure the medical fraternity serves without fear in the

hospital premises.

IMA urges that these demands be fulfilled ahead of July 1, the Doctors’ Day, as a gift to the suffering medical fraternity,” the statement added.

Cases of violence against doctors and other healthcare workers have been reported lately from some parts of the country, including Jammu and Kashmir and Assam among other places. On June 1, a doctor at a medical facility in Hojai in Assam was allegedly assaulted by attendants following the death of a patient suffering from Covid and pneumonia at Udali Model Hospital.

National Human Rights Commission had later taken cognisance of the case and asked the Assam government and the state police chief to inquire into the alleged assault and take “needful, preventive and punitive action” in the case.

Ensure safety of healthcare workers, strictly implement EDA: Centre to states U

nion Health Ministry has urged all States and Union Territories to review in detail and ensure prompt steps for the safety and wellbeing of healthcare workers while strictly implementing the amended Epidemic Disease Act. Healthcare workers are the most crucial resources in Covid19 management on all fronts, said joint secretary in the Health Min-

istry, Lav Agarwal in a letter to additional chief secretaries, principal secretaries and health secretaries of all states.

“Our endeavours to manage COVID-19 are replete with examples of commitment by our healthcare workers at all levels. While the country at large has applauded the efforts of the health fraternity, there were examples of them being stigmatized and even violence resorted

to against healthcare workers,” the officer pointed out.

Recently, there have been reports of physical violence against doctors, healthcare workers and other professionals particularly from Assam, West Bengal and Karnataka, the letter by Agarwal stated.

“Such incidents impact the morale of our healthcare workforce who have shown exemplary commitment against all odds in COVID-19

management.

He further called for strict implementation of the amended Epidemic Diseases Act which states that “whoever commits or abets the commission of an act of violence against healthcare service personnel, or causes damage or loss to any property” shall be punished with imprisonment and with a fine.

Such offences are also cognizable and non-bailable.

UN seeks arms embargo in Myanmar international, Page 7

MCCI vows not to tolerate any extortion demand DIMAPUR, JUN 18 (NPN): In a hard-hitting statement, Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) has vowed that it will not tolerate extortion in the market and that the general public consider its stand as prior information that MCCI will rather shut the doors of business rather than pay extortions.

MCCI also cautioned police and law enforcement agencies not to be caught off guard by the development.

According to MCCI, at a time when Mokokchung was reeling under the impact of the Covid pandemic and barely able to keep the wheels of the economy in motion and at a time when the business environment was abruptly disrupted with traders forced to bear the brunt of prolonged lockdowns and all traders and daily wage earners in dire straits; “ there are some gun toting scroungers trying to pillage the market and loot innocent, hardworking, productive citizens- the business community.”

MCCI said numerous factions were”coercing traders” to pay ‘tax’ while some of them were vying to levy “item-wise tax” or whatever it meant. MCCI said Mokokchung was not a formal market and also not a board game where any can bend the rules at will.

NSCNs deny demanding cut from Covid-19 funds DIMAPUR, JUN 18 (NPN): NSCN (I-M), NSCN (R) and GPRN/ NSCN Sumi Region have denounced a report in a TV news channel which alleged that NSCN factions were demanding a share from Covid-19 funds in Zunheboto district.

NSCN (I-M): Declaring that it had nothing to do with the news report and claiming that it was in total solidarity with the State government’s fight against Covid-19, NSCN (I-M) in a statement clarified that it was, therefore, not involved in any manner that went against humanity at this particular juncture where all Nagas, irrespective of social/political standing, were expected to fight together.

GPRN/NSCN Sumi region: GPRN/NSCN Sumi region too has clarified that none of its members were either directly or indirectly involved in the allegation.

However, taking serious note of the news, regional administrative officer (RAO) Kheshiho Yeputho in a press release said Sumi regional authorities met leaders of Sumi Hoho, Zunheboto GB Union, Zunheboto Chamber of Commerce members and other civil authorities to contemplate and investigate the person or party respon-

sible and involved in the despicable conduct.

Clarifying that GPRN/ NSCN would not take such steps in these trying times, he however said the group would instead be most willing to assist health workers in whatever manner needed in the collective effort of fighting Covid-19 pandemic.

Denouncing the “irresponsible and inhuman activity” by whosoever concerned, GPRN/NSCN declared that it would be ever happy to assist the citizens as and when needed.

NSCN (R): NSCN (Reformation) said it was also compelled to clarify on the news item that -- “NSCN factions are seeking Covid funds”, wherein school education adviser KT Sukhalu had reportedly said that cadres from seven to eight factions of NSCN were demanding a share from Covid funds.

NSCN (R) through its MIP said that its stance was crystal clear as declared in all leading esteemed dailies and publication houses on May 25, which reminded all its cadres not to fall short of grace by seeking financial assistance from their patrons, sympathisers or business community during these trying times, let alone demanding shares from Covid (Cont’d on p-5) funds.

Manipur reports 18 cases of ‘Delta’ variant State records 56 fresh Fuel prices touch new historic highs Delta variant becoming Covid cases, 1 death

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JUN 18 (NPN): First identified in India, the highly transmissible delta Covid-19 variant (B.1.617.2 strain) has been reported in Manipur. Of the 20 samples from Manipur sent for testing to a lab in Hyderabad, 18 were found to be of Delta variant of COVID-19.

“A very alarming situation has arisen with regards to Covid pandemic in Manipur,” remarked chief minister N Biren Singh, who confirmed spread of the variant in the State.

Launching AYUSH-64, a polyherbal formulation, at

a function organised by the directorate of AYUSH at chief minister’s secretariat here on Friday, he said 20 samples were recently sent for tests to know variant of the virus that spread in the State taking into account the rapid increase in the number of positive cases.

“And 18 samples came out to be of the new variant called Delta variant,” he confirmed. Mentioning that this variant was the major cause for rapid spread of Covid-19 in the State, Singh assured that home isolation patients would be provided additional medicines useful in treatment of this variant.

globally dominant: WHO

DIMAPUR, JUN 18 (NPN): Witnessing a steady decline in daily Covid-19 cases, Nagaland on Friday reported 56 fresh positive cases and the lowest single-day death toll of one fatality-- for the first time in one month.

Of the fresh cases, 14 were repor ted from Mokokchung, Kohima-12, Diampru-10, eight in Peren, four in Mon, three each in Phek and Tuensang and one each in Wokha and Zunheboto, taking the total caseload to 24097.

Further, the state re(Cont’d on p-5) ported only one Covid-19

GENEVA, JUN 18 (PTI): The COVID-19 Delta variant, which was first identified in India, is becoming the dominant variant globally because of its significantly increased transmissibility, WHO chief scientist Soumya Swaminathan said on Friday.

According to the COVID-19 Weekly Epidemiological Update issued by the WHO on June 15, the Delta variant is now being reported in about 80 countries around the world.

fatality after a patient succumbed to the infection in Phek, pushing the death toll to 267 (including 14 non-Covid deaths but with Covid positivity).

PTI: With 62,480 new Covid cases being reported in a day, India’s total caseload rose to 2,97,62,793, while the death toll climbed to 3,83,490 with 1,587 fresh fatalities, the lowest in 61 days, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Friday.

The active cases have fallen below 8 lakh after 73 days.

DIMAPUR, JUN 18 (NPN): After a day’s hiatus, the state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) increased the prices of petrol and diesel on Friday pushing fuel prices across the country to new historic highs.

According to a price notification of state-owned OMCs, petrol price was hiked by 27 paise per litre and diesel by 28 paise per litre. In Delhi, petrol hit an all-time high of Rs 96.93 a litre, while diesel is now priced at Rs 87.69 per litre.

Following the latest rate revision,

petrol price in Dimapur rose to Rs.95.61 per litre while diesel price soared to Rs.89.81 per litre. In the state capital Kohima, prices of petrol and diesel surged to Rs.96.56 per litre and Rs.90.57 per litre respectively.

Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as VAT and freight charges.

The hike on Friday was the 26th increase in prices since May 4. In 26 hikes, petrol price has risen by Rs 6.53 per litre and diesel by Rs 6.96 a litre.

DC Dimapur notifies additional lockdown curbs

Vaccination reduces chances of hospitalisation by 75-80%: Study NEW DELHI, JUN 18 (PTI): Studies among healthcare workers have shown that following vaccination the chances of hospitalisation reduce by 75-80%, while oxygen requirement comes down to 8% even after contracting Covid-19, the government said on Friday.

NITI Aayog Member (Health) Dr V K Paul said

This is it!

“We are asked to verify whether you’re selling rice or plastic?”

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in these studies, which have been conducted among healthcare workers who fall in high risk group, also showed that the risk of ICU admission remains only 6% and the protection against infection was 94%.

Paul said that in one particular study, there was one death out of 7,000 cases and it was also because the person had co-

morbidities. “...I request people to please accept the vaccine and not hesitate... people might get infected even after that but it will not turn severe... thousands of lives can be saved,” he said. Citing a study on prevalence of Covid-19 among children, Paul said: “Seropositivity rate above 18 years was 67% and be-

low 18 years was 59%. So even at those places, where more intense wave came, which were urban, the seropositivity among children and adults remained almost the same,” he said.

Overall, it was seen that children contracted the infection but it remained mild and children might not get affected in isolation in the next wave

but preparations have been stepped up, he said.

N ew va x p o l i c y : From June 21, Paul said new guidelines for vaccination will be implemented under which 75% vaccines will be procured by the Centre and distributed free of cost to states and the role of private sector in procurement of 25% is “well defined”.

Along expresses regrets over recent remark DIMAPUR, JUN 18 (NPN): Against the backdrop of widespread criticism over his remarks made to a Guwahati-based TV channel on June 10, that any solution to the Naga issue that would come should be “under the constitution of India and it should be under the Indian union,” BJP State president and higher education & tribal affairs minister Temjen Imna Along has expressed regrets for his view if it has hurt the sentiments of any Naga

individual, organisation or Naga political group, in any way. In his statement, Along said while no one can afford to let the unresolved Naga political issue drag on considering the present situation and trajectory of the talks, he endorsed the view of the recently formed Core Committee on Nagaland political issue, the current stalemate needed to be settled in a “pragmatic and rational manner” that was acceptable to both negotiating sides.

Along also emphasised that any solution to the protracted Naga issue should be charted and sealed as aspired by all Nagas but which was also need of the hour.

In this, Along said it was not to suggest that Naga aspirations should be entirely forfeited, but that a constitutional process be carried out while charting out a long-lasting honourable solution for Nagas. In the course of negotiations and talks, Along said both sides had made compromises on

their respective stances. Nevertheless, Naga representatives have been able to make GoI understand and accept the uniqueness of Naga history. He also noted that talks have hit a deadlock and consequently a stalemate, he pointed out.

He also appealed to all fellow Nagas as well as Government of India (GoI) to work out an honourable and sustainable solution so that tomorrow’s generation of Nagas could live with (Cont’d on p-5) dignity.

DIMAPUR, JUN 18 (NPN): Days after the High Powered Committee (HPC) on Covid19 decided to further extend the ongoing State-wide lockdown till June 30, the deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan, Friday notified that the existing lockdown measures with the additional provisions would continue to remain in force in Dimapur district from June 19-30, 2021.

Besides the existing lockdown guidelines already published, DC Dimapur in an order informed that all activities and movement of

persons/individuals would remain suspended during the lockdown period except the permitted activities: movement of vehicles carrying essential commodities/food items and medical supplies, four lane and railway construction works; all healthcare facilities, movement of healthcare workers including those in animal healthcare, Covid-19 vaccination and testing and medical emergencies, pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, nursing homes would remain open 24x7.

Odd-even rule to continue: Commissioner of

Police Dimapur, R. Tetseo, has notified that the essential movement of all vehicles within Dimapur district would continue to ply in oddeven system till June 30.

Vehicles with registration number ending with odd digits (1, 3, 5, 7 & 9) would be allowed to ply on Monday, Wednesday and Friday while vehicles with registration number ending with even digits (2, 4, 6, 8 & 0) would be allowed to ply on Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday. All those under exempted category have been asked to carry ID cards.

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state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

COVID-19 pandemic: Vaccination, advisories and activities

(L-R): A beneficiary of Tuensang town being vaccinated. DC Mokokchung gives away relief package to a daily wage earner. A daily wage earner receives relief package from DC Phek. DTF for COVID-19 Tuensang meeting in progress. (DIPR)

testing, awareness campaign and door to door visits in an effort to mitigate the spread of the virus.

In addition to the order issued by chief secretary, J Alam, the districts and sub-divisions have issued additional guidelines to be followed within their jurisdictions till further order.

DC Kohima informs on public transport system: Deputy Commissioner (DC) and chairman DTF Kohima has issued additional direcnagalandpost.com Poll tives to streamline public transport.

Q.: Will there be famine According to DIPR in Nagaland due to fall report, the DC has directed armyworm and rain that the following measures scarcity? are to be strictly followed: 100% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Taxis are permitted to oper90% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ate with a maximum of two 80% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– passengers only and without 70% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– any passenger in the front 60% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– seat; if any passenger is 50% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– found not wearing mask, –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 40% the offender and the driver 30% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– of the taxi shall be fined an 20% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– amount of Rs. 200 each; the 10% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– driver of the taxi should dis0% infect the frequently touched A B C areas after every trip, and 55% A Yes. should compulsorily keep 27% B No. hand sanitizers in the ve18% C Can’t Say. hicle; the production of negative COVID-19 test Next poll report by the driver may Q: Will the new Israeli be from any of the testsc o a l i t i o n g ov t l a s t beyond 2021?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST June 19

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Heavy showers in the morning 27 24 Aizawl

A stray afternoon t-storm

22 20

Guwahati Mostly cloudy with a t-storm 32 25 Imphal

A couple of thunderstorms

Itanagar A p.m. t-storm in spots

25 20 31 23

Shillong

Rather cloudy with a t-storm

22 17

Kohima

A thunderstorm in spots

25 18

Dimapur A p.m. t-storm in spots

31 23

A couple of thunderstorms

27 19

Tuensang An afternoon thunderstorm

20 15

Mkg Wokha

Downpours in the afternoon

Zunheboto A heavy t-storm in the p.m.

26 21 24 17

RAT/RTPCR /TrueNat/ CBNAAT; testing shall be free of cost. RTO, Kohima may submit list of names to be tested to the Chief Medical Officer, Kohima for necessary action; drivers who have availed both doses of COVID vaccination shall be exempted from the above measure at clause (d); the driver is to carry a copy of the vaccination certificate with him at all times; pending complete vaccination, the drivers should carry COVID-19 negative test result valid up to 15 days; drivers willing to get vaccinated are to submit their names to the RTO, who may forward the list of names to this office; if the driver completely isolates himself by putting a plastic barrier/sheet in the vehicle between the driver and the passenger, the driver of such a vehicle may be exempted from the requirement of carrying COVID-19 test report; mingling/overcrowding with other drivers and crowding at taxi stands is strictly prohibited; any driver showing COVID-19 like symptoms such as fever, cough, cold, loss of smell/ taste, diarrhoea etc. should immediately isolate and get tested.

The DC informed that the Regional Transport Officer, Kohima shall be responsible for enforcement of the directives.

DC Mokokchung launches relief distribution: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mokokchung, Limawapang Jamir Friday launched the relief distribution for daily wage earners and laborers affected by lockdown at Town Hall Mokokchung.

According to DIPR report, a total of 2,000 households have been listed as beneficiaries from all over the district. The relief items were arranged and provided

by District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA), Mokokchung while volunteers from Mokokchung Town Ao Baptist Arogo (MTABA) youth department assisted in the packaging of the relief items.

Special vaccination drive in Mokokchung: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mokokchung, Limawapang Jamir has informed that a special COVID-19 vaccination drive would be conducted for all the district task force frontline workers, health care workers, sanitation workers, commercial vehicle drivers, shopkeepers

and traders (above 18 years of age) on June 19 at the District Hospital, Mokokchung Town.

According to DIPR report, the time slot for vaccination of different groups will be as follows: DTF Frontline Workers, Health Care Workers, Sanitation Workers – 10 a.m. onwards and commercial vehicle drivers, shopkeepers and traders – 1 p.m. onwards.

All beneficiaries have been asked to produce any of the following documents for onthe-spot registration - adhaar card, driving license EPIC, PAN card, pension document with photograph, NPR smart card travel passport, ration card with photo details like name, gender and age.

Tuensang DTF deliberates on new SOP: Tuensang District Task Force for COVID-19 Friday deliberated on implementation of new SOP issued by the High Power Committee (HPC) and on increasing the COVID test ratio and vaccination drive in the district.

According to DIPR report, during the meeting the medical Department, Tuensang was also asked to update the test and vaccina-

tion data daily, not weekly, so that it would be helpful for the DTF to plan and execute as per the data.

The house also discussed to target the drivers of taxis and buses of Tuensang at priority for the safety and to contain pandemic. The house also agreed to allow opening of all essential dealing shops to open all days of the week and non-essentials to open on alternate days.

Vaccination drive at Tuensang town: COVID-19 vaccination drive for beneficiaries of Old Medical –B ward (18 years and above) was carried out on Friday wherein 129 beneficiaries were vaccinated.

Ambulance dedicated at Shamator: Community Health Centre (CHC) received a new ambulance which was dedicated on June 17 in the presence of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Shamator, WarrenHollohon, Medical Officer (MO) CHC Shamator, Dr.Mhathung and others.

ADC Pfutsero informs on lockdown restrictions: With the extension of state-

wide lockdown by the High Power Committee (HPC) till June 30, Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC)Pfutsero, Japheth Woch has informed that lockdown shall continue to remain operative with certain relaxations.

According to DIPR report, the ADC has informed that in addition to existing guidelines the following directives would come into effect: permitted shops and business establishment shall be allowed to open between 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. and total ban on the movement of individuals/vehicles from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. every day, across the sub-division except for reasons/ purpose and for those who are permitted to move as per the existing lockdown measures.

DC Peren issues lockdown directives: Deputy Commissioner Perenandchairman DTF, SentiwapangAier has informed that with the extension of statewide lockdown till June 30, all such activities restricted/ permitted as per the order shall continue to be operative with the following additional directives till further

OBITUARY Words are not enough to express our gratefulness for all of your sympathetic gesture at the sudden demise of our beloved mother Late Neivinuo Zatsu, W/o Razouselie Zatsu. We the bereaved family would like to convey our earnest gratitude to all the individuals, neighbours, friends, churches, organisations, medical team, and well-wishers who stood and helped us in our darkest hour of grief and supporting us ceaselessly. Your love, kindness, prayers, finances and presence were profoundly felt. Therefore, please accept this acknowledgement as in person from us. We solemnly pray that our Almighty God shower His blessings upon you all.

SRGBA supervises road maintenance DIMAPUR: Satoi Range GB Association (SRGBA) supervised maintenance of road and drainage between Satoi to Tizu/TsuthaRiver and completed the same on June 17.

In a press release, SRGBA informed that the road and drainage main- Team of Dimapur 24x7, social media group, filled up potholes Friday at Police Point tenance was initiated by near Zeliangrong Village, Dimapur. (NP) minister for agriculture and cooperation, G Kaito Aye under Public Works Department (Roads and Bridges) due to deplorable road condition in the region.

order.

According to DIPR report, the DC has made the following directive: permitted shops and business establishments shall be allowed to be open between 6 a.m. to 2 p.m. as on June 19; total restriction of movement of individual/vehicle from 4 p.m. to 5 a.m. daily, across the district except for reasons/purposes specified and for those who are permitted to move as per the existing lockdown measures; all the passenger taxi/auto will be allowed to ply only after obtaining permit with valid reason DTF/SDTF and with strict observance of guidelines/SOP issued by the government.The DC informed that the SDTF/ DTF shall ensure the strict enforcement of guidelines/ SOP/measures issued by the government.

House sealed at Tobu: In order to take effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) Tobu, Tsidi, has ordered sealing of House No.236, Shamyak Ward, Tobu Town, till further order.

Your life was a blessing and your remembrance a treasure….

You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measures.

02.12.1970 - 02.05.2021

K-1066

DIMAPUR: Nagaland continues to fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and has imposed state-wide lockdown, with restrictions, in an effort to combat the virus.

The state Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) department along with respective District Task Force (DTF) for COVID-19 headed by District Commissioner (DC) and chairman DTF have been carrying out vaccination drive, sampling and

Loving husband, children and relatives

CONDOLENCE

DP-2829

Shri. Kahoto Jimomi Hd. GB Ghotovi Village, Ex Chairman Area Council, Niuland expresses grief at the untimely demise of Late Er. Khetovi Sumi, retired Chief Engineer PHED. He was a dedicated officer for the public. He supplied water to 98 villages under Niuland Sub-Division, Dimapur. His loss will be deeply felt, prayer and fond memories are what we have to remember our dearly departed.

My most heartfelt condolences.

The Khetoi Village Union Dimapur (KVUD) expresses grief over the demise of our senior member Late TOHEVI AWOMI who passed away on 04th June 2021. In a condolence message, the KVUD President, Mr. Kiyevi P Yeputhomi described that Late Tohevi Awomi was a public leader who served people in various capacities, ex-candidate and was actively involved in politics. As a fatherly figure to all of us, he has immensely contributed for the welfare of our village in general and Union in particular and beyond. May the Almighty God comfort the bereaved family members and pray for his soul to rest in eternal peace.

President, KVUD DP-2825 K Y M C

DP-2824

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

DP-2826

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

26 MPs from Myanmar taking refuge in Aizawl

A I Z AW L , J U N 1 8 ( AGENCIES): The chief minister of Myanmar‘s Chin state, Salai Lian Luai, is among more than 9,200 people who have taken refuge in Mizoram following a military coup in Myanmar, reports Inside NE. Salai Lian Luai along with other Myanmar nationals crossed the international border and entered Indian territory on Monday night, police said. They reach Champhai District in Mizoram.

A reliable source informed Inside NE that 26 MPs from Myanmar — mostly from the Chin state — are taking shelter in an undisclosed camp in the state capital Aizawl, along with 263 other refugees.

According to the data, a total number of 1,633 people have taken refuge in

Salai Lian Luai

the state capital alone.

Meanwhile, Mizoram chief minister Zoramthanga on Tuesday said that the Mizoram government has sanctioned money for relief operations for Myanmar refugees in the state.

The chief minister earlier had an interaction with office bearers of the largest NGO in Mizoram, Central Young Mizo Association (CYMA), regarding

NE COVID-19 UPDATE

Meghalaya reports 650 new COVID-19 cases, 9 more deaths

Shillong, Jun 18 (PTI): Meghalaya on Friday recorded nine fresh COVID-19 fatalities and 650 new cases pushing the death toll to 771 and the tally to 44,382, a senior health department official said. The state now has 4,819 active COVID-19 cases, while 38,792 people have recovered from the disease, including 431 on Friday, War said. Meghalaya has so far tested over 6.38 lakh samples for COVID-19, he said.

Sikkim reports 162 new COVID19 cases, 3 fresh fatalities

Gangtok, Jun 18 (PTI): Sikkim’s COVID-19 tally rose to 19,058 on Friday as 162 more people tested positive for the infection, while three fresh fatalities pushed the Himalayan state’s coronavirus death toll to 290, a health bulletin said. Sikkim now has 2,900 active cases, while 15,618 people have recovered from the disease and 250 patients have migrated to other states so far.

302 new COVID-19 cases push Mizoram’s tally to 16,437

Aizawl, Jun 18 (PTI) : At least 302 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram, taking the tally in the state to 16,437, an official said on Friday.

Sixty-two children are among the new patients, the official said. The fresh cases were detected from 4,395 sample tests for Covid. Mizoram now has 3,732, active cases, while 12,630 people have recovered from the disease and 75 died.

Arunachal reports 295 new Covid cases

Itanagar, Jun 18 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh reported 295 new COVID-19 cases on Friday, taking the tally to 32,483, a senior health official said. The toll rose to 158 as three women succumbed to the disease in the past two days, the official said. The women, who had comorbidities, were from Capital Complex Region and Changlang, State Surveillance Officer Dr Lobsang Jampa said. There are 2,713 active cases in the state at present, he said. In the last 24 hours, 389 patients recovered. The total number of recoveries in the state is 29,612.

providing relief to Myanmar. The NGO leaders had requested the CM to intervene in the matter.

So far, The Myanmarese nationals who seek refuge in Mizoram are being looked after by civil societies, NGOs, and student bodies. A charity drive earlier had also been organized in aid of the refugees in the capital Aizawl.

Chin, a state in Western Myanmar, shares its vast and porous western border with Mizoram. The Myanmarese who have fled from the military torn Myanmar since the military coup number at least nine thousand in Mizoram.

The Myanmar nationals currently in Mizoram are mostly from Chin Community as the Chin clan are related to the Mizo community.

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Northeast/state

NEEPCO CMD bags ‘Water Resources Engineer Award’

V.K. Singh

DIMAPUR, JUN 18: Chairman and Managing Director of NEEPCO, Shri V.K. Singh, has been awarded the Eminent Water Resources Engineer Award - 2020 in the field of Water Resources Development and Management by the Department of Water Resources Development and Management, IIT Roorkee and Indian Water Resources Society (IWRS), Roorkee on June 18, at an International e-Conference on “Water Source Sustainability”.

Vinod Kumar Singh is

the Chairman and Managing Director of NEEPCO from September 1, 2019. He earlier held the post of Director (Technical) of NEEPCO Ltd. from March 1, 2016.

He completed Bachelors of Electrical Engineering from Regional Engineering College (now NIT), Durgapur (West Bengal) and M.Tech.

(Control Systems) from IIT, Kharagpur. Before joining NEEPCO , he worked as the Executive Director (Uttarakhand Power Stations) at NHPC. V. K. Singh has vast experience of over 32 years covering the entire gamut of Hydro Power Development in NHPC. He was responsible for Electro-Mechanical Design & Engineering of 6 Hydro Power Plants of NHPC and was actively involved for 8 years in the construction of the 540 MW Chamera-I H.E Project (Himachal Pradesh) with Canadian Collaboration.

Rajnath visits DRDO COVID hospital at Guwahati stadium

Guwahati, Jun 18 (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Friday visited the COVID hospital set up by Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati.

The hospital, set up in collaboration with the Assam government, has come 316 beds, Singh said.

“This hospital will help the state of Assam in its fight against the pandemic,” he added. The Union minister was accompanied by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and state Health Minister Keshab Mahanta.

Sarma told reporters that the defence minister inspected the hospital and assured him that the facility will be made available to the state government as a flood shelter too, if required.

The hospital, which was inaugurated on June 10, will become functional

Rajnath Singh at the DRDO hospital at Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati from June 20, he said.

As the rate of positivity and even the number of cases have declined in the state, it has been decided to allow treatment of non-COVID patients at three COVID hospitals in Guwahati, the chief minister said.

The government was also considering allowing Gauhati Medical College and Hospital to treat nonCOVID patients, while

only DRDO and Kalapahar COVID Care will function as COVID hospitals, Sarma said.

Earlier, Singh visited the famed Kamakhya Temple atop the Nilachal Hills and offered his prayers.

The temple is currently closed due to the COVID restrictions and Singh offered his prayers from outside the main door that leads to the sanctum sanctorum.

Rescue operations continue in M’laya mine Sonowal in Delhi; may

Correspondent

Shillong, Jue 18: Deep divers of the Indian Navy are making all efforts to search the remaining four migrant coal miners trapped inside a flooded coal pit in Meghalaya’s East Jaintia Hills district since May 30, an official said on Friday.

On Wednesday, the deep divers of the Indian Navy retrieved a highly decomposed body of an unidentified miner from the 500-feet flooded “rat-hole” coal mine.

So far, no one has come forward to claim the dead body of the unidentified miner, which is lying at the morgue of Community Health Centre in Khliehriat, the district headquarters of East Jaintia Hills.

A Shillong-based Defence spokesperson de-

scribed the search and rescue operation of the trapped miners as one of the most physically and tactically daunting operations.

“A 12-member Indian Navy diving team, that has been pressed into action since June 12 to rescue five miners trapped in a flooded coal mine and has recovered body of one miner and diving effort to search for the remaining four miners is still on,” Defence Spokesperson Wing Commander Ratnakar Singh said.

In fact, the Indian Navy had assisted in the rescue and recovery effort of 15 miners trapped in a mine in Ksan, Meghalaya under similar conditions, in December, 2018.

“The current operation entails the Indian Navy divers to lower themselves and their specialised gear into an

extremely narrow shaft to a depth of almost 400 feet and carry out diving up to further 100 feet, to search for trapped miners within a complicated interconnecting labyrinth of horizontal shafts, with barely enough space for a person to crawl,” Singh said. He said diving operations are further challenged by poor underwater visibility, unmapped shaft construction hazards, flotsam and falling debris.

“Further, diving for prolonged durations in low temperatures (3 – 5 degree Celsius) pose significant medical risks such as hypothermia,” Singh said.

Currently, over 50 personnel from National Disaster Response Force, State Disaster Response Force, District Disaster Response Force, Fire and Emergency Service and the police have

Man held for spreading false info on COVID vaccination in Manipur

Correspondent

IMPHAL, Jun 18: Manipur police arrested a 41-year-old man for spreading false and alarming information about COVID-19 vaccination in the social media Khoisnam Shantikimar Singh of Lairenjam Awang Leikai under Nambol police station of Bishnupur district was arrested by a team of Im-

phal police station on Thursday night, around 9 pm. Imphal West chief judicial magistrate, where the police produced him today (Friday), remanded him to the police custody for five days.

A police source said that he was arrested for spreading false and alarming information about the ongoing COVID-19 vaccination and wearing of masks on social media.

been deployed at the site, and the Naval divers trained to dive to such depths are carrying out the critical task of searching and retrieving the trapped miners.

“Even with incessant rains, low visibility and numerous obstacles, the Indian Navy divers assiduously continue with the search operation which has entered the sixth day, with the hope that any light at the end of the tunnel will bring lasting solace and closure to the families,” Singh said.

“While the divers have specialized equipment such as the Diver Hand Held Navigation System (DHNS) for bottom-mapping of the mine-shaft, any technology can do little to ameliorate the raw, gut-wrenching adversity that such an operation entails,” the spokesperson pointed out.

3 overnight quakes hit NE

Guwahati, Jun 18 (PTI): Three earthquakes, including one having over 4 magnitude, hit the Northeastern region in the early hours of Friday.

Assam was jolted by a 4.1 magnitude quake at 2.04 am, according to a National Centre for Seismology (NCS) report. The epicentre was Sonitpur district and the depth was 22 km.

A quake of 3 magnitude hit Manipur at 1.06 am. The epicentre was Chandel district, at a depth of 10 km. The third quake of 2.6 magnitude was recorded in the West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya at 4.20 am, at a depth of 10 km, as per the NCS report. There was no report of any loss of life or property.

bag union cabinet post

New Delhi, Jun 18 (PTI): Former Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal is in the national capital to meet senior BJP leaders, sources said Friday.

His arrival here this afternoon comes amid speculation of an impending reshuffle in the Union Cabinet and his possible induction into it. Sonowal was chief minister of the BJP-led Assam government from 2016 till last month.

Even though the BJPled alliance returned to power, Sonowal was not made chief minister and was replaced by Himanta Biswa Sarma.

Sonowal is likely to meet a few top BJP leaders, the sources said. He met Defence Minister Rajnath Singh at a dinner hosted by Assam Governor Jagdish Mukhi last night in Guwahati. Sarma was also present at the dinner held at the Assam Raj Bhavan.

There has been speculation that Sonowal, who belongs to Assam’s indigenous Sonowal-Kachari tribe, was called by the party leadership to the national capital for consultations ahead of a reshuffle of the Narendra Modi cabinet.

There were reports that Sonowal is one of the top contenders for a post in the cabinet. Sarma said recently

Sarbananda Sonowal

that before he was given the state’s top post, BJP president J P Nadda had said that Sonowal would be given a new responsibility, without specifying what that could be.

As Sonowal ran a government successfully for five years and helped the party returned to power, there is a possibility of him being “suitably rehabilitated” by the party, the sources said.

Even Modi had acknowledged his contribution to the party and the government.

“My valued colleague @sarbanandsonwal Ji was at the helm of a pro-people and pro-development administration over the last five years. His contribution towards Assam’s progress and strengthening the party in the state is immense,” Modi tweeted on May 10, the day Sarma was sworn in as the chief minister.

state

Naga musician, Dieze releases EP his EP. Dieze, who is a science graduate, said venturing into music was solely out of love for the art as he had no formal education in that field.

“Each time I put up a music my sole purpose and motive is that someone somewhere out there who is listening can relate to it,” said Dieze.

The EP, recorded and mixed at Jam Studio 11, Dimapur, consists of six songs including a bonus track while the cover art and design was made by Advisor, Er Zale Neikha and Dieze Sothu during the EP release Friday. (NP) Kekhrie Khamo. Songs in Correspondent and dedication anyone was inspired by Naga ar- the EP can be found on can achieve their goals. tistes especially Jonathan popular music streaming KOHIMA, JUN 18 (NPN): Musician, Dieze said he Yhome to come up with sites including Spotify.

Kohima based artist, Dieze Sothu, Friday released an Extended Play (EP) titled, ‘18’ in a brief programme at Ministers’ Hill, Kohima, graced by advisor for youth resources and sports, Er Zale Neikha.

In his speech, Er. Zale stressed on the importance of polishing God’s given talent and encouraged the youths to hone their talents. Citing examples of world famous band like BTS, who had a humble beginning, the advisor said with hard work, sincerity K Y M C

MUMBAI AMUL 10 X 8

K Y M C

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXxI NO. 193 Dimapur, SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

Gubernatorial overreach

W

hen Jagdeep Dhankar assumed charge as the Governor of West Bengal, it was to be the beginning of a long -drawn political war with the ruling Trinamool Congress(TMC) under its founder-chief minister Mamata Banerjee. Dhankar, a lawyer and BJP leader, has been in the news with his almost daily attacks on the TMC government since 2019. Dhankar has been at loggerheads with Mamata Banerjee and made no pretense of his mission- to denigrate and dethrone ‘Didi’ from power. However, despite all efforts and many of which have been clearly reported in various national media, voters in West Bengal opted for Mamata, in the recently concluded assembly elections. In fact, the voters gave Mamata a bigger seat share of 213 than in 2016(211),possibly not because she was a fantastic chief minister . The voters responded against the manner in which the BJP’s top national leaders and the governor used every means including sending central agencies to break their ‘Didi’. Even after the people gave their verdict in favour of Mamata, the Central BJP leaders and the governor don’t seem to accept the people’s mandate. Moments after swearing-in Mamata, the Governor in his speech reminded ‘Didi’ to curb postpoll violence. Without the centre’s indulgence and tacit approval, Dhankar would not have been so blatant. It is clear that the governor is hounding the Trinamool Congress. All that the governor is focussed onpostpoll violence and not on tackling covid, economic downslide etc. Mamata needs to respond to the issue of post-poll violence and direct her state administration to deal with law breakers with a heavy hand. At the same time, the governor needs to remember that he is not an active politician, that he has limited powers, that he deserves respect not power and that he cannot function as leader of the opposition.The Governor is not accountable to the people because he is not an elected representative but only the guardian of the constitutionand his role is to facilitate the functioning of an accountable government by discharging his functions on its aid and advice as mandated under the Constitution.Time and again, the Supreme Court of India has also reiterated this position in several landmark judgments. However, the Governor is not merely a figurehead as he also has some discretionary powersUnder Article 163 of the Constitution. In addition to this, he has also a right to seek information from the Chief Minister on the state’s affairs, policies, legislations, and programs under Article 167 of the Constitution, and the Chief Minister has to furnish such information. However, even if there is reason enough to disbelieve inputs from his government, the governor cannot bad mouth a mandated government day in and day out, like a politician. If he so feels, Dhankar should recommend president’s rule under Article 356 of the constitution. Apparently, both Dhankar and the MHA are disinclined to do this. It may be presumed that this may be either due to insufficient grounds or that the BJP does not want a political upheaval after its recent major defeat in Bengal. Many constitutional scholars rightly believe that the Governor is running a parallel government in the state on the directions of his political masters, and this trend is causing irreparable loss to the parliamentary democracy.

DailyDevotion Keep Recognizing Jesus …Peter…walked on the water to go to Jesus. But when he saw that the wind was boisterous, he was afraid… —Matthew 14:29-30 The wind really was boisterous and the waves really were high, but Peter didn’t see them at first.

He didn’t consider them at all; he simply recognized his Lord, stepped out in recognition of Him, and “walked on the water.” Then he began to take those things around him into account, and instantly, down he went. Why couldn’t our Lord have enabled him to walk at the bottom of the waves, as well as on top of them? He could have, yet neither could be done without Peter’s continuing recognition of the Lord Jesus.

We step right out with recognition of God in some things, then self-consideration enters our lives and down we go. If you are truly recognizing your Lord, you have no business being concerned about how and where He engineers your circumstances.

The things surrounding you are real, but when you look at them you are immediately overwhelmed, and even unable to recognize Jesus. Then comes His rebuke, “…why did you doubt?” (Matthew 14:31).

Let your actual circumstances be what they may, but keep recognizing Jesus, maintaining complete reliance upon Him. If you debate for even one second when God has spoken, it is all over for you. Never start to say, “Well, I wonder if He really did speak to me?” Be reckless immediately— totally unrestrained and willing to risk everything— by casting your all upon Him. You do not know when His voice will come to you, but whenever the realization of God comes, even in the faintest way imaginable, be determined to recklessly abandon yourself, surrendering everything to Him. It is only through abandonment of yourself and your circumstances that you will recognize Him. You will only recognize His voice more clearly through recklessness— being willing to risk your all.

Quotes

He who knows that enough is enough will always have enough. ~ Lao Tzu

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

T

A heavy tax on the elderly

he protest is part of their campaign against deducting TDS - Tax Deducted at Source from pensioners, where Senior citizens are not eligible for medical insurance, loan on EMI, Driving License and even jobs for infirmity. On the other hand government spends crores of rupees on irrelevant social schemes to woo voters but their demand is genuine for all they pay taxes for their survival especially while spending half of the pension amount on medicineand home / health care besides household needs.

Income Tax is applicable for who survive and make ends meet through pension after retirement age and to widows and disabled people. Surprisingly it provides exemption of Tax to Members of Parliament and State legislators in respect of their daily allowances in entirety and also there is nil TDS on their pension. People classified as Scheduled Tribe residing in a Sixth Schedule area are exempted from paying income tax.

Pension received on gallantry awards of Armed

A

Forces and NPS – National Pension Schemeare also exempted. Armed forced pension from United Nation Organization under UN privilege and immunities is exempted. It is imperative to note that TDS is not deducted on family pension as the latter does not come under the ambit of Income Tax. It is heartening to see that TDS provisions are applicable under the head of salary. Under Section 60 of the CPC and section 11 of the Pension Act, pension is described as an allowance.

While pension is paid on a monthly basis, there is also an option of receiving tax exempted lump sum in the form of commuted pension. On the other hand, pension paid on a periodical basisi.e. uncommuted pension is fully taxed.

Nationalized banks are allowed deductions and grant relief for any pension arrears. And pension amount is deducted from the beginning of the Financial Year (FY) itself.

Ironically there is no scope for earmarking investment for the very first month as March pension credited on the first working day in

April. Thereby all taxable pensioners contribute TDS at least a month to raise the revenue of ITO’s exchequer. Shouldn’t the department give a fair chance to submit investment details for at least a month?

Pension income is taxed as salary income, whereas the interest on various investments is taxed as income from other sources.

When it comes to Pension Provident Fund (PPF), the interest income is taxexempt. If the pensioner’s taxable income i.e., pension in addition to taxable interest minus investments such as PPF, health premium which are eligible for deduction, is above the exemption limit in an Assessment Year (AY), he is liable to file ITR. ITR Forms now comes filled up in advance in order to execute the filing of ITR in a quick manner. The fields are set to be pre-filled with details of salary income, tax payments, TDS, etc. Taxpayers also expect the details like capital gains from listed securities, dividend income, and interest from banks, post office, etc. to be pre-filled from this FY 2020-21. Besides

there are tax reforms such as Standard Deduction of Rs 50,000, interest income and medical expenses that intends to offer benefits. At the same time government is concerned forgiving exemption of filing ITR for citizens above 75 years who only have pension and interest as a source of income. The paying bank will deduct the necessary tax on their income.

Senior citizen can choose to pay income tax under an optional new tax regime. The New Tax Regime is available with lower tax rates and zero deductions/exemptions. New Slab Rates 5%, 10%, 15%, 20%, 25%, 30% for 2.5L to 5L, 5L to 7.5L, 7.5L to 10L, 10L to 12.5L, 12.5L to 15L, income above 15Lakh respectively against existing Slab Rates of 5%, 20%, 30% for 3L to 5L, 5L to 10L and income above 10Lakh.

All they just need to switch over the Tax Regime in the time of submitting ITR form by clicking a push button on the computer and compare/analyze from both the tax regime.

Senior citizen needs to invest the hard earned lifetime savings in such a

nancial rules have already been changed. The government has made the changes in order to facilitate the taxpaying entities. These changes are expected to impact monthly budget. The deadline for issuing Form 16 is extended till 15th July and the due date for filing return of income for AY 2021-22 are extended to 30th September 2021 for regular assesses.

However, the process of filing ITR can become quite complex for understanding the implications of what senior citizen are filing in the form. Moreover they are purely e-filing and linked with Aadhaar now. Isolation, abuse, catastrophic health-care and fear of Covid-19 hit the seniors most. Should all senior citizens be exempted for filing ITR in this FY 2020-21or fully exemptedfromTDS/income tax.Assesses taxes pay for welfare benefits to our society. The more holistic approach is required for drawing new attention towardssocial justice to the political clout of India’s senior citizen.

Kamal Baruah A freelance writer Guwahati

Can India leverage data to conquer cancer?

recent announcement by the Joe Biden administration to boost science funding has been widely noticed, including in India. The National Institutes of Health (NIH), the largest biomedical funder globally, is one of the biggest beneficiaries of the announcement with a planned budget of a whopping $51 billion that dwarfs the scale of any biomedical science-related funding elsewhere.

The announcement, welcomed by the scientific community, includes the formation of a quasi-independent entity called the Advanced Research Projects Agency-Health (ARPA-H) with a planned $6.5 billion investment.

The idea is to make innovation in treating deadly diseases such as cancer by funding out-of-the-box transformational ideas with little or no administrative processes and peer review.

What consequences does it have for India, and can India compete?

I am going to argue that India can, and will. While doing this, I acknowledge that much of India’s promise lies on paper, and we need to act fast to realise our true potential. Let us start with the

basics. Comparing science funding between the United States (US) and India is a non-starter. India’s gross expenditure on research and development (R&D) is roughly Rs. 1.25 lakh crore or less than $20 billion, and accounts for 0.65% of its Gross Domestic Product.

This covers all the fields and is less than 40% of the proposed budget of the US NIH that looks at health alone.

Out of the total R&D expenditure in India, nearly 70% is in the private sector, and space and defence. To be more specific, the total budget of the government’s three flagship departments (science and technology, biotechnology, and scientific and industrial research) is around Rs.14,700 crore or approximately $2 billion for 2021-22. Altogether, it is 25 times less than what NIH plans to spend in the coming year.

Going by the numbers alone, it does not look good for India.

However, numbers only tell part of the story, as I shall describe with one example, in developing innovative solutions to conquer cancer.

Cancer is primarily a genetic disease, and the vast majority of the cases in India are preventable

as these are linked to a single risk factor — tobacco. Therefore, grassroots awareness drives and educational programmes, along with aggressive regulation on selling and distributing tobacco products, will bring the cases down significantly.

However, implementing any solution in a democratic, large, and heterogeneous county like India is complex. Even after rigorous implementation, thousands of cases will need better diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment.

Let us suppose India can turn cancer from a medical problem to a data problem at the discovery stage. In that case, it can leverage the power of information and data science to conquer cancer. This is not to suggest lessening the efforts on the clinical management and treatment of the disease, but to leverage data by pushing a large chunk of India’s public exchequer’s funding towards detecting cancer early rather than treating patients with late-stage disease.

How can India achieve this?

We can do that by sequencing 15,000 to 20,000 tumour tissues representing the top five cancers in India. Large cancer genomics projects are designed to understand the genetic make-up of

individual patient’s cancer tissues by cataloguing all genetic changes and, therefore, help us identify the disease early by using those as markers. Once the genome sequence information is available, it will push the challenge from the experimental clinical labs to data science labs. The petabytes of data generated from such large genome sequencing experiments, along with well-annotated clinical information and longitudinal follow-up data, will make India compete in the space of genomic data science more effectively. India’s information technology and data science strength will help crunch this data to identify markers for early diagnosis and treatment follow-up.

This will aid precision medicine at district-level hospitals for the early detection of cancer.

A couple of years ago, no one could think of using RT-PCR instruments in hospitals in small towns and at the district level.

Covid-19 changed that. Similarly, suppose we can push the burden of early detection to district-level hospitals. The burden on specialised tertiary cancer hospitals can then be reduced and they can focus on cases requiring expert advice from clinical cancer spe-

Evidence of why the teachers face irregularities in their monthly salary

A

way that it fetches a regular income that may explore and diversify across them to keep returns, safety and liquidity under control. In a falling interest rate scenario, fixed incomes on deposits are hit the most. The interest income earned is also fully taxable, and TDS is applicable if interest is more than Rupees50,000 per year. The drop in the returns from investments in the last few years means that senior citizens require a bigger corpus to receive the same returns.

They typically park their investments and withdrawn annuities in Senior Citizen Saving Scheme (SCSS), Pradhan MantriVayaVandanaYojana (PMVVY), Post Office Monthly Income Scheme (POMIS), Bank Fixed Deposits (FD) and Floating Rate Savings Bonds that provide monthly or quarterly interest pay-outs.

Don’t let forget them to invest on PPF and make use of the 5 year Tax Saving Bank FD (SBITSS and others) to earn income as well as to save tax.

The time for ITR of AY 2021-22 is arriving shortly. A number of fi-

part from India, almost all the countries regard and honour their teachers and military soldiers with good salary package in addition. However if we look at the scenario in India and in Nagaland, a constable job is very complex and difficult but they get only a meager salary and when we look at the government teachers, they are the ones who always face irregularities in getting their salaries till date.

After a speculation through RTI and its reply NO.ED/RTIRPLY/19-20 dated 2nd March 2021, it was found out that the excess backdoor appointments by the government was the cause.

In this RTI reply, there were 1803 backdoor appointments

of 3rd grade staffs under the Education Department during 2010 to 2020. Therefore it is felt that we as a public should do something against it. Not just in Education Department but in each and every department of the state.

During every non payment period, those teachers/ staffs who’ve been appointed through legal and proper channel should get their payment in time or earlier than the others who’ve been appointed through backdoor as well as give promotion only to the people who gets through exams and interviews. We need to decide and agree on this because we can not always agree to what the cabinet says and direct us to

do. The cabinet must also listen to the cries of public and have some leniency towards us.

Therefore I urge you all to agree to this agenda to have every Department a name list of all their staff and paste it outside their building with different columns for backdoor appointees and appointees through proper channel to have a proper and transparent workplace. The following list highlight in details of 3rd grade staffs, Graduate Teacher, Primary Teacher, Drawing Teacher, Carpentry Instructor, Knitting Instructor, Language Teacher appointed through backdoor under respective SDEOs and Secondary Section for everyone’s attention and information;

cialists. Large genome-sequencing projects in developed economies, like the US, have been expensive.

The largest share of the money in these projects is spent on expensive chemicals, instruments and salaries for expert scientific manpower.

India needs to do what it did with mobile telephones by leapfrogging from 2G to 4G and bypassing, largely, the 3G network. Similarly, developing inexpensive sequencing instruments and producing reagents indigenously will push the pricing of whole-genome sequencing from nearly a lakh per sample pair to Rs.5,000-10,000.

Add this to India’s strength of a large number of well-characterised and annotated cancer tissue samples, and exceptional clinical and scientific professionals hungry to solve pressing issues. India can not only compete, but also surpass developing economies in detecting and curing diseases such as cancer.

In the game of skills and scale, India will win, but we need to start today for that to happen.

Binay Panda Genome scientist and professor, Biotechnology and Systems Medicine, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

(The views expressed are personal)

Reader’s Post Everything isn’t the same anymore

Sir,

The opposition to BJP Nagaland president, Temjen Imna Along Longkumer’s “solution under Indian constitution” wasn’t unexpected since it doesn’t reflect the position or desire of Nagas in totality.

But neither would the condemnations and opposition raised against him by ‘political’ groups, Naga CSO’s and tribal organisations themselves have carried the explicit mandate of Nagas and possibly not even the complete voice of their own members and community.

Nagas in general and Nagaland in particular has been living with non-stop predicaments over matters of governance, socioeconomic and sociopolitical issues. It will therefore be pragmatic for all disagreeing entities to refrain from exhibiting self-righteousness and imply they represent the stance of every Naga and a community, for no one has it.

Keeping aside what is right or wrong, what is acceptable or unacceptable, honourable or dis-honourable. No appreciable coherence exist amongst Naga tribes, within a tribe and even amongst 21 Name of the Division/Sec- Total No. of Back- SDEO Bhandari citizens of a village on Naga Issues. At least not anymore! tion/District door appointment Zunheboto distict 150 Therefore let us delve into difference that exist amongst us 2011 to 2020 Sr. SDEO Tuensang 66 and in our society by engaging in deliberations and debates with SDEO Chozuba 36 SDEO Longling 72 political maturity and individual decency without personal attacks SDEO Meluri 40 Sr. SDEO Mokokchung 134 on or off social media. Desist from serving ultimatums, engage in SDEO Pfutsero 43 SDEO Mangkolemba 72 intimidating tactics and giving veiled threats which does not work SDEO Phek 31 in our Naga lives anymore and should not be permitted to play a SDEO Changtongya 43 role any longer or be applied against one another.

Sr. SDEO Kohima & SDEO 171 SDEO Peren 48 Our painful history is clear to all. What has occurred in the Chiephobozou SDEO Tseminyu 29 past cannot be distorted or denied. But our future remains unclear Sr. SDEO Dimapur & SDEO 287 Secondary Section 325 due to factors and events that has changed perceptions and caused Niuland Total 1,803 directional-shifts in the Naga political journey.

Mon district 138 S. T. Yapang Lkr. Everything isn’t the same anymore and hence everyone will Sr. SDEO Wokha 64 Lower Agri, Kohima not think alike anymore.

SDEO Sanis 33 s.t.yapanglkr@gmail.com Peter Rutsa, Kohima 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.

Tomar rules out repeal of 3 farm laws says government ready to resume talks on provisions

Along expresses regrets over recent...

(From p-1) Along also said Nagas should pay heed to the clarion call of clear conscience and invoke providence from Almighty God so that they could all stand together as a people with love, respect and humility and give out a strong unified voice. Along reiterated that Naga civil society had tremendous potential to play a proactive role in bringing all sections of Naga society together to reason out collective wisdom towards a sustainable common future of Nagas.

He pointed out that Nagas have a long and unique civilisation for which precious lives and resources have been sacrificed in safeguarding this unique history and identity.

Along also said Nagas have made many strides over the decades towards fulfilling the long-cherished aspirations of the Nagas.

SC refuses to cancel, postpone PG final-year medical exams New Delhi, Jun 18 (PTI): The Supreme Court on Friday refused to direct the medical universities to cancel or postpone the final year Post Graduate exams on the grounds that the examinee-doctors have been engaged in Covid duty.

A vacation bench of Justices Indira Banerjee and MR Shah said it could not pass any general order to all the universities not to conduct or postpone the final year postgraduate medical examination.

The top court noted that the National Medical

Council (NMC) had already issued an advisory in April asking the universities in the country to take the Covid situation into consideration while announcing the dates for final-year examination. “We have interfered where it was possible like postponing by one month the INI CET examination conducted by AIIMS, New Delhi, where we have found that there was no justification in fixing the date for the examination without giving appropriate time to students to prepare,” the bench said.

NEW DELHI, JUN 18 (PTI): Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal and Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal held a meeting on Friday to discuss the roadmap and an action plan to tackle a possible third wave of COVID19 infection in the national capital.

A state-level task force, more healthcare staff and a special task force for treatment of children are part of the Delhi government’s action plan to deal with the third wave, the chief minister’s office tweeted.

During the meeting, the L-G and the chief minister also discussed bed and oxygen management, availability of drugs and COVID-19 vaccination, the CMO said.

The Delhi government will train 5,000 youths to assist doctors and nurses as part of preparations for a possible third wave. The health assistants or community nursing assistants will be imparted a two-week basic training in nursing and lifecare that will start from June 28 in batches of 500 candidates.

1. Reference Tender Advertised SSPN/QM/311/TDR-03/2021-22 on 30 May 21.

2. Last date of submission for the Tender has been extended to 03 July 21 due to technical reason.

3. Revised specifications have been uploaded on School website and CPPP. Only revised specifications will be valid. All other terms and conditions remains the same.

4. Tender forms (RFPs) /quotations forms & details with instructions may be downloaded from the School web-site http://www.sainikschoolpunglwa.nic.in & Central Public Procurement Portal eprocure.gov.in. Tender will be opened at 1200 hrs on 05 July 2021.

Principal Phone number – 03839-262004/262002

Government of Nagaland

State Health Society: National Health Mission Health & Family Welfare Department Nagaland : Kohima

NOTICE

did not rule out some unscrupulous elements, both cadres and non-cadres, taking advantage for their personal gain. Hence if such was the case, NSCN (R) demanded that specific names, faction and other particular details should be disclosed to enable respective factions to investigate.

NSCN (R) also declared that if, perchance, any of its cadres were found involved either directly or indirectly, severe action of very serious nature would be initiated against them.

However, if particular names or factions could not be provided, the group advised responsible persons, groups, sources, etc, to kindly verify properly before issuing any “unconfirmed, irresponsible and corroded” statements in public domain and in the media. Since, like any other group, NSCN (R) said it too was equally concerned with the pandemic threat and was hoping and praying for better times to come.

DMK chief MK Stalin meets Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi

SAINIK SCHOOL PUNGLWA (NAGALAND) (UNDER THE AEGIS OF MINISTRY OF DEFENCE, GOVT OF INDIA) TENDER NOTICE: SL. SSPN/QM/311/TDR-03/201-22 DATED 18 June 21

NHM/B-35/HR/2016-17/456

in the United States.

“As worrisome as this delta strain is with regard to its hyper transmissibility, our vaccines work,” Walensky told ABC News on Friday.

In Geneva, Swaminathan said there is a need for more data from well-designed studies on the efficacy of the different vaccines that are in use in different countries against the different variants. “This is something that we are watching very carefully and documenting and we now have a special expert group that’s been set up to exactly track the performance of vaccines and their effectiveness when used at the population level in relation to the variants. “This also means that countries need to do sequencing, side by side with documenting vaccine effectiveness. We need to expand sequencing,” she said, adding that through this information, experts can start getting some solid and robust evidence on vaccine performance.

Delhi L-G, CM meet to tackle 3rd wave of Covid

CORRIGENDUM

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detection of B.1.617 without further specification of lineage at this time.”

The B.1.617.2 Delta variant was first detected in India around October 2020.

“The whole situation is so dynamic because of the variants that are now circulating and...the Delta variant is well on its way to becoming the dominant variant globally because of its significantly increased transmissibility,” Swaminathan said responding to a question at a press briefing in Geneva on Friday.

Her remarks came hours after Public Health England (PHE) said that the number of Delta variant infections has jumped by 33,630 in a week to hit a total of 75,953 in the UK, with the highly transmissible variant now making up 99 per cent of all COVID-19 cases in the country.

In Washington, the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Director Rochelle Walensky

liament in September last year.

Farmer groups have alleged that these laws will end the mandi and MSP procurement systems and leave the farmers at the mercy of big corporates, even as the government has rejected these apprehensions as misplaced.

On January 11, the Supreme Court had stayed the implementation of the three laws till further orders and appointed a four-member panel to resolve the impasse. Bhartiya Kisan Union President Bhupinder Singh Mann had recused himself from the committee.

Shetkari Sanghatana (Maharashtra) President Anil Ghanwat and agriculture economists Pramod Kumar Joshi and Ashok Gulati are the other members on the panel.

They have completed the consultation process with stakeholders.

Dated, Kohima the 18th June 2021

NEW DELHI/CHENNAI, JUN 18 (PTI): Tamil Nadu Chief Minister and DMK president M K Stalin on Friday met Congress chief Sonia Gandhi in New Delhi in the presence of Rahul Gandhi and described the meeting as “close to the heart.”

This is the first meeting between Stalin and Sonia Gandhi after the DMK-Congress alliance swept the April 6 Assembly polls in Tamil Nadu, with the Dravidian party coming to power in the state after a decade.

The leaders are learnt to have discussed the new government’s schemes and policies in Tamil Nadu, where the Congress is a junior partner. Both Rahul

Gandhi and Stalin took to Twitter to share about the meeting.

“Congress President Smt. Sonia Gandhi and I had the pleasure of meeting Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, Shri M. K. Stalin and Smt. Durgavathy Stalin earlier today,” Rahul Gandhi said in the tweet.

“We will keep working with the DMK to build a strong and prosperous state for the Tamil people,” he added.

Stalin, in his first visit to Delhi after being sworn in as chief minister last month, also uploaded pictures of his meeting with the Congress chief and Rahul Gandhi along with his wife.

Referring to the ties

In reference to advertisement no. NHM/B-35/HR/2016-17/375 dated Kohima the 4 of June 2021; this is to notify that the interview for the Staff Nurse is scheduled as under: Category Roll Number Time Date of Interview SN-1 to SN-20 10:30 am to 12:30 pm 23rd of June 2021 SN-21 to SN-40 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm SN-41 to SN-60 10:30 am to 12:30 pm Staff Nurse 24th of June 2021 SN-61 to SN-80 01.00 pm to 03.00 pm SN-81 to SN-96 10:30 am to 12:30 pm 25th of June 2021 SN-97 to SN-112 01:00 pm to 03:00 pm Note: 1. Mode of interview shall be online.

2. Applicants are hereby requested to check the shortlist, roll number and time slot at www.nhmnagaland.in : Advertisement.

3. For any queries applicants may come to office from 21st and 22nd June 2021 during office hour or contact office phone number 03702270565.

(Dr. I. Talitemsula Jamir) Mission Director, NHM DC-498

with the Congress’ top Karunanidhi. leaders, Stalin said it was “It felt close to the a “relationship continuing heart,” the chief minister since the days” of his father said about the meeting. and late DMK president M Earlier, Stalin had met

UNITY VILLAGE 5TH MILE, DIMAPUR

VACANCY 1. EXPERIENCED COMPUTER TEACHER 2 Posts Graduate in any stream with (PGDCA) 13000/- PM Graduate in any stream with (DCA) 9000/- PM Additional 1000/- PM if having B.Ed 2. ENGLISH GRAMMAR 1 Post BA English (Hons) B.Ed 14000/(Having Teaching Experience) Contact : 8974449797 / 6009428799

LOTHA EKHUNG SEITHEKEMA-C District : Dimapur, Nagaland

LES-C Appreciates Dr. Roland Lotha

Lotha Ekhung Seithekema-C (LES-C) express our sincerest gratitude to Dr. Roland Lotha (Philanthropist) for taking note of the suffering poor and needy who are affected by the lockdown during the 2nd wave of COVID-19 pandemic and generously contributing rations and cash when the matter was related to him by LES-C members.

The LES-C identified over 50 families from all tribes and race including daily wage laborers, unemployed, old and aged people, widows and others affected by the lockdown within its jurisdiction and provided them with essential items like rice, vegetables, oil and cash owing to Dr. Roland Lotha’s generous help.

The LES-C also takes this opportunity to pray for Dr. Roland Lotha and further wishes him good health and long life.

Vanchamo Yanthan Chairman, LES-C

Peter Kikon General Secretary, LES-C

OFFICE OF THE

th

Congress interim President Sonia Gandhi and party leader Rahul Gandhi with Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin and his wife Durga Stalin, during a meeting in New Delhi. (PTI)

MOUNT SARAMATI SCHOOL

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mentation of the three laws till further orders and set up a committee to find solutions.

“Government of India is ready for talks with farmers. Except for repeal, if any farmers’ union wants to talk on provisions of the Act even at midnight, Narendra Singh Tomar will welcome it,” the agriculture minister said in a video posted on his Twitter account.

Three union ministers, including Tomar and Food Minister Piyush Goyal, have held 11 rounds of

NEW DELHI, JUN 18 (AGENCIES): From the first Vande Bharat Mission to bring back Indians from abroad amid a pandemic in May last year to the first fully vaccinated international crew flying out of India by Air India Express, it has been a long and uncertain journey for aviation crews but finally, the landing lights are in sight, reports NDTV. The low-cost arm of India’s flag carrier on Friday operated the country’s first international flight with a fully COVID-19 vaccinated crew. Flight IX 191 flew from Delhi at 10:40 am for Dubai with the pilots and all crew fully vaccinated against the coronavirus. “Captain DR Gupta and Captain Alok Kumar Nayak captained the flight with cabin crew members Venkat Kella, Praveen Chandra, Pravin Chougle and Manisha Kamble. The same crew operated the return flight IX 196, on the Dubai-Jaipur- Delhi sector,” the airline said.

talks with the protesting farmer unions.

In the last meeting on January 22, the government’s negotiations with 41 farmer groups hit a roadblock as the unions squarely rejected the Centre’s proposal of putting the laws on suspension.

During the 10th round of talks held on January 20, the Centre had offered to suspend the laws for 1-1.5 years and form a joint committee to find solutions, in return for protesting farmers going back to their respective homes from Delhi’s borders.

The three laws -- The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act 2020 -- were passed by the Par-

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Narendra Singh Tomar

First intl flight by Delta variant becoming globally... NSCNs deny fully-vaccinated (From p-1) said she expects the Delta demanding cut...

Another 12 countries variant will become the (From p-1) crew takes off and areas are “reporting the dominant coronavirus strain Nonetheless, the group

LONGTSUNG EKHUNG DIMAPUR DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

FELICITATION The Longtsung Ekhung Dimapur would like to congratulate Dr. Martina Shitiri, wife of Shri. Chumbenthung Mozhui for successfully completing Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) in the discipline of Genetics & Plant Breeding from SASRD, Nagaland University on the topic Studies on Genotypic X Environmental Interaction on Rice Bean [(Vigna Umbellata Thunb.)

Ohwi and Ohashi] Landraces of Nagaland under the supervision of Prof. Kigwe Seyie.

The Union would like to extend our heartiest wishes for bringing such laurels and wishes her the best in all her future endeavours.

(Rachamo Mozhui) Chairman Longtsung Ekhung Dimapur

(Benthungo Jungi) Secretary Longtsung Ekhung Dimapur

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday and presented a number of demands pertaining to Tamil Nadu.

VISITING CONSULTANT Dr. Sankar Debroy, Radiation Oncology, will be available for consultation at Eden Medical Centre from 19th June to 23rd June 2021.

For further details and appointments, kindly call the Reception at 03862-248288 / 296600 DP-2828

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT With a grateful heart, I on behalf of my village Piphema New take this opportunity to thank each and everyone of you who came forward to help in every possible way during the most difficult time when the whole village was declared by the government as Covid-19 containment zone on finding of 31 persons positive cases ,thereby leading to the sealing of the whole village.

I want to express my appreciation and acknowledge each and every individual, Churches, NGOs and villages who stood by us during the most difficult time faced by the village. The help and support rendered to us in the form of prayer, cash, kinds and materials helped the village to pull through this difficult and trying time, words are not enough to thank each and every person for your extraordinary beautiful gesture of love showered upon the villagers.

May the Lord bless you abundantly.

1. Late Vikhalie & Visevono Children.

1. Rice – 3 bags.

2. Eggs – 2 cartons.

3. M. Oil – 2 cartons.

4. Tin Fish – 50 nos.

5. Biscuit – 30 pckd.

6. Maggi – 2 carton.

7. Tea Leaf – 20 pckd.

8. Sugar – 20 kgs.

9. Dal – 25 kgs.

10. Ata – 20 kgs.

2. Piphe’A’ Baptist Church Mission Department.

1. Medicine.

3. P.K.K.K Piphema.

1. Rice – 15 bags.

2. Potatoes – 3 bags.

3. Dal – 1 bag.

4. Salt – 1 bag.

5. M. Oil – 2 cartons.

4. Mr. Kehiezakie Keyho family.

1. Milk – 34 pckt.

2. Tea Leaf – 34 pckt.

3. Sugar – 34 kgs.

5. Mr. Dikhamo family.

1. Fish – 40 kgs.

6. C.R.C Piphema ’A’.

1. Eggs – 36 plates 2. M. Oil – 36 bottles ½ ltrs 3. Dal – 36 kgs 4. Onion – 36 kgs.

5. Potatoes – 72 kgs.

6. Tomatoes – 36 kgs.

7. Chilli – 20 kgs.

8. Garlic – 36 pckt.

7. Zhaleo Rio, M.L.A 1. Rice – 10 bags.

2. Sanitizer – 50 nos.

3. Mask – 500 nos.

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NEW DELHI, JUN 18 (PTI): Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Friday ruled out repealing the three new farm laws but said the government is ready to resume talks with protesting farmer unions on provisions of the legislations.

The government and unions have held 11 rounds of talks, the last being on January 22, to break the deadlock and end the farmers’ protest. Talks have not resumed following widespread violence during a tractor rally by protesting farmers on January 26.

Thousands of farmers, mainly from Punjab, Haryana and western Uttar Pradesh, have been camping at Delhi’s borders for more than six months in protest against the three laws that they say will end state procurement of crops at MSP. The Supreme Court has put on hold the imple-

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national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

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8. Piphema Old Village Baptist Church Thenupfuko.

1. Rice – 10 bags.

9. C.R.C Chumoukedima.

1. Rice – 12 bags.

2. Potatoes – 2 bags.

3. M. Oil – 2 cartons 4. Dal – 1 bag 5. Salt – 1 bag.

10. Mezhuseno Family, Piphema’A’ 1. Dal – 35 kgs 2. Potatoes – 35 kgs.

3. M.Oil – 35 pcs (250 grm).

11. ACRCC Mission Board.

1. Milk – 33 pckd.

2. Sugar – 35 kgs.

3. Tea leaf 25 grm – 34 pcs.

12. Medziphema Town Mechu Krotho (MTMK) 1. Potatoes – 4 bags.

2. Sugar – 50 kgs (1 bag) 3. Dal – 1 bag.

4. Tea Leaf – 40 pckd (250 grm) 5. Biscuit – 4 cartons.

13. Chakhroma Women Organisation (CWO).

1. Rice – 5 bags.

14. Ketholenuo Shuya & Children Chumoukedima.

1. Dal – 1 bag.

2. Potatoes – 1 bag.

3. Onion – 1 bag.

4. M. Oil – 1 carton.

15. Tsiepema C.R.C. 1. Cash – Rs.10000.00 16. High School Colony Piphema’A’ 1. Rice – 4 bags.

2. Dal – 1 bag.

ZHATO KIMHO CHAIRMAN New Piphema Village, Dimapur

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur saturDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

Swiss banks deposits by Indians PM launches crash course for Covid warriors increased by 286% in 2020: Cong

NEW DELHI, JUN 18 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched a customised crash course programme that aims to skill and upskill over one lakh “Covid warriors” across the country, and said the nation needs to stay prepared as the danger of coronavirus and possibility of its mutation remain present.

Speaking on the occasion, he said the second wave of the pandemic has highlighted the challenges the virus can throw up, and the training of more than one lakh frontline warriors is a step in that direction.

“We have to further enhance the preparedness of the country to meet the challenges ahead,” Modi asserted.

He also said the central government is committed to providing Covid vaccination free to everyone, starting June 21.

With the country witnessing shortage of medical oxygen during the recent surge in Covid cases, the

Narendra Modi addresses the launch of the ‘Customized Crash Course programme for COVID-19 Frontline workers’, through video conferencing, in New Delhi. (PTI)

prime minister said work is underway on a war footing to establish over 1,500 oxygen plants, with efforts to reach every district.

The customised crash course training will be imparted to people in six customised job roles, namely home care support, basic care support, advanced care support, emergency care support, sample collection support, and medical equipment support.

The course, launched from 111 centres across 26

states, has been designed by top experts, Modi said, adding that the Corona period has proved the importance of skill, re-skill and up-skill.

It is a special programme under the central component of the Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana 3.0, with total financial outlay of Rs 276 crore, the PMO said.

The programme will create skilled non-medical healthcare workers to fill the present and future needs

of manpower in the health sector, it said.

In his speech, Modi said the pandemic has tested the strength of every country, institution, society, family and person of the world.

At the same time, this also alerted us to expand our capabilities, and India took up this challenge and the ramping up of its capabilities related to Covid care and treatment is a testimony to its efforts, he said.

This training programme, which aims to skill people in two-three months, will give fresh energy to the health sector and frontline force, and will also provide job opportunities to our youngsters, Modi said.

Given the size of our population, the prime minister said it is necessary to keep increasing the number of doctors, nurses and paramedics in the health sector.

He added that work has been done in a focussed manner to boost infrastructure and manpower over the last seven years by starting new AIIMS, new medical

colleges and new nursing colleges.

Similarly, reforms are being encouraged in medical education and related institutions. The seriousness and the pace at which the work on preparing the health professionals is going on now is “unprecedented”, he said.

Modi also heaped praise on health professionals like ASHA workers, ANM, anganwadi and other workers deployed in village dispensaries and described them as one of the strong pillars of our health sector who are often left out of the discussion.

They are playing an important role in curbing the infection to support the world’s largest vaccination campaign, he said.

The prime minister lauded these health workers for their work during all the adversities, and said they have played a huge role in preventing the spread of infection in villages in remote parts and in hilly and tribal areas.

NEW DELHI, JUN 18 (PTI): The Congress on Friday demanded that the government make a full disclosure of the nature of black money and names of the individuals who have stashed it in Swiss banks, and asked it to bring a white paper on how much of it has been brought back to the country in the last seven years.

Congress spokesperson Gourav Vallabh said the government should also come out with a complete list of measures that it has undertaken to check the stashing of black money in foreign banks.

The demand came after Switzerland’s national bank -- Swiss National Bank (SNB) -- released data of funds parked in Swiss banks that showed that deposits by Indians increased to 286 per cent in 2020, the highest in the last 13 years.

C o n g r e s s ’s c h i e f spokesperson Randee p Surjewala also demanded answers from Prime Min-

ister Narendra Modi on his promise to bring back black money and shared a video of the PM before he assumed power. “Money deposited in Swiss banks is now Rs 20,700 crore. 286 per cent increase between the year 2019-20, the maximum money in Swiss banks in last 13 years.

“Modiji please reply -- What happened to the promise to bring back black money in three years? It’s been seven years now. Is there no will power or money belongs to friends?” he asked on Twitter.

Vallabh said the divide between the rich and the poor has widened in the country under the Modi government as this disclosure comes at a time when the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) says close to 97 per cent Indians became poorer during the last year and on the other hand, the data of funds in Swiss banks for 2020 shows another side. “The Congress party demands that the

Modi government provide a full disclosure of the nature of this money, the names and details of individuals who have stashed money in Swiss banks in the last year.

“We demand that the Modi government bring a white paper providing details of how much black money has been brought back and from which country in the last seven years. It should also come out with a complete list of measures that it has undertaken to check the stashing of black money in foreign banks,” he told reporters at a virtual press conference.

Vallabh said in the last seven years, the government has been all talk and no action. “Why is the Modi government not prepared to share the names of the individuals who have moved money to Swiss banks in the last year? While 97 per cent Indians have become poorer, who are these people who are availing ‘aapdameinavsar’ (opportunity in disaster).

Rule of land supreme, not your policy: UP Police summons Twitter India Bengal gov postpones departure Parliamentary panel on IT to Twitter MD over Ghaziabad assault case from Delhi, likely to meet Shah

KAKURO

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No. 9951 Yesterday’s solution No. 9950

No. 4571 Yesterday’s solution No. 4570

No. 3595 Yesterday’s solution No. 3594

Across 4. Pantihose (6) 7. Gazelle, say (8) 8. Shrub or small tree (6) 10. Belief (5) 13. Forehead (4) 14. Prophet (4) 15. Fish type (4) 16. Influenza (3) 17. Complain bitterly (4) 19. Not false (4) 21. Bogey or bugbear (9) 23. Cat noise (4) 24. No votes (4) 26. Anger (3) 27. Unlock (4) 29. Dutch cheese (4) 32. Girl’s name (4) 33. Stadium (5) 34. Declamation (6) 35. Profitable (8) 36. Motive (6) Down 1. Stops (5) 2. Unit of weight (5) 3. Horizontal, level (4) 4. Rips (5) 5. Chew steadily (4) 6. Cold dessert (6) 9. Expensive (6) 11. Snake-like fish (3) 12. Mistake (5) 13. Foolish talk (7) 15. Large (3) 16. Merriment (3) 18. Overseas (6) 20. Stair part (5) 21. Shade of colour (3) 22. Forbid (3) 23. Commendation (6) 25. Karate expert (3) 28. Clean feathers (5) 30. Considers (5) 31. Third month (5) 32. The Red Planet (4) 33. Mother’s sister (4)

cause the accused were unhappy about the ‘tabeez’ (amulets) sold to them by Saifi, a resident of adjoining Bulandshahr district, and ruled out any communal angle in the case.

In the video that triggered a nation-wide reaction, Saifi purportedly says he was attacked by some young men and forced to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’. But, according to the district police, he has not made any such allegations in his FIR lodged on June 7, two days after the incident.

The June 15 FIR states that the Ghaziabad Police had issued a statement with facts of the incident but despite that the accused did not remove the video from their Twitter handles. The police had also clarified that those who attacked Saifi included Hindu as well as Muslim men and the incident was a result of personal issues between them and not a communal one, it said.

NEW DELHI, JUN 18 (PTI): West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar has postponed his Friday afternoon departure to Kolkata from here, and is likely to meet Union Home Minister Amit Shah again about the law and order situation in the state, source said.

Dhankhar had a meeting with Shah on Thursday as well during which he is believed to have briefed the home minister about the law and order situation in the state where several incidents of post-poll violence were reported.

Sources said Dhankhar was scheduled to leave Kolkata Friday afternoon, but the departure has been rescheduled for Saturday.

A meeting with the home minister later in the day is not ruled out, they added.

Dhankhar arrived in the national capital on Tuesday.

A day before his departure from Kolkata, a

lN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE, KOHIMA; NAGALAND. NOTICE NOTICE INVITING OTHER CLAIMANTS TO REPRESENTATION TO COME FOR (UNDER PART-X OF SECTION 373 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925) Succession Case No. 171 of 2021: Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate of Late L. Ghusheto Chishi has filed by Smti. Kughashi, W/o Late L. Ghusheto Chishi, R/o Merhulietsa Colony, Kohima, Nagaland to draw/operate/close/ transfer. 1. Pay arrears, GPF, GIS, gratuity, leave encashment, other service benefits, pension benefits, family pension. 2. SBI A/c No. 30208534637.

3. Axis Bank A/c. No. 921010004068311. 4. Nagaland State Co-operative Bank A/c No. 100310006013130, who expired on 31.05.2021.

Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate of this said deceased may he/she so desire appear in this Court within 30(thirty) days from the date of publication of notice.

Given under the hand and seal of the Court on this 17 day of June 2021.

Principal District & Sessions Judge, Kohima: Nagaland.

K-970 IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DIMAPUR : NAGALAND S/C NO. 355/21 NOTICE NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Howoto Sema has been applied by Smti Inatoli Tikher, W/o Late Howoto Sema, R/o Chumukedima, Mission Compound, Dimapur, Nagaland for possession of : 1. Pension Benefits 2. Axis Bank A/C - 916010007127688 3. ICICI Bank A/C - 256701500596 4. SBI A/C No. - 11348225532 5. Nagaland State Co-operative Bank A/C No. - 102410006001014 Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may if she/ he so desire appear in this court on or before the said day of 14th July 2021.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this the 14th June 2021.

Principal District & Sessions Judge Dimapur : Nagaland

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Jagdeep Dhankhar

delegation of BJP MLAs had petitioned him on the alleged deterioration of law and order in the state.

Dhankhar also wrote a letter to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, accusing her of being silent over post-poll violence in the state and not taking steps to rehabilitate the affected people.

He shared the letter on Twitter, a move the state home department criticised as being violative of all established norms.

HOME DELIVERY (Only in Dimapur)

Pure Citronella Oil at Rs. 1300 Per Litre Contact No : + 91 8974267898 + 91 8794232506

WANTED 1 Domestic Helper 1 Nanny (2.7 Yrs Baby)

Fooding & Lodging Free Good Salary Location : Chumukedima Contact : 7208049904 9930888724 DP-2822

LAND FOR SALE Signal Angami Sq. Ft 410/-

Ph No. : 9774331069 8787826923 DP-2798

LAND FOR SALE 1. at New Showuba - Rs. 140/- sq. ft.

- 1 Pura near Four Lane 2. Nihokhu Village - 16 Puras Highway touched - Rs. 1.65 Crore (Negotiable) Contact No. : 8729814776

LAND FOR SALE Kachari Gaon

IN THE COURT OF DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE ZUNHEBOTO : NAGALAND

No.JUD/SUCC-34/19-20/43

Dated Zbto. the 17-06-2021

Notice Calling Objection for the issue of Succession Certificate Whereas application has received from Smti Ethel K. Yepthomi, U/S 372 of the Indian Succession Act, resident of Laghilato Colony, Zunheboto for Succession of SBI A/c No.-30469214643, service/pension benefits, debts, gratuity and other benefits of Late Kiyevi S. Yeptho.

Notice is hereby issued for filing objections to all who have interest in the said claim(s) within 45(forty five) days from the date of publication to this notice.

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Sd/District & Sessions Judge Zunheboto : Nagaland

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seven days’ time to appear at the local police station,” Superintendent of Police (Ghaziabad Rural) Iraj Raja told reporters Friday.

The Ghaziabad Police had on June 15 booked Twitter Inc, Twitter Communications India, news website The Wire, journalists Mohammed Zubair and Rana Ayyub, besides Congress leaders Salman Nizami, Maskoor Usmani, Shama Mohamed and writer Saba Naqvi. They were booked over the circulation of a video in which the elderly man, Abdul Shamad Saifi, claims he was allegedly thrashed by some young men who also asked him to chant ‘Jai Shri Ram’ on June 5. The police claim the video was shared to cause communal unrest.

The police have maintained the assault took place be-

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Su doku

GHAZIABAD, JUN 18 (PTI): The Ghaziabad Police has sent a notice to Twitter India Managing Director Manish Maheshwari, asking him to join a probe in connection with the case involving an assault on a Muslim man here earlier this month, officials said Friday.

He has been asked to appear at the Loni Border police station here within seven days to get his statement recorded in the case in which an FIR was lodged against the social media giant also, a senior police official said.

“Manish Maheshwari is the MD of Twitter India and was sent a notice yesterday under CrPC section 166 seeking his cooperation in the probe. Some other details have been sought from him and he has been given

Per Sq. Ft. 410 Contact : 8787826923 7005646325 Near Eden Hospital

LAND FOR SALE 2 Lane Touched 1. 1 Bigha Road touched with Teak Plantation Rs. 160 per sq. ft.

2. 2½ Bighas approach road touched 3 minutes walk from 4 lane Rs. 150 per sq. ft.

Contact : 9362359493

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Crossword

cials whether their policy is more important or rule of land, to which officials responded that they respect the Indian laws but they have to follow their policy as well for larger interest, sources said.

The panel members took strong objection to Twitter stance and categorically told them that the rule of land is supreme not the company policy, sources said.

As per sources, there was unanimity in the panel that the Twitter should abide by IT rules and appoint chief compliance officer.

“The answers (by Twitter officials) lacked clarity and were ambiguous”, a source said.

It was also raised by the MPs in the meeting that instead of appointing a full-time compliance officer, Twitter has appointed an interim officer, who is a lawyer, sources said. The parliamentary panel had last week summoned Twitter over issues related to misuse of the platform and protection of citizens’ rights.

According to sources, the opposition members opined that another round of meeting should be held with Twitter officials, but the panel has sought written reply from Twitter on various questions.

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NEW DELHI, JUN 18 (PTI): Amid a tussle between the Union government and Twitter over the new IT rules, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on IT on Friday told the US-based social media giant that the rule of the land was supreme and the company must abide by the Indian laws.

During a 90-minute deposition before the panel, chaired by Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, the Twitter India officials were asked “tough and searching questions”, including why it should not be fined as it has been found “violating” rules of the country, sources said.

Twitter India’s public policy manager Shagufta Kamran and legal counsel Ayushi Kapoor deposed before the parliamentary panel. BJP MPs --Nishikant Dubey, Rajyawardan Rathore, Tejasvi Surya, Sanjay Seth, Zafar Islam, Subhash Chandra-- were among those present during the meeting while from the opposition there were TMC MP Mahua Moitra and TDP MP Jaidev Galla apart from Tharoor.

During the meeting, panel members mostly from ruling BJP asked Twitter offi-

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UN seeks arms embargo in Myanmar

United Nations, Jun 18 (AP): The UN General Assembly is expected to approve a resolution calling on Myanmar’s junta to restore the country’s democratic transition and for all countries “to prevent the flow of arms into Myanmar,” diplomats said.

The draft resolution also condemns deadly violence by security forces and calls on the junta to unconditionally release the ousted civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint “and all those who have been arbitrarily detained, charged or arrested.”

The 193-member assembly is scheduled to consider the resolution, which has more than 50 co-sponsors, on Friday afternoon and its sponsors are hoping it will be approved by consensus to send a strong message to the military of global opposition to its Feb 1 takeover and support for a return to Myanmar’s democratic transition, though any nation can call for a vote.

The draft resulted from negotiations by a so-called Core Group including the European Union, many Western nations and the 10-member Association of

The 193-member assembly is scheduled to consider the resolution, which has more than 50 co-sponsors.

Southeast Asian Nations known as ASEAN, which includes Myanmar. A UN diplomat said there is an agreement with ASEAN to seek consensus, but what will happen with ASEAN members if there is a vote remains unclear.

The resolution’s approval would mark one of the few times that the U.N.’s most representative body expressed itself against a military coup and called for an arms embargo.

Canada’s U.N. Ambassador Bob Rae, a member of the Core Group, said Thursday that everyone has been working hard “to reach a broad consensus” on the text, and discussions were still under way on whether it would be approved by consensus or be

put to a vote.

Myanmar for five decades had languished under strict military rule that led to international isolation and sanctions. As the generals loosened their grip, culminating in Suu Kyi’s rise to leadership in 2015 elections, the international community responded by lifting most sanctions and pouring investment into the country. Her party was reelected by a landslide in November elections, but the military contends the vote was fraudulent and took over before the new Parliament was seated.

Widespread opposition to the junta’s rule began with massive nonviolent protests. After soldiers and police used deadly force to crush the peaceful

U.N. chief Guterres appointed for 2nd term

NEW YORK, JUN 18 (AGENCIES): United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was appointed for a second-five year-term on Friday by the 193-member U.N. General Assembly, reports Reuters.

“I will give it my all to ensure the blossoming of trust between and among nations large and small, to build bridges, and to engage relentlessly in confidence building,” Guterres told the General Assembly after taking the oath of office.

The 15-member Security Council earlier this month recommended the General Assembly re-appoint Guterres. His second term starts on beginning on Jan. 1, 2022. read more Guterres succeeded Ban Ki-moon in January 2017, just weeks before Donald Trump became

Biden signs bill making Juneteenth federal holiday WASHINGTON, JUN 18 (IANS): US President Joe Biden has signed into law a bill making Juneteenth a federal holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the nation.

“Great nations don’t ignore their most painful moments, they embrace them.

Great nations don’t walk away, they come to terms with the mistakes they’ve made. In remembering those moments, we begin to heal and grow stronger,” Biden said at a signing ceremony in the White House East Room on Thursday.

Flanked by Vice President Kamala Harris, members of the Congressional Black Caucus and other lawmakers, Biden added: “The truth is, it’s simply not enough to commemorate Juneteenth. After all, the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans didn’t mark the end of America’s work to deliver on the promise of equality, it only marked the beginning.

“To honour the true meaning of Juneteenth, we have to continue towards that promise because we have not gotten there yet.”

The bill was passed in the Senate with unanimous consent on Tuesday, and the House approved it Wednesday in an overwhelming 415-14 vote. The signing came after Biden just returned from his first presidential trip overseas to Europe, and two days before this year’s Juneteenth.

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7

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

Antonio Guterres

U.S. president. Much of Guterres’ first term was focused on placating Trump, who questioned the value of the United Nations and multilateralism.

The United States is the largest U.N. financial contributor, responsible for 22% of the regular budget and around a quarter of the peacekeeping budget. President Joe Biden, who took office in January, has started restoring funding cuts made by Trump to U.N.

agencies and re-engaged with the world body.

U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the United Nations faced historic challenges, but she hoped that with Guterres at the helm “the next five years will see more peace, more security, and more prosperity than the last.”

“It will require hard work, political will, and accountability from all U.N. member states,” she said in a statement, adding every member states should have “an impassioned commitment” to human rights.

Guter res, 72, was prime minister of Portugal from 1995 to 2002 and head of the U.N. refugee agency from 2005 to 2015.

As secretary-general, he has been a cheerleader for climate action, COVID-19 vaccines for all and digital cooperation.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”

demonstrations, a low-level armed insurrection has emerged in both the cities and countryside.

Last week, the U.N. human rights office cited credible reports that at least 860 people have been killed by security forces since Feb. 1, mostly during protests, and that more than 4,800 people - including activists, journalists and opponents of the junta - are in arbitrary detention.

Speaking of the draft resolution, Canada’s Rae said: “I think it’s a strong statement by the General Assembly about our strong opposition to what’s been happening in Myanmar, and our strong desire for a shift back to a process of attaining democracy in the country, civil and economic rights for everybody including the Rohingya.”

The draft calls on “the Myanmar armed forces to respect the will of the people as freely expressed by the results of the general election of Nov 8, 2020. It also said the Parliament should be allowed to convene and the armed forces and other national bodies should be brought into an “inclusive civilian government that is representative of the will of the people.”

One in 100 deaths is by suicide: WHO G e n e va , J u n 1 8 (IANS): One in a hundred deaths globally can directly be attributed to suicide, the World Health Organization (WHO) said, arguing that the Covid-19 pandemic has increased factors for suicide worldwide.

In 2019, more than 700,000 people died of suicide, one in 100 deaths, which was more than HIV, malaria, wars or homicide, the world body said in a statement issued on Thursday.

The same year, prior to the global pandemic, the global suicide rate was decreasing everywhere, the WHO declared, with exception of the Americas region that saw increases of 17 per cent.

Among young people aged 15-29, suicide was the fourth leading cause of death after road injury, tuberculosis and interpersonal violence.

According to the WHO, more than twice as many males die due to suicide as females (12.6 per 100 000 males compared with 5.4 per 100 000 females).

Suicide rates among men are generally higher in high-income countries (16.5 per 100 000).

Palestinians clash with Israel police at Jerusalem holy site

Al-Aqsa mosque compound has frequently been scene of Israeli-Palestinian violence.

Jerusalem, Jun 18 (AP): Palestinians protested after Friday prayers at the Al-Aqsa mosque compound in Jerusalem and briefly clashed with Israeli police, leaving three demonstrators wounded.

A series of far more violent clashes at the site in April and May helped ignite last month’s 11-day Gaza war. The site is the third holiest in Islam and the holiest for Jews, who refer to it as the Temple Mount because it was the location of the biblical temples.

It has frequently been the scene of Israeli-Palestinian violence. This time, the police refrained from

entering the compound and appeared to act with more restraint, possibly on the orders of Israel’s newly sworn-in government. The Red Crescent emergency service said two Palestinians were wounded by rubber bullets and a third by a stone that was thrown. Young Palestinians could be seen throwing stones at police stationed at an entrance to the compound, who fired stun grenades and rubbercoated bullets.

Hundreds demonstrated after Friday prayers in response to a rally held by Jewish ultranationalists on Tuesday in which dozens had chanted “Death to Ar-

abs” and “May your village burn.” The Palestinians protested against insulting Islam’s Prophet Muhammad, after online video showed some of the participants in the Tuesday march denigrating him.

Tensions have remained high since an informal ceasefire halted the Gaza war on May 21. Tuesday’s rally was held to celebrate Israel’s capture of east Jerusalem, including the Old City and its holy sites, during the 1967 war. Police forcibly cleared Palestinians from the route of the march and provided security as many in the crowd made racist chants.

Fighting reported in 200 Afghan areas

KABUL, JUN 18 (IANS): Fighting between the Afghan National Security and Defence Forces (ANDSF) and the Taliban were reported across 200 areas in 24 hours amid escalating violence in the war-torn country, official data revealed.

The Defence Ministry on Thursday claimed that 148 Taliban fighters were killed in the fighting with Afghan security forces, and more than 160 others were wounded, reports TOLO

News.

Meanwhile, the Taliban claimed to have killed over 50 security force members and wounded dozens more.

The militant group, which has stepped up activities and captured over a dozen districts since the withdrawal of the US-led forces from Afghanistan on May 1, also claimed that they seized two military bases in Shinkai district, Zabul province, and Bagahwi village of Sar-e-Pul province.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born on : 15th July 1989 – Died on : 21st May 2021 " I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, 2nd Timothy 4:7 I have kept the faith" We, the bereaved family, would like to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to all the groups, individuals, villages, churches (special thanks to Sumi Baptist Church Dimapur for providing free ambulance), Chathe Prayer Center, neighbors, friends, relatives and well wishers during our grievances of the sudden demise of our loving son, brother & father, Lt. Mr. NZANTHUNG TUNGOE. Your prayers, physical presence, materials and financial support will remain unforgettable.

In return, we may not be able to repay & thank each and every individual but may the Almighty God's blessings be upon each and everyone of you immensely.

Loving mother, brother, sisters, daughter & family DP-2823

DC-499

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

03.02.1969 – 13.06.2021 We, the bereaved family of Late Lolensubo Longkumer express our heartfelt gratitude to our friends, relatives, neighbors, well-wishers and every individual for the love, support, prayers, time and kindness shown to our beloved father till his demise on 13th June 2021.

Thank you so much for being with us throughout our difficult times. It is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you abundantly in every walks of your life.

Oba, thank you for being a wonderful father and for loving us unconditionally. Your presence will be missed as we continue our journey without you.

Loving wife, children and relatives MKC-165

Lt. Mrs. PUTUIENLA Born on 22/05/1983 – Died on 14/06/2021 “The Lord gave, and the Lord has taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” Having experienced the attributes of all of your love, kindness, support and commiseration in abundance during our time of grief and loss, we the bereaved family members would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to each and everyone for immensely supported us spiritually, physically and financially during her illness and at the time of her demise.

A special word of thanks to :1. Doctors & nurses of Zion Hospital, Dimapur 2. Baptist Church Changki 3. Ao Baptist Church, Signal Colony Dimapur 4. Dimapur YimjenkimongTzϋditsϋr Telongjem 5. Sϋngdakba Alikhon Ori Changki We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally; however it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless each and every one of you abundantly.

K-1061

Loving Husband, Children and Family Members DP-2836

Late VIKUNEIL CHAYA 12th January 1963 – 15th May 2021

We, the family of Late Vikuneil Chaya convey our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to each and everyone for your support through prayers and your immeasurable services both financially and physically at the sudden demise of my beloved husband and our father and brother. Your kind acts have strengthened us during this difficult time of grief and sorrow.

We will forever remain grateful to all of you and it is our humble prayer that the Almighty God bless you abundantly.

K-1064

Loving wife, sons and family members K Y M C

8

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 19, 2021

EURO 2020: Croatia hold Czech Republic; Sweden beat Slovakia 1-0

Glasgow/Saint Petersburg/ Amsterdam, jun 18 (AFP/ IANS/Reuters): Ivan Perisic scored a stunning second-half equaliser as Croatia pegged back Czech Republic for a 1-1 draw in Group D on Friday, keeping their slim hopes alive of qualifying to the European Championship knockout stages.

World Cup semi-finalists Croatia were well off the

pace in the early stages and were dealt a huge blow when the Czechs were awarded a penalty after centre back Dejan Lovren struck striker Patrick Schick with his elbow inside the box.

Schick, with a bloody nose from the challenge, picked himself up to smash the ball into the bottom corner and move to the top of the tournament’s goalscoring chart with his

third goal. Croatia equalised two minutes after the interval when winger Perisic received the ball on the left channel, cut inside and fired a thunderous shot into the top corner.

The draw put Czech Republic top of Group D on four points, with second-placed England set to face Scotland in their second round match later on Friday.

Sweden 1-0 Slovakia Sweden overcame a poor first half to claim a vital 1-0 win against Slovakia in Euro 2020 here on Friday.

The Swedes, who have conceded just one goal in their last seven matches and collected four points from their two group games, will look to secure a last-16 berth in their last game against Poland on June 23, reports Xinhua.

The Swedes lacked ambition after their draw with Spain in their opening game, although they had few problems in keeping the Slovaks at bay.

They sat deeper and deeper as the half progressed.

Striker Alexander Isak, who was adjudged the Man of the Match, was isolated in attack in the first half, though things changed drastically after half-time.

Swedish goalkeeper Robin Olsen produced a reflex save to deny Juraj Kucka’s header, while at the other end, Martin Dubravka was at full stretch to parry Ludwig Augustinsson’s header from Sebastian Larsson’s perfect cross.

From the following corner, Marcus Danielsson nodded over after Isak sent the ball back across the face of goal. And shortly afterwards Isak saw a shot deflected wide as the Swedes finally began to come to life.

Isak then headed a cross just over as the Swedes continued to press for a winner. In the 76th minute, Emil Forsberg calmly converted the penalty with a powerful shot to the corner. The penalty was awarded after Robin Quaison was brought down in the box.

Copa America: Brazil thrash Peru 4-0

Neymar netted in the 68th minute.

Rio de Janeiro, Jun 18 (IANS): Hosts Brazil scored three second-half goals en route to a 4-0 victory over Peru in their Copa America Group A match on Thursday.

Juventus left-back Alex Sandro opened the scoring in the 12th minute at Rio’s Olympic stadium by stabbing home from close range after a Gabriel Jesus cross.

Neymar was initially awarded a penalty just after the hour mark when he appeared to be tripped

by Renato Tapia. But the decision was overturned by the video assistant referee, who ruled that contact by the Peru midfielder was involuntary, reports Xinhua news agency.

Brazil’s No. 10 responded with a superb piece of skill five minutes later when he deftly controlled a Fred pass before evading his marker and rifling a low 20-yard shot past goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Flamengo midfielder Everton Ribeiro made it 3-0 by thumping a closerange effort into the roof of the net after Richarlison’s delivery from the left side of the penalty area.

The latter completed the rout in stoppage time with a scissor-kick from the ground after his initial attempt was blocked.

The result leaves Brazil two points clear at the top of Group A with six points from two matches.

Peru are last in the five-

team group, having yet to secure a point.

Colombia 0-0 Venezuela

Earlier on Thursday, Colombia and Venezuela played out a goalless draw in Goiania.

Colombia had more than a dozen shots on goal but were thwarted by a combination of poor finishing and stout defending by the Venezuelans, who were without a string of players who tested positive for COVID-19.

The result takes Colombia to the top of Group B with four points from their first two games, a point ahead of Brazil, who play their second match against Peru later on Thursday.

(L-R) Croatia’s Ivan Perisic celebrates after scoring his side’s first goal at the Hampden Park stadium in Glasgow, Friday. (AP/PTI) Sweden’s Alexander Isak was the star player of the match. (AP)

Netherlands reach last 16 The Netherlands reached the Euro 2020 last 16 from Group C with one game to spare after beating uninspired Austria 2-0 on the goals from Memphis Depay and Denzel Dumfries at the Johan Cruyff Arena here.

The Dutch side didn’t need long to kick off things on home soil as Austria de-

WTC final: First day’s play called off due to rain Southampton, Jun 18 (IANS): The first day’s play of the World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand at the Hampshire Bowl here has been called off due to incessant rain.

The match can still be a five-day affair since there is a reserve day on June 23.

“Day 1 has been called at the Hampshire Bowl. A brief period without rain after lunch but it’s back now and the Match Officials have called things. 98 overs now scheduled for tomorrow with a 10-30am local start. #WTC21,” tweeted New Zealand Cricket on Friday.

Earlier, the umpires had decided to inspect the field at 7.30 pm IST on Friday.

fender David Alaba fouled Dumfries inside the box, allowing Depay to make it 1-0 following a penalty, reports Xinhua news agency.

Austria had their hands full keeping the Netherlands at bay. Depay missed the target though from a tight angle but rattled the outside of the netting to send a warning in the 24th minute.

Four minutes later, Franco Foda’s men showed a vital sign with a quick combination through the lines but for all that Christoph Baumgartner’s shot on target got blocked by Matthijs de Ligt.

The hosts created a few more opportunities in the closing stages of the first half but failed to extend the lead as neither Depay nor Georginio Wijnaldum was

able to make it two despite promising chances.

Austria came out strong after the interval while the Dutch defended deep and cleared their lines with long balls out of their territory.

H ow e ve r, A u s t r i a weren’t able to find a gap in

the host’s rock-solid defence and got punished in the 67th minute when Doynell Malen, who was fielded three minutes earlier, raced down the left wing before crossing the ball to the far post where Dumfries poked home into the empty goal.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES

Hungary Vs France Portugal Vs Germany Spain Vs Poland

: : :

6:30 pm 9:30 pm 12:30 am (Sunday)

Bucks beat Nets to force play-off decider Lo n d o n, J u n 1 8 (Agencies): The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Brooklyn Nets 104-89 to force a decider in their bestof-seven Eastern Conference NBA play-off semi-final.

Khris Middleton scored a play-off career-high 38 points, 10 rebounds and five assists as the Bucks levelled the series at 3-3.

His team-mate Giannis Antetokounmpo also impressed, scoring 30 points.

The decider will be on Saturday in Brooklyn, where the Nets have won all three previous games in the series. “We were solid all night,” said Middleton. “We just tried to make it tough on [Kevin] Durant and [James] Harden and we were able to do that.

“The play-offs are about adjusting. We had a little lead at the half and we

Antetokounmpo (left) and Middleton - number 22 - scored a combined 68 points to help Bucks to victory.

were able to keep it and extend it in the fourth quarter.”

On the final game, he added: “It will be win or go home.

That is what the players and fans love about it.”

Durant scored 32

points and registered 11 rebounds for a Nets side who were without Kyrie Irving through injury.

“We didn’t do well offensively,” said Nets coach Steve Nash. “We were out

of rhythm and out of sync for the entire game.

“Defensively we weren’t great either. Just not a great game from us, and now we got a game seven on our home court.”

Milkha Singh passes away aged 91 due to COVID-19 complications New Delhi, Jun 18 (Agencies): Milkha Singh, the Flying Sikh, breathed his last in Chandigarh on Friday night. The 91-year-old had contracted Covid-19 a month back and lost his wife Nirmal Kaur to the virus earlier this week.

The 1958 Commonwealth Games champion and 1960 Rome Olympian had tested positive for the virus on May 20 and was admitted to a private hospital in Mohali on May 24.

Singh had been discharged on May 30 before he was admitted to the Covid ward

Milkha Singh

at the Nehru Hospital Extension at PGIMER on June 3 due to dipping oxygen levels. The former Indian athlete had tested negative on Thursday earlier this week and was shifted

to the medical ICU. “Dad just passed away,” Singh’s son Jeev Milkha Singh told The Indian Express.

Singh, born in Gobindpura – in present day Pakistan – was the first Indian track and field athlete to win gold in the then British Empire and Commonwealth Games in Cardiff in 1958. He remained the only one for more than 50 years before discus thrower Krishna Poonia won gold at the 2010 CWG in Delhi.

Singh had beaten Malcolm Spence of South Africa with a timing of 46.6 sec-

onds in the Scottish city.

While he had also won four Asian Games gold medals – 200m and 400m in 1958, and 400m and 4x400m relay in 1962 – Singh’s most memorable moment came at the 1960 Rome Olympics where he finished fourth in the 400m final in a photo-finish. Singh’s then national record timing of 45.6 seconds, set in Rome, was broken by Paramjeet Singh in 1998.

Singh is survived by three daughters – Mona Singh, Aleeza Grover and Sonia Sanwalka as well as son Jeev Milkha Singh.

Golfer Jeev, a 14-time international winner, is a Padma Shri awardee like his father and had been coordinating with the medical staff at PGIMER along with elder sister Dr Mona Singh since last month.

In 2019, Singh had celebrated his 90th birthday with family members at his Sector 8 residence in Chandigarh. “It’s a special day for me and the whole family but celebrations can wait. The reason I am here to see this day is my fitness regime and that’s what I follow at the start of the day.”

National team not a factory to produce players: Stimac Osaka withdraws from Wimbledon Kolkata, Jun 18 (PTI): India head coach Igor Stimac on Friday expressed concern at the lack of quality footballers at the national level and urged the top tier Indian Super League and I-League to play proactive roles to produce players like Sunil Chhetri.

Lack of a quality striker was once again evident in India’s recent World Cup qualifiers in Qatar as India relied heavily on the ageing Chhetri who struck a brace in their 2-0 win over Bangladesh, the lone win of the campaign. In a virtual media conference after India made it to the final qualifying round of the 2023 Asian Cup, the 53-year-old Croat took questions on the range of issues, ranging from his future to the drawbacks of the Indian Super League.

S t i m a c wa s a s k e d about the next Chhetri and

Igor Stimac

he shot back: “Who do you see in India who can replace Chhetri? Do you see anyone in a striking position to play as centre forward?

“The national team should exploit players coming out from the clubs. National team is not an academy, we are not a factory to produce players.”

He said the national team suffered from “all the weakness that is apparent in the country’s top league,

the ISL”. “We can just use what we get from ISL and I-League or other lower leagues in India. National team door is open to everyone. But where to find someone like that (like Chhetri)?”

Stimac asked.

“To be honest there are not many players with the technical ability.

“Most of foreign players occupy the most important positions in the team.

So our base for selection

of the players is very small.

And it’s not easy. This definitely limits the choice when we go to select the Indian players,” he said. Stimac, whose term as head coach was recently extended till September, also criticised the lack of relegation system in the ISL so far. “Don’t get me wrong but the ISL is not bringing pressure, there is no relegation. It’s far different from playing top level International football.”

Stressing that the latest rule of allowing just four foreigners in the ISL will help the Indian players, he said: “Once we open the positions for Indian players, the time will come for us to go forward as the national team.”

He said while implementing the four-foreigner rule, the clubs should use Indian players as a backup to the players from abroad.

“Teams should not

have two players of the same kind. Another foreigner should not replace an offensive foreign player; teams should open the doors for Indian players.

“If they are properly chosen they can bring quality. Foreigners are needed because if they are properly chosen they bring quality to our side. The clubs also need them for AFC competitions.”

He also suggested that the I-League -- the second tier of Indian domestic football structure -- should be played without any foreign strikers.

“We can also think about starting I-League without foreign players because that will open doors for Indian strikers, midfielders and centre back that will help national team enormously in three-four years time, believe me.”

Naomi Osaka

Lo n d o n, J u n 1 8 (IANS): Four-time Grand Slam champion and world No. 2 Naomi Osaka of Japan has withdrawn from the Wimbledon commencing on June 28.

The 23-year-old has, however, confirmed on Friday that she would compete at the Tokyo Olympics beginning on July 23.

“Naomi won’t be playing Wimbledon this year,”

the All England Club said in a statement. “She is taking some personal time with friends and family. She will be ready for the Olympics and is excited to play in front of her home fans.”

Naomi, the winner of two Australian Open and US Open titles each, had withdrawn from the 2021 French Open after her firstround win, saying that she had “suffered long bouts of depression since the US Open in 2018” and that she gets “huge waves of anxiety “.

“Naomi Osaka will be greatly missed by all of us at Wimbledon this year, but we completely understand her decision. We wish her a happy time with her friends and family and look forward to welcoming her back to Wimbledon next year,” the All England Club said.

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