20 june

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 194

DIMAPUR, SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

EURO 2020: Germany beat Portugal 4-2; France held by Hungary

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sports, Page 12

Ensure unlock process is ‘carefully calibrated’: Centre tells state govts

NEW DELHI, JUN 19 (PTI): The easing of Covidrelated lockdown norms has led to crowding in some markets and other places, the Centre said on Saturday, as it urged states to ensure the “extremely important” five-fold strategy of Covidappropriate behaviour, testtrack-treat and vaccination to prevent the spread of the disease.

In a communication to all states and Union Territories (UTs), Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla also said that vaccination against COVID-19, in the present scenario, is critical to break the chain of transmission.

Therefore, all state and UT governments should step up the pace of vaccination, to cover maximum number of people in an expeditious manner, he said.

The home secretary said that during the second Covid wave, a significant surge in cases was witnessed in several states and UTs, and many of them imposed restrictions in order to contain the spread of the infection.

“With a decline in the

Delta variant found in two NE states AIZAWL/IMPHAL, JUN 19 (IANS): The Delta variant of coronavirus has been found for the first time in two North Eastern states-Manipur and Mizoram.

In Manipur, 18 cases of delta variant of Covid19 were detected from 20 samples sent for testing at a laboratory in Hyderabad.

Officials in Aizawl said that Mizoram also reported four cases of the highly infectious Delta variant of Covid19. Officials said three of the four patients, had travel history, while one had locally contracted the infection.

NSCN/GPRN(K) clarifies on report

DIMAPUR, JUN 19 (NPN): Khango-led NSCN (K) has declared that the group at “no point of time sought/demanded shares/percentages from Covid funds” as stated by advisor School Education K.T. Sukhalu to a news channel. In a press note, NSCN/ GPRN (K) rather said that “NSCN, as a whole, feels and knows its obligation to contribute towards the war against this dreaded pandemic.” It therefore, asked Sukhalu to verify and reveal the identities of those who made such demands, maligning the image of the NSCN as a whole.

This is it!

“So lockdown is exempted for football fans who visit others at night and shout like kids?”

K Y M C

 All States asked to step up the pace of vaccination, to cover maximum number of people in an expeditious manner  Urges states to ensure five-fold strategy of Covid-appropriate behaviour, test-tracktreat and vaccination  No crowding at markets and other places. Ensure complacency does not set in  Keep close watch on early signs of a surge in active cases or high positivity rates number of active cases, many states and UTs have started relaxing restrictions.

I would like to highlight that the decision to impose or ease restrictions has to be taken, based on the assessment of the situation at the ground level,” he said.

Bhalla said while the opening up of activities, after decline in cases is essential, states and UTs must ensure that the whole process is “carefully calibrated”.

“While opening up, it would be extremely important to follow the five-fold strategy of Covid appropriate behaviour, test-tracktreat and vaccination,” he said.

The home secretary said regular monitoring of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour is required to prevent relapse.

To reiterate, Covid appropriate behaviour includes mandatory use of masks, hand hygiene, social distancing and also proper ventilation of closed spaces, he said.

“However, easing of restrictions in some states, have led to resumption of crowding of people in markets etc., without adherence to the norms of Covid appropriate behaviour,” he said.

It is, therefore essential to ensure that complacency does not set in, and there is no let-up in adhering to Covid appropriate behaviour, while opening up activities, the home secretary said.

Bhalla said to contain the spread of the infection

on a sustainable basis, it is necessary to continue the strategy of test-track-treat.

It may especially be ensured that the testing rate does not come down, he said.

Bhalla said as the situation is dynamic, a close watch needs to be kept on early signs of a surge in active cases or high positivity rates.

He said a system should be in place at the micro-level to ensure that whenever cases rise in a smaller place, it gets checked there itself, through local containment measures as per the existing guidelines issued by Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.

“I, therefore, urge you to issue directions to district and all other authorities concerned, to keep a close watch on the situation, while activities are opened in a cautious manner, and to scrupulously ensure that there is no complacency in adhering to Covid appropriate behaviour and in the test-track-treat-vaccinate strategy,” Bhalla said in his communication to states and UTs.

18-44 years: Vax slots open on June 20 DIMAPUR, JUN 19 (NPN): State Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) department has informed that the online Co-Win portal booking of COVID-19 vaccination appointments for 18-44 years would open at 9am on Sunday (June 20, 2021).

In a press release, NHM mission director Dr. I Talitemsula Jamir informed that Covid-19 Vaccination Centres (CVCs) and slots were available for booking for June 21-25, 2021 throughout the state.

Along with +45 age group, the mission director informed that on-site registration and vaccination of 18-44 years group would continue at rural HUs and outreach COVID-19 vaccination sessions.

In this regard, the public have been requested to contact district immunization officers/medical officers/HWs and colony chairmen as and when vaccination session would be conducted.

The department has further reminded the public to maintain Covid-appropriate behaviour whenever they go for vaccination.

China adopts ‘Wolf Warrior’ policy against G7 international, Page 9

Lockdown to continue till positivity rate drops below 5%, says Pangnyu DIMAPUR, JUN 19 (NPN): State health and family welfare (H&FW) minister S Pangnyu Phom Saturday disclosed that as per the direction of the Centre the ongoing lockdown would continue in the state till the COVID-19 positivity rate dropped below 5 percent, saying current rate stood at 9.3 percent.

According to an official bulletin, the health minister disclosed this during review meetings with the Longleng District Tasks Force, NGO, Civil Society groups and Churches at DC’s office complex, Longleng on June 19, 2021.

At the meeting, Pangnyu informed that the purpose of his visit was to take stock of the situation and to prepare for the third wave of Covid-19 in the state. Unlike the first wave, health minister said the second wave caused huge casualties in the country not because of lack of medical facilities but due to negligence of the patients who had gone to the hospital at the last hour.

The minister informed that the state government has decided to deduct 10 percent from LADP and

Pangnyu Phom

Govt to deduct 10% from LADP and another 15% from common pool to purchase urgent medical requirements DTFs directed to make assessment of required equipment in their respective districts another 15 percent from common pool to purchase urgent medical requirements such as pulse oximeter and oxygen concentrator and provide the equipment to every functioning sub-centre in the state. In this regard, the minister directed the DTF to make assessment of the required equipment in the district.

It may be recalled that the NPF legislature party had earlier objected to the

High Powered Committee’s decision to deduct LADP, saying HPC was not mandated to encroach upon the state plan budgetary mechanism. It therefore said that HPC had no legal authority to divert LADP fund to a different head ”without routing through the legislative assembly.”

Meanwhile, Pangnyu stated that PDA government under the chief minister Neiphiu Rio was committed to upgrade the overall health care facilities of the state and cater best service to the needs of the people, with special focus on the health sector to combat the pandemic.

The minister further appealed to all the government officers and staff posted in the district to come forward and extend their helping hand to the medical department and the people during this crucial time.

He congratulated the DTF led by the deputy commissioner, district administration, police, medical, VGs, NGOs, CSOs and churches for working together as a family to combat the pandemic and making Longleng as one of the successful districts in the state.

3rd wave in 6-8 weeks if Covid-appropriate Modi Cab rejig: Scindia, Varun, Sonowal likely to be inducted behaviour not followed, warns AIIMS chief

‘‘

Dr. Randeep Guleria

more vulnerable during a third wave, Dr Guleria reiterated there is no evidence so far to suggest the same.

‘Third wave likely

by Oct’: Several experts have warned against a third Covid wave in India, with some even suggesting that it is inevitable.

According to a snap survey by Reuters, a majority of the medical experts believe that India will witness the next Covid wave

by October. The experts said that although the next wave is expected to be controlled in a better way than the latest outbreak, the pandemic will continue to remain a public health threat for at least another year.

The warnings about the resurgence of Covid come at a time when India is reporting a sharp drop in fresh infections after a devastating second wave of the virus.

India on Saturday reported 60,753 new Covid cases and 1,647 fatalities.

The active cases now comprise 2.55 per cent of the total infections, according to the Health ministry data.

There needs to be aggressive surveillance strategy in Covid hotspots and lockdowns in case of any significant surge

NEW DELHI, JUN 19 (AGENCIES): AIIMS chief Dr. Randeep Guleria on Saturday warned that India could witness a third wave of coronavirus infections in the next 6-8 weeks if people do not adhere to Covidappropriate behaviour.

He said that until a sizeable number of people are vaccinated, everyone must strictly follow Covidappropriate behaviour such as wearing of masks and social distancing. “If Covidappropriate behaviour is not followed, the third wave can happen in six to eight weeks. We need to work aggressively to prevent another large wave till vaccination kicks in,” Guleria told news agency PTI.

So far, India has fully vaccinated only about 5% of its estimated 950 million eligible population, leaving many millions vulnerable to infections and deaths.

“There needs to be aggressive surveillance strategy in Covid hotspots and lockdowns in case of any significant surge. The moment a significant surge in cases in noted in a particular area and the positivity rate goes beyond 5 per cent, areaspecific lockdown and containment measures should be implemented,” he said.

He, however, said there is no need for a nationallevel lockdown in case there is another surge as that will impact the economy. On the likelihood of children being

second innings of the Modi government that began on May 30, 2019.

Leaders who are in the foray to be a part of the cabinet include Jyotiraditya Scindia, Dinesh Trivedi, Bhupender Yadav, Ashwini Baishnab, Varun Gandhi, former Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal and Jamyang Tsering Namgyal.

The second Modi government took an oath on May 30, 2019, and it has 57 ministers (24 Cabinet Ministers, 9 Ministers of State (Independent Charge)

and 24 Ministers of State), 12 more than the first Modi government.

Word is doing the rounds that former Assam chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal, who arrived Delhi on Friday, may get a ministerial berth.

Sonowal had served as a Minister of State for Sports and Youth Affairs from 2014 to 2016 during the first term of the Narendra Modi government. He took over as chief minister of Assam after the BJP’s Assembly poll victory in 2016.

Book those who assault doctors, medics: Centre

Naga national right can never be robbed off, says NSCN (I-M)

NEW DELHI, JUN 19 (AGENCIES): From Varun Gandhi to Jyotiraditya Scindia, the union cabinet will soon have several new faces and the countdown to their induction has already begun.

This cabinet reshuffle has necessitated after the demise of cabinet ministers Lok Janshakti Party founder Ram Vilas Paswan and BJP’s Suresh Angadi. Their death left their cabinet positions vacant.

Moreover, two ministerial posts vacated by representatives of Shiromani

NEW DELHI, JUN 19 (PTI): Centre on Saturday asked state governments to register cases and invoke the stringent Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020 against those who indulge in assault on doctors and healthcare professionals.

Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla’s letter to States came following several incidents of attack on doctors and healthcare professionals in different parts of the country.

Akali Dal and Shiv Sena after they exited the National Democratic Alliance also need to be filled.

It may be mentioned here that Prime Minister Narendra Modi recently held two meetings with BJP’s top brass and two separate groups of Ministers within four days.

Political pundits feel that these meetings are indications that the countdown to the long-awaited Union Cabinet reshuffle has begun.

This will be the first Cabinet reshuffle in the

“You will agree that any incident of threat or assault on doctors or healthcare professionals may dampen their morale and create a sense of insecurity amongst them. This may adversely affect the healthcare response system,” Bhalla wrote.

The home secretary said in the present circumstances, it has become imperative that strict action be taken against those who assault healthcare professionals. “Institutional FIRs

should be registered against assaulters and such cases should be fast-tracked. You may also like to invoke provisions of the Epidemic Diseases (Amendment) Act, 2020, where applicable,” he said.

According to this law, anyone involved in the assault on doctors and healthcare professionals are liable to be punished with imprisonment up to five years, and a fine up to Rs two lakh.

(Cont’d on p-8)

99.7 % of deaths after Feb have not been fully vaccinated: H&FW DIMAPUR, JUN 19 (NPN): Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department in its weekly bulletin released on Saturday said that out of 375 Covid-19 deaths in the state (from February 2021), only one had been fully vaccinated (two weeks after the second dose) while another death was reported after the second dose (but death happened before 2 weeks of vaccination).

It pointed out that 99.7% of deaths reported after February have not been fully vaccinated. Stressing on the importance of vaccination, H&FW said that vaccines have proven to be

Weekly data of confirmed cases and deaths

WEEKLY DATA OF CONFIRMED CASES AND DEATHS

2500

90

2062 CASES

2000

DEATHS

68

1951

80

84 71

70

67

1604

60

1622

1500

50

1172

1087

1079 40

1000

29 500

0

10

385 4

132 0

20-26 MAR

0

27

27-2 APR

3-9 APR

116

10

3

0

10-16 APR

effective against severe cases and deaths, as demonstrated by clinical trials and in real time, adding that vaccine provides very significant protection even by one dose

18

30 22 631 20

1

17-23 APR

0

24-30 APR

1-7 MAY

8-14 MAY

15-21 MAY

after two weeks of vaccination.

H&FW further went on to state that no active healthcare worker in Covid-19 hospitals had succumbed to the

22-28 29 MAY- 5-11 12-18 MAY 4 JUN JUN JUN

virus despite them being at the highest risk of exposure, as most healthcare workers had been fully vaccinated.

Continuing the downward trend, Nagaland for

the fourth consecutive week recorded a significant drop in the daily rise in fresh Covid cases and fatalities for the third week, with marked decline especially in the most affected districts-Dimapur and Kohima.

H&FW department said that for the first time in eight weeks, the sample positivity rate in the state had gone below 10%. “It has decreased from 23% at the start of the lockdown to 8% as of this week,” it added.

However, the department said that Mokokchung (22%) Kohima (12%) and Kiphire (10%) continue to have high weekly positivity rate. Further, the depart-

ment pointed out that here had a -38% decline in cases from last week, except for Peren which had shown an increase in cases from the previous week.

State logs 94 fresh cases, 1 death: Nagaland on Saturday recorded 94 fresh Covid-19 positive cases-Dimapur-32, Mokokchung18, Kohima-12, 11 each in Peren and Tuensang, nine in Phek and one in Wokha, taking the total caseload to 24,191.

Further, the death of one more patient in Kiphire, pushed the death toll to 468 (including 14 non-Covid deaths but with Covid positivity).

DIMAPUR, JUN 19 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) has categorically stated that the “Naga national right is inherent, not a generous gift of the constitution of any country, and that it can never be robbed off or murdered by any force.”

In a statement issued through its MIP, NSCN (I-M) further went on to state that it was not a new thing to all that those “opportunists, collaborators, traitors and other pseudonationalists” used to participate in peoples’ revolutionary movements in sheep’s clothing. “With flirtatious mindset they desert here and there in search of fortune,” it said.

Asserting that it was pointless on the part of the critics to level false allegations on collection of taxes by the GPRN, NSCN (I-M) maintained that collection of taxes by a government from its citizen was “a legitimate right and it is nothing illegal at all”. “Even the representatives of the Government of India who are engaged in political dialogue with NSCN leaders recognize this right,” it claimed.

(Full text on p-6) K Y M C

2

state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021

COVID-19: Meetings, relief distribution, awareness and advisories

DIMAPUR: As Nagaland continues to fight COVID19 pandemic, the state Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) along with respective District Task Force (DTF) for COVID have been reaching out to the public to sensitise, vaccinate, test and treat. Various political parties and civil society organisations have also come forward to help those in need during these trying times.

Kohima DTF review COVID-19 status: Kohima District Task Force (DTF) on COVID-19 Saturday held a virtual meeting to review COVID-19 status in the district.

According to DIPR report the meeting chaired

by Deputy Commissioner (DC) and chairman DTF Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie was attended by minister in-charge for Kohima district, minister PWD (housing and mechanical), Tongpang Ozukum, advisor urban development & municipal affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire and advisor for technical education and election, Medo Yhokha, Sr. SP Kohima, Kevithutuo Sophie, CMO Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo and other DTF members.

Reviewing the COVID status in the district, the house agreed that improvements in areas such as testing, positivity rate, hospitalisation and vaccination was due to implementation of lockdown guidelines.

The house decided to continue to strictly enforce and monitor the lockdown guideline until further order from the government.

On the vaccination drive, which has been scaled up with additional outreach sessions by the medical team targeting all eligible beneficiaries to get

(L-R) Awareness cum training on COVID in progress at Razeba. (DIPR) DC Mon handing over ration to daily wage earners. NPCC members distributing ration at Dimapur town.

the vaccine, the DTF has informed that all required measures have been undertaken to achieve the target of vaccinating all eligible beneficiaries in the urban and rural areas under the district.

Awareness cum training at Razeba: A public awareness cum training on COVID-19 related activities for Razeba range was held Saturday at Public Hall, Razeba, Phek.

According to DIPR report, the awareness cum training was led by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Pfutsero, Japheth Woch, Medical Officer (MO) Razeba, Dr.Kuolo and MO CHC Pfutsero, Dr. Bentilo.

During the programme, the team briefed the attendees on COVID19 Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) vaccination while training on Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) donning/doffing, dead body management were imparted. The programme was attended by public leaders, VCMs and police personnel from Razeba and surrounding villages.

Tening SDTF holds review meeting: Tening Sub-Divisional Task Force

on COVID-19 Saturday held a review meeting at Tening Town Hall under the chairmanship of Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) and chairman of SDTF Tening, Rosietho Nguori.

According to DIPR report, the house deliberated and resolved to ramp up efforts to combat vaccine hesitancy and encourage vaccination through a dedicated team comprising of administration and medical department.

The team decided to immediately undertake vaccination and sanitisation campaign drives in villages where such hesitancy was prevalent.

MO AYUSH, CHC Tening, Dr. Nuksung Jamir gave a brief highlight on the ongoing COVID-19 related activities in the sub-division including the current status of vaccination.

Dr. Nuksungsaid response for vaccination and turn out in Tening Town and adjacent village had been encouraging. However, he expressed concern regarding the prevailing vaccine hesitancy in some far-flung villages.

The MO also reported that random sampling and

testing were ongoing and till date, no positive cases has been detected in the sub-division.

The house also revised timing of shops and bazar from 6 a.m. till 2 p.m. as per revised government SOP with strict enforcement of COVID-19 appropriate behaviour.

The house also resolved to enforce roster system for village wise staggered visits to banks to ensure that there was no overcrowding in the bank vicinity.

Following is the roster to be followed: Monday - Tening Town and Tening village; Tuesday - All village under Nsong area, including Nsong Town; Wednesday -Ntu, Nzau, Nzau Namsen and Tepun; Thursday - Nchangram, Azailong, Nkialwa Mbaupungchi and Mbaupungwa; Friday - Mbaulwa, New Tesen, Old Tesen, Heiranglwa Upper Sinjol and Old Nkio.

DC Mon launches relief distribution: Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mon Thavaseelan K Saturday launched COVID relief distribution for widows and widowers of Mon Town at DC office, Mon. The relief work programme was

jointly organised by Setu Sverige Foundation in association with Evergreen Welfare Society and Prodigal’s Home.

Sensitisation on COVID vaccine in Kiphire: A sensitisation drive on COVID-19 vaccine and prevention of COVID was organised by a team of Kiphire district administration and Kiphire medical department for the leaders of Amahator area Saturday at Extra Assistant Commissioner (EAC) office Amahator town.

According to DIPR report, the team was led

by EAC Chumben Murry, and DPO (RCH/UIP) Dr. K Pewezo Khalo.

At the programme, Murry lamented the “poor” vaccination coverage within the district and urged the public to come forward to ger Vaccinated.

He also deliberated on the importance and benefits of vaccination.

Emphasising on the importance of mitigating the virus, Dr. Khalo asserted that prevention was the only cure and that vaccination was essential to prevent the virus.

He also refuted baseless rumours about the vaccine, saying that efficacy and benefits of vaccine outweighs the rumours.

Dr. Khalo also called upon the village leaders to lead by example and asked them to encourage their fellow villagers to get vaccinated.

Later, the leaders raised questions regarding the COVID vaccine which were clarified by doctors.

NPCC distributes ration to mark Rahul’s birthday: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) Saturday celebrated Rahul Gandhi’s birthday by distributing ration kits in Dimapur and Kohima.

A press release by NPCC informed that in view of second wave COVID -19 pandemic and extraordinary difficulties faced by the people in the wake of it, Rahul had decided not to celebrate his birthday and had requested those who were planning to celebrate the occasion to avoid ostentatious activities and instead, use resources to help those in need.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The release informed that a brief function was held at Dimapur DCC office where NPCC president, KTherie exhorted the gathering. Later, five teams that included DCC Dimapur, NSUI Nagaland and NPC minority department moved to different locations of Dimapur town area to distribute ration kits to needy people.

In state capital Kohima, PCC & DCC office bearers along with Nagaland Pradesh Youth Congress carried out social work around Congress Bhavan area and later on distributed ration kits to deserving people in need of aid across different wards of capital town.

BJP leaders visit SD Jain CC and rail station: National BJP vice president, M Chuba Ao and state executive member, BJP Nagaland Dr Sukhato Sema along with BJP Dimapur district president L Bendang Ao, vice president Lanu S Walling and general secretary Pouhiamlung Gangmei on June 17 visited SD Jain Charitable Clinic at Marwaripatti, Dimapur.

A press release by BJP Nagaland unit informed that the team visited the clinic to enquire of any help needed and met general secretary, Narender Jain and joint secretary, Kishor Jain of SD Jain Charitable Clinic.

During the visit, the team was informed that the clinic has been function since April 14 and around 500 beneficiaries were administered COVID-19 vaccine free of cost on a daily basis. Till date, more than 9000 beneficiaries were vaccinated, informed the release.

The BJP team also visited Dimapur railway station and enquired about the COVID-19 isolation coaches/makeshift hospital. The Assistant Station Superintendent Ajay Kumar in the presence of PH Tripathi, Board Member NF Railway apprised the visiting team that the COVID-19 Isolation Coaches consists of 10 train coaches for the treatment of COVID patients.

The team was informed that no COVID patients has been admitted till date in the isolation coaches.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“My home is in heaven. I’m just passing through this world”- Billy Graham.

LATE MRS. MHONO JAMI

Born : 21-02-1990 – Died : 31-05-2021 The family of Lt. Imsulong Aier deeply appreciates and gratefully acknowledges your kind expression of sympathy at the time of the loss of our dear son.

A special word of gratitude and thanks to:1. Doctors, nurses and staff of Civil Hospital, Longleng.

2. District Task Force, Longleng.

3. Ao Union, Longleng.

4. Ao Baptist Arogo, Longleng.

5. D.E.O Longleng.

6. Er. Toshi (PWD), Longleng.

Our thanks to all the extended families, neighbours and friends who helped and supported us prior to and after the funeral. May the Lords’ joy continue to shine on you all for the deeds acts of love expressed towards us.

Loving parents, brother, relatives & loved ones DP-2844

Born : 1925 – Died : 13/06/2021 The family members of Late Mr s. Mhono Jami , W/o Late Etsonyimo Jami, Chudi Village express our heartfelt gratitude to every individual, organizations and churches for the various loving gestures during our grief period. We have been immensely blessed by your visits, calls, messages and financial support.

We regret our inability to thank everyone in person but it is our sincere prayers that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving children, grandchildren & relatives DP-2846

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT " That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, John 3:15 but have eternal life."

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

05/01/1932 – 12/06/2021 Lt. Rev. Dr. Ellis Murry, a stalwart servant of God with an exceptional adroitness in the Word and Work of God, peacefully left to be with the Lord on 12th June 2021. Since 13 until his last breath, God hand-picked him to inspire and impact countless lives beginning from Okotso Village to different districts, states, countries and continents of the world. He left behind a legacy of tenacity, dedication and endurance in life. A legacy that still continues to inspire.

As we mourn his death, we remember all those who stood unwaveringly besides us in his final journey. We are forever grateful to the church leaders, associations, families, relatives and individuals who sincerely sympathized and participated in our bereavement.

Our heartfelt gratitude will not suffice for the indelible mark you left. We only have our wholehearted prayers that our good Lord gives you back tenfold of His blessings.

DP-2799

K Y M C

Loving Wife, Son, Grand Children and Relatives of Lt. Rev. Dr. Ellis Murry.

Late Zulutemba Longkumer (Küpza Village) Born : 1910 – Died : 09.06.2021

We, the family members wish to acknowledge and extend our utmost gratitude to every individual, families, groups and organisations for the constant supports, sympathies and gestures of kindness in various manners at the sad demise of our beloved father/grandfather/great-grandfather. Indeed we will ever remain grateful to all who stood by us in the grevious hours and earnestly pray that our Lord Almighty bless you all.

Thank you Lord for letting our loving father/ grandfather/great-grandfather to live a dignified life for more than a century which we will always cherish.

DP-2843

Loving family members.

We , t h e f a m i l y o f L a t e M o a s u n g l a I m c h e n , W/o Mr. Keneiletuo Zumvü was serving under NPSC department in the capacity of Stenographer Grade 1.

Our heartfelt thanks and gratitude to neighbours, friends, relatives and villagers who stood by us during her prolonged illness and at a time she left for her heavenly abode on 21/05/2021.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. NPSC Chairman, Secretary and association.

2. Mr. Krupi Sothu former NPSC Secretary.

3. Mr. John Tsulise Sangtam, Secy NPSC. 4. Kohima Naga Hospital doctors and nurses 5. Dr. Amit Malviya, Shillong.

6. NEIGRIHMS Hospital doctors and nurses.

7. 7th Mile Model Village 8. Chiechama Officers Krotho.

9. Chiecha Kuda Union Dimapur.

10. CIHSR (Referral) Hospital Doctors and Nurses.

11. Chumoukedima Village Council.

12. Mrs and Mr. Marchizuk Imchen and family.

13. Mrs and Mr. Showhilo Thong and family.

14. Manipuri Baptist Church Chumoukedima.

15. Christian Revival Church Sovima.

16. Ao Union Chumoukedima.

We regret our inability to thanks each and every individual, but we pray that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving husband, daughter, son and relatives DP-2852 K Y M C

State/Northeast

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will the new Israeli c o a l i t i o n g ov t l a s t beyond 2021?

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

DIMAPUR: A webinar on farmers’ awareness campaign on balance use of fertiliser was organised

by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Phek in collaboration with Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR)- National Research Centre (NRC) on Mithun on June 18.

A press release by Krishi Vigyan Kendra Phek infor med that a brief introduction was presented by ICAR-NCSE on Mithun, Dr M.H Khan while SS and head incharge and CTO-soil sci-

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A

A B C

Dimapur Police strictly enforces lockdown

B

C

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

50% 26% 24%

Next poll Q: Is the governor of West Bengal denigrating the office by continuously attacking the state govt.?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

Dimapur Police personnel seen enforcing restriction of movement at various parts of Dimapur town, Saturday. (NP)

WEATHER FORECAST June 20

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Heavy showers in the morning 30 24 Aizawl

Morning showers

26 20

Guwahati Some rain and a thunderstorm 31 24 Imphal

A thunderstorm in spots

28 21

Itanagar

A t-storm around in the a.m.

29 23

Shillong

A morning t-storm in the area

22 18

Kohima

T-storms in the afternoon

23 18

Dimapur

A thunderstorm in spots

31 24

Mkg

Some rain and a thunderstorm 25 20

Tuensang Variably cloudy, a t-storm Wokha

Not as warm; a p.m. t-storm

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

19 15 25 20 22 18

3 Farmers’ awareness on balance use of fertiliser

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, JUN 19 (NPN): Following the announcement of total ban on the movements of individuals/vehicles from 4 pm till 5am starting June 19-30, the Dimapur police Saturday began to strictly enforce the restriction on movement in Dimapur.

Commissioner of Police (CP) Dimapur Rothihu Tetseo told Nagaland Post that the district witnessed

strict enforcement of complete lockdown with the police cracking down heavily on violators. CP said that police personnel were patrolling all major traffic intersections in the city to keep a check on people coming out on the streets without valid reasons. He said that barricades have been put up in various parts of the town.

He also said that police personnel were being placed at main junctions

around the town.

As per the SOP issued by the government and DC Dimapur, CP said that vehicles were stopped in various junctions and accordingly conducted thorough check. However, no vehicle had been penalized till the time of filing this report.

CP has cautioned that violation of the restriction order would be penalized under section 177 and 179 of the MV Act 1988. CP

reiterated that those exempted categories must carry identity card issued by respective HoD. Meanwhile, DC Dimapur rajesh Soudararajan has extended his appreciation to the public for extending the support and sought further cooperation.

Days after the High Powered Committee (HPC) on Covid-19 decided to further extend the ongoing State-wide lockdown till

June 30, the DC Dimapur on June 18 notified that the revised lockdown measures with the additional provisions would remain in force in Dimapur district from June 19-30, 2021.

DC Dimapur had cautioned that any person violating the order would be penalized as per the provision of the Section 51 to 60 of the Disaster Management Act 2005 besides legal action under Section 188 of the IPC.

ence, KVK Phek, Dr T Esther Longkumer gave a presentation on balance use of fertilizer for creating awareness among the farming community about the essential nutrients, soil health card scheme, soil testing, different organic and inorganic fertilizers, irrigation systems, crop residue management.

Scientists, technical official from ICAR-NRC on Mithun, officials from state agriculture department and NRCM, KVK staffs and farmers attended the virtual programme.

MITE Kohima releases journal on education

DIMAPUR: Modern Institute of Teacher Education (MITE), Kohima released its 2nd volume journal on June 19 at the Conference Hall of MITE, Kohima.

A press release by MITE Kohima informed that the journal based on “education” was released by assistant professor, Niutoli L Yeptho at a brief programme.

Editor of the journal, H L Gangte said the second volume was a follow up activity of a webinar on “National Education Policy-2020: Strategies, Issues and Challenges” participated by professors, educationists, scholars from across the nation. Having limited platforms for the research and academic publications, Gangte said the MITE journal on education was published annually. He said the journal contains articles with a special focus on NEP 2020 and also on educational problems and solutions based on COVID-19 pandemic.

Assam Rifles hold yoga sessions, career counselling VBDA blood donation camp concludes

(L-R) Assam Rifles troops during the yoga session. Youths and others of Peren district attend career counselling.

DIMAPUR: Assam Rifles under the aegis of Headquarters of Inspector General of Assam Rifles North (HQ IGAR- North) organised special yoga sessions in a run up to “International Yoga Day” and also conducted career counselling and interaction drive for the youths.

6 Sector AR: To commemorate the “International Yoga Day” through a series of events, HQ 6 Sector Assam Rifles Saturday organised a special yoga session to train the potential yoga instructors in the sector.

According to AR, a total of 52 persons includ-

ing six instructors practiced “yoga asanas” and “pranayams” at the sector camp to promote healthy way of life through “yoga kriya”.

Jalukie Bn: Jalukie Battalion of Assam Rifles commemorated “International Yoga Day” by organising yoga session for troops

at Heningkunglwa, Tenning and Ahthibung under Peren district, Saturday.

According to AR, the troops were briefed about the various postures of yoga and their benefits for the body. The troops were also informed about the growing importance and popularity of yoga all over

the world due to bright positive changes seen by individuals.

In a separate event, Jalukie battalion of Assam Rifles organised career counselling and interaction drive on June 18 at New Mpai village under Peren district.

According to AR, the programme was organised to guide and educate youth about various job avenues available for young boys and girls.

The release informed that Assam Rifles in coordination with village authorities informed the youth about various job notifications like women military police entry, indian army recruitment, placements in hotel industry, etc. and the details of aspirants for various jobs were noted for their further documentation and registration.

A blood donor along with VBDA members.

DIMAPUR: A blood donation camp organised by Voluntary Blood Donors Association (VBDA) Kohima in collaboration with Assam Rifles Nagaland chapter and supported

by Blood Bank Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) concluded Saturday.

A press release by VBDA Kohima informed that the blood donation camp commenced on June 14 commemorating “World Blood Donors Day”.

VDBA said due to pandemic the demand for blood has been higher than the previous years.

The association in-

formed that despite COVID-19 lockdown, 31 voluntary blood donors donated their blood during the week-long donation camp.

Meanwhile, the association has invited those interested to enrol themselves as voluntary blood donors.

Northeast

Assam CM appeals to opposition MLAs to join BJP Meghalaya cops throw vegetables Guwahati, Jun 19 (PTI): A day after four-time Congress MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi announced his plans to join the BJP, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Saturday appealed to all opposition legislators to join the ruling party.

Sarma was replying to a question on Kurmi, the Congress’ lone legislator from the tea tribe community, who quit the grand old party and resigned from the Assam Legislative Assembly.

The MLA from Upper Assam’s Mariani constituency had also announced that he would join the BJP on Monday in the presence

Himanta Biswa Sarma

of the chief minister.

“What will they do in the opposition benches for five years? I would rather say they should join us.

Since we are working for the welfare of people irrespective of caste, creed and religion, I appeal to them (opposition members) to join us and work together

for the public,” the CM said.

W h i l e l e av i n g t h e party on Friday, Kurmi had attacked the Congress leadership, alleging that the organisation has become “very weak” as the leaders “do not listen to the voice of the grassroots workers”.

The assembly election results are a testimony of the fact as the party “failed in all the five states” where the polls were held in March and April, said the MLA from the tea tribe community which plays a decisive role in polls in Upper Assam.

“It appears that the party leadership is not willing to give an opportunity

Assam rocked by 4.2-magnitude quake, fifth to hit region in 24 hrs Guwahati, Jun 19 (PTI): A 4.2-magnitude earthquake struck Assam in the early hours of Saturday, the fifth such tremor to hit the northeastern region during the past 24 hours, officials said.

A National Center for Seismology report said the latest quake was recorded at 1.07 am, with its epicentre near Tezpur, the headquarter of Sonitpur district, at a depth of 30 kms. There was no immediate report of injury or damage to property.

The state was rocked by two more quakes, including a 4.1-magnitude one early on K Y M C

Friday, which also had its epicentre in Sonitpur district.

Besides Assam, an earthquake of magnitude 3 with epicentre in Chandel district of Manipur was recorded on Friday, and another 2.6-magnitude tremor with epicentre in West Khasi Hills district of Meghalaya.

No loss of life or property has been reported in any of the temblors.

The northeastern region sits over a high seismic zone, making it prone to earthquakes. A strong 6.4magnitude quake had shaken Assam on April 28.

to people from the tea tribe or other marginalised communities but it is seen that people from a particular religious community are given prominence in the party,” he said.

Leader of Opposition in the assembly Debabrata Saikia has termed Kurmi’s exit as a loss for the party.

Another senior Congress leader Juri Sharma Bordoloi, who was the president of the Guwahati city district Congress and former national office-bearer of Mahila Congress, had also resigned from the party on Friday.

Bordoloi claimed that more than 100 supporters have decided to leave the

party with her.

There are speculations that a few more Congress leaders, including an MLA, will quit the party and join the BJP in the next few days.

With Kurmi’s resignation, the strength of the Congress in the 126member Assam assembly has come down to 28. The BJP currently has 60 MLAs, while its allies AGP has nine and UPPL five.

The Congress, which was in power in Assam for three successive terms from 2001, has been in opposition since 2016 when the BJP-led coalition formed the government for the first time.

of vendor, apologise after CM prod

S H I L LO N G, J U N 1 9 (PTI): A day after some policemen threw vegetables of a vendor for allegedly violating Covid-19 restrictions in Meghalaya’s West Garo Hills district, the authorities on Saturday apologised to the elderly woman and compensated her for the loss, officials said.

After someone recorded the act of the overzealous policemen and posted it on social media, Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma asked the district administration to take action against those involved in the incident and compensate her monetarily.

A group of policemen threw away her vegetable baskets on the road at around 3 pm on Friday, when the curfew begins, leaving her angry but helpless.

An officer, accompanied by several others, visited the home of the elderly woman at Tura and tendered an unconditional apology to her. They also handed over monetary compensation for the losses suffered by her.

Earlier in the day, the chief minister said in a social media post, What happened is completely unacceptable.

I have asked the DC and SP to take immediate action

against those responsible and to compensate the concerned individual.”

Sangma said that he has asked the top district officials to ensure that such things do not happen in future.

“These are tough times for everyone. We must be understanding and work together with the citizens of the state,” he said.

West Garo Hills district SP VS Rathore also apologised to the woman on the behalf of the police department while assuring her that disciplinary action would be initiated against the erring policemen.

Tripura students to get Rs 60,000 Arunachal MLA cites developments scholarship for clearing RIMC exam in China to make case for rail infra

AGARTALA, JUN 19 (AGENCIES): Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Saturday announced an annual scholarship for Tripura students who clear the entrance examination of Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC), reports East Mojo. In a social media post, Deb said that the Tripura government would provide an annual scholarship of Rs 60,000 to the students once they are admitted to the Rashtriya Indian Military College. “The crisis situation in COVID-19 has had an impact on students’ education. But, overcoming that hurdle, many

students are concentrating on their studies and making a name for Tripura by clearing various national level exams with qualifications,” Deb said.

According to him, Sauradeep Datta, a resident of Udaipur, got the opportunity in 2012 to study at RIMC in Dehradun and was commissioned as an Army officer a few days ago.

The chief minister congratulated him and added that Debajit Dhali, another accomplished son from Udaipur, had recently got a chance at RIMC in Dehradun.

The chief minister also said that, SCERT Tripura conducts

this entrance test twice every year in collaboration with RIMC. “The government has decided that from now on, those who clear the entrance examination in this proud RIMC institution in the eighth standard will be given a scholarship of Rs 60,000 per annum,” Deb wrote.

According to CM Deb, the success of these accomplished children will inspire other students in the state. He hoped that the students of the state would enhance the prestige of Tripura by establishing their talent in the field of education at the national level in the days to come.

Ninong Ering

GUWAHATI, JUN 19 (AGENCIES): Arunachal MLA Ninong Ering has written to Union Railway Minister Piyush Goyal requesting him to increase railway infrastructure in the state, as

China is speeding up the process of developing rail network near Arunachal, reports East Mojo.

This comes after Swarajya reported that China is conducting final trial of its new high-speed rail line linking Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, with Nyingchi, a town opposite India’s Tuting sector in the Upper Siang district of Arunachal, according to a Chinese journalist tweet.

Ering said, “If the railwayline is extended from Pasighat to Rupoi (Assam) via Tezu and Namsai, it will be easier for movement of armed/defence forces, as I consider safety and security of our country is first.

K Y M C

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021

Cult leader affecting vax drive in M’alaya: officials

S H I L LO N G, J U N 1 9 (PTI): A cult leader in Meghalaya, who had earlier convinced his followers to reject government schemes for the poor, has come in the way of the COVID-19 vaccination drive with his followers rejecting the need for taking Covid jabs, senior district officials said.

There are reports of low Covid vaccination in remote villages of Khasi Jaintia Hills region, comprising seven districts, where the cult leader has influence in some pockets, the officials said on condition of anonymity.

The cult leader, Pastor Phawa or Phawa to his followers, in the Christiandominated state, has gone into hiding since 2018 as he was under the radar of the state government during the 2018 assembly elections as many people reportedly abstained from voting because of his influence, they said.

“I am not going to get myself vaccinated. Jesus will

cure and protect us from all sickness,” Juliana (name changed), one of his followers at Jongksha Wahshnong village, told PTI. “There is no way I am going to take the vaccine,” she said.

When asked, a senior law officer said, “We have the Disaster Management Act in place and Epidemic Diseases Act which empowers the state to take direct action against any campaign that may hamper public health.”

Juliana and her family of five, including her 80year-old grandmother, had not availed of any government support scheme for the poor housing, foodgrains, toilets and all three adults in the family have not exercised their franchise.

Principal secretary, Health, Sampath Kumar said, to encourage people to take the vaccine, the district administrations are using the nudge approach to effect behaviorual change among people.

“This is being done through the issuance of notifications, advisories, counselling in the interest of the masses, with the greater interest of saving their lives and those of their near and dear ones,” Kumar said.

Meanwhile, the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly has denied the presence of such a “Pastor-turned rogue” in their fold.

We have never heard of such a man leading such a cult. We are not aware.

If there is any such man, he should be arrested,” an official of the Khasi Jaintia Presbyterian Assembly told PTI. A doctor at the Public Health Centre of the village told PTI, none of the 30 plus families in the locality has taken polio drops and even refrain from taking medicines for their ailments.

During last months COVID-19 outbreak at Jongksha village for which it was declared a containment zone, only about 400 of the 2,000 residents came

forward to get themselves tested for the viral infection, the doctor said.

Phawa has managed to convince residents of Jongksha to break away from the Presbyterian Church sometime during 2010- 12, according to the concerned elders in the village.

Phawa goes around asking parents to stop sending their children to schools, reject MGNERA jobs, reject foodgrains available to BPL/APL ration cardholders and abstain from Aadhaar enrolment as the unique identification number is akin to being marked by the devil in Christianity, the officials said.

In the last assembly polls, low voters’ turnout was recorded as many of the members of the cult abstained from exercising their franchise.

“Some had used sticks while some covered their fingers with plastics to press the button in the EVMs as to avoid direct contact with the voting machine while

casting their votes in 2018 and many others simply did not vote,” K Sangriang, a journalist in South West Khasi Hills district said.

The identity of this man is yet to be officially verified by the police while some say he was a former truck driver who went around the villages claiming himself to be a “true leader of the Church”.

A senior police official said he too is aware of the rumours doing the rounds since 2018 but the police are yet to ascertain the identity of the cult leader.

So far, the state has completed vaccination of 5.77 lakh people of the 3.5 million population and only a fraction of the target group has received their second dose (about 75,000 only), according to Health Minister AL Hek. When asked about the cult leader, Hek said he was informed of the same during his tour to interior villages and legal actions are being considered against Phawa.

Assam mourns demise of Milkha Singh Guwahati, Jun 19 (PTI): Assam on Saturday mourned the death of Milkha Singh, popularly known as Flying Sikh, with political leaders and sports personalities paying their respects to the sprint legend.

G ove r n o r Ja g d i s h Mukhi, in a statement said, “The death of Milkha Singh is a huge blow to sports, sports fraternity and sports lovers of the country. It is a terrible loss and will create a deep void. I am deeply saddened to learn about his death.”

Although the void of his absence is not something repairable, the legend and legacy of the ‘Flying Sikh’ will forever live with the people, he added.

Milkha Singh

“The sheer persona and name of the legend will continue to inspire the young team of players across the board to dream big and push their boundary beyond any limit,” Mukhi said.

He also expressed his heartfelt condolences to the

bereaved family members.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “Saddened at the demise of ‘Flying Sikh’ Captain Milkha Singh. His laurels had not only made India swell with pride but also inspired generations of sports

enthusiasts. My condolences to his family.”

Paying her tribute to the track legend, international sprinter ‘Dhing Express’ Hima Das tweeted, “After winning World Championship U20 title and medal in Asian Games, I still remember a call from #MilkhaSingh sir that Hima just keep on working hard, you have ample time and you can win a Gold medal for our country at a global level. “I will try to fulfill your dream sir”, she added.

Olympic-bound boxer Lovlina Borgohain also paid her last respect to one of the biggest sporting icons of the country on the microblogging site.

Former chief minister

Sarbananda Sonowal said, “A legend gone. Deeply saddened to learn about the demise of one of India’s greatest athletes, Milkha Singh ji. I join the nation in mourning for the Flying Sikh, whose footsteps touched the wind and gave joy to millions.”

Taking to Twitter, Assam Pradesh Congress president Ripun Bora said, “COVID takes away another precious life. Shri Milkha Singh ji was track legend to put India at the biggest sporting stage & a trailblazer who demanded excellence from all those who represented the country.

“Your contribution is unimaginable. You will forever live in our hearts.”

Aim at vaccinating 3 lakh people Shopkeeper arrested for keeping daily from Monday: Assam CM shop open dies in police custody Guwahati, Jun 19 (PTI): The Assam government has set a target of administering COVID-19 vaccines to three lakh people daily from Monday for the next 10 days, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Saturday.

Addressing a press meet here, Sarma said there will be no government work over the next one week and the entire machinery will be involved in the inoculation exercise.

“This is a part of our Enhanced Immunisation Drive. From June 21, we shall be targeting three lakh vaccinations daily till June 30,” he said after reviewing preparations with all stakeholders.

The chief minister announced that government offices will reopen from July 1, and asked employees to get vaccinated within this month. He also urged employees of private enterprises to get their jabs, as the state government is likely to allow such offices to operate till around 5 pm from next month.

“If we can meet the target of inoculating at least 2.80 lakh to 3 lakh people daily for the next 10 days, the central government will ensure that we continue to get more vaccines in July as well,” Sarma said.

He said that more than 50 lakh people in the state have already taken COVID19 shots, and if another 90

lakh can be covered in the next one month, half of Assam’s population will be vaccinated.

“If we can do this, Covid restrictions can be lifted,” the CM said. According to a National Health Mission (NHM) bulletin, a total of 52,06,174 doses of vaccines have been administered in Assam.

This includes 41,75,652 first doses and 10,30,522 second doses.

The number of daily vaccinations has been increasing in the last three days across the state. On Wednesday, 45,703 people got the jabs, followed by 91,670 on Thursday and 1,17,570 on Friday, the NHM said.

Silchar, Jun 19 (PTI): A shopkeeper arrested by police for keeping his shop open during curfew died in police custody in Assam’s Cachar district following which 500 people came out in the streets alleging that he was tortured and demanded action against police personnel, officials said on Saturday.

The grocery shop owner of Koratigram area under Rongpur police station, was arrested along with a customer on Friday evening for keeping his shop open during curfew hours imposed due to COVID-19 restrictions, police said.

The 50-year-old shopkeeper, Babul Banik, complained of breathlessness in police custody and was

rushed to Silchar Civil Hospital where doctors referred him to Silchar Medical College Hospital where he was declared dead.

Following his death more than 500 people came out in the area, defying curfew orders, and demanded that the police personnel who had allegedly tortured him in custody be arrested immediately.

Senior police officials, including Cachar Superintendent of Police V C Chandrakant rushed to the spot and assured the crowd that necessary action will be taken after the postmortem report is received. If any police personnel is found to be guilty of torture, necessary action will be definitely taken, the SP added.

M’laya police nabs man for anti-vaccine and derogatory remarks

Correspondent

SHILLONG, JUN 19: Meghalaya police on Saturday arrested a 38 years old man for making anti-vaccine and derogatory remarks in the social media against the East Khasi Hills district Deputy Commissioner Isawanda Laloo for having ordered vaccination against COVID-19 as mandatory for opening of shops and plying of commercial vehicles.

“The Cyber Cell of the East Khasi Hills District Police was engaged to track the culprit involved in the case,” Superintendent of Police, Sylvester Nongtnger said, adding that the police had registered a suo moto case in this regard with the Shillong Sadar Police Station.

The Special Cell of East Khasi Hills police, with the assistance of West Jaintia Hills district police, nabbed one Donlad Shylla in this connection at Non-

gjngi village, West Jaintia Hills district on Saturday.

“He will be produced in court and further investigation is being made to ensure that the case reaches its logical conclusion,” Nongtnger said.

The derogatory remarks against the Deputy Commissioner on Facebook, that had gone viral on all social media platforms, were roundly condemned from several quarters and drew the ire of Chief Minister Conrad K Sangma, who tweeted: “Condemn the distasteful comments made on the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills who has been executing her duties to the best of her ability to ensure the safety of all residents. Supporting the administration that is tirelessly working through this pandemic is the least we can do as responsible citizens.

Let us fight against this common enemy and support all those in the front-line”.

The government and the general public at large had come out in full support of the Deputy Commissioner, with Health and Family Welfare Minister, Alexander LalooHek maintaining that it was left to the wisdoms of the respective Deputy Commissioners of the various districts to take measures in order to encourage people to take vaccination.

“Any shop which has not completed vaccination of its staff will not be permitted to open from June 24 onwards,” the Deputy Commissioner of East Khasi Hills, that includes state capital Shillong and is the most COVID-19-hit district, had ordered on June 14.

“All drivers of commercial vehicles, including local taxi, tourist taxi and buses are required to be vaccinated (at least 1st dose) before they are permitted to resume operation,” the Deputy Commissioner had specified.

NE COVID-19 UPDATE

Mizoram logs 314 new COVID-19 cases

Aizawl, Jun 19 (PTI): Mizoram’s COVID-19 tally rose to 16,750 as 314 people, including over 80 children, have tested positive for the virus, an official said on Saturday.

The fresh cases were reported from various districts with Aizawl registering the highest at 240, followed by Lunglei (27) and Siaha (17), he said.

The single-day positivity rate was 9.62 per cent as

the fresh cases were detected from 3,261 sample tests, he said. Thirteen patients have travel history and the rest 301 were found to have locally contracted the infection, he said. Of the 314 patients, 160 have developed symptoms of COVID-19, he said. The state now has 3,816 active COVID-19 cases, while 12,858 people have recovered from the infection.

The COVID-19 death

toll in the state so far is 76. Mizoram has tested 4,49,676 samples for COVID-19 till date. The COVID-19 recovery rate is 76.76 per cent and the death rate is 0.45 per cent.

According to state immunisation officer Dr Lalzawmi, 3,62,851 people have been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine till Friday and of this 53,517 people have received both doses.

Sikkim registers Arunachal reports 209 new COVID-19 cases, 1 more death 151 new Covid cases

Itanagar, Jun 19 (PTI): At least 209 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, pushing the tally in the northeastern state to 32,692, a senior health official said here on Saturday.

The COVID-19 death toll increased to 159 with one more person succumbing to the infection on Friday, the official said.

A 65-year-old man from Changlang died at home isolation due to Covid pneumonia, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said.

Of the fresh cases 109 were detected through

rapid antigen tests, nine through RT-PCR and three via TrueNat methods, the official said, adding that 121 people have symptoms of COVID-19.

Arunachal Pradesh currently has 2,599 active COVID-19 cases, he said.

As many as 314 patients were cured of the disease on Friday taking the total number of COVID-19 recoveries in the state to 29,934, Jampa said.

The COVID-19 recovery rate now is 91.56 per cent while the active percentage stands at 7.95 and the positivity rate at 3.64 per cent, he said.

G angto k , J un 1 9 (PTI): Sikkim’s COVID19 tally rose to 19,209 on Saturday as 151 more people tested positive for the infection, while one fresh fatality pushed the Himalayan state’s coronavirus death toll to 291, a health bulletin said. West Sikkim district reported the highest number of new cases at 54, followed by 51 in South Sikkim, 41 in East Sikkim and five in North Sikkim, it said. Sikkim now has 2,751 active cases, while 15,917 people have recovered from the disease and 250 patients have migrated to other states so far.

OFFICE OF THE KONYAK COMMUNITY, DIMAPUR Dimapur : Nagaland PRESS NOTE

Manipur opposition parties protest against inflation

Left parties protest against hike in the prices of petroleum products and essential commodities in Imphal on Saturday.

Correspondent IMPHAL, Jun 19: Oppositions in Manipur continued to attack the BJP-led government in the and the state for skyrocketing prices of petroleum products and essential commodities.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) alleged that instead of finding ways and means to reduce the prices of the petrol, diesel and cooking gas, BJP K Y M C

leading the coalition government in the state was trying to divert the issue with a low level politics.

MPCC president GovindasKonthuojam alleged that the ruling party (BJP) was still trying to fool the people saying that the Central government was compelled to hike the prices of petroleum products to meet the expenditure incurred in providing free rice, free medicines and free medical

treatment.

Konthoujam was talking to reporters after flagging off MPCC teams to distribute COVID-19 relief materials to the people residing in remote areas to mark the 51st birthday of Rahul Gandhi.

He further alleged that BJP was sending out “hired people” to spread propaganda to counter the voices against hike in the prices of petrol, diesel and cooking

gas through social media platforms.

These people were talking against Congress and other parties demanding a roll back to the prices of the petroleum products and essential commodities, he added.

In short, the saffron party was doing low level politics instead of finding ways and means to address the additional burden being put up on the head of the people who were reeling under hardship due to the COVID-19 pandemic, he added.

On the other hand, left parties in Manipur continued to stage protests against hike in prices of petroleum products and other essential commodities as the nationwide fortnight protest of the opposition parties entered its fourth day on Saturday.

Joining the nationwide protest, Manipur units of CPI, CPI (M), RSP and AIFB have been jointly stag-

ing the protest by changing venues since June 16 last.

On Saturday, the protest was staged at Ningthem Pukhri Mapal, Wangkhei in Imphal East district where leaders and workers of the parties chanted various slogans demanding roll back in prices of the petroleum products and essential commodities.

“Roll back petroleum products price hikes,” “Control prices of essential commodities and drugs,” “Wave excise duties & VAT by Central and state government,” etc. read the banners that were displayed during the protest.

In his speech during the protest, CPI Manipur State Council, L Sotinkumar blamed Modi-led BJP’s NDA government at the Centre behind the continuous increase in the prices of the petroleum products and essential commodities in the country terming it an assault on people’s livelihood.

The Konyak Community Dimapur would like to express its profound gratitude to the Forest Department of Nagaland, Dimapur Division, for issuing of 500 saplings. It also appreciates the department for encouraging the Dimapurians to plant as many plants as possible every year for beautification of the city as well as for environment conservation. It is worth mentioning here that the department gave the right saplings, to the right beneficiary, at the right place and at the right time.

In the meantime, the Konyak Community Dimapur also would like to appreciate the executive members of the Konyak Union Dimapur (KUD) and KSUD for transplanting the said saplings at the Konyak Community Center, Purana Bazar East Dimapur on 12th June 2021.

May the Lord bless the Forest Department, Dimapur Division, the KUD and KSUD leaders.

(KL. YAMAO KONYAK) Convenor, Konyak Community Dimapur DP-2845 K Y M C

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021

Min refutes reports of alleged black Induction of Rafale into IAF by 2022: IAF Chief Fin money held by Indians in Switzerland

HYDERABAD, JUN 19 (PTI): IAF Chief R K S Bhadauria on Saturday said the induction of 36 Rafale aircraft into the Indian Air Force would take place by 2022.

The IAF is absolutely on target with respect to the Rafale induction plan, he said, while responding to a reporters’ query on the timeline for receiving all the 36fighter jets from France.

“The target is 2022. It is absolutely on target. I mentioned earlier. Except for one or two aircraft, minor delays because of COVID related issues, but, in fact, some deliveries have been ahead of time.

So, broadly, we are absolutely on target on the Rafale induction plan.

On the operationalisation plan, you are aware, we are fully operational.. So, in terms of time, we will be absolutely on time,” he told reporters after reviewing the

grounds are being prepared for another one.

“The first attempt is to continue with the talks and do the disengagement at the balance friction points.

And, of course, follow it up with de-escalation,” he said.

“However, in parallel, the ground realities are being monitored closely.

Whatever is the reality across, in terms of current left over locations, deployments, any changes, that is being monitored closely and whatever actions are required on our part, we are taking, Bhadauria said.

On Phasing out MIG 21s from the fleet, Bhadauria said the current squadron of the aging aircraft will take place in the next two to three years depending on their life and they will be replaced by Light Combat Aircraft.

“As far as the phase out plan is concerned for this current squadron of MIG 21, there is a plan... In

another 2to 3 years they are being phased out depending on them as soon as they get to their life.

There is already an induction plan.. You are aware four Squadrons of LCA have been ordered.

They will start inducting in the three and half years from now. So that is the plan in terms of these squadrons phasing out and LCA is replacing them,” he said.

According to him, these aircraft were upgraded in 2005to 2010 and a lot of effort was put in to keep the flights fly-worthy.

Earlier, addressing the Combined Graduation Parade, he said the IAF is undergoing a monumental transformation with infusion of niche technologies and combat power in every facet due to rapidly evolving security challenges, coupled with rising geopolitical uncertainty in the neighbourhood and beyond.

PM’s aide made UP BJP vice prez, Telangana lifts lockdown curbs completely after buzz over role as minister Educational

Rs 1 cr ex-gratia to kin of 6 personnel killed on duty: Sisodia

LU C K N OW, J U N 1 9 (AGENCIES): For mer bureaucrat AK Sharma, known to be among Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s close aides, has been made the BJP’s vice president in Uttar Pradesh, where assembly elections will be held next year.

For weeks, there had been speculation that Mr Sharma, a member of the legislative council in Uttar Pradesh and a former Indian Administrative Service officer, would be made a minister in UP. He was sent to PM Modi’s Lok Sabha constituency Varanasi earlier this year to oversee the fight against COVID-19.

Sharma’s hometown is the eastern UP district of Mau. “Thanks to the national and state leadership for making me vice president of Uttar Pradesh BJP. Under the guidance of seniors, I will be in service of the society, state and country with the help of my friends,” Mr Sharma tweeted.

Talk of Mr Sharma’s possible elevation to ministership in UP started last month after speculation that Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath may be in trouble with the BJP leadership in Delhi over his government’s handling of the pandemic. The BJP has ruled out any change in UP’s leadership.

The BJP will contest the Uttar Pradesh election under the leadership of Yogi Adityanath as Chief Minister and Swatantra Dev Singh as state president,

NEW DELHI, JUN 19 (PTI): Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday said the families of six IAF, Delhi Police and civil defence personnel who died in the line of duty will get an ex-gratia of Rs 1 crore, and asserted that the city government stood “shoulder-to-shoulder” with the kin of these bravehearts.

He made the announcement during an online briefing and said the decision was taken during a meeting on Saturday to honour these men and support their families.

The six men include three from the Indian Air Force, two from the Delhi Police and one from the city’s Civil Defence wing, he said.

“Although loss of a soldier is irreparable, the Arvind Kejriwal government, after coming to power had launched the scheme to provide ex gratia to families of such personnel so it could become a source for them to live with dignity,” Sisodia said.

The deputy chief minister said the Arvind Kejriwal government stands “shoulder-to-shoulder with the families” of these bravehearts who attained martyrdom while serving the country.

He later also tweeted about the decision to extend financial support to the families, and also shared a list of the six men in uniform who have died in the line of duty.

R K S Bhadauria

Combined Graduation Parade (CGP) at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal here.

In 2016, India had signed an inter-governmental agreement with France to procure 36-Rafale jets at a cost Rs59,000 crore.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had in February said the country would have the entire fleet of the fighter aircraft by April 2022.

Asked for his assess-

ment on the situation in eastern Ladakh on the IndoChina border, the IAF Chief said talks are on between the two sides and the first attempt is to continue with the parleys and carry out the disengagement at the” balance friction points.”

According to the IAF chief, so far 11 rounds of talks have been held between the Indian and Chinese commanders and the

institutions to open from July 1

PM Narendra Modi and AK Sharma. (File)

sources told NDTV earlier this month, rubbishing talk fuelled by a two-day review meeting in early June by national BJP leaders in UP’s capital Lucknow.

BJP leaders BL Santosh and Radha Mohan Singh were sent to UP on the recommendation of the BJP’s ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) earlier this month to hold an “extensive feedback exercise”.

The team met with the Chief Minister, senior party leaders, ministers and MLAs and took the feedback to the central leadership.

Earlier today, sources told NDTV both leaders will be going to UP once again.

The central leaders will be in Lucknow on Monday for a three-day visit and will hold meetings on issues of governance and organisational matters.

A decision has reportedly been taken against a reshuffle of Yogi Adityanath’s cabinet, sources have told NDTV. They said the BJP leadership has recommended the appointment of a Dalit MP from UP as a min-

ister in PM Modi’s cabinet expansion at the centre, and an important responsibility may be given to a Jat leader in UP. On June 11, the UP Chief Minister made a much publicised visit to Delhi and met with PM Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP chief JP Nadda in a span of 24 hours.

The flurry of meetings in Lucknow and in Delhi happened after the BJP’s ideological mentor Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh reportedly flagged concerns internally about the criticism and attacks heaped on the UP government ahead of polls that will also have a bearing on the 2024 national election.

The UP government’s handling of COVID-19 pandemic was slammed on social media, especially when images of bodies floating in the Ganga river or buried in shallow graves beside it generated headlines in India and abroad. There were reports of the party’s MLAs and MPs going public with their complaints against their own government.

BJP demands attempt to murder case against Vijayan

Mumbai again takes lead in active Covid caseload

Pinarayi Vijayan

T H I RU VA NA N THAPURAM, JUN 19 (IANS): Joining issue in the ongoing war of words between chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and new Congress president K. Sudhakaran, on Saturday, Union Minister of State for External Affairs V. Muraleedharan demanded that an attempt to murder case against Vijayan be lodged.

On Saturday, at Sudhakaran’s press conference, his party colleague K. Gopi, who hails from Vijayan’s village in Kannur, recalled an old incident, that in 1977 when 26 beedi workers were terminated from a society, they led a protest.

“I was leading the protest and then Vijayan with a sword led a group of people and he brandished his sword and it hit my hand and the injury mark is still there,” said Gopi showing his hand and adding that despite his complaint to the local police then, there was no further action in the case.

Muraleedharan told the media in the state capital that if the Congress party is serious in the allegation, they should register a police complaint.

“There is no time limit to an attempt to murder case and hence, Sudhakaran should ask Gopi to go forward and register a fresh complaint,” said Muraleedharan.

He also pointed out that in the past two days both these leaders have been revisiting their college days at the Government Brennen College and have been saying about their deeds then and it shows that both of them were goons and criminals.

Mumbai, Jun 19 (IANS): With the Covid-19 situation improving in Pune, Mumbai has again taken the lead in terms of active Covid cases in the state, accounting for 18,764 of the state’s 134,747 ill patients, health officials said here on Saturday.

Pune comes next with 17,888 active cases, followed by Thane (13,970), Kolhapur (11,453) and Sangli (10,545) in the list with 10,000-plus active patients.

In the 5,000-plus range, Ratnagiri and Satara figure below the top five with 7,766 and 7,149 cases, respectively, followed by Sindhudurg with 5,372 active cases.

Districts that figure at the bottom with less than 500 active cases are Gondia (197), Yavatmal (232), Gadchiroli (303), Buldhana (313) and Nandurbar (395).

The state’s current Covid-19 toll is 116,674 with the overall Covid tally stands at 59,54,508. With a recovery rate of 95.73 per cent, 56,99,983 patients have been fully cured and discharged till date.

HYDERABAD, JUN 19 (AGENCIES): The Telangana cabinet on Saturday resolved to remove all restrictions put in place while imposing a state-wide lockdown in the second week of May. The cabinet meeting convened at the Chief Minister’s residence examined reports regarding the present situation of the Covid-19 pandemic in the state. A

K. Chandrasekhar Rao

decision to lift the lockdown was taken after officials from the Medical and Health Department suggested that the number of new infections as well as positivity rate has come down drastically and the disease was under control in the state.

An official statement from the CMO said that in-

structions have been passed on to officials in all departments to lift all the restrictions imposed during the lockdown. The cabinet also noted that the virus is under control in the neighbouring states too. “Based on the reports submitted by the officials, the cabinet concluded that Telangana has brought corona under control faster compared to other states.

Based on this, the state cabinet has decided to lift the lockdown from June 20.”

The Education Department has been instructed to reopen all categories of educational institutions across the state from July 1. Then onwards, the students will

Nirmala Sitharaman

be allowed to attend classes physically. The decision comes against the backdrop of livelihoods of people being severely impacted by the lockdown and its extension would mean furthering their losses.

However, it is clarified that lifting of lockdown should not lead to any negligent behaviour. People should continue wearing masks, maintain physical distance, and ensure personal hygiene to curtail the spread of the virus, the CMO added.

Urging the people to follow the guidelines prepared by the government, the cabinet sought full support and cooperation from the people.

Latest Covid testing kit ‘SENSIT’ exhibits 86-100% specificity NEW DELHI, JUN 19 (IANS): The Centre on Saturday said that the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) approved DBT-BIRAC supported product ‘SENSIT Rapid Covid-19 Ag kit’ exhibits sensitivity and specificity of 86 per cent and 100 per cent, respectively and has a shelf life of 24 months.

Sharing the inputs, Ministry of Science and Technology said the kit has been developed by Ubio Biotechnology Systems Pvt Ltd for qualitative detection of SARS CoV-2 Nucleocapsid Protein with an assay time of 15 minutes under the aegis of Covid-19 Research Consortium.

Through the kit, samples are collected using nasopharyngeal swabs from the suspected individual.

This ICMR approved kit is a chromatographic immunoassay, which allows the healthcare personnel to visually read the test result.

“The test works on the principle of sandwich immunoassay and utilizes a pair of monoclonal antibod-

ies which when bound to Covid-19 specific antigen, result in the appearance of a coloured line,” said the Ministry.

“The kit exhibits sensitivity and specificity of 86 per cent and 100 per cent, respectively and has a shelf

life of 24 months. SENSIT Rapid Covid-19 Ag Kit has been successfully commercialised.”

Such quick tests allow healthcare professionals to detect infected individuals quickly, saving their time and allowing them to provide better advice and treatment to the infected individual.

The quick testing procedure involves antigen testing which provides the result for hundreds of samples within a short span of time. Several innovators and entrepreneurs have been working tirelessly for developing accurate, affordable and accessible testing kits for not only providing aid to the healthcare workers in such tough times for easy detection but also for boosting the biotechnology ecosystem in India.

DC-500

2 year declining trend. It has also been stated that this is also the highest figure of deposits in the last 13 years.

“Reports allude to the fact that the figures reported are official figures reported by banks to Swiss National Bank (SNB) and do not indicate the quantum of much debated alleged black money held by Indians in Switzerland. Further, these statistics do not include the money that Indians, NRIs or others might have in Swiss banks in the names of third-country entities,” the

Ministry statement said.

The statement added that the customer deposits have actually fallen from the end of 2019 in a Swiss Banks. The funds held through fiduciaries has also more than halved from end of 2019. The biggest increase is in “Other amounts due from customers”. These are in form of bonds, securities and various other financial instruments, the finance min statement said.

The ministry also ascribed various other reasons for increase in deposits and not possibly on account of the increase of deposits in the Swiss banks out of undeclared incomes of Indian residents. It said that that increase in deposits may be on account if increase in deposits owing to the business of Swiss Bank branches located in India or Increase in Interbank transactions between Swiss and Indian Banks.

NEW DELHI, JUN 19 (AGENCIES): The Union Finance Ministry on Saturday said that increase in deposits of Indians in Swiss Banks could be on account of increase in business of Swiss bank branches located in India and raised Interbank transactions, rather than due to an increase in alleged black money held by Indians in Switzerland.

It, however said that Swiss Authorities have been requested to provide the relevant facts along with their view on possible reasons for increase or decrease in deposits so that facts could be presented in correct perspective.

Certain reports suggested that that funds of Indians in Swiss Banks have risen to over Rs 20,700 crore (CHF 2.55 billion) at the end of 2020 from Rs 6,625 crore (CHF 899 million) at the end of 2019, reversing a

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 194 Dimapur, SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021

Good or Godly dad

F

ather’s day is observed every third Sunday of June and this time it falls on the twentieth day of the June, 2021. It is a day to honour fathers for the role and responsibility they carry so as to encourage and inspire them. Father’s Day was conceived by Sonora Dodd, of Washington.

Subsequently, US President Calvin Coolidge, in 1924, supported the idea of a national Father’s Day and by 1966, US President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day. Father’s Day and Mother’s day (second Sunday of May) are observed in churches, because it is a commandment from God to ‘honour your father and mother” (Ex.20:12). God ordained the institution of family for which He created both man and woman for the purpose. Due to the current pandemic from March 2020 till this year, both Father’s Day and Mother’s Day are subdued. Society reflects the family and in turn, the family reflects parenthood or how the father and mother play their roles in bringing up their children. The roles of a father and mother are not independent but inter-dependent-for they are one. The important thing to remember is that mothers and fathers often bring different strengths and styles to their parenting roles. These roles complement each other, meaning that they are not interchangeable and are each necessary for healthy child rearing. Once a father was asked, who is the boss of the house? The father proudly replied “I am the boss”. Again, when asked who wears the pants? He replied, “I do but my wife chooses which one I should wear”. Although a lot may have changed over the concept of fatherly responsibility; yet it still does not change the role of a father nor absolves him from his family responsibility. Many families in our troubled society do not have fathers; while many fathers don’t have families. Today psychologists have come to agree that fathers play a unique and crucial role in nurturing and guiding children’s development. Many experts now believe that fathers can be just as nurturing and sensitive with their babies as mothers. His work is endless and, oftentimes, thankless. But in the end, it shows in the sound, well-adjusted children he raises. The Bible makes it explicitly clear to train up a child in the way he should go; and when he/ she is old he/ she will not depart from it (Prov.22:6). There is a difference between good fathers and godly fathers.

According to the Bible, Eli was guilty of fathering errors. As high priest he was a model but failed to impact godly values in his sons. He was a very busy man and could not train up his sons in the right way.

Eli chose not to confront his sons over these sins.

When asked about his sons’ sins, Eli instead of confronting them, only told his sons what he heard was not good. The tragedy of this story is that Eli knew what a godly father should do, but he didn’t do it. When God ordained the family, He had in mind a vibrant and healthy family that contributes to a peaceful environment. In a strange yet marvellous way, the present lockdown has offered fathers and mothers an opportunity to be more devoted and together strengthen family bonds.

DailyDevotion The Service of Passionate Devotion …do you love Me?…Tend My sheep. —John 21:16 Jesus did not say to make converts to your way of thinking, but He said to look after His sheep, to see that they get nourished in the knowledge of Him. We consider what we do in the way of Christian work as service, yet Jesus Christ calls service to be what we are to Him, not what we do for Him. Discipleship is based solely on devotion to Jesus Christ, not on following after a particular belief or doctrine. “If anyone comes to Me and does not hate…, he cannot be My disciple” (Luke 14:26). In this verse, there is no argument and no pressure from Jesus to follow Him; He is simply saying, in effect, “If you want to be My disciple, you must be devoted solely to Me.” A person touched by the Spirit of God suddenly says, “Now I see who Jesus is!”— that is the source of devotion.

Today we have substituted doctrinal belief for personal belief, and that is why so many people are devoted to causes and so few are devoted to Jesus Christ. People do not really want to be devoted to Jesus, but only to the cause He started. Jesus Christ is deeply offensive to the educated minds of today, to those who only want Him to be their Friend, and who are unwilling to accept Him in any other way.

Our Lord’s primary obedience was to the will of His Father, not to the needs of people— the saving of people was the natural outcome of His obedience to the Father. If I am devoted solely to the cause of humanity, I will soon be exhausted and come to the point where my love will waver and stumble. But if I love Jesus Christ personally and passionately, I can serve humanity, even though people may treat me like a “doormat.” The secret of a disciple’s life is devotion to Jesus Christ, and the characteristic of that life is its seeming insignificance and its meekness. Yet it is like a grain of wheat that “falls into the ground and dies”— it will spring up and change the entire landscape (John 12:24).

Quotes

To succeed in your mission, you must have single-minded devotion to your goal. ~ A. P. J Abdul Kalam

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021

Post-mortem

Fathering a Nation: Opting non-violent ways

Introduction We live in a nation of seekers – seeking the divine, knowledge, philosophy, consciousness, awakening. While nature is given the title of ‘motherhood’, politics seems to hold its ‘fathers’ down the centuries.

A patriarchal society like India has accorded Mahatma Gandhi - the ‘Father of the Nation’ as he was the was driving force behind the independence of India from foreign domination and the establishment of India as a free nation. This is indeed a kind and befitting gesture of gratitude shown to him. The whole world stands in awe to the Gandhian principle of non-violence. He led us from fear of colonial regime to think and reason for ourselves (freedom).

Founding fathers of the Indian constitution More than seventy years ago, the founding fathers of the Indian republic - Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, B. R. Ambedkar, Subhas Chandra Bose and Vallabhbhai Patel - steered the new nation in a route so that it wasn’t devastated by sectarianism, casteism

and authoritarianism (Rajmohan Gandhi, 2016). The secular nation we inherited is their vision and sacrifice.

Although there are forces that detract from the vision of the founding fathers on secularism, the nucleus of Indian democracy rests on its secular nature. This is one important forum where voices are heard and hearts are united as one nation. The fight against sectarianism, casteism and authoritarianism continues at various fronts. Till we defeat these depravities, the vision of our founding fathers remains a challenge.

Rise of local politicoethnic fathers The word ‘politics’ does not merely revolve around those who are elected as MLAs and MPs; it embraces a wider range of subjects quintessential for human survival and prosperity. Politics has to do with governance of areas, minds, creation of future trajectories, building or destruction of a group of people or a nation. Northeast India is Switzerland in its topographical aesthetic but heavily armed with military forces due to its existing

insurgent movements. While many insurgent groups are in a cease-fire with the Government of India (and some state Governments), the AFSPA - 1958 remains a draconian tool currently employed to ‘maintain order’ in ‘disturbed areas’.

The exponential ethnic consciousness of various tribes in the Northeast strongly arose during the 1950s.

This phenomenon has also elevated some traditional human champions as local politico-ethnic fathers in various states. One can take it as a consequence of colonial rule – an observational learning process.

One can also argue - if the Queen was hailed during the colonial days, why not hail our local fathers as leaders.

Elevating a local leader as a politico-ethnic father could signify unity for a cause; but elevating bloodstained men, systematic looters, schism creators as ‘local politicoethnic fathers’ is certainly not a good choice for the days to come. Just as we talk about those leaders of the past, the next generation will similarly deal with us – perhaps with a sharper

Naga national right is inherent, can never be robbed off: NSCN (I-M) “The sun is always the sun even if it is not recognized.”Napoleon Bonaparte

R

ecognize it or not, the Nagas are a nation of God’s people. The Naga national right is inherent, not a generous gift of the constitution of any country, and that it can never be robbed off or murdered by any force. We have lived by our national right yesterday, we are living by it today and we shall live by it tomorrow because our right is the foundation of our existence and nationhood. The inherent right of a people is ageless and timeless. History says that during the time of the Roman Empire, the British Empire and some others that the national rights of many people were suppressed for some time, but all of them rose and regained their rights through trailblazing revolution or negotiations.

Significantly, history had driven those parasitic empires into oblivion. But nation-states that are built on the foundation of their respective national rights are still alive to claim their rightful place in the comity of nations.

It is not a new thing to all that those opportunists, collaborators, traitors and other pseudo-nationalists used to participate in peoples’ revolutionary movements in sheep’s clothing. With flirtatious mindset they desert here

and there in search of fortune. Ironically, people with similar traits of character have penetrated into NSCN. But can they deliver the goods to the people? History says that no people of that kind have ever built a kingdom, rather they destroy.

Naturally, they do not have the supporting materials that are politically correct to liberate a people and build a state. We believe that they are not the stuffs worth focusing. Ridiculously, the adversaries are using the non issue to settle their score against NSCN. Such a manner of indulging in cheap antiNSCN propaganda is open for mockery in the eyes of the people.

It is pointless on the part of the critics to level false allegations on collection of taxes by the Government of the People’s Republic of Nagalim (GPRN). Collection of taxes by a government from its citizen is a legitimate right and it is nothing illegal at all. Even the representatives of the Government of India who are engaged in political dialogue with NSCN leaders recognize this right. But GPRN is opposed to extortions and excesses if ever committed by the collectors. That is the area the government (GPRN) has to deal with strong hands.

NSCN focuses on issues and we can say we have made commendable achievements to some extend on vital issues of both internal and external affairs (matters). We are not new to the restlessness of critics and adversaries trying to smear NSCN’s image in the eye of the world with destructive scheme of things.

In principle, we run our government and conduct affairs of the state on the basis of collective decision-making culture. For any matter of national importance, the Collective Leadership consisting of the Yaruiwo (President), the Kedallo (Vice-president) and the Ato Kilonser (Prime Minister) always consults the Members of the Collective Leadership, the Convener of the Steering Committee and the Kilonser (Minister) of the Kilo (Home) Affairs. On security related matters, the Longvibu (Chief) of the Naga Army is consulted.

NSCN put on record to assert that a number of devious plans had been executed by the adversaries to murder the Naga national issue, but the Naga people survived by His grace from all the attempts and God willing we shall survive in the future too. Kuknalim!

MIP, NSCN/GPRN

Appeal to regional manager SBI Dimapur for immediate installation of ATM and deployment of staffs to Pungro Branch Sir,

The Joint Forum of Public Forum and GBs Union Pungro SubDivision,while duly acknowledging the indispensable banking Services provided by your esteemed branch to the public of Pungro Sub-Division, has the honour to draw your kind attention on aforementioned subject seeking favorable response from your competent end.

As we continue to reel under the prevailing pandemic and its existing SOPs put in place, the banking services too has affected by and large particularly in remote places like Pungro to avail various services provided by your institution at home owing to erratic network connectivity. In the given situation, the only viable means is to visit the bank

for withdrawal/deposit/ transfer to the extent of fixing petty issues from the office.

In view of the above circumstance, it has been long felt desire of the public of Pungro Sub-Division for immediate installation of SWAYAM Machine and Automatic Teller Machine (ATM) for the hustle-free services. Moreover, you are also aware of the acute shortfall of Staff at SBI Pungro Branch which is currently being manned by the Branch Manager and a clerk causing immense daily hardships to the customers and staff alike.

Therefore, in view of the above mentioned customers grievances, you are kindly requested to redress the matter in concern in customers interest and public safety.

lens. As far as the various ethnic political scenarios are concerned, there are more politico-ethnic fathers than mothers. Perchance, this is because of the patrilineal nature of the area or just an evolutionary process of the bygone geopolitical trails.

Father of violence Violence does not consist only in taking lives. Acts can be violent even without bloodshed or physical brawls.

The worst kind of violence is depriving people of ‘the capacity to reason as a result of fear psychoses created in their minds. ‘Fear’ is the father of violence. This is depriving the fundamental ‘Right to life’ that entails the right to choose one’s life and the ability to live a dignified life. But one cannot live a dignified life while living under constant fear of losing job, livelihood, life. This is the form of violence existing in many parts of Northeast India. It is but a sure slow killer inhibiting social development and critical thinking. In the long run, this can create a ‘hero-worship cult’, ‘blind obedience’, ‘action without reason’. All these can debilitate a vibrant community.

Fathering through non-violent ways Political talks, ceasefire agreements, face-to-face meetings are steps toward settling disagreements. But the violence which is in the form of looting, taxing, forcing, threatening, aggression, abduction, ransom money, killing, etc., create more widows, orphans, angry hearts and incurable memories. These vices are not from nature but nurtured by human beings. They affect social psychology and personality development.

Human aggression largely involves the intention to inflict harm on others (Archer & Coyne, 2005) now or in the future. No one forgets the harm done to him or her or them. Fear, anger, hostility, revengeful temper, etc., are bunches of energy that may disappear for a time, but the energy never disappears in the cosmos. It will come back someday at an opportune time. So, the best way is not to create those destructive energies. Perhaps, we need people who emulate Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Aung Sang Suu Kyi to lead us as fathers in

a non-violent way. We need inclusive people, not exclusively inclusive politicoethnic agenda mongers.

Conclusion Cultivation of ‘freedom of expression’ and ‘freedom to differ’ is a way of fathering. Sameness does not necessarily connote consensus. The agreement of few people is not a plebiscite.

Freedom from fear is a way towards humanity. Creating ‘united minds’ is a lasting fathering. Pursuing a politicoethnic movement without deep spirituality is a lame endeavour. Will you follow a leader who beats around a local bush (of petty issues) or a person who will expand your horizons and tell you that humans are lovely and it is possible to be a universal citizen? Fathering can assume multi-dimensional strategies and expressions.

Fr Paul Lelen Haokip (The author is a PhD research scholar, Department of Sociology and Social Work, CHRIST (Deemed to be University), Bangalore, Karnataka, India.

Email:paulhowkeep20@ gmail.com)

To my Father, my idol!

A letter from Earth to Heaven

Dear Father, It is Father’s Day once again. While many are busy finding gifts for their fathers, I ignore the tears rolling down my cheeks and consoled myself that you are in a better place now. It is hard to accept the fact that I could not wish you personally on a day like today. There are thousands of things I want to tell you; I am writing a few lines for you today, expressing my thoughts, which I so dearly wanted to convey for long, as follows; Loving my mother As a young boy, I used to feel uneasy and at times ashamed of how you would openly display your love and affection for my mother.

Later, I realised your unwavering love for her was more than about her ; you have been religiously following the saying, ‘if you love your children, love their mother.’ How I now wish to see you hug my mother and kiss her again. I can promise you, I will not be ashamed but be rather ecstatic.

My mother was your first true love and your last.

Your unconditional love towards my mother taught me that a good husband is the hallmark of a good father.

Colossal Sacrifices It is only natural for parents in general and fathers, in particular, to make sacrifices for their children. But, as I have said on your funeral day, ‘All fathers love their children but none like you.’

How can I forget you walking miles and saving the taxi fare to buy me my favourite magazine with it? There will be countless sacrifices you must have made for us, many of which would be when we were too young to remember; the sleepless nights and tiresome days you have endured to bring us up are only a few I could fathom now after I became a father myself. You have never bought for yourself a decent dress, while you’d even resort to borrowing, if required, to buy us one. You cannot imagine how I so wanted to buy you the best clothes now, Dad. The belief that you are now in a place where you will be wearing the most beautiful and attractive dress, is the only reason I could afford to smile, though in tears. You perfectly exemplified how a father is willing to sacrifice anything in the world for the love of their children.

Managing work-life balance Your mantra of ‘Work is worship’ was difficult to comprehend at times, then; for many days you’d leave us and travel far and wide. I remember raising my voice on a few occasions complaining why you could not be with family like everyone else even on Christmas. I was too naïve to acknowledge and appreciate the precious times you have spent with us. Now that I have a job on my own, I can clearly understand how work sometimes compels us to sacrifice family time. The irony is that one needs to be sincere at work to make ends meet and also spare adequate time for the family to avoid relationship gaps. You must have wished with all your heart to be with us all the time, but for work. Sometimes when I feel stressed and frustrated about my job, I’d remember you and exhort myself to be dedicated

in my work. You were a master in managing work-life balance and remarkably shouldered the challenging responsibilities of a father and the sole breadwinner in the family.

Wonderful Teacher Your words of, ‘Unless you understand what is verb and adverb, prepare to fast. You will not be provided even a cup of water,’ when I was a little child, still lingers in my ear. Education was your topmost priority apart from our health.

That commitment and belief, in aptly regarding education as the prime factor that would shape our future is the only reason why I could write this story today in an esteemed newspaper portal such as this. And whatever I am today, in being able to put food on the table in my own humble way, is largely due to the importance you paid to my education. As a father of two now, I struggled often to even teach them ABC; when I play being harsh, my conscience told me to be soft and when I treated them softly, a voice in the back of my mind told me I should have been firmer in my approach. I usually took the easy route of washing my hands off and throwing the responsibility to someone else. Nevertheless, I will make sure not to shy away from teaching my children the importance of education and the valuable life lessons you have taught me. You showed me how a good father needs to be a good teacher, relentlessly aspiring for the all-round development of his children. You were, and you still are my best teacher.

Spiritual life The story of Job, of a man who despite his intolerable sufferings steadfastly held on to God, has been your favourite story you often professed and endeavoured to emulate yourself.

On many occasions, I have witnessed your calm and composed nature even in the face of grave situations, a trait which could only be possessed by those having their faith and hope firmly rooted in God. When you were in your deathbed, I had earnestly prayed to God to heal you. And when that didn’t happen, my faith was crushed and shattered. Then I realised how you would have wanted me to know you were eternally healed and wished that I reminded myself of the story of Job. Despite my shortcomings, I now truly believe in the power of the divine spirit and truly accept that God does consider what is best for us; this understanding has played a pivotal role in accepting and coping with the challenges life offers.

You were my spiritual guru. The above messages are not exhaustive but only a select few of the many thoughts I did not have the opportunity to express when you were here on earth. You must have known by now my inability to live-up to the high standards you have set as a father; I am not half as good as you. On this Father’s Day though, I can promise you that the privilege of being blessed with a father like you will not go in vain; may God help me! Thank you for being my father, Hepa! Happy Fathers Day Yours Loving Son, T S Haokip (@Thangboi as you’d lovingly call me)

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Concession in school fees

Due to the present pandemic, all the schools in our state are closed. In such a situation, school authorities should consider giving some concession in school fees for the students. Since schools are closed, so their day to day expenses are negligible as there is no power consumption, no generator usage, no paper usage, etc. Most of the schools are giving online classes and also conducting online tests. During these online tests, parents have to arrange papers for the children apart from data consumption. Some parents also had to purchase smartphones for these online classes. It is true that schools need to pay salaries to their staffs as well, but many parents are also facing hardships in one way or the other. Thereforei fervently request the authorities to kindly look into this and give some concession/relaxation in school fees, which will be a big help for

Sd/- Sd/the parents.

JB Shahato Kongsu President, GBsUPSD President, FPSD Freddie, Dimapur Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

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national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021

Not virtually, appear in person: Centre calls all-party meet on J&K delimitation Parliamentary Panel to tell Facebook

NEW DELHI, JUN 19 (AGENCIES): In what could be a renewed and more substantive push to the political process in Jammu and Kashmir after the District Development Council (DDC) elections, the Central government has reached out to mainstream parties in the Valley for a meeting next week to discuss the delimitation exercise or the process of redrawing constituencies in the Union Territory.

This could mark the first step towards conducting Assembly elections.

People’s Democratic Party (PDP) President Mehbooba Mufti Friday confirmed to The Indian Express that she had received a call to join a meeting with the “top leadership” in New Delhi on June 24. But it was not confirmed if all members of the mainstream coalition — the People’s Alliance for Gupkar Declaration (PAGD) — would join the meeting, she said.

Just eight days ago, in what were the first signs of forward political movement, National Conference President and PAGD Chair-

Union Home Minister Amit Shah and J&K Lt Governor Manoj Sinha during a meeting in New Delhi. (PTI)

person Farooq Abdullah had said they were open to talks with the Centre. “We have not closed any doors or options… If they invite us, then we will decide at that time,” he had said after a meeting of the PAGD on June 10.

Sources in the J&K administration said the Delimitation Commission had written to Deputy Commissioners of all 20 districts last Tuesday seeking fresh information on several aspects including population density and topography in all the districts and Assembly constituencies. “Almost all districts have provided

the information,” the source said. The Commission, set up on March 6, 2020, had on March 3 this year received a one-year extension.

The Commission, chaired by Retired Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, had last met on February 18 this year. Of the five Associate Members in the Commission, only two — Jitendra Singh, Minister of State and MP and Jugal Kishore Singh, MP — attended the meeting. The remaining three, Farooq Abdullah, Mohammad Akbar Lone and Hasnain Masoodi, all MPs of National Conference, did not attend.

In this meeting, an overview on the process of delimitation in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir — detailing various sections of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, and Delimitation Act, 2002 — was presented before the Members.

So far, the National Conference had stayed away from the consultative process of the Delimitation Commission.

But the PAGD meeting on June 9 after a gap of over six months was to arrive at some kind of broad understanding on the way forward. During a discussion on participation in talks if offered by the Centre, PDP’s Mehbooba Mufti is learnt to have said she would not take a “maximalist approach”.

Sources in the security establishment had earlier this week told The Indian Express that “feelers have been sent to political parties in J&K to hold discussions” before the process of delimitation moves forward across J&K. A source in the Central government said, “Things have settled down

in Kashmir. Developmental works are in progress. Security situation is under control. It is only fair to reach out to political parties. I can confirm that such a move (Prime Minister entertaining an all-party delegation from Kashmir in Delhi) is quite likely.”

Sources in the government said Assembly elections, as and when they happen, will not be a surprise. “Yes, it is likely the process may be hastened and it may be achieved by the end of 2021. But in any case it will happen only after the Delimitation Commission submits its report,” the source said.

Meanwhile, Union Home Minister Amit Shah Friday held two high-level meetings concerning issues related to development and security of Jammu and Kashmir. He issued several directions which included expanding the coverage of MGNREGA, setting up an agri industry in every district, and strengthening of security and intelligence apparatus in the Union Territory.

Representational image

New Delhi, Jun 19 (Agencies): The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Information and Technology, headed

by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, will direct Facebook executives to appear “in person” when it examines the company’s policies on upholding citizens’ rights and preventing misuse of the social media platform, sources said.

According to NDTV, the panel on Friday grilled Twitter officials for over 90 minutes over, among other issues, not fully implementing the new rules for social

media intermediaries. It will now also call Google, YouTube, and other big companies for such in-person meetings.

Facebook representatives were unwilling to appear in person citing the company’s anti-Covid policy. However, Tharoor, chairman of the powerful panel, has now insisted on it as parliamentary rules prohibit virtual meetings, sources said. Tharoor has said the Parliament Secretariat can make arrangements to vaccinate them if required.

The panel, comprising

several MPs from the ruling party and the opposition, on Friday asked Twitter to “abide by the laws of India in India”.

The panel asked why Facebook had not appointed a full-time Chief Compliance Officer in India as required by the new IT rules.

Sources said Twitter’s response to questions asked by the MPs were “vague”.

A Twitter spokesperson said later it was prepared to work with the committee on “safeguarding citizens’ rights online in line with our principles of transparency, freedom of expression, and privacy.” Twitter has been facing the government’s ire since last month after it branded BJP leader Sambit Patra’s tweet, referring to an alleged Congress “toolkit”, as “manipulated media”.

The government asked Twitter to remove the label and the Delhi police served notices on it and travelled to Bengaluru to question the microblogging site’s India head, Manish Maheshwari.

Ladakh L-G discusses air connectivity HC takes cognisance of charge sheet against Sidhu, others possibilities for Kargil with Centre LEH, JUN 19 (PTI): Ladakh Lt Governor R K Mathur has discussed air connectivity possibilities for Kargil with the Centre and urged the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to explore possibilities for operating Q-400 Bombardier turboprop aircraft in the region, an official spokesperson said on Saturday.

He also requested for necessary efforts to operationalise small fixed-wing aircraft at Kargil and Thoise (Nubra) under the Regional Connectivity (UDAN) scheme at the earliest.

The lieutenant governor raised the issue during a meeting with Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri in New Delhi on Friday, the spokesperson said, adding that he discussed various matters on

L-G R K Mathur

operation and improvement of air facilities in Ladakh. Mathur applauded the smooth functioning of Pawan Hans helicopters in the region for essential movement of passengers, especially during the winter months, medical emergencies, including evacuation of Covid patients, and stated that this has resulted in reduced dependency on the Indian Air Force.

He urged the AAI to explore

Kumbh mela was biggest super spreader event: AICC official PANAJI, JUN 19 (IANS): All India Congress Committee general secretary Dinesh Gundu Rao, on Saturday, said that the Kumbh mela organised in Uttarakhand amid the second Covid wave, was the “biggest super spreader event in the world”, even as he blamed Prime Minister Narendra modi for not doing enough to rein in the rapid spread of infections earlier this year.

Addressing a press conference in Panaji, Rao also said that despite being the largest manufacturer of vaccines in the world, India was worse off than its South Asian neighbours. “The biggest super spreader event in the world was the Kumbha mela,” Rao told reporters at the state Congress headquarters in Panaji.

“People throughout

the country lost their lives and livelihood, they are suffering. Why? Because the central government did not bother to address the situation. It did not bother to purchase the vaccines. It did not bother to warn the people that the second wave of Covid has already started, let us be careful,” Rao said.

“Instead of that, he was doing election rallies, even though he knew that the second wave had come. Never in the history of Indian politics, has a PM behaved so irresponsibly... And he does not care. He does not bother,” Rao also said.

“The PM was busy congratulating himself. Why is the situation not the same in Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, our own neighbours,” the AICC official asked.

possibilities of Required Navigation Performance (RNP) and relaxation in Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) standards, as accorded to Arunachal Pradesh and countries like Nepal and Bhutan for the operation of Q-400 Bombardier turboprop aircraft at Kargil, the spokesperson said.

Mathur stated a feasibility report post examining the topography and other factors may be prepared.

In the meeting, they also discussed expediting a feasibility study to be carried by the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) of Kargil airport for the operation of EA320/B737 aircraft, while also studying alternative land for the construction of Kargil airport, the spokesman said.

NEW DELHI, JUN 19 (PTI): A Delhi court on Saturday took cognisance of the supplementary charge sheet filed against actor-activist Deep Sidhu and others in the Republic Day violence case.

Chief Metropolitan Magistrate Gajendra Singh Nagar has summoned all the accused through video conferencing on June 29.

Production warrants have been issued against Maninder Singh and Khempreet Singh, who are still in judicial custody.

Except for the duo, all the other accused are out on bail.

The judge said the court is taking cognisance of the charge sheet relating to various sections of Indian Penal Code, except those sections for which prosecution sanction is still awaited.

Sanction under the Epi-

Deep Sidhu

demic Diseases Act, the Disaster Management Act and Arms Act is still awaited from concerned authorities.

On January 26, protesting farmers clashed with police during the tractor rally against three farm laws and stormed into the Red Fort injuring scores of po-

Leaders across party line greet Rahul Gandhi on birthday NEW DELHI, JUN 19 (IANS): Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi, on Saturday, turned 51 with several political leaders across party line wishing him on his birthday, which he has decided not to celebrate in view of the Covid pandemic.

Rahul was born on June 19, 1970 to Rajiv Gandhi and Sonia Gandhi in Delhi.

Several party leaders across the party line greeted the Congress leader on his birthday. National Students Union of India (NSUI) celebrated his birthday as ‘Sewa Diwas’ by arranging free Covid-19 vaccination camps, while Indian Youth Congress and the Delhi Congress distributed medicines, cash, ration kits to

licemen. The police had filed a supplementary charge sheet on June 17. The investigating officer pointed out names of the witnesses who were severely injured or from whom weapon was snatched, in the final report.

The Delhi Police Crime

Branch, which is tasked with the investigation, had filed a 3,224 page-long first charge sheet against Sidhu and 15 others on May 17, nearly four months after the violence.

Sidhu, who was accused of being the key conspirator of the violence, was arrested on February 9. The police had also accused him of fuelling the chaos at the Red fort.

He is facing charges of rioting, attempt to murder, criminal conspiracy, dacoity, culpable homicide among various other sections of the Indian Penal Code. He was in jail for over two months and released on bail on April 17.

Besides Sidhu, the police have also mentioned the name of Iqbal Singh, who was doing a Facebook Live session in which he allegedly instigated the protesters.

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Congress general secretary K.C. Venugopal in a tweet said, “It’s been a difficult year and you’ve continued to lead our people with love and sincerity. Best wishes for your birthday, Rahul Gandhi. Wishing you good health, happiness and success in all your endeavours.”

Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh said that he was proud of the Congress leader’s hard work and his abiding commitment to serve the people of the country.

Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin and Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala also greeted the Congress leader in a tweet.

NEW DELHI, JUN 19 (PTI): The government on Saturday said that a new software -- Covid Severity Score -- has been developed to identify patients who require ventilator support as well as detect emergency and intensive care unit needs early.

The software consists of an algorithm that measures a set of parameters, and then identifies patients likely to require ventilator support in an intensive care unit (ICU), aid on time referral and make necessary arrangements before an emergency sets in.

It can also help in reducing hospital referral for those unlikely to require critical care support, thus freeing more beds, the Science and Technology Ministry said in a statement.

Representational image.

The software scores the parameters against a pre-set dynamic algorithm multiple times for each patient and allocates a Covid Severity Score (CSS), mapping it in a graphical trend, it said .

It measures symptoms, signs, vital parameters, test reports and comorbidities of COVID-19 patient and scores these against the pre-

set dynamic algorithm, thus allocating the CSS, the statement said. “The technology is being used in three community Covid care centres at Kolkata and its suburbs, including a 100-bed government mandated Covid care centre at Barrackpore, Kolkata,” the ministry said.

Noting that sudden ICU and other emergency

requirements during the pandemic have been a challenge for hospitals to manage, the ministry said timely information about such situations would help manage the health crisis better.

The algorithm has been developed jointly by the Foundation for Innovations in Health, Kolkata, with support from the Science for Equity, Empowerment and Development (SEED) division of the Department of Science and Technology.

IIT Guwahati, Dr Kevin Dhaliwal, University of Edinburgh and Dr. Sayantan Bandopadhyay, formerly WHO (SE Asia Regional Office) also collaborated in developing CSS, according to the statement. This technology has been made available at primary care e-health clinics in resource

poor settings through SEED project support.

Frontline health workers trained in the National Skills Qualifications Framework (NSQF) aligned model and certified by the National Skill Development Corporation (NSDC) are trained to record all these parameters in a tablet computer which has the software loaded in it, the statement said.

The CSS is regularly monitored multiple times by ‘remote’ specialist doctors thus reducing the doctor’s consultation time per patient and reducing the doctors travel requirement, it said.

It will also help in providing monitored medical support to those patients who cannot afford treatment or cannot isolate at home due to poor housing conditions, the statement said.

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‘New software to help identify patients requiring ventilator support’

New Delhi, Jun 19 (PTI): The finance ministry on Saturday asserted that Indian customer deposits in Swiss banks have fallen since 2019, but said it is seeking details from Swiss authorities on the relevant facts along with their view on possible reasons for changes in the funds parked by individuals and entities in 2020.

In a statement, the ministry said the deposits have halved but did not give numbers.

Quoting data from Switzerland’s central bank, PTI had reported on June 17 that funds parked by Indian individuals and firms in Swiss banks, including through India-based branches and other financial institutions, jumped to a 13-year

high of 2.55 billion Swiss francs (over Rs 20,700 crore) in 2020 on a sharp surge in holdings via securities and similar instruments, though customer deposits fell.

In its statement, the ministry said the figures “do not indicate the quantum of much debated alleged black money held by Indians in Switzerland. Further, these statistics do not include the money that Indians, NRIs or others might have in Swiss banks in the names of thirdcountry entities.”

The ministry noted that customer deposits have actually fallen from the end of 2019. The funds held through fiduciaries have also more than halved from 2019-end.

“The biggest increase is in ‘Other amounts due

from customers’. These are in form of bonds, securities and various other financial instruments,” the ministry added.

It also listed out the reasons that could have led to the increase in deposits, including rising business transactions by Indian companies, rise in deposits owing to the business of Swiss bank branches located in India and increase in interbank transactions between Swiss and Indian banks.

Besides, capital increase for a subsidiary of a Swiss company in India and increase in the liabilities connected with the outstanding derivative financial instruments could be the other potential reasons for this jump in deposits, the ministry explained.

“The Swiss Authorities have been requested to provide the relevant facts along with their view on possible reasons for increase/ decrease....,” the ministry added.

An automatic exchange of information in tax matters between Switzerland and India has been in force since 2018.

New Delhi, Jun 19 (IANS): India’s FY22 GDP is expected to grow by 8.7 per cent said Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOFSL) in a report.

“Due to the ferocious second Covid wave, we have revised down our real GDP growth forecasts. Compared with our Mar’21 forecast of 30 per cent YoY, we now expect real GDP growth of 21 per cent YoY in 1QFY22, with some downward revision in 2QFY22 as well,” “However, as COVID cases have dropped sharply in Jun’21, some pent-up demand may be visible in 2HFY22 and 1HFY23.”

Consequently, MOFSL we now project real GDP growth of 8.7 per cent in FY22, down from 11.1 per cent expected earlier.

Nonetheless, it revised upwards its FY23 forecasts to 5.4 per cent now from an earlier 4 per cent.

“Although we have revised down our real growth forecasts, it is interesting to note that our nominal GDP growth forecast has actually been raised moderately for FY22 and FY23.”

Saturday that the Centre has no intention to delay fixing minimum wages and national floor wages. The ministry’s statement comes in wake of reports that constituting an expert group on the issue with a three-year term is an attempt to stall fixing minimum wages and national floor wages.

“It has come to the notice that certain section of the Press and some of the stakeholders have opined this as an attempt to delay the fixation of Minimum Wages and National Floor Wages by the government.

This is clarified that the government does not have any such intention and the Expert Group will submit

(From p-1) This offence may be compounded by the victim with the permission of the court.

Further, if an act of violence against a healthcare service personnel causes grievous harm, the person committing the offence will be punishable with imprisonment up to seven years and a fine up to Rs five lakh. These offences will be cognisable and non-bailable.

“I would also like to reiterate that a close watch be kept on any objectionable content in social media which may exacerbate such situations. Concerted efforts should be made through posters in hospitals, social media, etc. to emphasise the valuable contribution being made by doctors and other healthcare personnel in the fight against COVID-19,” Bhalla said.

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

come with choices of six-speed automatic and six-speed manual transmissions.

The petrol trims of Hyundai Alcazar have been prices between Rs 16.3 lakh and Rs 19.84 lakh while the diesel variants are priced between Rs 16.53 lakh and Rs 19.99 lakh.

Hyundai has stated that the firm has invested Rs 650 crore for the development of Alcazar.

The SUV is expected to compete with the Mahindra XUV500 and recently launched Tata Safari and Hector Plus in the SUV segment.

The Hyundai Alcazar has two engine options of 2-litre petrol and 1.5-litre. The manual petrol trim of Hyundai Alcazar delivers a fuel efficiency of 14.5

its recommendations to the government as early as possible,” the ministry said.

Earlier on June 3, the Labour Ministry announced that the Central government had formed an expert group to provide technical inputs

and recommendations on the issue of fixing these wages.

The panel was constituted under the chairmanship of renowned economist Ajit Mishra.

The tenure of the ex-

India again opens for exhibitions DIMAPUR, JUN 19 (NPN): The whole world has been affected by ongoing pandemic for the last 16 months with physical economic activities related to trade fairs, conventions and expos at complete halt, now being undertaken.

However, now with tapering off the 2nd wave and also a very extensive vaccination programme being carried out across the country, India is all set to open exhibitions and conventions for visitors from all across the globe

Book those who Hyundai launches Alcazar, start at Rs 16.3 lakh assault doctors...

New Delhi, Jun 19 (Agencies): Automaker Hyundai Motor India on Friday announced that it is expanding its SUV range in India. It is doing with the launch of its latest SUV Alcazar. With the launch of the SUV, Hyundai is aiming to further consolidate its standing in the SUV segment. Hyundai is already the market leader in the SUV segment in the country with cars like Venue, Creta, Tucson and Kona Electric. The Hyundai Alcazar 2021 has been priced between Rs 16.3 lakh and Rs 19.99 lakh.

These are Delhi ex-showroom prices. Hyundai Alcazar comes with six and seven seat configurations. Hyundai Alcazar comes in two engine options - petrol and diesel. Both engine variants

Minimum wage is different for different categories of workers.

pert group has been kept as three years so that even after fixing minimum wages and national floor wages, the government may seek technical inputs/advice from the group on related subjects, as and when required,” the Ministry added.

The first meeting of the expert panel was held on June 14, 2021, while the second meeting is scheduled for June 29, 2021, the ministry said.

Minimum wage is different for different categories of workers.

National floor wage refers to the minimum level of wage that is applicable to all categories of workers across the country.

kmpl. While the automatic delivers fuel efficiency of 14.2 kmpl.

The diesel trims have slightly higher fuel efficiency. The diesel manual trim has a fuel efficiency of 20.4 kmpl, the diesel automatic trim has 18.1 kmpl. About the launch of Alcazar 2021, Hyundai Motor India MD and CEO SS Kim stated. “This year we have embarked on a new journey as we complete 25 years of excellence in India. Hyundai has entered a new segment and we aim to redefine premium travel experiences for our customers across the country”.

Hyundai’s market share in the SUV segment has grown considerably over the years. It went from just 9 per cent in 2015 to 42.5 per cent in 2020.

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at the State-of-the-Art Exhibition and Convention Centre i.e. India Expo Centre & Mart located in Delhi NCR. According to chairman India Expo Centre & Mart and Director General, Export Promotion Council for Handicraft, Dr. Rakesh Kumar, IEML has hosted nine out of 12 largest shows of India, across various industry sectors and has set the highest quality benchmarks in the industry.

Kumar hoped that with such positive

signs, normalcy would soon return as far as organisation of exhibitions and conventions in the country was concerned and further said that the venue was all set to resume operations once again with all SOPs for adherence to Covid Protocols in place.

During the brief period of normalcy just before the 2nd wave hit the country, two physical shows namely Indus Food and SATTE were successfully organised in the month of March, 2021, added Dr. Kumar.

NTPC among top 50 Great Place to Work in India

New Delhi, Jun 19 (IANS): NTPC has been recognised as a ‘Great Place to Work’ for the 15th year in a row by the Great Place to Work Institute.

NTPC is the only PSU to consistently feature in India’s Top 50 Best Workplaces.

This year NTPC ranked 38th, up from 47th position last year. It also won its firstever recognition of India’s Best Employers among Nation-Builders 2021.

Figuring consistently in GPTW’s Best Workplaces List year on year is testimony of company’s people, practices and approach, NTPC said in a statement.

The Great Place to Work (GPTW) Institute commended NTPC’s employees for being the torchbearers of a high trust culture. The GPTW Institute highlighted NTPC’s successful business and a great relationship with its employees and said

India’s forex reserves rise by over $3 bn Mumbai, Jun 19 (IANS): India’s foreign exchange reserves rose by $3.074 billion during the week ended June 11.

According to the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) weekly statistical supplement, the reserves increased to $608.081 billion from $605.008 billion reported for the week ended June 4.

India’s forex reserves comprise foreign currency assets (FCAs), gold reserves, special drawing rights (SDRs), and the country’s reserve position with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). On a weekly basis, FCAs, the largest component of the forex reserves, edged higher by $2.567 billion to $563.457 billion.

Similarly, the value of the country’s gold reserves rose by $496 million to $38.101 billion. However, the SDR value slipped by $1 million at $1.512 billion.

But, the country’s reserve position with the IMF inched higher by $11 million to $5.011 billion.

that both consistency and compassion have led NTPC to feature in India’s Top 50 Best Workplaces for the 15th year in a row.

Great Place to Work Certification is the most definitive ‘Employer-of-Choice’ recognition that organizations aspire to achieve. The Certification is recognized world over by employees and employers alike and is considered the ‘Gold Standard’ in identifying and recognizing Great Workplaces with High Trust and High Performance Cultures.

The GPTW Institute’s evaluation is based on the audit of NTPC’s Human Resource practices and policies as well as anonymous feedback from employees on the organization culture covering dimensions of employee trust: respect, fairness, credibility, pride, and camaraderie.

Repo rate expected to remain unchanged in FY22: Emkay Global New Delhi, Jun 19 (IANS): Reserve Bank of India’s repo rate is expected to remain unchanged during FY22, said Emkay Global in a report.

A lower repo rate, or short-term lending rate for commercial banks, will reduce the interest cost on automobile and home loans, thereby ushering in growth.

However, lower repo rate might trigger inflation as well.

Earlier this month, the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the central bank voted to maintain the repo rate, or short-term lending rate, for commercial banks, at 4 per cent.

Likewise, the reverse repo rate was kept unchanged at 3.35 per cent, and the marginal standing facility (MSF) rate and the ‘Bank Rate’ at 4.25 per cent.

The MPC outcome was widely expected as India suffers from a massive spike in Covid-19 infections.

“We do not see any rate

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER TUENSANG : NAGALAND. NO.GAB/RV-2/2020-21/46 Dated Tuensang the 6th May 2021

NOTIFICATION Whereas this office has received related documents forwarded by Addl.

Deputy Commissioner, Shamator, for recognition of proposed Kesangwong Village under Tuensang District.

And whereas the area of the proposed Kesangwong Village for recognition as per survey report is 1253 Acres with the following boundaries:1. North : Muretongtop hill (Boundary with Sangphur village) 2. South : Langa river (Boundary with Y/Auner village) 3. East : Tuntuke river (Boundary with Chassir village) 4. West : Chitke river (Boundary with Kuthur village) I, Shri. Kumar Ramnikant IAS, Deputy Commissioner, Tuensang do hereby issue this public notice that claim/objection if any, for recognition of the said village may be given in writing within 30 (thirty) days from the date of issue of this notice by any claimant to the undersigned, otherwise, the said village will be taken up for recognition under the procedure as laid down by the Government.

The Public Notice will come into force with effect from the date of issue of this notification.

(KUMAR RAMNIKANT) IAS Deputy Commissioner Tuensang : Nagaland DP-2847

actions in FY22. We reckon RBI’s focus on keeping the term premia low will gather pace as global financial conditions might start to tighten gradually through the year,” said Madhavi Arora, Lead Economist, Global Financial Service in the report.

“We also expect core inflation to remain high, outdo headline and average comfortably above 6 per cent in FY22. That said, RBI may still take solace in the fact that headline inflation may still average sub 6 per cent in FY22 and thus could justify their policy accommodation.”

On bond yields, she cited that in the near term, ‘we are neutral on bonds amid the central bank’s active support anchored at the benchmark 10-year paper’.

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Govt seeks details from Swiss authorities on Indian deposits

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021 business India’s FY22 GDP ‘No intention to delay fixing minimum wages’ expected to grow New Delhi, Jun 19 pert panel is going to be three years.

(Agencies): The Laby 8.7%: MOFSL bour Ministry clarified on “The tenure of the ex-

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China adopts ‘Wolf Warrior’ policy against G7 Raisi wins Iran prez polls by landslide BEIJING, JUN 19 (AGENCIES): In order to counter new foreign sanctions, China started with ‘Wolf Warrior’ diplomacy to dissuade G7 member states from imposing new sanctions against Beijing under pressure from the US, reports Times of India.

It was Chinese President Xi Jinping himself who first introduced China’s Wolf Warrior diplomacy.

Wolf warrior diplomacy originated from what Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi referred to as Xi’s “great diplomatic philosophy,” reported Newsweek.

Moreover, it was Xi himself who bolstered the Chinese public’s sense of nationalism as part of a strategy to further consolidate his power and increase his prestige.

In an opinion piece in Newsweek, Jianli Yang wrote that over the past two years, Xi Jinping demanded that Chinese diplomats demonstrate a “fighting spirit”

Xi Jinping

and take a tough stance on Sino-US relations and international challenges.

The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China hastily passed its new law on countering foreign sanctions before the 47th G7 summit convened in England.

It was done in response to concerns about forced labour in Xinjiang and the suppression of human rights in Hong Kong. G7 and European Union countries imposed sanctions on certain Chinese companies and individuals, after which

Beijing imposed countersanctions on the countries in question.

Doing so would demonstrate the shared resolve of the seven most powerful countries in the West to resist totalitarian China. Beijing was wary of this, and thus deemed it necessary to take preventive actions, wrote Jianli. On the eve of the G7 summit, the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) passed the Law on Countering Foreign Sanctions (also known as the Anti-Foreign Sanctions Law).

The law is intended to influence countries that are not as strong as the United States and the United Kingdom (such as Germany, Japan and other states that are less willing to stand up against China) to consider the cost of Chinese countermeasures and choose not to go along with US sanctions.

Nearly six months since US President Joe Biden took office, China has clearly

US administers 300 million Covid-19 shots in 150 days

VP Kamala Harris talks to George Mitchell as he receives a COVID-19 vaccine at Ebenezer Baptist Church. (AP)

Washington, Jun 19 (IANS): The US has administered 300 million Covid-19 shots in the 150 days since US President Joe Biden took office, the White House said on Fri-

day.

Biden is expected to make remarks later Friday on this milestone, which aims to bring the Covid-19 pandemic under control and help Americans return

to normal, according to the White House.

Biden has set a national goal to have 70 per cent of the US population get at least one shot by the July 4 holiday. But the goal is expected to fall short as Covid-19 vaccination rates decrease from spring highs, according to US media reports.

About 44.5 per cent of the American population have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as of Thursday, and 53 per cent of the population has received at least one dose, according to the latest data of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Xinhua news agency reported.

demonstrated that Washington must shed the illusion that US-China relations can return to some sort of preDonald Trump status quo.

Seeing that the relationship between the US and China isn’t getting better, Beijing feels justified in using all available means and tools to counter the West’s attempt to contain China, reported Newsweek.

At a CCP Politburo study meeting held on the afternoon of May 31, Chinese President Xi Jinping instructed officials to do a good job of telling the “Chinese story”--to propagate the voice of China, ensure that China has an international voice commensurate with its comprehensive national power and global status, “grasp the right tone,” be “modest and humble,” pay attention to the “strategy and art of the ‘public opinion struggle’” and “elevate the persuasiveness of Chinese discourse.”

Observers have noted

T e h r a n, J u n 1 9 (IANS): Ebrahim Raisi, the incumbent Chief Justice of Iran, has won the country’s presidential election by a landslide, according to preliminary results released on Saturday by the Interior Ministry.

Deputy Interior Minister Jamal Orf said 28.6 million Iranians participated in Friday’s election, and with around 90 per cent of the votes counted, Raisi garnered over 17.8 million votes, Press TV reported.

In the second place was Mohsen Rezaei, a senior officer in the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and current secretary of the Expediency Discernment Council, with 3.3 million ballots.

Meanwhile, former Governor of the Central Bank of Iran Nasser Hemmati garnered 2.4 million votes, and conservative MP Amir-Hossein Ghazizadeh-Hashemi won almost one million votes, the Ministry figures revealed.

RAMALLAH, JUN 19 (IANS): At least seven Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli soldiers in two separate incidents in the West Bank, medical sources said.

On Friday, five Palestinians were injured by rubber-coated metal bullets in the clashes with Israeli soldiers in the village of Beita south of the West Bank city of Nablus, Xinhua news agency reported.

The two others were injured by rubber bullets in the village of Beit Dajan east of Nablus, according to the sources.

Currently, several villages and towns in the West Bank have become a routine scene for week-

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

outbreak in April 2021.

Aylward said that countries in SubSaharan Africa, Latin America and the Middle East as well as neighbours of India, such as Nepal or Sri Lanka, are affected. Many of these countries “are at the very end of the supply they have”, said Katherine O’Brien, WHO Director of the Department of Immunization, Vaccines and Biologicals.

She added that countries with “weak” vaccination programs suffer from discontinued supplies, a situation that could create a loss of confidence among populations. As of June 18, a total of 2,378,482,776 vaccine doses have been administered across the world, according to the WHO.

K Y M C

Kim Jong Un

emnly swore” on behalf of the Central Committee that the party “will surely break through head-on the difficulties lying in the way of the revolution,” the Korean Central News Agency reported.

Kim earlier ordered his government to prepare for both dialogue and confrontation with the United States, which has been urging the North to abandon its nuclear weapons ambitions and return to talks.

Kim has threatened to bolster his nuclear deterrent and says the fate of diplomacy and bilateral relations

depends on whether Washington abandons what he calls hostile policies.

Kim opened the Central Committee plenary on Tuesday by warning of potential food shortages, urging officials to find ways to boost agricultural production because the situation “is now getting tense.” He said the country should brace for extended COVID-19 restrictions, suggesting it would extend border closures and other steps despite the stress on its economy.

The economic setbacks have left Kim with nothing to show for his ambitious summitry with former President Donald Trump, which derailed over disagreements in exchanging the lifting of sanctions with the North’s denuclearization steps.

US officials have suggested President Joe Biden would adopt a middle ground policy between his predecessors — Trump’s direct dealings with Kim and Barack Obama’s “strategic patience.”

Orf added that vote counting was still ongoing an official announcement will be made later.

Addressing a meeting of the national committee fighting the coronavirus, outgoing President Hassan Rouhani on Saturday praised the participation of the voters and welcomed the winner without naming Raisi, reports Xinhua news agency.

“Although I will delay the official congratulations in conformity with the law, the people’s choice is already clear and he will take over the government in 45

ly rallies that are held on Fridays against the Israeli settlement activities.

Local residents said that the clashes broke out during rallies that the Palestinians organise every Friday afternoon.

Meanwhile, the Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a statement that nine Palestinian protesters were injured during clashes with Israeli police forces in the old city in East Jerusalem.

The statement said that Israeli police officers fired rubber bullets and teargas canisters at Palestinian worshippers at their exit from al-Aqsa Mosque in the city after they finished Friday’s Palestinian protesters run to take cover from tear gas fired by Israeli security forces. prayers.

(Courtesy- Statesman).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LATE SENUNGJUNGBA (Ungma)

Born : 10-04-1954 – Died : 19-05-2021

As our beloved one have left for his eternal abode, we, the family would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one who stood before us and bestowed upon our family all the love, support and prayers during the illness and demise of my beloved "Husband" and a "Dad".

It's our prayer that Almighty God bless each and everyone abundantly.

Loving wife, children & relatives DP-2839

North Korean leader swears to overcome economic hardships

Seoul, Jun 19 (AP): North Korean leader Kim Jong Un “solemnly swore” to navigate his country out of deepening economic troubles as he concluded a major ruling party meeting, acknowledging food shortages and urging officials to prepare for both dialogue and confrontation with the US. North Korea’s state media released Kim’s comments shortly before President Joe Biden’s special representative for North Korea, Sung Kim, arrived in South Korea on Saturday for talks over stalled nuclear diplomacy with the North.

Kim Jong Un had presided over a four-day plenary meeting of the ruling Workers’ Party’s Central Committee, which he summoned to discuss efforts to salvage a dismal economy, hurt by years of mismanagement and US-led sanctions that were made worse by pandemic border closures.

As he closed the meetings on Friday, Kim “sol-

Ebrahim Raisi

days,” Rouhani said.

In a message on his personal Instagram account, Hemmati expressed hope that the new leader “will make the Islamic Republic of Iran proud, and also improve the livelihood and prosperity, and provide welfare for the great nation of Iran”.

Rezaei and Hashemi have also extended their congratulations to Raisi.

Raisi, who has been the Chief Justice since 2019, has formerly held several other posts in the country judicial branch following the 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Although associated with the Principlist camp, Raisi said he ran in the election this year as an independent.

He was campaigning with the slogan “Popular Administration, Strong Iran” aimed at uprooting corruption in the executive branch, fighting poverty, creating jobs and containing inflation.

7 Palestinians injured in clashes with Israeli soldiers

30 to 40 countries unable to give 2nd Covid shots: WHO Geneva, Jun 19 (IANS): Between 30 to 40 countries are unable to provide second doses of a Covid-19 vaccine, especially those expecting jabs from AstraZeneca, officials of the World Health Organization (WHO) said.

“We have a huge number of countries currently that have had to suspend the rollout of their second doses of vaccine,” Xinhua news agency quoted Bruce Aylward, Senior Advisor to the WHO Director-General on Organizational Change, as saying on Friday. Many countries that were expecting AstraZeneca vaccines from the Serum Institute of India, distributed through WHO-led COVAX program, had seen their supplies being reduced as the manufacturer had to prioritize India’s

that Xi wants to make some adjustments to China’s ‘Wolf Warrior’ diplomacy, wrote Jianli. The fact that the CCP’s diplomatic efforts have hit a brick wall beyond China’s borders is not essentially a question of the choice of words, tone, or posture adopted by Chinese diplomats. Rather, the fundamental problem is one of soft power.

As long as Xi fails to change his “great diplomatic philosophy,” as long as he continues to rely on strong nationalist sentiment to maintain his power and prestige, and as long as the CCP maintains its present course and continues to commit gross violations of human rights, then no matter what superficial changes Xi makes with respect to form and style, no one will regard him as trustworthy, respectable, or likeable and China’s wolf warrior diplomacy will continue to rear its ugly head time and again.

“Mother thou art Gone to rest And this shall be our prayer That when we reach our Journey’s end His glory we may share”

LT. MR. JOEL SOLO

Born on 31/03/1984 – Died on 16/06/2021

“For if we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so them also which sleep in Jesus will God bring with him.” 1 Thessalonians 4:14 The most dreadful dream happened in real, the day we lost you “our beloved Jobo” The joy, the laughter, the brightest smile on your face and the best memories we made together will perhaps be the only memory that will take us through. It breaks our hearts to let you go but we are assured you are no more in pain and in the safest hands of God..

Farewell! Until we reunite on the other side of the shore someday!!

We love you & miss you deeply!

Sincere thanks to: 1. Zion Hospital management, doctors, staff, nurses for their tireless effort and kindness during our hardest time 2. Our gratitude to Eralibill Village Council for allowing us to conduct his last rites and funeral .

Lastly our utmost gratitude to all well wishers, family, friends, near and far who stood by us through the hardest times, supporting us through prayers, finances & encouragement ..

May the good Lord bless each one of you abundantly.

DP-2850

With love and gratitude Dad, mom, brothers, sister, brother-in-law, close friends and family

(Born : 02/02/1959 – Died : 26/05/2021) We, the family members of Lt. Kiholi Shohe, W/o Sahoto Shohe express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, friends, neighbors, relatives and well-wishers who stood by us physically, financially and through prayers during the brief illness and sad demise of our beloved mother on 26/05/2021.

Though we are unable to thank and mention each and everyone individually, it is our humble prayer that God bless you all abundantly.

- Loving Husband, Children, In-laws, Grand Children and Relatives DP-2848 K Y M C

Infotainment

10

Father’s Day 2021: How the day came about

T

a remembrance of Christ’s ancestors. As a result, a customary observance of fatherhood in Europe dates back to 1508 in Catholic Europe.

A Ja g r a n a r t i c l e mentions that the European countries celebrate St.Joseph’s Day on March 19 as Father’s Day. - In 1966, former US president Lyndon B Johnson declared the third Sunday of June as Father’s Day when he signed a presidential proclamation. It became a national holiday in the US

How anti-science tweets could flag a Covid outbreak

A

nti-science, partisan tweets like do not use mask or vaccines are of no use could flag a Covid outbreak in a particular region, scientists have found, a discovery that can help policymakers and public health officials.

If they see anti-science sentiment on Twitter growing in one region of the country, they can tailor messages to mitigate distrust of science while also preparing for a potential disease outbreak. “Now we can use social media data for science, to create spatial and temporal maps of public opinions along ideological lines, pro- and anti-science lines,” said Kristina Lerman, lead author and a professor at the Viterbi School of Engineering at University of Southern California.

“We can also see what topics are important to these segments of society, and we can plan proactively to prevent disease outbreaks from happening.” Resistance to science, including the efficacy of masks and vaccines, poses a challenge

to conquering the coronavirus crisis.

The goal of achieving herd immunity won’t happen until society achieves consensus about sciencebased solutions.

The study’s machinelearning assisted analysis of social media communications offers policymakers and public health officials new tools to anticipate shifts in attitudes and proactively respond.

“We discovered this entirely from social media data that gives detailed clues about where COVID-19 is likely to spread so we can take preventive measures,”

Indian film industry mourns Milkha Singh’s death

S

everal film personalities took to social media on Saturday to express shock and grief over the demise of legendary sprinter Milkha Singh.

Singh passed away in a local hospital in Chandigarh at 11.30pm on Friday, read a statement from the Post Graduate Institute of Medical Education & Research (PGIMER), where he was being treated for Covidrelated complications.

Amitabh Bachchan wrote on Twitter: “In grief .. Milkha Singh passes away .. the pride of India .. a great athlete .. a greater human .. Waheguru di Mehr .. prayers.” Shah Rukh Khan tweeted: “The Flying Sikh may no longer be with us in person but his presence will always be felt and his legacy will remain unmatched...

An inspiration to me... an inspiration to millions. Rest in Peace Milkha Singh sir.”

Anil Kapoor posted a picture with Milkha Singh and his family on Instagram and wrote: “Milkha Singh ji K Y M C

welcomed us into his home and his lovely wife fed us the most unforgettable aloo parathas I’ve ever had...

He truly was an incredible sportsman, phenomenal host and above all an amazing human being... will be truly & deeply missed.”

Divya Dutta, who was part of the biopic “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”, wrote: “RIP #milkhasingh ji! This has been an end of an era with you!! It s been an honour to have met you, known you.., and have lived a slice of your inspiring life… shall always remember the chai sessions and the gupshup!”. John Abraham wrote: “A true sporting icon and an inspiration to generations. Rest in peace The Flying Sikh! #milkhasingh”. Sonam Kapoor, who worked in “Bhaag Milkha Bhaag”, put up a series of pictures on Instagram story and wrote: “Rest in peace sir! “ Mahesh Babu put up an Instagram story to pay his respect and wrote: “Rest in Peace Legend.”

(IANS)

said Lerman in a paper published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research.

The researchers further parsed the data by demographics and geography and tracked it over the threemonth study period.

This approach allowed for near real-time monitoring of partisan and pseudoscience attitudes that could be refined in high detail aided by advanced computing techniques.

What emerged is the ability to track public discourse around COVID-19 and compare it with epidemiological outcomes.

(IANS)

date. While Father’s Day is celebrated in India, US and few other countries on the third Sunday of June (20 June) other countries including Portugal, Spain, Croatia and Italy observed Father’s Day on 19 March.

In Australia, New Zealand, Fiji and Papua New Guinea, Father’s Day is celebrated in the month of September.

Why do people celebrate Father’s Day? This special day signifies the pivotal role that fathers play in their children’s lives; be it emotionally, mentally or even financially.

The basic premise from which Father’s Day draws its importance is that paternal love is as important, needed as maternal love. It is celebrated all over the globe to emphasize the critical role of fathers, and revisit fond memories and express gratitude for their sacrifices, dedication, and love.

(Firstpost)

FIFA just made the Best Change to Ultimate Team in Years

Oprah Winfrey talks about dealing with trauma as a child

A

fter years of complaints and even some government intervention and regulation, EA is finally making changes to how loot boxes work in FIFA Ultimate team. The changes have already been rolled out in FIFA 21, and will presumably be continued by FIFA 22, though this hasn’t been confirmed yet. Unfortunately, the changes don’t address all of the criticism lodged against the mode, but it’s a good first step.

As of today, FIFA 21 players can now see inside the Ultimate Team Packs they are buying before they buy them. In other words, before you spend your hardearned FUT Coins and FIFA Points, you can see what you’re buying to see if it’s worth it or not. As reported by Eurogamer, when purchasing packs, players can now click on “Preview Pack.” From here, the pack will open as it used to after you purchased it, and show you what’s inside. At this point, you will be able to decide if you want to buy said pack or ditch it.

(Comicbook)

TRIBUTE TO LATE VETOKHU CHOPHY ON FATHER'S DAY

C

elebrated talk show host-philanthropist O p r a h Wi n f r e y found herself on the other side of the mic for a change when she appeared as a guest on Hollywood star Drew Barrymore’s chat show recently.

On the “The Drew Barrymore Show”, Winfrey opened up on dealing with trauma. “I know this for sure that whatever has happened to you can also be for you. I endured suffering to survive as a child and turning that inside out,” she said.

M

usic lovers are in for a treat this “ Wo r l d M u s i c Day” as Musicians Guild Nagaland (MGN) and Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA) would be organising separate virtual concerts to commemorate the day.

MGN:Musicians Guild Nagaland (MGN) will be celebrating “World Music Day” by streaming a virtual relief concert on June 21, 6 p.m. on Musicians Guild NL YouTube channel.

MGN said the concert was being initiated with the intent of raising funds from free will doners and that all proceeds from the event would go towards providing relief and support to COVID patients from financially poor families.

The Guild said local musicians have also been affected badly since 2020 as they are struggling to

survive during these trying times, for which MGN was organising Music Awards for all north eastern states to encourage and support musicians.

MGN informed that 193 entries from seven north eastern states have registered for the MG Music awards and that the results would declared during the virtual concert.

It may be noted that “World Music Day” concert is initiated by Symphony Academy of Music in collaboration with San Production, Indihut, Out Loud Inc, Shiu lights and Highland Dawn Media and presented

by Musicians Guild and supported by TaFMA and Disaster Management Authority.

TaFMA: To mark “World Music Day”, Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), government of Nagaland would be live

streaming 2nd edition of “One North East”, a one-ofits kind virtual concert with eight artistes from across Northeast of India on June 21, 8 p.m. on TaFMA& ICCR Guwahati’s Facebook page.

The virtual concert is being organisedin association with Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR), Guwahati and will feature Padmashri Guru RewbenMashangva from Manipur, MTV EMA Best Indian Act winner Meba from Meghalaya, ChorunMugli from Arunachal, SannidhyaBhuyan from Assam, Fiona Pachuau from Mizoram, UNB from Sikkim, Aben from Tripura & X.O.TIC from Nagaland.

The event is supported

by Shure company and Musik-A from Nagland would be curating the event and the artiste for the evening.

Winfrey said she created a school looking for girls who are like her.

“So that is why I created my school specifically looking for girls who are just like me. Girls who came from poor backgrounds, who came from dysfunctional backgrounds and many times felt unwanted. I thought, how do I create an environment for them, how do I give back. This is how you save yourself!” she said on the show, which airs on Zee Cafe in India.

(IANS)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

" If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord.

So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord". (Romans 14:8) OUR SINCERE THANKS To all of you who knew, loved and esteemed him, To those who have come in such numbers amidst the Pandemic to express your genuine sympathy through your presence, your prayers, your financial support, your word of encouragement and to pay a last tribute to

Mr. S. Akang Ao

Let your first father's day in your second journey be blessed.

Although you cannot be here with us, we are truly not apart you will be living in our hearts forever.

The world changes from year to year our lives from day to day but the love and memory of you shall never pass away.

Wife and daughters

CHUCHUYIMLANG WARD 9;CHUMUKEDIMA (28.05.1944 – 27.05.2021) From the depths of our hearts, we express our heartfelt gratitude. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts and prayers. May God bless each of you abundantly.

MKC-167

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren , In-laws and Relatives

GRATITUDE of Late BUMANG NANGBA (1903- 2021) K-1067

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “Then shall the dust return to the earth as it was: and the spirit shall return unto God who gave it.”

Ecclesiastes 12:7

DP-2833(B)

OFFICE OF THE

KIPHIRE AREA STUDENTS’ UNION HQ.KIPHIRE– 798611, NAGALAND Motto: “Success is doing, not wishing”

NOTE OF CONDOLENCE “Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.”

The Kiphire Area Students’ Union express our profound grief at the sudden demise of our great personality and inspiring leader Shri. SELITONG SANGTAM, President Kiphire District GB’s Association who passed away on 17th June 2021 at District Covid Hospital Kiphire.

Late Selitong Sangtam was the person who had large goals and commitment in his mind and heart in providing leadership to its people till his last breath. He also served as General Secretary USLP, Finance Secretary ENPO and President Kiphire Area GB’s Association. KASU sincerely acknowledges the selfless and devoted sense of service to its people. The place vacated is quiet difficult to fill, you were and will always remain an immense inspiration.

In this hour of grief, the Union pledge our deep sympathy and condolences to the bereaved family members and his loved ones. May God grant the departed soul in eternal peace and his legacy live on.

(CHOZILA T SANGTAM) Asst. G/Secy.

(YANGTSASE) Vice President

Words are inadequate to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood by us at the sad demise of our beloved father/grandfather BUMANG NANGBA, who passed away on 13 June 2021 at Ukha Village.

We regret our inability to thank each and everyone personally however it is our earnest prayer that God Almighty bless you all abundantly.

We express our heartfelt gratitude and thanks to the village councils, clan relatives from neighboring village of Longleng district, Tobu area, 48 Moka AC and Mopong Hongkong range, various organizations, civil societies, citizens of Ukha village and all the individuals from far and near ones for sharing your love, concern and care to us through morally, financially, materially and spiritually for being with us during our saddest moment.

Thank You Once Again.

K-1070

dent dates back to July 5, 1908. There was a horrific mining accident in Monongah, USA. Following which Grace Golden Crayton was the first person to request a one-time memorial for the deceased fathers in the accident.

So July 5 that year was the maiden ‘recorded’ occasion that marked the Father’s Day celebration.

-The Eastern Orthodox Church, for centuries, has designated the second Sunday before Nativity as the Sunday of the Forefathers as

Virtual concerts to commemorate ‘World Music Day’ on June 21

in 1972 after being officially recognized by then president Richard Nixon’s administration. But before that in 1910, a thoughtful woman named Sonora Dodd had urged the Spokane Ministerial Alliance to commemorate June 5 (which was her father’s birthday) in honor of fatherhood. Her father was American Civil War veteran William Jackson Smart, who nurtured six kids with great compassion and dedication.

Her profound love and gratitude for her father; propelled by a sermon about the incident of Anna Jarvis, who founded Mother’s Day, drove her to conceive of Father’s Day. Later, the church chose the third Sunday of June that year, to honor her request and celebrated Father’s Day on 19 June, 1910.

Does every country observe Father’s Day on the same day?

No, not all countries observe the day on the same

DP-2849

he third Sunday of June is designated as Father’s Day in most countries. This year it falls on 20 June. The occasion pays tribute to fathers or father figures as they play a vital role in nurturing children. In the attempt to appreciate this paternal bond, and share this universal feeling of gratitude towards fatherhood, the day is observed with great enthusiasm and love.

The dates of celebration might vary in some parts of the world, but the emotion is just the same everywhere. That brings us to the question how the day came about and why it is celebrated all over the world.

History of Father’s Day: When did it start?

There are basically three instances in history that talk about the inception of Father’s Day. -According to a report

by India Today, one inci-

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021

Loving Children, Grand Children and Family Members

LATE KUOSIERHO NYUTHE

08.01.1989 – 07.06.2021 We, the family of Late Mr. KUOSIERHO NYUTHE would like to express our special gratitude to all individuals, neighbours, friends and colleagues who sympathised and showed kindness at the sudden demise of our beloved.

Sincerely, we offer our heartfelt thanks to the following who shared and helped us through emotional, practical support and in prayers.

1. SP and DEF, Phek.

2. Officer-in-Charge Police Station, Meluri.

3. SMO and nurses CHC, Meluri.

4. Meluri Block Task Force.

5. Police Fellowship Meluri.

6. Müluori Police Kügharü.

7. Baptist Church Meluri Town.

Through this column, we are unable to mention each of you personally; however, it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving wife, daughter and family members K-1072 K Y M C

11

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021

Women’s one-off Test between Japan tightens Covid rules for Indian contingent India and England ends in draw

Tokyo, Jun 19 (PTI): The Indian athletes and officials travelling for the Tokyo Olympics have been asked by the Japanese government to undergo daily COVID-19 tests for a week prior to their departure and not interact with anyone from another country for three days on arrival, strictures that have left the IOA fuming.

Stricter regulations have been put in place for all travellers — including athletes, coaches and support staff — who have resided in 11 countries, including India, where different variants of COVID-19 have been identified, within 14 days of their arrival in Tokyo.

“The unfair and discriminatory” rules have drawn sharp criticism from the Indian Olympic Association. India’s COVID-19 situation has improved considerably after a catastrophic second wave with daily cases declining from more than 3 lakh a few weeks back to just over 60,000 right now.

India has been clubbed

in group 1 alongside Afghanistan, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

“Before you travel: You must be tested every day, for seven days, prior to your departure to Japan,” the advisory stated for the Group 1 countries.

“Physical distancing: For seven days prior to your departure to Japan, you must keep your physical interaction with all others, including from another team, delegation or country, to an absolute minimum,” it added. On arrival, athletes and officials will also not be allowed to interact with anyone else apart from their on delegation for three days.

“At the Games. You will be tested every day as is the case for all athletes and officials.

“For three days after your arrival in Japan, you will not be able to physically interact with anyone from another team, delegation or country.”

Athletes have been asked to check into the Games Village five days before their competition begins. IOA president Narinder Batra and secretary general Rajeev Mehta, in a joint statement, questioned the new regulations.

“Athletes are allowed to arrive in the Games Village only 5 days before their

Dream Sports Foundation extends aid to Covid-hit sports professionals

New Delhi, Jun 19 (IANS): Over 3,500 sports professionals across 29 sports -- including 3,300 current and retired athletes -- have received financial and equipment support from Dream Sports Foundation (DSF) through its ‘Back on Track’ initiative to tide over the Covid-19 pandemic.

DSF, the philanthropic arm of Dream Sports, said in a statement on Saturday that it has “successfully supported over 3,500 sports professionals across 29 sports during the pandemic as part of its Back on Track programme. Out of the 3,500 beneficiaries, 3,300 are current and retired athletes, over 100 are coaches, and more than 70 are sports support staff and journalists.

“The beneficiaries are from 24 states and three union territories in India.

In Delhi, over 100 sports professionals have received significant aid through this initiative,” the DSF statement said.

“Launched in August 2020 on National Sports Day, ‘Back on Track’ has been able to help people in need from the sports industry by providing financial aid, training and sports equipment support, coaching, proper diet and nutrition, monthly stipends and hygiene kits.

To ensure that the aid reached the most affected members of the Indian sports ecosystem, DSF also helped 16 NGOs across the country, including Nav Sahyog Foundation, Dribble Academy, Nagaland Football Foundation, The Right Pitch, The Ball Project and many more.”

Bhavit Sheth, the COO

and co-founder of Dream Sports & Dream11, said, “Owing to the lack of opportunities and resources due to the pandemic, many sports professionals and athletes were giving up on their dreams as they were unable to sustain themselves.

We wanted to help them land on their feet and take strides towards their personal and sporting goals through ‘Back on Track’.

“We are glad that we could reach several sports beneficiaries pan-India and provide integral support within the last nine months,” said Sheth.

DSF had also donated Rs 15 crore to Give India and ACT Grants for providing medical relief through the supply of medical equipment, hospital beds and aid vaccination drives across India.

event. Now 3 days will be wasted, this is the time the Athletes need to be moving towards their mode to Peak.

Highly unfair for Indian Athletes,” the joint statement read.

“Where and when will the Athletes have their Breakfast, Lunch Dinner etc during these 3 days, as everyone has food in the Games village food hall where all Athletes and officals of other NOCs are present all the time.

“If Food Packets are being delivered outside the Rooms of the Athletes then who will plan their body requirements like Proteins, food preferences etc and will it not affect the performance of athletes, who will not get their preferred diet, just 5 days before the Olympics” Several athletes like weightlifter Mirabai Chanu, wrestler Vinesh Phogat and Javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra are training abroad and will travel to Tokyo from their respective locations.

However, a major chunk of

the Indian contingent will leave for the Games from India and the regualations will affect their training.

The IOA questioned the need for the regulations given that athletes from India will be fully vaccinated and will be undergoing daily tests for a week before their departure.

“Where and when will the Athletes practice as practice/training areas are never empty and Athletes and officials of other NOCs are present all the time. “While we respect any country’s decision to keep their country safe and secure, the athletes going out of India will be Double Vaccinated, have RTPCR tests done everyday for last 7 days before leaving… “…then why make the Athletes suffer at a time when they need to peak, once again highly unfair for Indian Athletes who have worked hard for 5 years to be discriminated against just 5 days before the Olympics,” the IOA statement read.

American Crouser breaks 31year-old shot put world record

Eugene, Jun 19 (IANS): Olympic champion Ryan Crouser broke the 31-year-old world record of Randy Barnes in men’s shot put at the US Olympic Trials, recording a throw of 23.37 metres here.

“It is a really special moment for me on my first time at the new Hayward Field. I’ve wanted that world record for so long, it feels like a weight has been lifted. I knew the strength and the power was there, I just had to get it into the ball. I’ve been thinking about this moment since I started throwing. To finally do it is pretty special,” the 28-year-old told World Athletics late on Friday.

Crouser began his final round with an open-

Ryan Crouser

ing throw of 22.61m. He heaved the iron ball to a distance of 22.55m and 22.73m to take early lead.

Two-time world champion Joe Kovacs was the other thrower who crossed the 22m mark half way through the competition.

Bristol, Jun 19 (PTI): The one-off women’s Test between India and England ended in a draw on the final day here on Saturday, with the visitors defying the home side attack to score 344 for 8 in their second innings after following-on.

India were forced to follow-on on Friday after conceding a 165-run first innings lead to England.

But the visitors recovered from a middle-order batting collapse in their second innings to defy the home side bowlers on a sluggish pitch on the fourth and final day.

Number 8 batter Sneha Rana top-scored in the second innings with 80 not out off 154 balls. Rana and number 10 Taniya Bhatia (44 not out) shared 144 runs for the unbroken ninth wicket as they frustrated England bowlers for 30.4 overs. Talented prodigy Shafali Verma made 63 in the second innings to add to her 96 in the first essay.

Another debutant Deepti Sharma came good with a 54 to add to her 29 in the first innings.

India’s Deepti Sharma is bowled out at the Bristol County Ground, Bristol, England, Saturday. (AP/PTI)

India took an overall lead of 179 runs with two second innings wickets in hand when the two sides decided to end the match.

Earlier, Indian women reached 243 for 8 at tea.

Five wickets fell in the eventful second session with the captain Mithali Raj (4) and Harmanpreet Kaur (8) getting out cheaply. Set batter Punam Raut also fell for 39 off 104 deliveries.

Deepti Sharma and Punam Raut shared a 72run stand for the third wicket in the second session as India wiped off the

deficit after being forced to follow on by England on Friday. For England, left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone took 4/118 for match figures of 8/206.

India had played their last Test nearly seven years ago, beating South Africa by an innings and 34 runs in Mysore.

BRIEF SCORES: England Women 1st innings: 396/9 decl India Women: 231 and 344 for 8 in 121 overs (Sneh Rana 80 not out, Shafali Verma 63, Deepti Sharma 54; Sophie Ecclestone 4/118).

Clippers beat Jazz to reach Western Conference finals for first time

L o n d o n, J u n 1 9 (Aencies): Los Angeles Clippers beat Utah Jazz 131-119 to secure a 4-2 series win and reach the NBA Western Conference finals for the first time.

Terance Mann scored a career-high 39 points for the Clippers, who trailed by 25 points in the third quarter, BBC reported.

“Everybody was telling me to shoot the ball and that’s what I did,” said Mann, who hit 15 of 21 shots from the floor and drained seven of 10 three pointers. The Clippers will play Phoenix Suns for a

place in the NBA finals.

Paul George scored 28 points and added nine rebounds and seven assists for the Clippers, who were without their top player Kawhi Leonard through injury.

“It feels great,” said George. “They wrote us off when Kawhi went down.”

In the Eastern Conference semi-finals Philadelphia 76ers earned a 104-99 win over Atlanta Hawks to level their best-of-seven

series at 3-3.

Seth Curry and Tobias Harris scored 24 points apiece for the Sixers, while team-mate Joel Embiid registered 22 points and grabbed 13 rebounds.

Atlanta reduced the gap to 100-97 with 14 seconds to go but Harris sank a pair of free throws as the Sixers held on for the win.

“You saw the fight and grit of a whole group,” said Harris. The 76ers will be at home for the deciding game on Sunday.

IN REMEMBRANCE of Lt. Mr. Tsukjemtemjen Longchar

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.”

Psalm 23:6

16th Jan. 1953 – 20th June 2020 A year has passed since you left us to be with the Lord, but you are always in our thoughts and prayers.

Everything positive and good we try to do is inspired by you and in your memory.

We hold you dearly in our hearts every passing day with fondness and gratitude.

Until we meet again.

Loving Wife, Children, In-laws and Grandchildren

MKC-166

(23/12/1958 – 29/05/2021) We, the family members of LATE NZANBEMO LOTHA would like to acknowledge our gratitude and deepest appreciation to all relatives, friends, neighbours, individuals and well wishers for your sympathy, immense love and unflinching support through prayers, financial and physical help during our time of grief and sorrow at his sudden demise on 29/05/2021.

We are deeply indebted to: 1. Kohima Lotha Baptist Church.

2. Shri. Y. Patton (Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister) & family.

3. Brothers, sisters, in-laws and relatives of Late NZANBEMO LOTHA. 4. Old Changsu Union Kohima.

5. Old Changsu Eloe Khumshum Kohima.

6. Doctors & nurses of Meriema Covid Care Centre & Naga Hospital Authority Kohima.

7. Kohima Lotha Baptist Church Women Department.

8. Kohima Patton Wopan Ekhung.

9. Lerie Panchayat Kohima.

10. Lerie & NST Lotha Hoho Kohima.

11. Lerie Women Prayer Fellowship Kohima.

12. Bridge Club Kohima Lotha Baptist Church.

13. Officers and staff of Directorate of Investigation Lokayukta Police, Kohima.

14. Lerie & NST Yankho Khumshum Kohima.

15. Old Changsu Union Wokha Town.

16. Old Changsu Baptist Church.

17. Old Changsu Hayi Yankho(A Khel).

18. Hayi Yankho Randan Khumshum.

19. Old Changsu Patton Ekhung.

20. Dr. N. M. Kithan & family, Wokha Town.

21. Er. Sanchio Kithan & family, Wokha Town.

22. Mr & Mrs R. Wati Imchen, Registrar, Fisheries Department, Kohima.

23. Mr & Mrs Lotimenba, Joint Director, Fisheries Department, Kohima.

24. Madam Dory, Deputy Director, District Fishery and staff, Wokha.

Regretfully, We are unable to thank each and every individual personally but we pray that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

DP-2842

K Y M C

K-1065

Loving Wife, Son, Daughter, Grand-children, Relatives and In-Laws

In Remembrance of

LATE VETOKHU CHOPHY

Born : 08/03/1982 – Died : 20/05/2021 We deeply appreciate and gratefully acknowledge your kind expression of sympathy, love, prayers and support you have extended to our family during the time of loss of my beloved husband and our father Late Vetokhu Chophy on 20th May, 2021.

Though we are unable to thank each and everyone individually, it is our humble prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

DP-2833(A)

Wife, daughters & relatives K Y M C

12

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SUNDAY, JUNE 20, 2021

EURO 2020: Germany beat Portugal 4-2; France held by Hungary France 1-1 Hungary

(L-R): Portugal’s goalkeeper Anthony Lopes fails to save the ball as Germany’s Robin Gosens, left, scores his side’s fourth goal. France’s goalkeeper Hugo Lloris take the ball at the Ferenc Puskas stadium in Budapest, Hungary, Saturday. (AP/PTI)

Munich/ Budapest/ London, Jun 19 (Reuters/AP/IANS): Threetimes European champions Germany shrugged off their opening game loss and announced their arrival as serious contenders at Euro 2020 with an emphatic 4-2 win over highly-rated Portugal in their Group F match on Saturday.

Cristiano Ronaldo had given the defending champions a 15th minute lead but Germany went in at the break 2-1 up thanks to own goals from Ruben Dias and Raphael Guerreiro.

The Germans turned on the style in the second half with goals from Kai Havertz and the impressive

Robin Gosens making it 4-1 before Diogo Jota pulled a goal back for Portugal.

The win moves Germany, who face Hungary in their final game, into second place in the group on three points, a point behind leaders France and level on points with the Portuguese. Hungary drew 1-1 with France earlier on Saturday.

Germany, smarting from their opening defeat to the French, started with purpose and confidence and thought they had grabbed the lead in the fifth minute through Gosens but VAR ruled that Serge Gnabry had been in an offside position.

Against the run of play, Portugal grabbed the early lead, hitting the Germans on the break with Bernardo Silva picking out Jota on the left of the box and his low cross was tapped in from close range

by Ronaldo.

It was the Portugal skipper’s third goal in two games and his first ever against Germany but Joachim Loew’s side kept their cool and continued to play positive football before eventually getting their reward.

The Germans drew level in the 35th minute when Joshua Kimmich’s cross from the right was volleyed at the back post by

Gosens and flew into the net off the outstretched foot of Portugal defender Dias as he looked to stop Havertz converting.

It was another own goal that gave Germany the lead -- Kimmich drove in a low ball from the right and Guerreiro’s attempted clearance flew past his goalkeeper Rui Patricio.

Portugal replaced Bernardo Silva with Renato Sanches at the break but Germany took a firm grip on the game with a third goal six minutes after the restart -- a well-worked passing move ending with Havertz turning in a low ball from the left delivered by the influential Gosens.

Germany were buzzing now and it was no surprise when they made it 4-1 on the hour with Gosens finishing off another well constructed attack, heading home a Kimmich cross at the far post.

Portugal struck back quickly though when a deep free-kick from Guerreiro looked to be heading out but Ronaldo acrobatically hooked the ball inside to Jota who slotted home.

Sanches fired a warning of a potential comeback when he thundered a long distance drive against the woodwork but Germany’s victory was never really in doubt.

France needed a second-half equalizer from Antoine Griezmann to avoid the biggest upset of the tournament. Hungary, playing in front of a raucous crowd yet again at the European Championship, held the World Cup champions to a 1-1 draw on Saturday.

Griezmann scored in the 66th minute to dampen the spirit of the crowd, which gave Hungary unwavering support throughout the Group F match.

They went wild when Attila Fiola gave the home team the lead.

Latching onto the ball after Roland Sallai won a header down the left flank, Fiola burst into the penalty area and held off defender Raphael Varane before clipping the ball into the bottom corner. Some flares were lit and Hungary goalkeeper Peter Gulacsi had to remove paper thrown from the stands which landed in his penalty area.

Kylian Mbappe and Karim Benzema both missed good chances before Hungary’s goal. Given the quality of their opponents, Hungary’s draw was more like a victory and Gulacsi pumped his fists as the crowd gave the players a massive ovation.

The Hungarian players then lined up in front of their home fans behind one goal and stood with their hands on their hearts as the crowd sang.

England forced to goalless draw with Scotland

England were held to a goalless tie with their oldest rivals Scotland in the second-round Group D match at the Euro 2020 at Wembley. England and Scotland met for the 115th time since 1872. Their previous meeting at a major tournament came in the group stage of Euro 1996, with England winning 2-0.

On the rain-soaked pitch at Wembley late on Friday, the two teams fought hard in the midfield with England pressing to the front more frequently, reports Xinhua.

In the 11th minute, John Stones headed Mason Mount’s corner to the post. Two minutes later, Mount missed the target by inches after receiving Raheem Sterling’s smart low cross in the box.

Scotland, who qualified for the finals of Euro for the first time in 25 years, missed their best chance in the first half as Stephen O’Donnell’s volley was barred

by Jordan Pickford with a single hand at the half-hour mark. England looked dangerous in the beginning of the second half, but Scotland kept calm in defence.

Scotland captain Andy Robertson from Liverpool and Arsenal defender Kieran Tierney played tough while their 36-year-old goalkeeper David Marshall also made a fine save.

Aston Villa playmaker Jack Grealish and Manchester United forward Marcus Rashford were sent onto the pitch by England manager Gareth Southgate, but the spark they brought was not enough to break Scotland’s defence. Scotland will host World Cup runners-up Croatia in Glasgow next Tuesday.

SUNDAY’S MATCHES Italy Vs Wales: 9:30 pm Switzerland Vs Turkey: 9:30 pm

WTC final: Kohli, Rahane solid as Argentina beats Uruguay 1-0 in Copa America classic bad light plays spoilsport on Day 2

Virat Kohli bats during the second day of the World Test Championship final cricket match, Saturday. (AP/PTI)

Southampton, Jun 19 (Agencies): India captain Virat Kohli led from the front and took on a rebuilding job for his team on Saturday, taking them to 146 for 3 before bad light played spoilsport on Day 2 of the inaugural World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand.

Kohli and Ajinkya Rahane added 58 runs for the 4th wicket as the duo remained unbeaten at Stumps on Day 2. Kohli really stood out with his control in bowler-friendly conditions at Rose Bowl.

Notably, bad light and rain forced early Stumps

as only 64.4 overs were bowled as play was suspended twice after Tea before being eventually called off.

After persistent rain washed out the entire opening day on Friday, New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson won the toss and elected to bowl against India under overcast conditions.

Both teams stuck to their strength with India picking both their spinners -- Ravichandran Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja -- and New Zealand opting for an all-seam attack.

Rohit Sharma and Shubman Gill negated

the moving ball by standing outside the crease to share a 62-run opening stand. Both Indian openers departed post a solid 62-run-opening stand in the morning session as Rohit Sharma fetched a wide delivery from Kyle Jamieson and edged it to 2nd slip for 34 while Shubman Gill nicked one from Neil Wagner to BJ Watling for 28.

India’s Test specialist Cheteshwar Pujara took 36 balls to get off the mark and was smacked on the helmet grill by a rising delivery which sent his neck guard flying. Pujara scored eight runs before Trent Boult swung one back in to trap him lbw.

Kohli, was unbeaten on 35 at Tea, combined with his deputy Ajinkya Rahane to rebuild and steady his team after the early departures of Rohit, Gill and Pujara. Rahane did not look entirely convincing against the moving ball and was batting on 13 when fading light forced an early break for tea.

Due to continuous bad light in Southampton, only 9 overs were bowled in the final session in which Rahane hit three boundaries to stay unbeaten at 29 while Kohli remained not out at 44.

Sao Paulo/ CUIABA, Jun 19 (AP/Reuters): Argentina beat Uruguay 1-0 in its second match at Copa America, making Lionel Messi’s team co-leaders of Group A with Chile with four points each.

Midfielder Guido Rodriguez scored the only goal at the Mané Garrincha stadium in Brasilia with a header in the 13th minute after Messi crossed from the left. The ball hit goalkeeper Fernando Muslera’s right post before going in.

Earlier Chile beat Bolivia 1-0 on a goal by English-Chilean striker Ben Brereton.

Seeking some defensive solidity, Argentina changed nearly all of back four after the 1-1 draw with Chile. Right-back Gonzalo Montiel, defender Lucas Martínez Quarta and leftback Nicolás Tagliafico were replaced by Nahuel Molina, Cristian Romero and Marcos Acuña, respectively. Nicolás Otamendi was the only defender who remained. Rodriguez replaced injured Leandro Paredes. Argentina controlled nearly all of the game against an Uruguayan team that included the powerful offensive duo of Luis Suárez and Edinson Cavani.

Argentina midfielder

Argentinas Guido Rodriguez celebrates scoring their first goal at Estadio Mane Garrincha in Brasilia, Brazil on Saturday. (Reuters)

Rodrigo de Paul said his team deserved to finally win — it had not won since November 2020.

“Today we tried to be a more compact team. We know that with the players we have here we can score at any time,” he said.

“Today we gave another little step to improvement, we will celebrate it.”

Coach Oscar Tabárez has not seen his team win in four matches. He said in a press conference that Uruguay did not have many opportunities against Argentina, but still has a good chance to advance to

the knockout stage in the next three matches.

“We have players that know well how to score goals, but we could not use them,” he said. Argentina’s next match will be against Paraguay on Monday, the same day that Uruguay will play its second match in the tournament against Chile.

A victory against Uruguay could move Argentina into first place in its group and avoid an early knockout-stage meeting with defending champion Brazil, which is in Group B. The result also provid-

ed some relief for Argentina coach Lionel Scaloni, who was criticized after his team’s opening 1-1 draw against Chile on Monday.

The top four teams of each group will advance to the knockout stage.

CHILE 1-0 BOLIVIA

A goal on his full debut from English-born striker Ben Brereton gave Chile a 1-0 win over Bolivia in their Copa America clash on Friday.

The Blackburn Rovers player made his debut for the country of his mother’s birth at the end

of Monday’s 1-1 draw with Argentina, and he made an immediate impact on his first start in Cuiaba.

The big striker gave Chile the perfect start after 10 minutes when he got on the end of a counter attack and coolly slotted the ball home from 15 meters out.

Brereton also forced Bolivian goalkeeper Carlos Lampe into at least two other good saves in the first half alone and was a handful for the Bolivian defence before being substituted in the 83rd minute.

Bolivia lost their opener 3-1 to Paraguay on Monday and they were without five players who tested positive for COVID-19, including top goalscorer Marcelo Martins.

Friday night’s task proved too much for the depleted side against a rival team that won this tournament twice in a row in 2015 and 2016. Even against a team missing injured striker Alexis Sanchez they could only muster three shots on target compared to Chile’s 11.

Eduardo Vargas had the ball in the net in injury time for Chile but the second goal was ruled off due to offside.

MONDAY’S MATCHES Venezuela Vs Ecuador: 2:30 am Colombia Vs Peru: 5:30 am

Milkha wanted to see an Indian win Olympic athletics medal State eyeing for Olympic entry New Delhi, Jun 19 ( I AN S / Ag e n ci e s ) : Sprint king Milkha Singh, who missed an Olympic medal by a whisker 60 years ago, wanted to see an Indian win an Olympic medal in athletics -- a dream that remained unfulfilled.

E ve n i n h i s 7 0 s, Milkha, who passed away at the age of 91 in Chandigarh on Friday night, would often turn up and encourage athletes at Chandigarh’s Sector 7 Sports Complex, a hub of athletics in the city.

“Mar nay se pehle Milkha Singh ka ek sapna hai -- Hindustan ko Olympic mein medal mile (Before I die, I wish to see an Indian athlete win a medal at the Olympics),” he had told young athletes in one such interaction.

I n d i a , h o w e v e r,

Correspondent

How Milkha singh earned the name - ‘Flying Sikh’

Sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik creates a sculpture as a tribute to athelete Milkha Singh, Saturday. (PTI)

haven’t got any medal in track and field at the Olympic Games.

At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics, India’s PT Usha came close to winning a medal in women’s 400m hurdles. She finished fourth.

Milkha too had finished fourth in the 1960 Rome Olympics but shattered the world record and was in sight of a medal before a momentary lapse in concentration cost him.

He had clocked 45.73 seconds.

India’s star javelin thrower Neeraj Chopra is considered as one having potential to win a medal at the rescheduled Tokyo Olympic Games that start on July 23.

Chandigarh’s sevenlane cinder track within the sports complex in Sector 7 is still home to aspiring as well as seasoned athletes.

“He used to visit the stadium once or twice a week and often discussed training methods with coaches. His house was close to the sports complex.

Legendary Indian athlete Milkha Singh, born in Layalpur, in undivided India and now in Pakistan. His love with athletics began after he enrolled himself with the EME Corps of the Indian Army. Milkha Singh was also known as ‘Flying Sikh’ and here’s the fascinating story of how he got that name. It was the summer of 1958, one might say the best year in Milkha’s career. He won the 200m and 400m national records, and claimed a golden double (200m and 400m) at the Asian Games in Tokyo and then went onto win the become India’s first athlete to win a gold medal at the Commonwealth Games. In the 200m at the Asian Games came, he had a memorable photo-finish with Pakistan’s Abdul Khaliq, as Milkha went onto win gold by one-tenth of a second. “I remember the scorn their (Pakistan’s) coach reacted with when our coach introduced me to him before the race. But after I won, Pakistanis were very gracious and they invited me to race in Lahore,” Milkha Singh recalled to Firstpost. Initially, Milkha Singh had refused to travel to Pakistan, haunted by the memories of Partition. It took the persuasiveness of then Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to convince him to go. “The Pakistanis offered me a memorable welcome. I entered Lahore via Wagah border in a decked, open jeep, and people had lined up on either side of the road with flags of both countries. It was so special.”

After Milkha beat Khaliq, General Yahya Khan, at the podium, famously called him the ‘Flying Sikh’. “He said, Milkha ji, you didn’t run in Pakistan, you flew. We would like to give you the title of Flying Sikh. So if people know me by that moniker, it’s all because of Pakistan’s generosity,” he had said.

Kohima, JUN 19 (NPN): Nagaland is eyeing to secure itself entry into the upcoming Olympic in 2028 and has reportedly started the necessary preparations.

Talking to a section of the media at his residence in New Ministers’ Hill, Kohima, advisor for Youth Resources and Sports, Er Zale Neikha said players were training with their eyes set on the Olympic.

He disclosed that players of three disciplines including boxing, archery and wrestling had began intensive training.

“Boxers have started training under head coach Nita at Dimapur Boxing Academy,” Neikha said.

He added that due to the SOPs Nita could not be present physically with the players however, with the help of local trainers, Nita was imparting training virtually, Neikha disclosed. He said players numbering close to 30 currently stationed at the academy would soon be moved to IG stadium as it was recognised as Khelo

India stadium.

He further said the department was also trying to rope in former Olympian Chekrovolu Swuro to train the archers and that necessary discussions had been put into motion.

He said although the archery players, especially the seniors were performing well in their training sessions, it would be an added benefit for both the players and the State at large, if Swuro could be part of the training camp.

Sharing his observation of archers training at Indira Gandhi Stadium, Neikha said they have the potential to perform better if someone with experience like Swuro herself could guide them which, he added could also boost their morale.

In this regard, Neikha said he had also held discussion with Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio. He also disclosed that for now the department was contemplating on focusing on the three disciplines to ensure more productivity and subsequently explore other disciplines in the near future.

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