22 April 2023

Nagaland Post

Rio, Himanta agree on oil exploration

NEW DELHI, APR 21

(PTI): Assam and Nagaland

chief ministers Himanta

Biswa Sarma and Neiphiu

Rio have agreed in principle to go ahead with oil exploration in areas along their disputed boundary for the economic benefit of both states. Sarma and Rio reached an understanding during a meeting Thursday night, hours after Assam and Arunachal Pradesh governments signed an agreement to resolve their over fivedecade-old border dispute.

Assam and Nagaland are exploring all options to bring an end to the decadesold border imbroglio in an amicable manner, an Assam government statement said.

During their one-toone discussion here, the two chief ministers discussed issues of mutual interest and collaboration on oil exploration along the inter-state boundary, it said. Rio told reporters that Assam and

Nagaland have in principle decided to go for an MoU on oil exploration in the disputed areas so that oil can be extracted and royalties can be shared between the neighbouring states.

“Once it is formalised, there is huge potential for exploration of oil inside Nagaland also. And to move forward as the country needs oil in a big way,” he said.

Sarma tweeted: “Hap-

boundary dispute with the support and cooperation of ethnic groups from both sides. “We have discussed about our border and development issues. Because we have to work together, support one another and how to go forward,” he said.

Nagaland to experience sturdy showers

DIMAPUR, APR 21

(NPN): Nagaland is likely to experience sturdy showers in the next few days often accompanied with thunderstorm and lightning strikes with gusty wind reaching speed up to 30-40kmph.

APO proposes ‘temporary legislation’ of Municipal Act

DIMAPUR, APR 21

(NPN): The Angami Public Organisation (APO) has proposed a temporary legislation vis-à-vis the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001.

py to have got an opportunity to spend time with chief minister of Nagaland @Neiphiu_Rio Ji at Assam House, New Delhi. We had an engaging discussion on bringing closure to the ongoing boundary issue and other areas of mutual gains and collaboration.”

Rio said he had a fruitful discussion with his Assam counterpart on the outof-court settlement of the

The boundary dispute between the two states is more than six decades old and has been marked by several skirmishes. In the last major clash, in 1985 at Merapani, in present-day Golaghat district, 41 people, including 28 Assam policemen, were killed. There have been several attempts by the Centre to resolve the issue.

Rio said governments of Assam and Arunachal have signed an agreement on the border dispute and likewise “we are also discussing how we should settle our border dispute outside the court with the support of ethnic groups from both sides”.

Joint director soil & water conservation (S&WC) & state nodal officer for meteorology Rongsenlemzung said that in the last five days, the State recorded an average maximum temperature of 28.4ºC while minimum temperature hovered at 17.5ºC and relative humidity at 60.6% and total rainfall of 33.8mm.

Maximum temperature was marked above normal by 3-5ºC and minimum temperature was appreciably above normal by l.6-3.0ºC.

Highest temperature of 37.0ºC was reported at Jalukie station and lowest minimum of 11.6ºC at Shamator station on April 17.

State health scenario expected to improve: Governor

DIMA PUR, APR 21

(NPN): Announcing that Medical College at Kohima would be starting its academic session very soon, the governor of Nagaland, La Ganesan, said the State’s health scenario was expected to improve “in a major way” as more doctors would be available with the state’s health set-up.

According to a DIPR report, the government announced this at an interaction meeting with civil society organisations (CSOs) and heads of departments (HoDs) of Phek district at Heritage Banquet Hall, DC’s residence on April 20, 2023.

State logs one more Covid case

DIMAPUR, APR 21 (NPN): Nagaland’s COVID-19 caseload neared the 36000-mark after one more positive case was reported from Dimapur, taking the total tally to 35,997.

The State currently has five active cases– four in Dimapur and one in Wokha, all under home isolation.

Meanwhile, the death toll remained unchanged at 782 (including five non-Covid deaths but with positivity).

India recorded 11,692 fresh cases of Covid-19 and 28 more deaths from the virus in the last 24 hours, according to data by Union Health Ministry updated on Friday. The active cases have increased to 66,170. Of 28 fresh deaths, nine were reported from Kerala.

Governor mentioned that Phek district has achieved the two more successful community-based programmes in the state such as the Village Development Board—first initiated at Kutsapo village

in 1976 and implemented throughout Nagaland in 1980—and Communitisation of Public Institutions and Services, which was also launched from Phek and earned many accolades for the State. He said Nagaland was the recipient of the UN Public Service Excellence Award in 2008 for its communitisation programme.

On Swacch Bharat Mission, which was launched in 2014 to declare India open defecation free, the governor expressed happiness and acknowledged that most towns and villages in Nagaland were found clean.

Governor urged upon all the citizens to make ‘swacch’ their goal and their lifestyle to keep all surroundings and environment clean.

Acknowledging individuals, CSOs and the government agencies for the peaceful environment that the state was enjoying today, Ganesan called upon all to look back and feel proud of the achievements and at the same time introspect on the things still trying to achieve.

Also, stressing on the need to be good model citizens for the state as well as for the country, governor asked the citizens to cooper-

Rise in Covid cases: Centre asks states to keep strict vigil, take pre-emptive action

NEW DELHI, APR 21

(PTI): Amid rising cases of Covid, the Centre on Friday asked eight states including Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu and Maharashtra to maintain a strict watch and take preemptive action in any area of concern to control any emerging spread of infection.

Underlining that Covid is still not over, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan in a letter to Uttar Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan, Maharashtra, Kerala, Karnataka, Haryana and Delhi urged them to remain cautious against laxity at any

level saying that may nullify the gains made in pandemic management so far. India has been witnessing a consistent rise in Covid-19 cases since March, with 10,262 cases reported in the week ending April 20. A rise in positivity rate has also been noted across the country, with 5.5% positivity reported in the week ending April 19 against 4.7% positivity reported in the previous week, Bhushan said. “This is a cause of concern,” he stated. While the rates of hospitalization and deaths due to COVID-19 have remained

low, states or districts reporting higher number of cases may indicate a possible localized spread of infection thus necessitating a closer look at these states or districts (high daily cases and/or high-test positivity rates) and the need to institute requisite public health measures to control and contain such surges in the initial stages, he said.

He also urged them to focus on maintaining adequate levels of testing (especially in emerging hotspots, ILI and SARI cases) in all the districts while maintaining the recommended share of RT-PCR and Antigen tests.

ate and work hand in hand with government- both at the centre and in the state.

In the education sector, he said Phek district literacy percentage of 88.30% was much higher than national average. However, governor also urged upon them to strive for excellence at the same time.

He said that under the direct intervention of the central government, numerous road projects were ongoing in the state. Governor said Phek district had its fair share of road projects such as Pfutsero- Phek 2- Lane Highway, which has been completed.

This was contained in a letter to chief minister Neiphiu Rio from APO president Dr Vilhousa Angami. The APO has suggested that Section 23A of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 be substituted with another provision through an ordinance whereby 35% of the total seats in each municipal and town council be earmarked for women through nomination with voting rights and equal status. Dr. Vilhousa opined that the duration of the temporary legislation could be initially for a period of five years and, if necessary, could be extended by a resolution of the Nagaland Legislative Assembly.

The APO president opined that if with the temporary legislation as proposed, election to urban local bodies could be conducted in a free, fair and peaceful manner for overall growth and development of the State. He also maintained that the State government has the competence to bring minor alterations in the provisions of the Act without essential or major change in principle.

He clarified that the objective of the proposal was not to repeal or abrogate any existing law, but to bypass the same, since the continuance of the provisions thereof were not expedient and could lead to law and order problem.

Dr.Vilhousa said there would be nothing objectionable by introducing such a provision since such a provision had been held valid

by the court in a number of cases. He expressed apprehension that the issue of reservation of seats for women in the ULBs could become “very serious and sensitive in nature” and the imposition of municipal elections in its present form could cause large-scale violence. Further, the sentiments of different tribal bodies/ public could be aroused due to their apprehension that forcefully imposing women reservation on traditional and social system of the Nagas could result in break-up of and disintegration of the delicate social equilibrium of various ethnic tribes, he noted. Dr. Vilhousa also expressed apprehension that going ahead without some consensus would also hamper the ongoing peace process between the Centre and Naga groups. (Full text on p-6)

Khango, Akato led NSCNs to jointly work

D IMAPUR, APR 21 (NPN): In a new development, the Khango Konyakled NSCN (K) and the NSCN group led by Akato Chophi on April 21 mutually entered into an agreement “to work together to achieve the various aims and objectives” and also joint hold talks with the Government of India. This was stated in a Memorandum of Understanding jointly singed by Khango faction led by chairman ‘lt. gen.’ Khango Konyak and general secretary Hokato Vusshe and Akto-led group led by chairman Akato Chophi and general secretary Michael Yeptho.

Both sides also agreed in letter and spirit to pursue the political dialogue with the Centre under one platform, towards achieving a permanent solution to the vexed Naga political issue, in the interest of both the parties and the Nagas in

general. The two groups also agreed to have a “joint military defence” so that in the event of assault on any “member” or the “parties” by any domestic or foreign enemies, both would “corroborate to neutralize such threats.”

Overloaded truck turns turtle in Kohima; causes traffic jam

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 21 (NPN):

Amidst the huge traffic faced daily by citizens of the State Capital, a goodsladen truck turned turtle on the main road leading to Kohima village, sending the whole traffic into haywire and completely blocking the road on Friday.

The truck was transporting AAC blocks meant for construction at Nagaland Medical College, Phriebagie, Kohima, when its driver lost control and the vehicle fell onto its side, destroying four shops and one house located right below North Police Station.

The incident took place around 3 a.m. According to police, driver of the overloaded truck escaped with minor head injuries and no one else was injured.

Pig farming: Nagaland generating Rs 30 cr annually

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 21 (NPN): Nagaland has about 60 registered piggeries generating Rs 30 crore approximately in revenue annually. This was stated by Nagaland Piggery Farmers’ Association (NPFA) president Rev. N Subong Aier.

Asserting that livestock played a critical role in rural livelihood and economic development, he told Nagaland Post that pigs were reared by about 70% of the State’s population.

He claimed that pig, in comparison with other livestock, had a great potential in ensuring faster eco-

nomic returns to farmers due certain inherent traits like high fecundity, betterfeed conversion efficiency, early maturity and short generation interval.

Subong said pig farming also required small investment on buildings and equipment, and hence had immense potential to ensure nutritional and economic security to the society.

He disclosed that, as per the NPFA assessment, the piggeries generated Rs 30 crore in revenue annually and that local breed was usually sold for functions and other big occasions.

Asked about the reason for unavailability of

local breed pork in the market, he revealed that suppliers and local butchers did not buy from the local farmers as the price for the local breed was higher compared to imported pigs.

“Butchers and suppliers do not buy from the local farmers because there is not much profit compared with that of imported pigs. But the quality of local breed is better,” Subong pointed out.

He mentioned that the association had already tied up with North East Council (NEC) through the Department of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary to implement traditional piggeries cov -

ering 34 villagers, which would generate Rs 10 crore.

Meanwhile, expressing concern over the 500 families who had been adversely affected by the recent ban on pig transport, Subong mentioned that this had both negative and positive impacts. He said more than a thousand local pig farmers had been benefitted as they were able to sell their local breed pig in the market, although the price was higher than the imported pork.

Subong clarified that there had been no price escalation for local pork to date as it was still sold for Rs 280 a kilo.

Explaining the reason

for the higher rate of local pork in the market, he pointed out that in comparison to imported pork, the local variety had less meat content. He admitted that local pork was expensive and attributed this to higher price of feeds as the State did not produce these, for which maize and other such feeds were mostly imported from outside. He mentioned that time and again the association had been conducting training and seminars for the general public and exhorted young entrepreneurs to focus on piggery that had huge potential for local economy.

Police said, after receiving information about the mishap, vehicles were diverted towards Nagabazaar to ease the traffic snarl. The truck was later towed and normal

traffic resumed towards the evening. Speaking to media persons, a non-Naga, whose shop was destroyed in the mishap, said he and his family of five narrowly escaped unhurt. Unable to go anywhere, he mentioned that his family members had to squeeze in a small room for the day and search for other accommodation.

Another non-Naga whose bookstore-cum-cosmetic shop was damaged in the mishap, claimed that he had lost a considerable amount of goods and had filed an FIR. Goods worth around a few lakhs of rupees have been reportedly damaged in the mishap.

PBUD to close butcher shops in Dimapur from April 24

DIMAPUR, APR 21

(NPN): Pork Butcher

Union Dimapur (PBUD) has informed that all the pork butcher shops in Dimapur would remain closed starting from April 24, 2023 till further notice.

Informing this in a press release, Pork Butcher Union Dimapur president Shikato T Swu stated that decision to close the butcher shops was taken since Assam government has banned transportation of pigs through the state of Assam from March 13, 2023.

The union stated that

at present pigs called “Assam local” was being sold at high rate by the wholesalers causing huge problem to the butchers to run their business and earn their daily wages. The butcher union has, therefore, “unanimously” decided at its executive meeting “to ban import of pigs from Assam i.e Assam Local until the supplies is imported in our state.”

While expressing regret for inconvenience to public, the union requested all responsible citizens to extend cooperation.

The truck that turned turtle at main road leading to Kohima village. (NP)

Khango Konyak and Akato Chophi after signing the MoU.

Himanta Sarma and Neiphiu Rio at Assam house, Delhi. (Via Twitter)

La Ganesan addressing the CSOs and HoDs. (DIPR)

Q.: Will a women-market in Dimapur promote local products and uplift the economy?

NEXT POLL

EMC holds awareness on AIbased robotic spine surgery

3 held with drugs in separate cases Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 21

(NPN): The advanced integrated robotic system for spine surgery, introduced by Delhi-based BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital, has been designed to increase the safety and accuracy of spine surgery and provides support to the spine surgical suite where precision and accuracy are key factors for best outcomes.

Addressing media persons on “India’s most advanced integrated robotic system for safe spine surgery” here at Eden Medical Centre, senior director and head of orthopaedic spine surgery department of BLK-Max Super Specialty Hospital Dr Puneet Girdhar shared the benefits and working system for safe spine surgeries.

He said that the AIaided robotic system for spine surgeries was the most advanced software platform designed to increase safety and accuracy of spine surgery, adding that it provided support to spine surgical suite where precision and accuracy were key factors for best outcomes.

Dr Girdhar said the technology used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to visualise spinal anatomy during com-

plex surgeries where data integration was done, which come in handy during spinal surgeries, allowing doctors to customise their surgical plan for each individual patient. He also mentioned that the integrated spinal robot was programmed to navigate spinal surgeries.

He claimed that this was the only robotic system that combined surgical navigation and robotic guidance for spinal surgery, which offered significant advantages to spine surgeons, noting that robotic surgeries made surgical procedure more objective.

Girdhar further stated that medicines were very advanced now and considered the robotic spinal surgeries as the safest route for procedures that required extreme precision and accuracy. He asserted that this not only promised positive outcomes but also involved minimal complications throughout the surgery. With regard to safety and positive effects of

robotic spinal surgery, the doctor mentioned that the fear psychosis of paralysis during spinal surgeries was also done away with. Due to the precision provided by robotic technology, he pointed out that even the blood loss was minimal, allowing successful minimal invasive technique during spinal surgery. He opined that roboticassisted surgeries significantly improved surgical outcomes of complex surgeries due to its advanced level of precision, pointing out that complications due to mal-placement of screws could be now avoided completely by placing screws accurately and faster with most desired outcome.

Comparing the placement of screws in a patient during spine surgery, he noted that robotic system for spine surgery was 100% accurate while non-robotic surgery secured 93% accuracy. Dr Girdhar disclosed that he had taken care of

CIHSR holds 4th graduation ceremony

with different capacity was the greatest profession. She reminded the graduates on the five Cs-compassion, competitive, confident, conscious and committed.

around 100 patients from Nagaland in the last oneand-a-half years. Asked about the cost difference between robotic and nonrobotic spinal surgery, he replied that there was difference of around Rs 50,000 to Rs 60,000. On the other hand, BLK-Max sales and marketing head, Abhinay Jain informed that the hospital would be offering 10% discount from patients from Nagaland.

Meanwhile, Eden Medical Centre managing director Dr Lima Imchen said the hospital was collaborating with New Delhibased BLK-Max Hospital to bring specialised healthcare services to Nagaland. He said doctors from the Delhi-based hospital were visiting Eden Medical Centre to provide consultation and treatment to patients under this partnership.

He divulged that it was also working to find ways with BLK-Max to minimise costs so that patients from Nagaland could afford the surgery at the Delhi hospital. Imchen also informed the media that the State government in collaboration with Dimapur Private Doctors’ Association was planning to implement the Chief Minister’s Health Insurance Scheme (CMHIS).

NEWS IN BRIEF

DIMAPUR: Three persons have been arrested in separate cases for possessing drugs. Kohima police during routine checking at Kidima village along interstate border, intercepted a Maruti Alto (AS02R-3202) and seized 250 grams of heroin worth around Rs. 25 lakh on April 30.

PRO of Kohima police said that the drugs was packed in 20 soap cases. In this connection, the drive of the vehicle, Sachin Limbu (36), resident of Kalapahar Bazar, Kangpokpi, Manipur was arrested. Accordingly, a case has been registered under the NDPS Act at Kezocha Police Station and further investigation underway.

In another incident, on April 21, UT personnel of NSCN (I-M) apprehended two non-Naga and seized 15,000 capsules of Spasmo Proxyvon at Burma Camp.

In a press release, secretary UT, GPRN, Obeto Tuccu said that the two were identified as Raj Kumar (31) son of late Manik Das, Hojai, Assam and Raju Kumar Gupta (35) son of Ramesh Prasad Gupta, resident of Bhojpuri, Bihar.

UT secretary said that the contraband was enroute from Dimapur via Bihar. Further, CAO UT warned that sale/supply and use of contraband narcotics under UT will be dealt in most stringent manner.

Pochury Day commemorated

DC Peren informs: Deputy Commissioner Peren, Vineet Kumar has informed all concerned individual/ villages, who have been allotted site permit at new site, Peren Hq. to develop the allotted site on or before December 30, failing which the land will be taken back and site permit will be cancelled without further notice.

Pungro SDPDP meeting held: The monthly Sub-Divisional Planning and Development Board (SDPDB) under Pungro subdivision was held on April 20 at ADC office conference hall with advisor, Home Guards, Civil Defense, Fire & Emergency Services and chairman of SDPDP Pungro, S. Kiusumew Yimchunger.

DDCF meeting: Dimapur District Citizens’ Forum (DDCF) has convened the office bearers meeting on April 26 at 10 am at DDCF office, OC-8 Naga Shopping Arcade, Dimapur. Therefore, all the office bearers have been informed to attend the meeting without fail.

NAYO introductory programme: Northern Angami Youth Organization (NAYO) will be holding its new office bearers introductory programme at Rüsoma village council hall on April 22 from 11 a.m. onwards. The programme will be hosted by Rüsoma village youth & sports association.

Slow Loris rescued: A slow loris which was rescued by St. John College, department of Zoology on April 20 was handed to Nagaland Zoological Park, Rangapahar, Dimapur.

NPF minority wing extends Eid greetings: All ranks and files of NPF Minority Wing extended warm greetings to the Muslim community of Nagaland and neighbouring areas on the auspicious occasion of Eidul-Fitr. NPF Minority Wing Central, president, Bishnu Bhattacharjee expressed hope that the joyous occasion will herald sustained peace, progress, prosperity and happiness, amongst all. He further hoped that the spirit of Eid will bring all citizens closer to each other and fill heart with positivity and progress.

WSH greets Muslims on Eid: Western Sumi Hoho (WSH) extended warm greetings to the Muslim community of Nagaland on the joyous occasion of the Eid festival. A press release by president, Shikaho Zhimomi and general secretary, Kisheto Chishi, said that Eid marks the end of the month long fasting and a time of celebration with family and friends. WSH expressed hope that the celebration of Eid which signifies forgiveness, gratitude and charity, would be a blessing to the Muslim community of Nagaland.

Acknowledgement

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APRIL 21

(NPN): Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research (CIHSR) on Friday held its 4th graduation ceremony of Nursing, Allied health sciences and DNB at LG hall. A total of 151 degrees were awarded this year and nine of them completed diploma course from various medical fields.

Addressing the ceremony, chairperson, Naga-

land State Human Rights Commission, Justice Songkhupchung Serto, the chief guest of the event, congratulated the graduates and reminded them that medical profession was the noblest profession as it comes with a huge responsibility including dedication service to save life. He also reminded the students that graduate’s life would be more meaningful and purposeful when they use the profession to serve, nurture and trans -

form life and encouraged to empower their professions to make greater impact to the society. He also recalled the vision of Dr. Sedevi Angami for setting up hospital and medical College when they met at a meeting, and acknowledged him for transforming his dreams into reality. Principal, college of nursing Christy Simpson, in her speech said that graduation was not the end, but the beginning, and maintained that serving people

Earlier, the programme was chaired by director CIHSR Dr. Sedevi Angami and invocation by deputy director Dr. Viu Meru. Highlights of the programme included Head of allied health sciences (AHS) Dr. Paul Ravindran administering pledge to the graduates, distribution of certificate to graduates by chief guest, distribution of diploma certificates by Dr Sedevi Angami, distribution of merit certificates by Dr. Christy Simpson, Nursing superintendent, CIHSR A Purnungla Aier and Dr. Paul Ravindran, distribution of Academic excellence by chief guest.

DIMAPUR: The 33rd Pochury commemoration Day was observed on April 21 at Meluri Village council hall. Advisor of New and Renewable Energy and Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority, Z. Nyusietho Nyuthe graced the programme as guest of honour. Calling for peace and unity among Pochury community, the special guest emphasized on human resource development for the advancement of the community. He also assured to sponsor ten meritorious students who are vying for various competitive exams. Phokhungri Area women welfare society Meluri Town presented a folk tune.

Foundation for NRC community hall

Correspondent KOHIMA, APR 21(NPN): The foundation stone for Community Hall of New Reserve colony (Diary Farm), New Reserve, Phesa Basa under Ward 16 Kohima was laid on Friday by chairman, Phesama, Beizo M Kuotsu Village Council on Friday after a dedicatory prayer by Police Union Baptist Church, Rev. Vesotsü Rhakho. Speaking as the special guest, Koutsu lauded the colony leaders for working in unity and having the vision to develop and work for the betterment of the colony. Delivering short speech by Vikehiekho Kintso, chairman, New Reserve Panchayat highlighted the problems faced by the colony in the absence of a community hall. Other short speeches were also delivered by Vilepi Kuotsu, chairman, Viyiema Khel, Phesama Village and Ketholese Thanyü, president, Landowners Union, New Reserve Phesama.

Born : 12-07-1971 | Died : 08-04-2023

We, the bereaved family members of Late. SHAPHI. T. RENGMA would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, organisations, churches, friends, relatives, neighbours and well wishers who stood by us Spiritually, Materially, Financially and Physically during her prolonged illness until her demise on 08-April 2023.

OUR SPECIAL THANKS TO:-

1. Chekiye Village Baptist Church.

2. Chekiye Village Baptist Women Department.

3. Nihoshe Baptist Church Nito Mount.

4. Nihoshe Baptist Women Department.

5. Phentsrop Baptist Church Karbi Anglong.

6. Phentsrop Baptist Women Department.

7. Rengma Baptist Church Silonijan K/A.

8. Rengma Baptist Church Diezephe.

9. Mrs & Mr. Hokhupu Zhimo Hd. GB Chekiye Village.

10. Mrs & Mr. G.Ikuto Zhimo Advisor Land Resources Govt. of Nagaland.

11. Mrs & Mr. Agustine Kramsa President Karbi Anglong Chambers of Commerce and Industry Diphu.

12. Mrs & Mr. Z. Kasheto Yeptho Chekiye Village Ex-Candidate Gaspani 2

13. Mrs & Mr. Phempiga Hembu M.A.C K.A.A.C Diphu.

14. Mrs & Mr. Kenilo Jishing President Rengma Naga Peoples Council K/A.

15. Mrs & Mr. Khushito Awomi Retd. AIG Prison Govt. of Nagaland.

16. Mrs & Er. Kakiye Jakha B/6 Chekiye Village.

17. Mrs & Mr. Zhekuto Zhimo G.B Khekiye Village.

18. Block-5 Welfare Fellowship Chekiye Village.

19. Nihoshe Welfare Society Dimapur.

20. Hoshepu Range Union Dimapur.

21. Nihoshe Village Student Union.

22. Co-Ordination Committee Block-5 Chekiye Village.

23. Kulolau Murumi Kuposhukulu Dimapur.

24. Western Rengma Union Dimapur.

25. Nihoshe Welfare Society Zunheboto.

26. Soul Sister’s Dimapur.

27. Mulaphe Group S.H.G Chekiye Village.

28. Mekusho Lejo Block-5 Chekiye Village.

29. Eight Mom's Block-5 Chekiye Village.

30. V.L.O Chekiye Village.

31. Azalimi Akighinimi Nihoshe Ghami Dimapur.

32. Azalimi Akighinimi Nihoshe Ghami Zunheboto.

33. Amulimi Block-5 Chekiye Village.

34. Achiku Muqo Block-5/6 Chekiye Village.

35. Jesus Calls Centre Prayer Group Diphu.

36. Western Rengma NANDU CLAN.

37. Block-5 Deacons, Deaconess, Prayer Group.

38. Mrs & Mr. Kaso Shaiza Pastor Deliverance House of Prayer Fellowship Velachery Colony Chennai.

39. Dr. V. Vivek Neprologist, Dr. T.S Boochandran MBBS Diabetes, Dr. Robert Mao Cardiology, Dr. Nitesh Jain M.S Surgery, Staff and Nurses Apollo Hospital Chennai. 40. Dr. Manong Chohwanglim Nephrology, Staff and Nurses Zion Hospital.

Students of The graduating students at the 4th graduation ceremony. (NP)

(L-R) Dr. Lima Imchen, Dr. Puneet Girdhar and Abhinay Jain addressing the media. (NP)

Poonch terror attack: 12 persons detained

POONCH, APR 21 (PTI)

At least 12 people were detained on Friday for questioning in connection with the deadly ambush of five army soldiers in the dense forest area of Bata Doriya here even as a MI helicopter, drones and sniffer dogs were pressed into service in a massive manhunt for the perpetrators of last afternoon’s attack.

Officials said that those detained were being questioned at various levels by the security forces to ascertain the identity of the terror group, which is believed to be active in the area for more than a year and probably comprises a snipper too.

A day after the attack, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Dilbag Singh along with Additional Director General police Mukesh Singh was camping in neighbouring Rajouri district to oversee the investigation. The two officers also visited the site.

A National Investigation Agency (NIA) team headed by a Deputy Inspector General rank officer was also present as the agency is likely to take over the case.

Initial reports suggest the presence of around five terrorists and the army truck is believed to have been attacked from three different sides. After the ambush,

the terrorists possibly used grenades as well as sticky bombs that set the vehicle ablaze. Vehicular traffic was suspended on the national highway between Bhimber Gali and Jarran Wali Gali for the second consecutive day.

The officials said those who executed the attack are believed to have been present in Rajouri and Poonch for more than one year and had adequate knowledge of the terrain which is quite tough, they said.

The area is a hot bed of Jammu and Kashmir Gaznavi Force (JKGF) as its ‘commander’ Rafiq Ahmed alias Rafiq Nayi, who is a resident of the area, they added.

At present, three to four terrorist groups are active in the region of Rajouri and Poonch, the sources

Peopleholdprotest,raiseanti-Pakslogans

said. Banned terror group

People’s Anti-Fascist Front (PAFF), a proxy wing of terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed, has claimed responsibility for the attack. There are reports suggesting that it was a handiwork of banned Lashker-e-Taiba group also.

Scores of people raised anti-Pakistan slogans in Jammu on Friday and condemned the recent terrorist attack in Poonch district that killed five Army soldiers. Led by its general secretary Yudhvir Sethi, the BJP took out a march and held a demonstration in Kachi Chawani area. The party workers raised antiPakistan slogans and held placards condemning the attack. “We will avenge the killing of our soldiers. We will further strengthen the zero-tolerance policy,” Sethi told reporters. He said the attack was aimed at derailing peace and development in Jammu

and Kashmir but the administration will not be cowed down. Another protest was held by Mission Statehood Jammu Kashmir, a local organisation, led by its president Sunil Dimple in New Plot area. The protestors burnt Pakistani flags and effigies amid sloganeering. Dimple alleged the Poonch attack was due to the complete failure of the Centre and J&K administration even as they claim to have ensured peace and normalcy in the Union Territory. He recalled past incidents where several Army and security personnel lost their lives in militant attacks in Poonch and Rajouri border districts.

C HRIS T IAN I NS T I TUTE OF HE A LT H S CI E NC E S & RE S E ARCH Dimapur, Nagaland

Applications are invited for Nursing and Allied Health Sciences (Paramedical) Courses at CIHSR Application process will be through online mode only.

Kindly visit www.cihsr.in (College of Nursing > Online Admission 2023-2024) for prospectus and to apply for the courses.

Last date to apply online without late fee: 11th June, 2023.

Last date to apply online with late fee: 18th June, 2023. Candidates awaiting their 12th standard result can also apply.

SC grants bail to 8 convicts in Godhra train burning case

NEW DELHI, APR 21

(PTI): The Supreme Court on Friday granted bail to eight people sentenced to life imprisonment in the 2002 Godhra train burning case which plunged Gujarat into a communal conflagration.

A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha, while granting them the relief took note of the time they have already served and the unlikelihood of their appeals being taken up for disposal anytime soon.

“We direct that the convicts be released on bail subject to such terms and conditions as may be imposed by the sessions court,” the bench said.

PM calls for evacuation plan for Indian citizens in Sudan

NEW DELHI, APR 21

(PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday issued directions for the preparation of contingency plans to evacuate Indians from Sudan as he carried out a detailed review of the security situation in the violence-hit country at a high-level meeting.

The Prime Minister received a first-hand report of the conditions on the ground, with a specific focus on the safety of over 3,000 Indian citizens presently located throughout that country, the PMO said in a statement.

It said the prime minister instructed officials to prepare contingency evacuation plans, accounting for

the rapidly shifting security landscape in Sudan and the viability of various options.

The Prime Minister also directed all relevant officials to remain vigilant, closely monitor developments and continuously evaluate the safety of Indian nationals in Sudan while extending them all possible assistance. The meeting that took place via video-conferencing was attended by External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar, the Indian ambassador to Sudan and numerous other senior officials.

Agitators raise slogans during a protest over the Poonch terror attack, on Friday. (PTI)

A provocative song

OnApril 14, as Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma joined the much publicised Bihu dance and also sang along at the Sarusajai Stadium in Guwahati , with prime minister Narendra Modi in attendance; the occasion was blemished by the lyrics of the Bihu song. The occasion was the 15-minute mega event organised by the Assam tourism department, meant to be a historic occasion and have Assam etched in the Guinness World Records as 11,304 dancers and drummers had assembled for the “largest Bihu performance at a single venue”. Though Assam may have etched its name in the Guinness World Records; the occasion was blemished when one of the songs used for the record-breaking show caused huge outrage among Naga communities within and outside Assam. The song by Bihu exponent Ranjit Gogoi, sung on the occasion contained words describing Nagas as “okora” or stupid or dumb and the Naga woman as “Nagini” or snake. The lyrics was condemned by All Assam Naga Welfare Society (AANWS), the All Assam Tangsa Students’ Union (AATSU) and All Assam Sema Naga Council (AASNC). Videos of Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and other dignitaries joining in when the “objectionable” song was sung have gone viral on conventional and social media in Nagaland, attracting condemnation. The AANWS described the words as insulting Nagas of Assam who have been living in the state since time immemorial. The AATSU on the other described it as a “racist song” that called the Nagas okora, meaning stupid or dumb. They also deplored the use of the word Nagini in the song, which apparently means ‘Naga woman’ but is construed as being likened to a snake.

The AASNC objected to the lyrics of the Bihu song used for the Guinness World Record attempt on April 14, stating that the lyrics used in the song are insulting the Naga community residing in Assam. Many in Assam have also criticised the “poor choice of song” for a world record-breaking performance and called for a review of songs that denigrate tribal people or hill dwellers. Officials of Assam’s Cultural Affairs Department, which organised the event, however said the song was a traditional one and the “intention was not to hurt the Naga community”. Opposition in the Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saaikia urged upon Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to take action against Bihu exponent Ranjit Gogoi and also make him apologise to Nagas on behalf of the state. He also said that even if the lyrics in the Bihu song may have been from the past, yet in the present age, such insulting words against a particular community were unacceptable as it served to disturb communal peace and harmony.

Bihu exponent Ranjit Gogoi, who was the chief choreographer of the grand Bihu dance to made it to the Guinness World Record, issued a clarification after a section of Naga people in Assam who raised objections to some parts of the lyrics his song. Speaking to the media, Ranjit Gogoi in response to these, did not exactly apologise but sought to explain that the song had no relation to Nagaland. Gogoi’s unacceptable plea that the song had no relation with Nagaland was like adding insult to injury. Going by the recent trend, Gogoi should have been booked under sedition laws for inciting communal hatred as he has not issued an unqualified apology. For Nagas, the Bihu record will also go on record as a dark day as there has been no effort to assuage the hurt feelings.

DailyDevotion

Don’t Hurt the Lord

Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? —John 14:9

Our Lord must be repeatedly astounded at us— astounded at how “un-simple” we are. It is our own opinions that make us dense and slow to understand, but when we are simple we are never dense; we have discernment all the time. Philip expected the future revelation of a tremendous mystery, but not in Jesus, the Person he thought he already knew. The mystery of God is not in what is going to be— it is now, though we look for it to be revealed in the future in some overwhelming, momentous event. We have no reluctance to obey Jesus, but it is highly probable that we are hurting Him by what we ask— “Lord, show us the Father…” (John 14:8). His response immediately comes back to us as He says, “Can’t you see Him? He is always right here or He is nowhere to be found.” We look for God to exhibit Himself to His children, but God only exhibits Himself in His children. And while others see the evidence, the child of God does not. We want to be fully aware of what God is doing in us, but we cannot have complete awareness and expect to remain reasonable or balanced in our expectations of Him. If all we are asking God to give us is experiences, and the awareness of those experiences is blocking our way, we hurt the Lord. The very questions we ask hurt Jesus, because they are not the questions of a child. “Let not your heart be troubled…” (14:1, 27). Am I then hurting Jesus by allowing my heart to be troubled? If I believe in Jesus and His attributes, am I living up to my belief? Am I allowing anything to disturb my heart, or am I allowing any questions to come in which are unsound or unbalanced? I have to get to the point of the absolute and unquestionable relationship that takes everything exactly as it comes from Him. God never guides us at some time in the future, but always here and now. Realize that the Lord is here now, and the freedom you receive is immediate.

Oswald Chambers

Quotes

Looking back with amusement

Afew of the chiefs of Intelligence in India and abroad have written about their work in the agency they once headed - possibly to make up for the anonymity they had to face on the professional front and tell the world how important their role had been in helping the governance of the country right at the top. Publishing a book, no doubt is not everybody’s cup of tea - writing on Intelligence always received media attention which is a sign that enlightened citizens wanted to know about matters relating to national security.

To decide what part of operational work that one was privy to, should be kept from the public domain is a judgement call for the writer and it is presumed that at the level of a former chief, it would be taken on a note of professional wisdom.

A ring-side view of how the government worked during a period has significance in terms of presenting a ‘historical’ perspective about it but the caveat here would be to filter out such events and decision-making processes that could ‘predict’ in the present the nation’s future line of action on a strategic matter.

It is known that Intelligence might provide decisive inputs for the government to take a stand on crucial matters but it did not ‘dictate’ policy.

In the time of late P.

V. Narasimha Rao as Prime Minister, a plenary meeting was once called by him on Kashmir at a juncture where cross-border terrorism there had touched a new high. Everyone who mattered was present - from Governor to the Army Chief - besides the top bureaucrats and they all favoured a line of immediate action.

On being consulted by the Prime Minister, Director Intelligence Bureau (DIB) attending the round table, suggested that ‘we should hold on’ for the present and the former agreed with that. It so happened that the participants (of the meeting) pressed for a ‘decision’ whereupon the Prime Minister famously told the gathering that ‘not taking a decision was also a decision’.

Intelligence agencies keep national security above politics and do not involve themselves with the latter. In an electoral democracy, however, where there has

to be a certain transparency of public life, any unforeseen or covert developments that could cause internal destabilisation, would be of concern to the national Intelligence set-up. The success of an Intelligence organisation depends a lot on the professional competence of the officers manning it. Every entrant - high or low in the hierarchy - has to undergo a ‘basic’ training programme for Intelligence orientation. The leadership of the organisation begins at the ‘Desk’ and the ‘Desk Officer’ though only an Assistant Director, is acknowledged as an expert on a subject covered on that desk - for the simple reason that he or she goes through every bit of information made available to the organisation in that sphere.

I remember how I once addressed the ‘Basic Course’ as a desk officer and noticed two very senior officers sitting in front, listening to me with rapt attention and even taking down notes - one of them became my immediate boss and the other went on to become DIB soon enough.

In a successful Intelligence organisation, there is no confusion about creditsharing, operational decision-making is delegated in an environment of effective supervision and the senior is never evasive about giving guidance that his or her junior associate would ask for.

Intelligence agencies worked on these basic principles of management with the chief being respectednot feared - because of his sterling leadership.

Lesser men would show up occasionally in positions of leadershipthey would deny credit to their own officer in a bid to usurp it for themselves. Such seniors are easily exposed within the organisation because an Intelligence agency is opaque for the outsiders but pretty transparent internally and reputations there are marred or made on sure grounds. When I joined IB in May 1964, the Bureau was run from South Block which housed the Prime Minister’s Office. In the post-Nehru era, it was shifted to North Block, the seat of the Union Home Minister and the Ministry of Home Affairs.

The Intelligence Bureau (IB) handled external Intelligence as well and the IPS officers, selected from

amongst those at the top of the list in a batch, were inducted for long-term deputation at the Centre. They were all asked to complete a year of foreign language courses in anticipation of a posting abroad at some point of time.

Soon enough, however, R&AW was created in 1968 as a split off from the IB, for exclusive coverage of external Intelligence and put under the Cabinet Secretariat - incidentally, my Spanish still enables me to read novels in that language even as the ability to converse in Spanish had tapered off. There was an organic link between the two agencies for some time but this faded away gradually as the new organisation progressed to handle its special responsibilities.

A meaningful exchange of officers between the two agencies should be built into the system for the benefit of the country - more so because there is often a ‘cause and effect’ relationship between external and internal threats to national security in the Indian context. These are the times for the fullest inter-agency coordination as security is an integral concept - even a closer liaison between Intelligence and agencies investigating economic crimes is desirable now for the simple reason that ‘national security is inseparable from economic security’ and both sides could benefit from information accessed by Intelligence or unearthed by an investigation.

Officers of Intelligence opt for anonymity by choice and know they did not have to depend on the ‘glamour of uniform’ to feel important about the work they were engaged in for the national cause. They were aware that whatever they did might have been hidden from the public but it was directly in the knowledge of the powers that be and deeply appreciated.

It was a traditional practice of Intelligence officers not to talk about their organisation in social gatherings which sometimes made their friends very curious about the nature of the former’s work. I recall how in my early years, a family friend - both he and his wife were practising doctors - managed to know that my rank in the government was that of a Director in the ministry and that I had to

look into communal riots as part of my job. At a dinner at his house, he introduced me to some other guests saying that I was the ‘Director of communal riots’ in the central government. Those people might have felt puzzled but they kept quiet.

In the Indian context, Intelligence agencies kept track of whatever ‘in their judgement’ was a potential threat to national security. The political masters in charge of governance could of course task them also without overriding this professional call. For the government, Intelligence agencies were the only instrument for accessing reliable information on matters of national importance. In the 70’s during a period of scarcity, field officers of IB furnished information on the priceline of food items in major markets and this was valued as the only source of correct knowledge on which Centre’s Civil Supplies Management and Public Distribution System could bank. Intelligence set- up relocated its resources from time to time on a determination of the priorities of the security environment - the prime importance of the impact of International Communism in the Cold War years gave way to the coverage of the new global terror that appeared on the scene with great force in the post-Cold War era. Intelligence does not share with the masters only what they wanted to hear - it told them what all they had to know. It freely reports on both positives as well as the negatives of the public impact of a policy, to facilitate corrective responses.

In the present environment, the adversaries have taken to newer methods of running the ‘proxy war’ against India - using social media for raising terror cells or ‘lone wolves’ and arranging funds for them, building anti-India narratives with the help of civil society groups and planning covert attacks on cyber systems of the target, figure prominently among them.

A major threat to India’s internal security is minority separatism instigated by Pakistan as part of its National Security Policy of fomenting communal militancy for generating faithbased terrorism. Even as traditional Hindu-Muslim riots had dwindled, violence

in the name of ‘Jehad’ witnessed in Kashmir and elsewhere is the new source of internal destabilisation here.

Equal respect for all religions is the acknowledged element of India’s culture that recognised differences in the modes of worship of the ‘same God’ and thus effectively countered any ‘supremacist’ approach to religion like what Ulema and the communally-minded elite would adopt to hijack the politics of the minority.

In a democratic state, there might be a question as to why should Muslims be led politically only by Muslims and why should Muslims not seek to be among the leaders of Hindus and vice versa. This would happen if religion was kept in the personal domain and not projected into politics.

In 1978, the then Prime Minister late Morarji Desai visited Aligarh which had witnessed a huge communal riot, and at the town-hall meeting that had been called to form the joint Peace Committee in a highly tense atmosphere, he suggested that Hindus should elect the Muslim representatives and Muslims should choose the Hindu members. There was a sudden ‘drop in the temperature’ and restoration of peace was quick thereafter. Political ‘separatism’ of any minority community is the antithesis of democracy and this has to be countered through a multi-prong approach.

Intelligence agencies need an outreach in all newer areas of threat and the wherewithal to achieve the same. There are challenges both in the sphere of human Intelligence and Technology.

I became Director IB in mid-1994 when there were no mobile phones and yet the effort was to get to the fastest communication channels, available at the time. These included encrypted messages on Teleprinters using One Time Pad (OTP) which guaranteed an advanced level of security of communication then.

Today, securing communications on national security matters is a new challenge and Intelligence agencies have to fully engage themselves with their technology counterparts to deal with the entire range of Cyber Security threats.

Since there was a mention of books written by chiefs of Intelligence, it is

only fair to point out that I wrote three books on Intelligence after my retirement, which were well received in professional and public circles - without producing a media splash. They did bring out, with illustrations, how Security could fail not because of lack of ‘information’ but due to failure of ‘communication’ or - what is more serious - for the failure of ‘action’. They dealt with the principles of Intelligence management - that never become inapplicable - as also the traits of successful Intelligence professionals but more importantly they highlighted the fact that in the Age of Information, Intelligence was not only needed for national security but was also vital for success in any sphere including corporate business and even in the personal domain. Applied Intelligence is the trend-setter of our times since it means having the ability to read ‘what lies ahead’ - and this would indicate both opportunities that could be availed of and the risks that had to be avoided. My satisfaction is that these books are considered textbooks in many universities that had a Department of Security Studies and that in Uttar Pradesh they became a recommended reading for ‘improving the English language’. My publisher would have wanted me to w rite about the ‘inner stuff’ but possibly sensed that I was the ‘hard core’ kind believing in the nondisclosure of operational work of Intelligence. In a democratic state, the Charter of Intelligence is pretty well-defined and it is pursued regardless of the political identity of the leadership in power. Its aim primarily is to safeguard the security and sovereignty of the country. A strong sense of nationalism and acceptance of the democratic tradition of keeping national security above politics, facilitate the working of Intelligence agencies. The Narendra Modi regime gets the credit for enabling the Intelligence set-up to perform at its optimal best - in a major sense, this is because an extremely competent National Security Advisor was available at hand, to the Prime Minister.

D.C. Pathak (The writer is a former Director of the Intelligence Bureau. Views expressed are personal)`

APO letter to CM proposes temporary legislation vis-à-vis NM Act, 2001

Introduction: The Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 was enacted by the State of Nagaland. Then in 2006 in pursuance of the Constitution (74thAmendment) Act, 1992, which inserted Part IXA to the Constitution of India known as the Municipalities. This amendment also brought 243T which provided for reservation of women in not less than 1/3rdof the seats in the Municipalities.

With the issuance of notification for the conduct of ULB Election on 21st December, 2016 with 1/3rd reservation of seats for women, the state underwent an unprecedented situation with various Tribal Hohos calling for boycott of election and ultimately resorting to stoppage of candidates in filing nomination papers. The defiance of the direction given by the Tribal Hohos resulted in ex-communication of candidates from their respective communities and expulsion from the place of residence and even went to the extent of destruction of individual properties. The purported tripartite agreement of 30th January, 2017 between Government of Nagaland, NBCC and JCC gave a ray of hope; however, it turned out to be an illusion only. The incident on the night of 31st January, 2017

clearly demonstrates that the Naga Public at the moment is not ready for reservation of women in ULBs. The subsequent development needs no further elaboration to show the rejection of women reservation as given in the Nagaland Municipal (First Amendment) Act, 2006.

The APO in its opinion feels that the conduct of Municipal Elections in the state is of paramount importance for growth and development, at the same time, the maintenance of peace and public order is equally more important.

The APO has serious apprehension that the issues in regard to reservation of seats for women in the Municipalities/ULBs have become very serious and sensitive in nature and the imposition of Municipal elections in the state in its present form is:

Likely to have the potentiality of causing widespread disruption of law and order and large-scale violence in view of the sensitivity of the issue. It has already been demonstrated that it could spiralled into a grave law and order situation in the whole state of Nagaland.

Likely to arouse the sentiments of different tribal bodies/public living in the state of Nagaland

due to their apprehension that forcefully imposing women reservation on the traditional and social system of the Nagas may result in break-up/disintegration of the delicate social equilibrium of the various ethnic tribes.

Likely to lead to further political unrest which would enrage the political sentiments of the public to resort to adopting a negative stance against the Govt. of India/ Constitution of India leading to possibilities of siding with extremist organizations and furtherance of their agenda leading to disruption of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of India.

Likely to hamper the ongoing peace dialogue between the Nagas and the Union of India.

In view of the above, it may be advisable at this stage that the Govt. introduce a fresh legislation that would temporarily suspend the operation of Section 23A of the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 and replace it with a provision for ensuring women representation by way of nomination. The temporary legislation must have provisions that operate in substitution of the provision temporarily suspended to ensure that there is a stopgap arrangement and there is no vacuum in the working of the statutory machinery.

Temporary Legislation: An emergency legislation of temporary character has to be ushered in to placate the public at the same time enable the state to peacefully conduct the elections.

It appears to be necessary or expedient for such an extraordinary measure for peaceful conduct of the ULB election, maintenance of public order and safety and such provision cannot amount to excessive delegation of legislative powers even in the rule of law.

The government has the competence to bring alterations of a minor character in the provisions of the Act without essential changes or major change in principle.

The object is not to repeal or abrogate any existing law, but to bypass the same since the continuance of the provisions thereof were not expedient and could lead to escalation of law and order problem.

There would be nothing objectionable in introducing such provision and such a provision had been held valid by the court in a number of cases.

It is not necessary that the legislature should dot all the “i’s” and cross all “t’s” of its policy.

Instances of usage of temporary powers

The Rajasthan (Protection of Tenants) Ordinance, 1949.

The Assam Executive Magistrates (Temporary Powers) Act, 1983

The Punjab Requisition of Motor Vehicles (Temporary Powers) Ordinance, 1970

The Uttar Pradesh Electricity (Temporary Powers) Continuance Act, 1971

The Uttar Pradesh Hindu Public Religious Institutions (Prevention of Dissipation of Properties) (Temporary Powers Amendment) Adhiniyam, 1965

Suggestion/Appeal:

In this background, the APO appeals to the Government to consider an amendment in the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2006 with the view to reducing the adverse impact of the women reservation issue and at the earliest, to bring about necessary changes for furthering development in the state:

(i) Section 23A may be suspended temporarily to allow a new Section to be added which may, inter alia, enable the Governor to suspend women reservation by way of election to be substituted by nomination up to 35% of the seats with voting right and equal status in the state in order to preserve and protect the national

unity and integrity or where there is a serious threat to the peace and public order;

(ii) Earlier Orders made with respect to the conduct of Municipal Elections may be nullified and replaced with fresh notifications in view of the newly introduced legislation.

(iii) In view of the exigencies explained in the preceding paragraphs, the Government, may immediately promulgate and Ordinance to insert a suitable provision in the NMA, 2001 for the deferment of the implementation of 243T in the state of Nagaland; and to take care of the situation prevailing in the State to insert a new section and a proviso section 23A of the Act so as to reduce the adverse impacts of the imposing Municipal Elections with women reservation.

(iv) As the Assembly is not in session and the Governor may be approached to take immediate action to take care of the situation in the State by promulgation of the NMA (Amendment) Ordinance within a short period to enable early conduct of Municipal Election in the State.

President Angami Public Organisation General Secretary Angami Public Organisation

“The best way out is always through.”

~ Robert Frost

PM exhorts civil servants on civil services day

the previous years turns into positivity,” he said.

Modi said the motto of his government is “nation first, citizen first” and its priority is prioritising the deprived. He told the civil servants that there are two approaches to life -- first, getting things done and second, letting things happen.

Slogans shouted in support of slain gangster Atiq in Patna

Attack on migrants in TN: SC protects editor

NEW DELHI, APR 21

Ex-J&K Governor Satya Pal Malik summoned by CBI

NEW DELHI, APR 21 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday urged bureaucrats to make national interest the sole basis of their every decision, saying the country has put its faith in them and they must uphold that trust.

Addressing bureaucrats on the occasion of Civil Services Day here, Modi said it is the duty of civil servants to analyse whether a political party in power is using taxpayers’ money for its own benefit or for the nation.

The prime minister also hailed the contribution of civil servants to nation building and said India’s rapid development would not have been possible without their active participation.

In his nearly 33-minute speech, Modi urged “each and every” government employee, whether

at state or central level, to ensure national interest is the sole basis of every decision they take. “As the world is saying that India’s time has arrived, there is no time to waste for the bureaucracy of the country. The country has put its faith in you, work while maintaining that trust. National interest should always be the basis of all your decisions,” he said.

Speaking on the theme of this year’s Civil Services Day, ‘Viksit Bharat’ (Developed India), he said the concept is not limited to modern infrastructure.

“It is important for Viksit Bharat that India’s government system supports the aspirations of every Indian and every government servant helps every citizen in realising their dreams and the negativity that was associated with the system in

“The first is an active attitude and the second reflects a passive attitude. People with faith in getting things done take ownership in a proactive manner and become the driving force of their teams.

“With this burning desire to bring change in the lives of the people, you will be able to leave behind a memorable legacy. You will not be judged by what you have done for yourself but by what changes you have brought in the lives of the people,” he said.

Therefore, Modi said, good governance is the key.

“People-centric governance solves problems and gives better results,” he added.

Highlighting the importance and necessity of political parties with different ideologies in a democracy, the prime minister stressed the need for the bureaucrats to assess whether a political party in power is using public money for its own growth or for the nation.

PATNA, APR 21 (IANS):

A group of Muslims on Friday shouted slogans in support of slain gangster-turned-politician Atiq Ahmed, his brother Ashraf Ahmed and son Asad Ahmed here, and termed their killings a conspiracy by the Yogi Adityanath government in Uttar Pradesh.

A large number of people assembled at the Jama mosque near Patna Junction to offer “Alvida Ka Namaz” on the last day of Ramzan month. After the prayers, a section of them came out on the roads and shouted slogans of “Shaheed Atiq Ahmed Amar Rahe, Ashraf Ahmed Amar Rahe, and Asad Ahmed Amar Rahe”. They have also shouted slogans against the Centre and the UP government.

Rais Ghaznavi, one of the protesters, said: “Uttar Pradesh’s Yogi Adityanath government is responsi -

ble for the murder of Atiq Ahmed, his brother, and son. They have used criminals to murder them in a planned way. The state government, UP police, media and court are involved in the conspiracy.”

Asked whether Atiq Ahemd was a criminal, Gajnavi said: “There are law and the courts in the country. If the court would give the death penalty to them, we have no objection to it. But the way criminals were used to kill the brothers are objectionable. The court had given the remand to Uttar Pradesh Police and it was their responsibility to provide them security. Three persons came in and they murdered the two in a planned way.”

“We have prayed to Allah to accept the martyrdom of Shaheed Atiq Ahmed and his brother,” he added.

(IANS): The Supreme Court on Friday granted protection from coercive action to the editor and the owner of a news portal in a case regarding allegations of spreading fake news in connection with the attack on Bihar migrants in Tamil Nadu. A bench, headed by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud, said: “We direct there shall be no coercive action against them for four weeks.”

However, the bench, also comprising Justice P.S. Narasimha, declined to consider the plea for quashing the FIR lodged in Tamil Nadu, saying that the editor and the owner of the portal, OpIndia, can approach the Madras High Court for the relief. The petitioners contended that the portal published the report based on a news article published by a newspaper but when it was found to be false, it was retracted.

During the hearing, the bench told senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, representing the petitioners, how can the court quash the FIR under Article 32? It asked Jethmalani to move the Madras High Court.

As Jethmalani submitted that in certain cases FIRs have been quashed under Article 32, the bench responded that it would depend on the facts and circumstances of each case.

AUCTION NOTICE

ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Medziphema will be auctioning two numbers of adult cows (Jersey and H.F cross) on 08.05.2023 (Monday) at 9:30 am through open bidding. Kindly see the website (www.icarnagaland.nic.in) for further terms and conditions. DB-498/23

DEPARTMENT OF POSTS: INDIA

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF ECONOMICS & STATISTICS

NAGALAND : KOHIMA

NOTICE

No. ES/Estt/Grp-C&D/Recru/Deptt/212/2022 : This is to inform all the applicants for the post of three (3) drivers under the Establishment of the Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Nagaland, Kohima that the Driving Test and viva voice will be conducted as per the schedule stated below.

Driving Test

Date : 28th April, 2023

Time : 10:30 A.M

Viva voice

Date : 29th April, 2023

Time : 11:00 A.M

Venue : Directorate of Economics & Statistics, Nagaland, Kohima

Note:

DC-494/23

1. Candidates are requested to reach the venue 30 minutes ahead of the schedule time.

2. Candidates are to produce the original documents.

Sd/NEIDILHOU ANGAMI

Director Economics & Statistics

Nagaland, Kohima

NAGALAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION KOHIMA

NO. NPSC/EXAM-2/2023

Kohima Dated the 21st April, 2023

ADDENDUM

With reference to the Nagaland Public Service Commission’s Advertisement

No. NPSC/ EXAM-2/CTSE(Medical & Allied) 2023 dated 31st March, 2023, the following addendum shall be made as mentioned below.

Item No.7(a): 17 (Seventeen) posts of Pharmacist Grade II shall be added as per Health & Family Welfare Department’s No. HFW(A)RQ15/6/2022 dated 13th April, 2023. {11(Eleven) posts Reserved for Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland, 1(one) post each reserved for B.T Konyak, B.T. Phom, B.T. Sangtam, B.T. Chakhesang, B.T. Yimkhiung/Tikhir & B.T. Zeliang)}

Note:

1. The elective subject for the posts of Pharmacist Item No. 7(a), (b) shall be Pharmaceutical Science (Diploma).

2. Candidates possessing Doctor of Pharmacy (Pharm D) with registration in the Nagaland State Pharmacy Council are eligible for post of Pharmacist Item No. 7(a).

3. The elective subject for the post of Drug Inspector Item No. 6 shall be read as Pharmaceutical Science (Degree). Other terms & conditions of the advertisement remain the same.

(KHRIEO RUTSA) Controller of Examinations, Nagaland Public Service Commission, Kohima

NEW DELHI, APR 21 (AGENCIES):

Former Jammu and Kashmir Governor Satya Pal Malik has been summoned by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for questioning on April 28 as a witness in a case of alleged corruption by Reliance General Insurance.

Malik told news agency PTI that the CBI has asked for his presence at the agency’s Akbar Road guest house in central Delhi for “certain clarifications”, reports Ndtv news.

“They want certain clarifications for which they want my presence. I am going to Rajasthan so I have given them dates from April 27 to 29 when I am available,” Malik told PTI.

Malik had cancelled a contract by the company, owned by industrialist Anil Ambani, in 2018 when he was the Governor of Jammu and Kashmir.

In a first information report (FIR), the CBI named Reliance General

Insurance along with Trinity Reinsurance Brokers as accused in the alleged scam in rolling out a medical insurance scheme for Jammu and Kashmir government employees and their families.

Malik had alleged fraud in the insurance scheme, after which the CBI action came.

The scheme, covering some 3.5 lakh employees, was rolled out in September 2018 and it was cancelled within a month by Malik.

At that time, Malik had said state government employees wanted the contract to be cancelled as they found it to be “fraudulent” and he too drew the same conclusion after going through the details.

“I myself went through files, and when I came to the conclusion that the contract was awarded wrongly, I cancelled it,” Malik had said. The CBI spoke with Malik in September last year for more information about the allegations he made against the insurance firms, and in another case of alleged corruption in giving the contract for civil work at Kiru hydroelectric power project. Last week, Malik’s comments about the 2019 Pulwama attack triggered a political storm.

VACANCY

Applications are hereby invited from interested candidates for the post of PAEDIATRICIAN (CONSULTANT) at Nikos Hospital. Drop your CV at hospitalnikos@gmail.com or walk in interview between 10 am to 5pm. Sd/- Management, NHRC DC-489/23

NAGALAND : KOHIMA-797

NOTIFICATION

No. Phil/DeenDayalSparsh/2022-23

Dated at Kohima the 21-Apr-2023

The Department of Posts, Nagaland Division, is pleased to inform that the following students have been selected for Scholarship under the Deen Dayal SPARSH Yojana 2022-23 (Scholarship for Promotion of Aptitude & Research in Stamps as a Hobby), a scholarship scheme of the Department of Posts for generating interest on Philately amongst students (class VI to IX) of any recognized school within India. The amount of Rs.6000/- have been deposited to their Post Office Savings Bank Account on 31.03.2023.

Sl. No. Name School Class

1 Edwin Zhino Khobung Livingstone Foundation International School Dimapur VI

2 Tanishka Baidya Livingstone Foundation International School Dimapur VI

3 Wangshikokba Longkumer Ladybird School Mokokchung VI

4 Imcharenla Lemtur Ladybird School Mokokchung VI

5 Jatenben Jamir Ladybird School Mokokchung VII

6 Maongkaba Longchar Ladybird School Mokokchung VII

Sd/Superintendent of Posts Nagaland: Kohima 797001

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND DIRECTORATE OF TOURISM

NAGALAND: KOHIMA nagalandtourism2014@gmail.com

ADMISSION NOTICE

Kohima, Dated th April 2023

NO.TOUR (T & S)-3/2011-12/ // Applications are invited from eligible Candidates for admission at Institute of Hotel Management, Shillong for the following Courses for academic session 2023-24

Applications are invited for admission to Ph.D. and M.Tech./ M.Plan. (sponsored) in all the Departments/Centres for 202324 (Odd Semester). For more information visit www.mnit. ac.in. Last date for application submission is 03rd May 2023.

F.No. 11-4/2019-20/E-III(R-II)/Rect.(D)

National Council of Educational Research And Training Sri Aurobindo Marg, New Delhi-110016 www.ncert.nic.in Advt. CANCELLATION NOTICE

1. Herewith, the advertisements bearing numbers and dates of publication in the Employment News as mentioned below for filling up various Non-Academic posts under direct recruitment are being notified as Cancelled.

2. The application fees submitted by the candidates will be refunded as per the provisions laid down in the respective advertisements.

3. A fresh advertisement for filling up of various Non-Academic position in NCERT for its Headquarter/National Institute of Education and Central Institute of Educational Technology at New Delhi, Pandit Sunderlal Sharma Central Institute of Vocational Education at Bhopal, the Regional Institutes of Education at Ajmer, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Mysuru and Shillong and the Regional Production and Distribution Centers at Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Guwahati and Kolkata is being issued separately.

4. Candidates are advised to refer to the fresh Vacancy Notice in the Hindustan Times (English), Navbharat Times (Hindi) and Regional Newspapers of all States/UTs dated 22.04.2023, the Employment News dated 29.04.2023 to 06.05.2023 and the fresh Detailed Advertisement in the

OR Scan QR code.

PM Modi confers award to Anakapalli Collector Ravi Pattanshetti on 16th Civil Services Day, in New Delhi. (PTI)

Muslims shout slogans against the killing of Atiq Ahmed, after the ‘namaz’ in Patna, Friday. (PTI)

Satya Pal Malik

Pichai creates ‘Google DeepMind’ to build robust AI

NEW DELHI, APR 21

(IANS): Alarmed at the success of Microsoft-owned OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Alphabet and Google CEO Sundar Pichai has created a unit that will help the company build more capable AI systems safely and responsibly. This group, called ‘Google DeepMind’, will bring together two leading research groups in the AI field: the Brain team from Google Research, and DeepMind.

“Their collective accomplishments in AI over the last decade span AlphaGo, Transformers, word2vec, WaveNet, AlphaFold, sequence to sequence models, distillation, deep reinforcement learning, and distributed systems and software frameworks like TensorFlow and JAX for expressing, training and deploying large scale ML models,” Pichai explained in a blog post late on Thursday.

As CEO of Google DeepMind, Demis Has -

Rio, Himanta agree on oil exploration

“We’ve helped businesses and developers harness the power of AI via Google Cloud, and we’ve shown AI’s potential to address societal issues like health and climate change,” Pichai added.

As Microsoft takes the lead with AI-powered Bing Search and ChatGPT, Google is also set to release new AI-powered Search next month, with more features coming this fall.

sabis will lead the development of the most capable and responsible general AI systems -- research that will help power the next generation of Google products and services.

“Jeff Dean will take on the elevated role of Google’s Chief Scientist, reporting to me. In that capacity he’ll serve as Chief Scientist to Google Research and Google DeepMind,” said Pichai. Google has used AI to improve many of its core products, from Search, YouTube and Gmail to the camera in Pixel phones.

Petroleum dealers regret over Apr 16 incident

DIMAPUR, APR 21 (NPN):

Petroleum Dealers’ Association Dimapur (PDAD)— comprising of Dimapur, Nuiland and Chümoukedima districts— has expressed regret over the “unfortunate incident” that took place at M/s Highway Service Station, Padampukhuri, Dimapur on April 16, 2023 “due to miscommunication.”

In a press release, PDAD president Onen Aier and general secretary Pretso Therie stated that following the introduction of automation systems in all the retail outlets of the petroleum companies, the despising units give accurate data on sales and control over any adulteration. The association stated that all the dispensing units for all the retails outlets in Nagaland are inspected and sealed by the Inspector of the Legal Metrology & Consumer De-

partment, before the sales are allowed. PDAD also informed that the actual vehicle tank capacity mentioned by the company in their manuals were lesser than the actual capacity of the fuel tank, which include the filter hose and breather circuit. It stated that as per the international standard, the actual capacity of the tank was more than the specific mention. The association said this was done to take care of the evaporative volume of the fuel vapours.

Appreciating the public and media for highlighting the problems and issues faced by the public at the retail outlets, the association has, however, requested the general public to take their grievances to the administration and police or with the association before going to the public to avoid further misunderstanding.

The new features will be available exclusively in the US, and will be released initially to a maximum of one million users, according to The New York Times.

The company plans are part of efforts to meet the threat posed by Microsoft’s Bing chatbot and OpenAI’s ChatGPT. Google’s chatbot called Bard was released in March to a limited number of users in the US and the UK.

However, Bard has a long way to go to catch up with ChatGPT and GPT-4.

(From p-1) Adds NPN: The agreement for oil exploration comes even as the border issue between Assam and Nagaland has not been settled. The point is whether oil revenue sharing will eventually mean continuance of the status quo when Nagaland has claimed that large tracts of Dissoi valley, Geleki and areas around Merapani?

While Assam earns around Rs. 6000 crore annually, Nagaland on the other hand is losing an estimated annual oil revenue loss of around Rs. 1800 crore annually.

It may also be noted that the state government had attempted to formulate oil revenue with the Nagaland Petroleum and Natural Gas regulation 2012 passed by the assembly. However the government of India had rejected the NPNG Regulation 2012 . The Regulation had stipulated sharing of oil and gas revenue and others. In the event of the agreement for sharing oil revenue, the state government will have to discuss the matter in the assembly so as to spell out the details for revenue sharing.

State health scenario expected to...

(From p-1) He also stated that Kohima-Pfutsero-Meluri 2 lane Highway would be completed and the road connectivity project to go beyond Meluri to Myanmar and link up with the South East Asian economies as per the central Government “Look East” and “Act East Policy”.

At the meeting, the governor also urged the officers from various departments present to ensure that the flagship programmes of the government pertaining to basic services were diligently implemented for the welfare of the people. At the programme, shorts speeches were also delivered by Chakhesang Public Organisation, Pochury Hoho, Chakhesang Youth Front, Chakhesang Students’ Union, PDCCI and Chakhesang Mothers Association. The CSOs also submitted memorandums to the governor. The programme was chaired by deputy commissioner Phek, Kumar Ramnikant.

HDFC Bank gets RBI relief post HDFC merger

NEW DELHI, APR 21

(AGENCIES): The Reserve Bank of India has allowed HDFC Bank Ltd and Housing Development Finance Corporation select regulatory relief to smooth out the merger between the two organisations, set to conclude by July this year. The central bank has permitted the bank to meet priority sector lending requirements in a staggered fashion over three years, the bank said in an exchange notification.

Priority sector lending requirements, which include lending to weaker segments of the economy, are linked to a lender’s loan book. Domestic lenders are required to lend 40% of their total disbursal to the priority sector which comprises agriculture, micro and small enterprises, education, housing, ex -

Rupee rises 8 paise to close at 82.09

MUMBAI, APR 21 (PTI):

Rising for the second straight session, the rupee appreciated 8 paise to close at 82.09 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday, supported by softening crude oil prices in the international markets. However, a muted trend in domestic equities and foreign fund outflows capped the gains in the rupee, traders said.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened strong at 82.11 against the US currency. The rupee touched

an intra-day high of 82.07 and a low of 82.19. It finally ended the session at 82.09 (provisional) against the greenback, registering a gain of 8 paise over its previous close.

On Thursday, the rupee closed at 82.17 against the US currency.

The Indian currency has gained 15 paise in the past two trading sessions, even though the participants traded cautiously due to expectations of further interest rate hikes by the US Federal Reserve and other central

banks. Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.05 per cent to 101.89. Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures declined 0.15 per cent to USD 80.98 per barrel.

port credit and advances to weaker sections.

However, post the merger, HDFC Bank will need to comply with requirements to hold a certain level of cash reserve ratio, statutory liquidity ratio and liquidity coverage ratio on the entire merged balance sheet, right from the beginning.

The RBI has permitted HDFC Bank or HDFC Limited to increase the shareholding to more than 50% in HDFC Life Insurance Company Limited and HDFC ERGO General Insurance Company Limited prior to the effective merger date. Investments including subsidiaries and associates of HDFC Limited have been allowed to continue as investments of HDFC Bank.

Further, the RBI has permitted HDFC Bank to

continue holding HDFC Limited’s stake in HDFC Education and Development Services Private Limited, engaged in operating three education schools, for a period of two years from the effective date.

HDFC Bank can also hold HDFC Limited’s stake in HDFC Credila Financial Services Limited, subject to the shareholding being brought down to 10% within two years from the effective date and not onboarding new customers.

As per norms applicable to the banks, HDFC Bank will have to transition all HDFC’s retail and small business borrowers to an external benchmark, like the repo rate, within six months of the merger. Housing finance companies have greater flexibility than banks in providing loans against shares.

L and for saLe

ADC and administrator, Mokokchung Town Council, Chumlamo Humtsoe inaugurating the Mokokchung Branch Office of the North East Small Finance Bank at Longkumer Kilem, Sangtemla Ward on Friday. (NP)

Sundar Pichai

SNIPPETS

Student from AP shot dead in US

AMARAVATI, APR 21

(IANS): A student from Andhra Pradesh was shot dead by an unknown person in a suspected case of robbery in Ohio state of the US. Veera Saiesh (25), hailing from Eluru in Andhra Pradesh, was killed at a fuel station on West Broad Street, Franklinton in Columbus on Thursday morning. According to information received by his family, the assailant shot Saiesh at 12.50 a.m. local time at the Shell fuel station, where he was working as a clerk. Saiesh, who was pursuing his master’s course and also doing a part-time job at a fuel station, was rushed to a hospital and was pronounced dead after a while.

155,000 Canadian govt employees on strike

TORONTO, APR 21 (IANS): Delays and disruptions can be expected in processing applications and passport services following the strike by a labour union representing over 155,000 employees that will impact most government departments, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced. The Public Service Alliance of Canada (PSAC), the union representing federal workers, went on strike on April 19 after they failed to reach an agreement with the government on issues related to wages and decent working conditions. “During this labour disruption, certain services may be delayed or not delivered at all. As well, the public may have trouble accessing some Government of Canada buildings where services are delivered,” the IRCC said in a statement.

3

Sudan’s top general says military committed to civilian rule

KHARTOUM, APR 21 (AP): Sudan’s top general on Friday declared the military’s commitment to a civilian-led government, an apparent bid for international support days after brutal fighting between his forces and a powerful paramilitary group derailed hopes for the country’s democratic transition.

In his first speech since the conflict engulfed Sudan nearly a week ago, army chief Gen. Abdel Fattah Burhan pledged the military would prevail and secure the vast African nation’s “safe transition to civilian rule.”

But for many Sudanese, Burhan’s claim rang hollow 18 months after he joined forces with his current rival to seize power in a coup that cast aside Sudan’s pro-democracy forces.

Burhan’s announcement came on the Muslim Eid al-Fitr holiday, which marks the end of Ramadan and its month of fasting.

“We are confident that we

killed in Colombian coal mine explosion

BOGOTA, APR 21

(IANS): The National Mining Agency of Colombia has confirmed that three of the seven missing miners were found dead after the coal mine explosion in the municipality of Cucunuba. At least seven miners had been missing after the explosion in the Colombian municipality in the department of Cundinamarca, Governor Nicolas Garcia was quoted by Xinhua news agency as saying. The explosion occurred at about 1:00 a.m. local time on Thursday in interconnected mines in an area of Pueblo Viejo.

Russia’s air force accidentally bombs own city of Belgorod

in the fighting, said the United Nations Children’s Fund.

Dallia Abdelmoniem, a 37-year-old baker from Khartoum, fled with her family on Thursday after a rocket sliced through her roof. The road to the city’s outskirts was littered with dead bodies. Abdelmoniem covered the eyes of her nieces and nephews.

MOSCOW, APR 21 (AP): Russia’s military acknowledged that a bomb accidentally dropped by one of its warplanes caused a powerful blast in a Russian city not far from Ukraine’s border, injuring two and scaring local residents.

Residential buildings damaged in fighting are seen in Khartoum, Sudan, Thursday. (AP) will overcome this ordeal with our training, wisdom and strength,” Burhan said, vowing to preserve “the security and unity of the state.” The holiday — typically filled with prayer, celebration and feasting — was a somber one in Sudan, as gunshots rang out across the capital of Khartoum and heavy smoke billowed over the skyline.

“Instead of waking up to the call to prayer, people in Khartoum again woke up

Dowden named UK’s Dy. PM after Raab’s resignation

LONDON, APR 21

(AGENCIES): The British government named Oliver Dowden deputy prime minister on Friday, replacing Dominic Raab who resigned earlier in the day following a report into claims he bullied colleagues.

As deputy prime minister, Dominic Raab had no formal powers but stepped in for the prime minister if he was away from parliament or incapacitated.

Oliver Dowden currently serves as cabinet office minister in Rishi Sunak’s government. He was previously chairman of Rishi Sunak’s Conservative Party but resigned from that post last June after two crushing by-election defeats for the party.

In the same announcement, lawmaker Alex Chalk was appointed new justice minister, a position which was previously held by Dominic Raab.

UK Deputy Prime Minister Dominic Raab on Friday resigned over a report investigating bullying allegations against him.

In his resignation letter, Raab said that he was “genuinely sorry for any unintended stress or offence that any officials felt,

OFFICE OF THE

NDPP 26th AoNgleNDeN A/C DILONG UNIT,MOkOkCHUNG FELICITATION

The N DPP 26 th Aonglenden D ilong unit Mokokchung is extremely pleased to express our heartiest Congratulations to our leader Shri N.Bendang Jamir P resident N DPP Mokokchung Region, who in recognition of his dedicated and dynamic leadership is being promoted and assigned with a bigger task in the state level as NDPP Working President (2021 - 2024 )

The NDPP 26th Aonglenden Dilong Unit wishes him Good health and Success in his new endeavour.

Imtijungshi Lipok Atsongchanger President Secretary NDPP Dilong Unit NDPP Dilong Unit Mokokchung Mokokchung MKC

OFFICE OF THE POCHURY GAZETTED OFFICERS’ FORUM

HQ. Meluri : District Phek

No.PGOF/GS-3/2022/ Dated Kohima, the 20th April 2023

FELICITATION

The Pochury Gazetted Officers’ Forum (PGOF) extends its heartiest congratulations to the following officers: -

1. Shri. Chikuotho Nyusou, on his promotion to General Manager under I&C Department.

2. Er. Rethokhwi Pojar, on his promotion to SDO under PHE Department.

The Forum thanks the Almighty God and wishes them continued success in their career.

Sd/- Ar. Tarachu Fithu , President K-857/23

to heavy fighting,” said Norway’s ambassador to Sudan, Endre Stiansen. “Can any hell be more horrible than this?” Mosques held mass morning prayers inside to protect worshippers from the intensified fighting. The violence so far has killed 413 people and wounded 3,551 others, according to the latest toll from the World Health Organization. That includes at least nine children killed and 50 wounded

“There is no safe place anymore in Khartoum,” she said from her new shelter outside the capital, where she could still hear the howl of artillery and gunfire Friday. “Our number one priority is just to stay alive.”

The explosions rocking Khartoum followed frenzied international calls for a holiday cease-fire. After the United Nations and U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken urged a respite from the spiraling violence, the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, promised to stop fighting for the three days of Eid al-Fitr to allow for evacuations and safe corridors.

Belgorod, a city of 340,000 located about 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the Russia-Ukraine border, has faced regular drone attacks during Russia’s current military operation in Ukraine. Russian authorities blamed the earlier strikes on the Ukrainian military, which refrained from directly claiming responsibility for the attacks.

The explosion late Thursday was far more powerful than anything Belgorod residents had experienced before. Witnesses reported a low hissing sound followed by a blast that made nearby apartment buildings tremble and shattered their windows.

It left a 20-meter (66foot) -wide crater in the middle of a tree-lined ave-

Sri Lankan protesters demand justice for 2019 Easter attacks

COLOMBO, APR 21 (AP):

Thousands of Sri Lankans held a protest in the capital on Friday, demanding justice for the victims of the 2019 Easter Sunday bomb attacks that killed nearly 270 people.

as a result of the pace, standards and challenge that I brought to the Ministry of Justice”, reports the BBC.

“That is, however, what the public expect of ministers working on their behalf.”

He also clarified that the report concluded he had, “not once, in four and a half years, sworn or shouted at anyone, let alone thrown anything or otherwise physically intimidated anyone, nor intentionally sought to belittle anyone”.

The protesters demanded that the government uncover who they said were the real conspirators behind the attacks on three churches — two Catholic and one Protestant — that included simultaneous suicide bombings during Easter celebrations on April 21, 2019. Three tourist hotels were also targeted, killing 42 foreigners from 14 countries.

Thousands of people including Catholic clergy on Friday lined up for a silent protest on both sides of the main road connecting the capital, Colombo, with the country’s international airport. They blamed the government for not taking adequate measures to deliver

The Relief Committee under the aegis of East Block Colony Council, Land Owner would like to thank and appreciate

the victims of the bombings and punish those responsible.

The protesters, dressed in white and black, held one another’s hands, forming a human chain. They displayed placards and banners that read “Until justice is meted out, we are watching,” “No justice delivered to victims so far” and “Where is the mastermind behind the Easter Sunday

attack?” Two local Muslim groups that had pledged allegiance to the Islamic State group were accused of carrying out six near-simultaneous suicide bomb attacks, targeting worshippers at Easter services in three churches and tourists having breakfast at three popular hotels. The attacks killed 269 people and wounded some 500 more.

Damaged apartments building near the crater after an explosion in Belgorod, Russia, Friday. (AP) nue flanked by apartment blocks, damaged several cars and threw one vehicle onto a store roof. Two people were injured, and a third person was later hospitalized with hypertension, authorities said.

Immediately after the explosion, Russian commentators and military bloggers were abuzz with theories about what weapon Ukraine had used for the attack. Many of them called for strong retribution.

But about an hour

later, the Russian Defense Ministry acknowledged that a weapon accidentally released by one of its own Su-34 bombers caused the blast. The ministry did not provide any further details, but military experts said the weapon likely was a powerful 500-kilogram (1,100-pound) bomb. Military experts charged that the weapon appeared to have been set to explode with a small delay after impact that would allow it to hit underground facilities.

North Korea calls its nukes ‘stark reality,’ criticizes G-7

SEOUL, APR 21 (AP):

North Korea’s foreign minister on Friday called the Group of Seven wealthy democracies a “tool for ensuring the U.S. hegemony” as she lambasted the group’s recent call for the North’s denuclearization.

The top diplomats from G-7 nations, who met recently in Japan, had jointly condemned the North’s recent ballistic missile tests and reiterated their commitment to the goal of North Korea’s complete abandonment of its nuclear weapons. Their communique was prepared as a template for leaders at the G-7 summit next month in Hiroshima, where North Korea’s nuclear program will likely be discussed again.

North Korean Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui said her country will take unspecified “strong counteraction” if G-7 countries — the United States, Japan, the United Kingdom, France,

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

and every members of the East Block Colony, individuals, well wishers, Churches, District Administration, Fire

Germany, Canada, Italy and the European Union — show “any behavioral attempt” to infringe upon the fundamental interests of North Korea.

“G7, a closed group of a handful of egoistic countries, does not represent the just international community but serves as a political tool for ensuring the U.S. hegemony,” Choe said in a statement carried by North Korean state media.

Choe said the G-7 communique “malignantly” raised the North’s legitimate exercise of its sovereignty.

North Korea has steadfastly argued it was forced to develop nuclear weapons because of U.S. nuclear threats against it. It has said the United States’ regular military drills with South Korea are a rehearsal for invasion, though U.S. and South Korean officials have said their drills are defensive and they have no intentions of attacking the North.

LIST OF DONORS AND THE DONATIONS RECEIVED FOR THE VICTIMS OF EASTBLOCK COLONY BURMA CAMP, DIMAPUR NGALAND

1. Chief Minister Relief Fund 10,00,000/-

2. Shri H. Tovihoto Ayemi, Hon’ble Advisor, Tribal Affairs and Election, Govt. of Nagaland Vegetables, 1,00,000/-

3. East Block Colony Council 50,000/-

4. Mr. Deitho 30,000/-

5. Joint Council of 8 Colonies Located in and around Burma Camp 30,000/-

6. Jasokie Colony Council (UNBB) Vegetables, Clothes, Food items 20,480/-

7. Millennial Vision School Managing Committee 17,500/-

8. Mahila Congress Dimapur Rice, Vegetables 13,350/-

9 Mrs. & Dr. Beizo Kiso 10,000/-

10 . Naga Council Dimapur 10,000/-

11. Mr. & Mrs. Zasivikho Zakiesato 10,000/-

12. Paira and family 10,000/-

13. K. Therie Congress Minority Chairman Nagaland Water Syntex 5000/(Deceased family)

14 . Bulbul Soikia 5000/-

15 . C. Tungoe 5000/-

16 . Mr. Vekeduo Linyu 5000/-

17. Mrs.Yapangmenla, EAC of Akuluto 5000/-

18 Northern Angami Council 5000/-

19 . Tenyimia Assembly of God Church Walford Dimapur, Nagaland

Oliver Dowden

Sri Lankan Catholics hold banner during a silent protest march in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Friday, April 21, 2023. (AP) justice for

SCPD seeks facilities for PwDs

actment of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities in 2017, the time frame for creation of such facilities was till June 2022 but Transport department failed to create the facilities.

“We are serious and all these have to be implemented properly,” she said. On the time frame for implementation, Nakhro said the SCPD will be filing its report and setting a timeline for putting the facilities in place within 3-6 months.

DC Kohima launches ‘Nikshay Mitra’ campaign

DIMAPUR: Deputy Commissioner and president, Indian Red Cross Society Kohima district Branch, Shanavas C has launched the Nikshay Mitra at the short programme held at its office on April 21.

MoS Dr. L. Murugan on 2-day visit to Nagaland

Correspondent

KOHIMA,

APR 21

(NPN): Nagaland State

Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities (SCPD) has appealed to the Transport department to create facilities for persons with disabilities (PwDs) in all public transport and bus terminus across the state.

SCPD commissioner,

Diethono Nakhro along with legal advisors and Nagaland State Disaster Forum made the appealed after inspecting the Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) in Kohima on Friday.

Nakhro said that the team was not happy as nothing has been done as per the accessibility norms in the ISBT.

She said since the en-

Nakro also said that they will take up the matter for making the government offices and public spaces accessible for the PwDs.

Joint secretary Transport, Athrila along with Transport commissioner, T.Elias. Lotha, AGM NST Kohima Metsivikuo Mor and NSDF president Vikengunu Kera and team were present at the inspection.

Governor extends Id-ul-Fitr greetings

DIMAPUR, APR 21 (NPN): Nagaland governor La Ganesan has extended greetings to the members of the Muslim community on the occasion of Id-ul-Fitr.

In his message, governor said Id is a festival of Joy, happiness and pleasure as it marks the end of fasting and the start of celebration.

“It is also a day of victory for an individual who succeeds in securing his spiritual rights through fasting during the holy month of Ramdan,” Ganesan said. He prayed that the celebration strengthen social harmony, humanity, brotherhood and generosity towards neighbours and friends.

According to a DIPR report, Nikshay Mitra is a digital platform that has revolutionized the way Tuberculosis (TB) patients receive care and support in India. It was an initiative of the Prime Minister of India to eliminate Tuberculosis by 2025. The Pradhan Mantri TB Mukt Bha rat Abhiyaan campaign/ Nikshay 2.0 were virtually launched by President of India on September 9, 2022.

The campaign seeks to garner community support for TB patients through Donors (Nikshay Mitra) in the form of nutritional, vocational and diagnostic support.

It was informed that The Indian Red Cross Society Kohima District Branch will extend nutritional care and support to ten TB patients for a period of six months in the first phase of its campaign. The programme was attended by representatives from the Nagaland State IRCS Branch.

DIMAPUR: Union minister of State for Information & Broadcasting and Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying, Dr. L. Murugan arrived Nagalnad on April 21. He was received by advisor Fishery and Aquatic Resources, A. Panjung Jamir, commissioner and secretary IPR Maria Yanthan, secretary Fishery Sotsula and officials from PIB and Doordarshan.

After a brief halt at Dimapur Airport, Dr. Murugan departed for Phek by helicopter. During a night

ARK Foundation sensitizes students on TB

DIMAPUR: To create awareness on Tuberculosis (TB) elimination in the state, Access to Rights and Knowledge (ARK) Foundation in partnership with the NTEP, Nagaland organized a programme on TB awareness on April 20.

Dr. L. Murugan received by officials at Dimapur airport on April 21. (DPRO)

stay at Phek, the minister will be visiting several places and hold meetings and inter-

actions. On April 22 morning, Dr Murugan would be visiting Avakhung village.

Alder College holds ‘Alder Fest 2.0’

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 21(NPN): Alder College in collaboration with Kohima Smart City, Development Ltd organised two-day, “Alder Fest 2.0” from April 21 to 22. Chief Executive Officer Kohima Smart City Development Ltd, Er Kezhazelhou Theünuo graced the

event as guest of honour. Addressing the youngsters, Er Theünuo spoke on the necessity for skill development as Nagaland was in 4th position in the unemployment rate in the country. He said that as Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, initiative of the Government of India to celebrate and

Music is a special gift: Methaneilie

Nagas have given a lot of importance to music from time immemorial.

Even among the Tenyimi people, musicians were considered as “favoured people” of the deities, he said.

Visetuo Chüpuo is a native of Zhadima village under Kohima district.

This was his 7th studio album and the first album for his duet singer Ruokuoseü Sanchu.

by Zhadima village youth organization president, Kekhriesilie Khoubve while AG Angami Council evangelist- Ruokuohetuo Soliezuo invoked God’s

blessings. Vote of thanks was proposed by Vikietuo Chüpuo while Visetuo and Ruokuoseü presented a special number.

OFFICE OF THE DIMAPUR NKONJAN EZUNG EKHUNG

(DNEE)

DIMAPUR - 797112, NAGALAND FELICITATION

commemorate 75 years of independence, the Kohima Smart City (KSC) would be conducting and participating in a host of events till June 2023. Various stalls were set up several departments of the college and activities included tug of war, open mic, escargot sucking competition, zumba and open arm wrestling.

A press release by ARK president, Ketho Angami stated that the programme was attended by the students of Government Higher Secondary School, Aghunato- Zunheboto.

At the programme, Ketho spoke on the TB signs and symptoms, and services for treatment.

He urged the participants to not stigmatize nor discriminate against people with Tuberculosis but rather facilitate in getting proper treatment and also to create awareness on TB among the community.

He also highlighted on the harmful effects of using drugs and urged the students to stay away from intoxicant substances and tobacco products.

Ketho further reminded the students that one way to prevent oneself from getting introduced into such a habit was to “Say no to the first Use”.

FELICITATION

Methaneilie (seated C) flanked by the two singers and others at Kohima on Friday. (NP))

Legendary musician and one of Nagas’ most loved singer, Methaneilie (Jütakhrie)

Solo, said music was a special gift from God, a higher level of communication tool with which a person was able to express themselves apart from the daily interactions they have with their fellow human beings.

He was speaking as the guest at the release of the music album titled, “Noudo Tsali” by fellow musicians Visetuo Chüpuo and Ruokuoseü Sanchu at hotel Japfü, here on Friday.

Solo pointed out how music deeply intertwines with human lives and was the source of joy, comfort and company in times of sorrow, sadness or loneliness.

He said music could be termed as the best medicine and also a morale booster.

The veteran musician said music was the best teacher and a tool which enables a person to share their thoughts and ideas with others.

Pointing out that music had the potential to turn a person’s life around overn ight in terms of wealth and worldwide fame, Solo said singers in the Western world were able to achieve many things just by writing a very good song.

He regretted that such a thing was not possible even if there were many talented musicians.

However, he challenged musicians and singers to keep working hard with the hope that they would also be able to reach a point where they would be able to make it big like elsewhere.

Sharing his musical journey, Solo said he was 68 years old now and had been writing music for the past 50 years.

He said he still enjoys making music and have no plans of retiring anytime soon. While thanking God for all the good things he has

had through music, he said, he had been able to find tens of thousands of people who love and adores him. He pointed out that

Visetuo is a renowned singer famous for songs including Suna Raka, Neitseivonuo among others sang in Tenyidie language.

He started singing at the age of 14 and has so far composed and released around 113 songs in total. The event was chaired

With immense pride and joy the Dimapur Nkonjan Ezung Ekhung (DNEE) extends heartiest congratulations to Shri. Myingthungo Ababe Ezung on being appointed as OSD Transport Department Government of Nagaland in the status of Additional Secretary to oversee in the matter pertaining to Civil Aviation, Inland Waterways and Railways.

The DNEE would also like to extend heartfelt gratitude to Hon'ble Chief Minister Shri Neiphiu Rio for his good will gesture.

Further the DNEE prays that Almighty God grant him good health and wisdom in his future endeavours in days to come.

Sd/James Ezung Chairman, DNEE

The Highway Area Sumi Public Organisation with immense pride and honor conveys our heartiest congratulations to Shri. G. Ikuto Zhimomi (Rtd Director Agri. Dept.) Banker of HASPO on being elected as MLA and Advisor Land Resources Govt. of Nagaland in the recently concluded 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly representing the 34 A/C Aghunato Constituency under Zunheboto District. The Organisation while lauding his glorious Achievements implore Gods abundant Blessings and Guidance upon his Leadership and his family. Sd/Vikuto Awomi Er. Hekavi G Sumi President, HASPO Gen. Secy., HASPO

FELICITATION

With immense pride and joy the Yaongyimsen Senso Telongjem Mokokchung (YSTM) and the Yaongyimsen Fellowship Mokokchung (YFM) extend our heartiest congratulations to Rev. Imkongsunep Longkumer, S/o Shri. S. Y. Nokdang. Lkr of Nukshiyim Village who is serving as the Pastor at Chakpa Baptist Church for receiving the Prestigious Award for invention of Farmers friendly ‘Pineapple Peeling Machine’. He was honoured with “National Grassroot Innovation Award 2023” by the National Innovation Foundation India at New Delhi.

The Union lauds his great achievement and also prays that our Almighty God guide and bless him abundantly and further wishes success in all his endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/Bendangtoshi S. Moa. Imsong Fellowship Incharge, YFM President, YSTM

DP-1731/23

Students engage in tug of war competition. (NP)

Diethono Nakhro along with the team at the inspection ISBT. (NP)

Europa League: Sevilla stun Man Utd; reach SFs

but the game had only just gotten back underway when Loic Bade doubled Sevilla’s lead with a looping header that went over De Gea’s outstretched arm.

Ocampos went close to a third but was denied by De Gea, while at the other end, Casemiro and Christian Eriksen went close to

pulling a goal back for the visitors.

However, En-Nesyri sealed the win for Sevilla in the 81st minute after another poor pass-out from De Gea. The keeper passed straight to the striker, who made no mistake to net his second goal of the night to put his side into the last

Leverkusen crush hosts

Union 4-1 to book last-four spot

Bayer Leverkusen eased into the Europa League semi-finals after crushing hosts Union Saint-Gilloise of Belgium 4-1 on Thursday for a 5-2 aggregate win that stretched their unbeaten run to 12 straight matches across all competitions.

The result means Leverkusen, the last German team left in any European competition this season, have reached their first European semi-final in 21 years while ending Union’s fairytale maiden run in the Europa League.

MADRID/ BRUSSELS, APR 21 (IANS/Agencies):

Six-time UEFA Europa League winners Sevilla roared into the semifinals of the tournament with a 3-0 win at home to Manchester United.

Moroccan international striker Youssef EnNesyri scored twice on Thursday night as Sevilla sealed a 5-2 aggregate win, which is all the more remarkable due to the fact

that they fell 2-0 down in the first half at Old Trafford last week.

The high press favoured by recently arriving Sevilla coach Jose Luis Mendilibar was evident in their opening goal, which came after just eight minutes, reports Xinhua.

David de Gea played a dreadful pass out of his penalty area to Harry Maguire as three Sevilla players swarmed around the

defender. Erik Lamela won the ball and fed it to EnNesyri, who scored from 10 metres out.

Manchester United had little response to Sevilla’s aggression in front of a packed house, and Lucas Ocampos was unlucky to see a goal ruled out for offside shortly before halftime.

Marcus Rashford came on at the start of the second half, along with Luke Shaw,

NBA: Devin Booker leads Suns to series lead vs. Clippers

LOS AN GELES, APR 21 (AGENCIES): Devin

Booker recorded 45 points, seven rebounds and three steals to lead the visiting Phoenix Suns to a 129124 victory over the shorthanded Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night.

Kevin Durant added 28 points as fourth-seeded Phoenix took a 2-1 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference first-round series. Game 4 is scheduled for Saturday in Los Angeles.

Kawhi Leonard (knee) sat out for the Clippers and Norman Powell moved into the starting lineup and established a personal playoff career high with 42 points. Russell Westbrook added 30 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds for fifth-seeded Los Angeles, which has dropped the past two games after winning the series opener.

Craig scored 15 points and Deandre Ayton added 12 points and 11 rebounds for the Suns. Bones Hyland put up 20 points for Los Angeles.

Warriors 114, Kings 97

Stephen Curry scored a game-high 36 points and

Sangtemla ward clinch 4th Mokokchung inter-ward football trophy

Golden State got back into its Western Conference first-round playoff series against Sacramento with a win in San Francisco.

The Warriors’ Kevon Looney pulled down 20 rebounds and set a postseason career high with nine assists (he scored four points). Andrew Wiggins finished with 20 points for the Warriors, who trail 2-1 heading into a game in San Francisco on Sunday.

De’Aaron Fox had 26 points, 10 rebounds and nine assists to pace the Kings. Domantas Sa-

KLBC sports evangelism underway in Kohima

bonis tallied 15 points and 16 rebounds and Harrison Barnes chipped in 17 points. 76ers 102, Nets 97

Tyrese Maxey scored 25 points, including the tiebreaking 3-pointer with 44.7 seconds remaining as Philadelphia withstood the ejection of James Harden to outlast Brooklyn in New York.

The 76ers, up 3-0 in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series, can eliminate the Nets on Saturday in Game 4 in New York.

Leverkusen, who face AS Roma in the last four, proved extremely efficient, needing just 66 seconds for Diaby to round keeper Anthony Moris and finish a quick move by the Germans to open the scoring.

They added another goal on the break in the 38th with Mitchel Bakker volleying in at the far post before they were gifted a third on the hour courtesy of a big Moris blunder.

Under pressure from Bakker, the keeper sent the ball straight into the path of Jeremie Frimpong who only had to kick it into the empty goal.

The Belgians did breath some life into their game, cutting the deficit with Casper Terho’s fine shot in the 65th, but could not find another goal despite more pressure

Leverkusen made sure they snapped their opponents’ nine-game unbeaten run when Adam Hlozek pounced on a weak Moris save to make it 4-1 in the 79th.

Correspondent MOKOKCHUNG, APR 21 (NPN): Team Sangtemla ward has emerged as the champion of the 4th Mokokchung Inter-ward Football Tournament by defeating Penli ward through a tie-breaker 3-2, after the match ended with a stalemate with 3 goals each. The champions received a cash award of Rs. 50,000 with trophy and certificates while the runners-

up were awarded with a cash amount of Rs. 30,000 and certificates.

In the individual awards, Mulotsupong (Sangtemla ward) was awarded the player of the tournament; Best goal keeper – Imsutoshi of Penli ward; Best defender – Namong of Artang ward and highest goal scorer was shared by Tarepnungsang of Tongdentsuyong ward and Supongmeren of Artang ward with 5 goals each.

The final match was graced by Fazl Ali College, Principal, Dr. I Wati Imchen as the guest of honour. The guest of honour lauded the Marepkong Youth Organization for organizing and promoting popular game of the people. Dr. Wati urged other organizations to come forth to organize such tournaments, so that there is a continuity, year-round of football, where skilled players can become professional.

Swiatek sweeps past Zheng at WTA Stuttgart Grand Prix

STUTTGART (GERMANY), APR 21 (IANS):

World No. 1 Iga Swiatek of Poland swept past China’s Zheng Qinwen here in the second round of the tennis WTA 500 Stuttgart Grand Prix.

The defending champion used one hour and 26 minutes on Thursday evening to defeat the Chinese rising star 6-1, 6-4, extending her unbeaten run in Stuttgart to five matches.

Playing in her first match in 45 days, Swiatek came back strongly from her injuries and hardly missed a beat to extend her head-to-head record over Zheng to 3-0. The Pole broke the reigning WTA Newcomer of the Year twice in each set to wrap up a straight-set win, reports Xinhua.

The 20-year-old Chinese talent told Xinhua that she was dissatisfied with her performance and made some unexpected mistakes. Swiatek moves through to a quarterfinal match against former World No. 1 Karolina Pliskova. The Czech outlasted Donna Vekic of Croatia in two hours and 20 minutes through a tiebreak in the third set to advance.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Potapova defeats Gauff, faces Garcia in QFs

Anastasia Potapova scored her second win in a row over Coco Gauff to upset the No.5 seed 6-2, 6-3 in the second round of the

Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. In the quarterfinals, Potpovahe will face No.4 seed Caroline Garcia, who got the better of Tatjana Maria of Germany 7-6(5), 6-4 on Friday. Potapova had defeated the American

6-7(8), 7-5, 6-2 in a 2-hour, 32-minute third-round tilt in Miami a month ago. The

former junior No.1 needed only 1 hour and 17 minutes to reprise the victory on clay and move into her fourth Hologic WTA Tour quarterfinal of 2023. This time last year, Potapova was ranked No.122. Exactly 12 months ago, she captured her maiden tour trophy in Istanbul -- the start of a rise that sees the 22-year-old at a career-high of No.24 this week. So far this season, she has also picked up a second title in Linz and reached her second WTA 1000 quarterfinal in Miami.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 21

(NPN): A two-day sports evangelism under the aegis of Kohima Lotha Baptist Church (KLBC) men’s fellowship and women’s department kicked started on Friday at 4th NAP Bn Thizama ground, Kohima.

The event is being organised under the theme “Goal On”, with an aim to strengthen the unity of the congregation.

Senior pastor KLBC, Rev. Dr K. Benri Lotha shared that the event was

organised to encourage the believers, to stay physically fit reminding the importance of a healthy life.

He also stated that the event will give a break to its members from their busy schedules, get to know amongst the congregations, exhibit one’s talent and to testify the goodness of the Lord in unison.

Altogether, seven sectors are taking part in the event which included events like volleyball, basketball, tug of war and penalty shoot-out. Final will be held on April 22.

Born : 10/05/1966 – Died : 08/04/2023

We the family members of Lt. Pukhato Yepthomi would like to express our deepest appreciation to all who have graciously expressed your love and condolences physically, spiritually and financially during our difficult times.

Words are inadequate to fully express heartfelt thanks but it is our humble prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

“As we mourn for the loss, we celebrate and thank God for him and cherish his life.”

Loving Wife, Daughter, Son and Family Members.

07.05.1992 – 11.04.2023

Lt. Tokali .T. Achumi (Woman Evangelist NSBAK)

“The Lord gave and the Lord has taken away. Job 1:21

On this day, the 10th of April 2023 we have lost a wife, daughter-in-law, daughter and a leader to many of us.

Your personality, kindness, simplicity shall always keep us guiding and inspiring us.

Your beautiful memories will be in our hearts and our thoughts forever.

Rest in Peace.

We, the bereaved family members of Lt. Tokali .T. Achumi would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to every individual and organisations who stood by us spiritually, financially and physically during our difficult time.

We deeply regret our inability to mention each and every individual but it is our humble prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

DP-1716/23

Loving Husband, In-laws & Parents

Died on 10-04-2023

We, the family of Late Siesonuo Ngukha, W/o Late Thepfuvitso Ngukha, express our profound gratitude to each and everyone for the love, care and support shown to her and to the family in various ways during her illness and subsequent demise . May the Lord richly bless you all. Family

K-859/23

DP-1733/23

Sevilla’s Youssef En-Nesyri celebrates scoring their first goal. (Reuters)

Dr. I Wati Imchen with the champions team and organizers. (NP)

Los Angeles Clippers guard Russell Westbrook (0) drives past Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1).

Men’s volleyball in action at Kohima, Friday. (NP)

Iga Swiatek

Anastasia Potapova

Jadeja, Conway take CSK to 7-wkt win over SRH

CH ENNAI, APR 21 (PTI):

Ravindra Jadeja’s three-wicket haul was complemented by a magnificent unbeaten fifty from opener Devon Conway as Chennai Super Kings cantered to a comfortable seven-wicket win against Sunrisers Hyderabad in a low-scoring IPL match here on Friday.

Jadeja (3/22) spun a web of spin with a threewicket haul to restrict SRH to a below-par 134 for 7 and Conway then slammed a 57-ball 77 not out as CSK made light of the target, reaching 138 for 3 in 18.4 overs for a fourth straight win over SRH at Chepauk.

The stylish left-handed batter hit 12 fours and one six during his sensational knock and shared an 87-run stand with opening partner Ruturaj Gaikwad (35) to provide a rollicking start to the chase. Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad notched up 50 in the 6th over.

Conway waded into the tall pacer Marco Jansen, smacking a six and four boundaries as CSK appeared to hurtle towards the target.

The New Zealand batter reached his 50 from 33 balls to power CSK’s chase, overshadowing the talented Gaikwad in the process.

The opening duo ap-

bowler for CSK with 3 for 22, while Abhishek Sharma (34) was the top scorer for the Sunrisers, who just couldn’t get going after being sent in to bat by skipper M S Dhoni.

SRH batters faltered despite a 35-run partnership for the opening wicket between Harry Brook (18) and Sharma and a 36-run stand for the second wicket between Sharma and Rahul Tripathi (21) as the CSK spinners took over.

There was no significant partnership in the middle order as the Hyderabad batters failed to push the score, struggling against the CSK spinners.

Jadeja was the key bowler for the Super Kings as he spun a web around the opposition batters.

ters couldn’t get any boundary for the next 36 balls.

Brook appeared to find his groove and hit Tushar Deshpande for two consecutive boundaries before he fell to a good catch by Ruturaj Gaikwad off Akash Singh.

Sharma, who hit the first six of the match in the third over off Singh, hit three fours and a sixer before becoming Jadeja’s first victim.

The left-handed batter fell to a good catch by Ajinkya Rahane in the deep as Jadeja got into the act.

Agarwal, who was bumped down the order to No.6 did not last too long.

Archery World Cup: New look Indian compound mixed team reaches final

Leg-spinner Mayank Markande was the best performer with the ball for SRH on a rather forgettable day, finishing with 2 for 23 (4 overs). He got the wickets of Ajinka Rahane (9) and

Ambati Rayudu (9), bowling the latter with a googly.

In the end, Moeen Ali (6) hit the winning runs of Washington Sundar.

CSK batters Devon Conway and Ruturaj Gaikwad during the IPL match against Sunrisers Hyderabad, Friday. (PTI) peared set to see the team home when misfortune struck Gaikwad, who was run-out after a shot by Conway got deflected off Umran Malik’s hand and hit the stumps with the CSK batter out of his crease.

Earlier, it was trial by spin for the Sunrisers Hyderabad batters as the Chennai Super Kings slow bowlers, especially Jadeja, came up with a superb performance to restrict the visiting team to a modest 134 for 7.

Jadeja was the best

IPL final in Ahmedabad on May 28, Chennai gets Qualifier 1 and Eliminator

in the points table, Dhoni could be playing his final match in the league in front of the team’s home crowd on May 23 or 24.

At 41, the World Cupwinning former India skipper continues to attract massive following across the length and breadth of the country, and recently came close to lifting CSK to a win over Rajasthan Royals, with batting that reminded everyone of his best years.

NEW DELHI, APR 21

(PTI): The Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad will host the Qualifier 2 and the final of the ongoing Indian Premier League on May 26 and 28 respectively, the BCCI said on Friday.

Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium will stage the Qualifier 1 and the Eliminator on May 23 and 24 respectively, the IPL said in its advisory after the sport’s apex body

in the country finalised the schedule for the league’s four biggest matches.

The BCCI’s scheduling team has strategically allotted one of the qualifiers and eliminator to Chepauk, the home ground of the Mahendra Singh Dhoni-led Chennai Super Kings.

There is a widespread belief that Dhoni is appearing in his last IPL. Depending on CSK’s position

Under Dhoni’s captaincy, CSK won the title four times, including after coming back from their two-year ban.

The 16th IPL began on March 31 at the Narendra Modi Stadium, the world’s biggest cricketing arena. The venue also hosted the final of the league’s last edition in 2022.

The 2022 edition was played across four venues in Mumbai and Pune but the play-offs and the final were held in Kolkata and Ahmedabad.

The experienced Jadeja (3/22) and Maheesh Theekshana (1/27) strangled the SRH batting unit after Dhoni made the spinners bowl in tandem from over 7 to 15.

Jadeja, as always, got through his 4 overs quickly and put the brakes on the SRH scoring. He picked up the wickets of Sharma, Tripathi and Mayank Agarwal (2).

Such was the dominance of the spinners that after 10.3 overs, SRH bat-

Rohit joins JioCinema as brand ambassador for IPL

NEW DELHI, APR 21

(IANS): JioCinema has roped in Mumbai Indians captain Rohit Sharma as its brand ambassador for the ongoing season of Indian Premier League (IPL) 2023.

“Star cricketer and captain of Indian men’s team Rohit Sharma has come onboard as the brand ambassador for JioCinema. We’ll keep building on our offerings and ensure that digital streaming gives an innovative and unique experience to millions of our viewers,” a JioCinema official said.

JioCinema will soon be coming out with promos and ad campaigns featuring Sharma. Both Jio Cinema and Mumbai Indians are owned by Reliance Group.

Both JioCinema, who have the digital rights, and Star Sports, who own the television rights, have been running high-octane marketing campaigns around IPL as they compete to attract maximum attention from both viewers and advertisers.

After surviving a caught and bowled chance to Jadeja, who could not hold on to a chance as Klaasen got in the way, Agarwal jumped out of the crease only to miss the ball as Dhoni did the rest behind the stumps.

BRIEF SCORES: Sunrisers Hyderabad: 134/7 in 20 overs (Abhishek Sharma 34, Rahul Tripathi 21; Ravindra Jadeja 3/22, Matheesha Pathirana 1/22).

Chennai Super Kings: 138 for 3 in 18.4 overs (Devon Conway 77, Ruturaj Gaikwad 35; Mayank Markande 2/23).

ANTALYA (TURKEY),

APR 21 (IANS): India’s new look compound mixed team of Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Ojas Pravin Deotale found instant success by reaching the gold medal match at the Archery World Cup 2023 Stage 1, here on Friday. Vennam and Deotale edged out Malaysia’s Fatin Nurfatehah Mat Salleh and Mohd Juwaidi Mazuki 157155 in the semifinal. The Indian duo will face Chinese Taipei’s Chen Yi-Hsuan and Chen Chieh-Lun in Saturday’ s gold medal match.

In 2022, Vennam won World Games bronze and

Paris World Cup gold with Abhishek Verma. She has paired up with 20-year-old Ojas for the first time. “I’m very happy. We all expected we could go to the final, because we have a good team. My partner was in good shooting shape. And I was, too. We enjoyed our shooting a lot,” Ojas said.

The new pairing, who was given a bye in the first round, swept through the rounds to guarantee at least a silver medal. The duo defeated Mariya Shkolna and Gilles Seywert of Luxembourg 159-157 in the second round and beat Sophie Dodemont and Adrien

Gontier of France 159-156 in the quarterfinals. On the other hand, the recurve mixed team of Atanu Das and Bhajan Kaur lost to Randi Degn and Oliver Staudt of Denmark 3-5 in the opening round.

Earlier, Vennam, who shot a world record 713 to top the qualification, was untouchable in compound women’s eliminations and claimed four convincing victories to reach the semifinals on Thursday. Jyothi downed Denmark’s Tanja Gellenthein 147-142 in the quarterfinal stage to set up a meeting with Great Britain’s world No.1 Ella Gibson.

Barca Open: Alcaraz into QFs; Cerundolo upsets Ruud

BARCELONA, APR 21 (IANS): World No. 2 Carlos Alcaraz fought off a late charge from countryman Roberto Bautista Agut to notch his second straightsets victory this week at the Barcelona Open ATP Tour event. The 19-year-old Alcaraz continued his title defence with a 6-3, 7-5 win, looking at home on the Spanish clay in his first tournament since his hardcourt run to the semifinals at Miami Open. He was joined in the last-eight stage by 15thseeded Argentine Francisco Cerundolo who stunned third-seed Casper Ruud

Ronaldo loses verified status on Twitter, LeBron James remains

checkmark. Musk tweeted separately: “I’m paying for a few personally.” and later tweeted “Just Shatner, LeBron and King,” referring to Star Trek actor William Shatner, who had last month complained about being forced to pay to keep his blue checkmark.

Among those losing their badges were former U.S. President Donald Trump and reality TV star Kim Kardashian.

Tendulkar,Kohli,SindhuloseTwitterblueticks

of Norway in a pre-quarterfinal clash on Thursday night.

Meanwhile, two-time Barcelona Open finalist Stefanos Tsitsipas moved a step closer to capturing his first title at the ATP 500 event on Thursday when he overcame 14th-seeded Canadian Denis Shapovalov 6-3, 6-2.

The victory improved Alcaraz to 9-1 against fellow Spaniards, with his only loss coming to Rafael Nadal in last year’s Indian Wells semis. Playing on the Barcelona centre court named for Nadal, Alcaraz is bidding to become the first repeat champion at the

ATP 500 since the Spanish legend reigned from 2016-18. He will face another Spaniard, 10th seed Alejandro Davidovich Fokina, in Friday’s quarterfinals. Bautista Agut was stopped short of his third Barcelona quarterfinal (2015, 2018) as Alcaraz denied him his first Top 10 win on clay. At 35, he was the oldest player in the last 16. Francisco Cerundolo closed Thursday’s play in Barcelona with a 7-6(5), 6-3 upset of third seed Casper Ruud. The 15th-seeded Argentine improved to a 4-6 lifetime against Top 10 opponents to reach his

fourth quarter-final of 2023 and his first overall at the ATP 500.

Cerundolo will meet 12th seed Daniel Evans in Friday’s quarterfinals after the Briton’s 6-3, 6-4 win against Karen Khachanov. In a heavy-hitting clash, Tsitsipas demonstrated great footwork to dictate on his forehand.

The Greek second seed saved both break points he faced and hit his groundstrokes with weight on the Barcelona clay, successfully targeting Shapovalov’s backhand to improve to 2-3 in their ATP Head2Head series and reach the quarterfinals.

Bengaluru FC beat Jamshedpur 2-0 to reach Super Cup final

LONDON, APR 21 (AGENCIES): Twitter on Thursday began removing legacy blue checkmarks from user profiles, with famous people including pop icon Beyonce, Microsoft Corp (MSFT.O) co-founder Bill Gates and Portuguese soccer star Cristiano Ronaldo losing their verified statuses.

Pope Francis, who lost the blue tick earlier on Thursday, was later given the gray verification checkmark by Twitter.

Some personalities such as basketball star LeBron James and author Ste-

phen King still had their checkmarks.

“The Shining” author King, who has previously called Musk a terrible fit for Twitter, tweeted: “My Twitter account says I’ve subscribed to Twitter Blue. I haven’t. My Twitter account says I’ve given a phone number. I haven’t.”

Musk tweeted back to him: “You’re welcome namaste,” with a hands folded emoji.

The Verge reported that James, who has previously said he would not pay for verification, had not paid to keep the

Under Musk’s ownership, Twitter has changed how it hands out the coveted blue checkmarks that were earlier given to noted individuals, journalists, executives, politicians and establishments after verifying their identities. They served as a mark of authenticity.

Musk said in November that Twitter will begin charging $8 per month for the badge in an effort to launch more revenue streams beyond advertising.

The company later offered checkmarks in other colors - gold for businesses and a gray for government and multilateral organizations and officials.

NEW DELHI, APR 21

(PTI): Top India sports stars, including the legendary Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and double Olympic medallist shuttler PV Sindhu, have lost the blue checkmarks that helped verify their identity on the micro-blogging site Twitter. The legacy blue checkmarks were previously granted to journalists, public officials, and celebrities for free as a measure against impersonation and spam on the social media platform. Apart from the above trio, World Cupwinning captain MS Dhoni, Rohit Sharma, Olympic medallists Saina Nehwal, Neeraj Chopra and Bajrang Punia, wrestler Vinesh Phogat, two-time World Boxing Champion Nikhat Zareen,

Sania Mirza, Indian football team skipper Sunil Chhetri, men’s hockey goalkeeper PR Sreejesh were among a plethora of Indian sporting icons who have lost their blue ticks.

Tennis great Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal, footballers Cristiano Ronaldo and Kylian Mbappe and basketball legend Stephen Curry are also no longer “verified” on the social media platform. From now on, only individuals and organisations that pay for the premium Twitter Blue subscription will get the verified credential on their profiles. The Twitter Blue subscription is available for a monthly fee of Rs 650 on the web and Rs 900 on mobile devices.

KOZHIKODE, APR 21 (PTI): Riding on goals from Jayesh Rane and Sunil Chhetri, Bengaluru FC notched up a 2-0 win over Jamshedpur FC to reach the final of the Super Cup football tournament here on Friday. The result meant that Simon Grayson’s men reached a third final of the 2022-23 season, having made the summit clash of both the Durand Cup and the Indian Super League.

In attack, skipper Chhetri partnered Roy Krishna, with Udanta Singh deployed down the right. The visitors, meanwhile, had Daniel Chima Chukwu back in the mix alongside Rafael Crivellaro, who was rested for their final group stage encounter.

Jamshedpur had the first chance of the game when striker Jay EmmanuelThomas had a hit from a distance that forced Gurpreet Sandhu into a save, only for the ball to fall kindly at Chukwu’s feet. The Blues had their first chance of the game when Udanta skipped past his marker and found

Chhetri in the box, but the Bengaluru skipper’s attempt to run onto a heavy first touch was blocked by Eli Sabia. Bengaluru found the opener in the 67th minute when the substitutes combined, as Sivasakthi’s cross from the right flank fell kindly for Jayesh, who looped his header past a rooted TP Rehenesh in the Red Miners’ goal. Grayson’s men came close to doubling the lead shortly after when Perez’s header saw Krishna through on goal, but Rehenesh read the Fijian striker well to stop him in his tracks with a save.

Aidy Boothroyd made

a change of his own with a quarter of an hour left when Harrison Sawyer replaced Emmanuel-Thomas. However, it was the Blues who added to their lead when Sivasakthi found Krishna unmarked in the box. The striker’s initial effort was saved, but Krishna managed to nod a pass down for Chhetri, who slotted into an empty net to make it 2-0, a lead the Blues would see through to the final whistle. The Blues will face the winners of the second semifinal between Odisha FC and NorthEast United FC in the final on Tuesday.

Jyothi Surekha Vennam and Ojas Pravin Deotale

Carlos Alcaraz

Francisco Cerundolo

Francisco Cerundolo and LeBron James

Sachin Tendulkar, Virat Kohli and PV Sindhu

Bengaluru FC players celebrate their goal.