22 june

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 196

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

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Pawar galvanizes opposition front NEW DELHI, JUN 21 (AGENCIES): Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) supremo Sharad Pawar on Monday invited opposition leaders and other prominent personalities for a meeting on June 22 at 4 p.m.

The announcement comes just hours after Pawar met poll strategist Prashant Kishor for the second time in ten days, giving credence to the rumours that the NCP chief is trying to stitch a coalition of non-BJP parties for the Lok Sabha elections in 2024.

“Pawar is working to unite all opposition leaders.

May be, the meeting was to discuss it. The party’s national executive meeting is also taking place in the national capital tomorrow,” NCP spokesperson Nawab Malik said when questioned about Pawar’s meeting with Prashant Kishor.

Malik tweeted: “Prominent political leaders and eminent persons from different sections of the society will attend the meeting at Pawar’s residence in Delhi on Tuesday to discuss the current scenario in the country”.

Farooq Abdullah, Yashwant Sinha, Pawan Verma, Sanjay Singh, D Raja, Justice AP Singh, Javed Akhtar, KTS Tulsi & Karan Thapar are among those who are expected to attend Tuesday’s meeting.

“Ashutosh, Advocate Majeed Memon, MP Vandana Chavan, former chief election commissioner SY Quraishi, KC Singh, Sanjay Jha, Sudheendra Kulkarni, Colin Gonsalves, economist Arun Kumar, Ghanshyam Tiwari and Pritish Nandi will be among the attendees of the meeting called by Sharad Pawar,” Malik said on Twitter.

“Sharad Pawar ji and Shri Yashwant Sinha ji are co-chairing a discussion on the present national scenario. Yashwant Sinha has requested your kind presence and participation in the meeting,” says the invite sent out by Rashtra Manch, Sinha’s outfit.

Kishor had called on Pawar at the latter’s residence in Mumbai on June 11. The two held talks for around three hours.

Kishor, who had been part of the BJP’s 2014 Lok Sabha campaign, later became a poll strategist for

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Sharad Pawar (File)

 Attempt to stitch a coalition for 2024 LS elections  Invitation extended to 15 opposition parties  Congress yet to confirm its participation  Prominent pol leaders, eminent persons to attend meeting  Meet will discuss the ‘current scenario in the country’ several non-NDA parties.

He handled the poll strategy of the TMC in the West Bengal Assembly polls and for the DMK in the Tamil Nadu assembly elections this year.

According to news agency IANS, the invita-

tion has been extended to 15 opposition parties, but a few of them have confirmed participation so far.

However, the Congress is yet to confirm its participation as well.

The meeting comes weeks after Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut had said that opposition parties will hold discussions over the possibility of forming an opposition alliance for the 2024 general election.

Reacting to initial reports that the Congress was not invited, the party’s Maharashtra leader Nana Patole added to his litany of provocative statements over the past few day.

“In a democracy everyone has a right to do whatever they want to..

We won’t stop anyone.

But there can be no front without the Congress,” he said, adding that this was not the first time that the NCP chief was trying to organise a third front.

The speculation is rife that talks of a third front are gaining momentum as regional parties have expressed willingness to join hands to take on the Narendra Modi-led BJP in the next general elections.

Interlocutor’s office clarifies DIMAPUR, JUN 21 (NPN): Office of the Government of India Representative & Interlocutor for Naga Peace Talks, through the OSD has issued a rejoinder to the statement issued by what it described as “a Naga armed organisation, engaged in the peace process.” According to the OSD, “Naga armed organization” had through media, reiterated its “right to collect tax from the people” and also claimed that this right has “also been recognized by the Representative of the government of India, having dialogue with them.”

While stating that “such an erroneous statement is likely to cause confusion among the people”, OSD reasserted that “taxation is a sovereign function which can be exercised only either by the government of India or the state government.”

OSD clarified that the Centre “does not recognize any such rights by any other entity” and added that “forcible collection of money by any entity is extortion which is a criminal office punishable under the laws.”

OSD also claimed that all “Naga armed organisations engaged in the peace process have given a commitment against such collection.”

Iran’s new prez says he won’t meet Biden international, Page 7

CNCCI asks all Naga political groups to stop multiple taxations DIMAPUR, JUN 21 (NPN): Confederation of Nagaland Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CNCCI) has once again flagged the issue of multiple taxations and demanded that all Naga political groups (NPGs) should immediately refrain from such taxation activities and put humanity first.

Referring to a Dimapur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (DCCI) statement recently alleging transportation tax by various NPGs and other forms of taxation causing price escalation in most parts of Nagaland and Mokokchung Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) flagging taxation, along with extortion and its warning not to tolerate such activities, CNCCI in a press release claimed that, being an apex business body of Nagaland, it received similar complaints from various other districts and taken serious cognisance of the matter.

It appealed to the public to raise the question of price rise with the state government and NPGs and not directed this to the

business community, who themselves were at the receiving end.

CNCCI said one could easily judge the plight of a businessman when even Covid funds were not being spared from taxation, as alleged by School Education adviser KT Sukhalu, who was no lesser ranked than cabinet minister in the government having all resources and manpower of the State at his command and yet was expressing helplessness. Hence, the trade body wondered whether the government had become so helpless like the business community, and demanded that multiple taxations should be immediately checked.

While reminding that the business community, including the daily wage earners, had been hit hard

by Covid-19 pandemic and struggling to survive, CNCCI termed the persistent multiple taxation at this juncture as “sucking business community dry to death”.

But, despite being pushed to the edge, it claimed that the business community put up a brave

front in this fight assisting the law enforcing agencies, administration and government in every possible manner as most district chambers of commerce were part of every district task force (DTF).

Besides being part of the DTFs and assisting various government agencies, CNCCI pointed out that the business community was braving the pandemic and exposing themselves to ensure that essential commodities were available so that no family slept hungry.

“Imagine a scenario if the business community had hid themselves at the comfort of their homes like the rest for fear of being infected. What will be the plight of the public?” the release asked.

However, CNCCI said the business community was at a loss and greatly disheartened that instead of joining hands and help each other in the collective fight against Covid-19 pandemic, the scenario was totally different vis-àvis multiple taxation that, it alleged, was going on relentlessly as before.

Lab test confirms fortified rice, not plastic 126 fresh cases, 6 Covid deaths No concrete instance of demand on Covid fund: SH, SKH KOHIMA, JUN 21 (NPN): Putting all speculations to rest, the laboratory test has confirmed that there has been no adulteration of rice with plastic granules as alleged in a video that recently went viral on social media, but contained mixture of fortified rice with regular rice.

Confirming this, principal secretary & commissioner food safety Amardeep Singh Bhatia in a statement said that, as per the report of food analyst, the rice sample tested indicated presence of fortificants, confirming the rice as fortified rice.

The rice sample was collected and sent for testing to State Public Health Laboratory (SPHL) by food safety officer, Dimapur after a viral video on social media purportedly claimed that rice was being mixed with plastic granules in a rice godown located at Naharbari, Dimapur. Bhatia claimed that further microscopic examination of rice kernels in fact showed clusters of rice starch of oryzasativa species (natural rice origin) and did not show any form of adulterant (plastic) mixture as alleged in the viral video.

He said the rice sample tested as per the standardised parameters was within the prescribed limit under Regu-

This is it!

“I can’t say whether lockdown has brought down the coronavirus. But I can say it has brought down the crimevirus.”

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DIMAPUR, JUN 21 (NPN): After witnessing a decline in Covid-19 cases in the past few weeks, Nagaland on Monday saw jump of 126 fresh cases and six deaths.

Of the fresh cases, 68 were reported from Kohima, Dimapur-18, Mokokchung16, nine in Zunheboto, six Fortified Rice turning blue Fortified Rice turning red on in Peren, three each in Kipon reaction with ferricyanide reaction with KSCN indicating indicating presence of iron in presence of iron in Fortified hire and Tuensang and one Rice Kernel each in Longleng, Mon and Fortified Rice Kernel (Pics: SPHL lab test result)

Correspondent

lation No.2.4.6: (24) of Food Safety and Standards (Food Products and Food Additives) Regulations 2011.

Earlier, Commissioner of Police (CP) Dimapur Rothihu Tetseo had told Nagaland Post, that investigation was on and that until the laboratory results were out, it was not proper to jump to any conclusion. CP opined that the chances that plastic granule and rice were being mixed as alleged by an individual on social media, was highly unlikely since milling plastic would require totally different and complex machines. CP however admitted that there was more likelihood of adulteration by done by mixing low quality with high quality rice for making profits.

Meanwhile, according Bhatia, fortification of food was standardised and operationalised under Food Safety & Standards (Forti-

fication of Foods) Regulations, 2017 and rice could be fortified using dusting, coating or extrusion technology where the milled broken rice was pulverised and mixed with vitamins and minerals resulting in fortified rice kernels (Section 4.4 of Guidebook on Food Fortification, FSSAI) He further said that under Food Safety & Standards (Fortification of Foods) Regulations, 2017, every package of fortified food should carry the words “fortified with ...” (name of the fortificant) and the logo (Plus F) as specified in Schedule II of the Regulations on the label.

M e a n w h i l e, w h e n contacted, Bhatia told Nagaland Post that laboratory report was already out and hence appealed to citizens not to get carried away by social media posts and to c o n t a c t (Cont’d on p-6)

Wokha, pushing the total caseload to 24,374.

Three more succumbed to the infection in Dimapur and one each in Kohima, Mon and Wokha taking the death toll to 475 (including 14 non-Covid deaths but with Covid positivity).

Meanwhile, as on June 21, a total of 417676 persons had been inoculated against covid-19

Graduate Teachers Forum (RGTF) Dimapur has appealed to the Department of School Education (DoSE) to rectify the alleged anomalies detected in the present tentative seniority list of graduate teachers (GT).

In a press release, RGTF Dimapur convenor Neizevotuo Nakhro also urged the department to apply same yardstick while doing arrangement of teachers’ seniority so as to show equal treatment among same cadre (GT).

RGTF Dimapur stated that the forum had submitted representation on June 7, 2021 for rectification of anomalies in the tentative seniority list in support of ANSTA representation dated May 31, 2021 and RGTF Nagaland representation Dated May 24, 2021.\ Alleging that there were various anomalies while preparing the present seniority of the GTs, the forum said some were based on court judgement, some were taken from (Cont’d on p-6)

NASU executive along with chief secretary after submitting the representation. (NASU)

percent of tuition fees for unutilised facilities until formal or physical classes commenced.

NASU also asked institutions/schools not to debar

hushe Shikhu, general secretary Nikheto Jimo, finance secretary Hokishe Kiba and SKH president Kashito Yepthomi have, however, said that on inquiry “no concrete instance of demand on Covid fund was established from any groups.”

The two hohos said it was thus concluded that “some miscreants might have made rampant de-

mands by impersonating various factions.”

Therefore, the Sumi Hoho and its frontal organisations have appealed to all responsible to restrain from making further statements and allegations in connection with the issue.

Further, the signatories said that one could intimate them if the need for any clarifications arose.

RGTF reminds DoSE State Govt to provide `2,000 3 held for abduction, robbery JUN 21 (NPN): Dimapur to rectify anomalies to regd. construction workers DIMAPUR, police on Sunday arrested three persons on multiple charges of kidnapping and robDIMAPUR, JUN 21 (NPN): Regular DIMAPUR, JUN 21 (NPN): In a major relief to building and other construction workers, the State government has decided to transfer Rs 2,000 each to bank accounts of all such workers registered with the labour department.

Pointing out that it would be able to transfer the benefit only to those beneficiaries whose bank accounts were active, the labour department appealed to all the beneficiaries with dormant bank accounts to immediately activate them to help the department make seamless transaction.

The amount will be debited from the Cess Fund and, till date, the department has registered 30,797 beneficiaries. The department

NASU demands waiver of school fees DIMAPUR, JUN 21 (NPN): Northern Angami Students’ Union (NASU) has demanded waiving of school fees for unaided recognised private institutions.

While acknowledging the selfless service rendered by staff and management of every institution, both aided and unaided, the union in a representation to principal director of department of School Education urged the State government to pass an order directing all unaided recognised private institutions to waive off certain

DIMAPUR, JUN 21 (NPN): Following the allegations of NSCN factions demanding a share from COVID-19 funds at civil hospital Zunheboto, the Sumi Hoho (SH) and Sumi Kukami Hoho (SKH) said they made enquiries from all possible sources to ascertain the facts regarding allegations.

In a joint press statement, SH president Hek-

students from attending exams and online classes on account of non-payment of fees, arrears or outstanding fees. Urging institutions/ schools not to withhold re-

sults of examinations of any student on account of nonpayment of fees, arrears or outstanding fees, the union further demanded that the institutions/schools should consider request made by parents finding it difficult to remit annual fees due to financial/economic hardships caused by the lockdown.

Through the representation, the union sought implementation of its charter of demands by the government and hoped the government would oblige.

(Full text onp-4)

has worked out all technical details of the registered beneficiaries and transfer of the benefits had started successfully through DBT. As huge displacement of daily wage workers, especially construction workers, was taking place all over the country and leading to loss of earning, thereby causing extreme hardships to them and their families as these workers usually sustained their livelihood on daily wage, the Central government desired that respective State governments provide adequate financial assistance to such identified category of workers.

Hence, the government decided to offer the financial assistance, stated a DIPR release.

Rainfall likely over NE region DIMAPUR, JUN 21 (NPN): India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall at isolated places over Assam & Meghalaya and heavy rainfall at isolated places over Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura on June 23.

According to the IMD’s National Weather Forecasting Centre, heavy rainfall was very likely at isolated places over Assam and Meghalaya on June 22.

Further, heavy rainfall was likely at isolated places over West Bengal & Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Meghalaya on June 24, India Meteorological Department said.

IMD also stated that no heat wave conditions were likely over any part of the country during the next five days.

bery and seized three vehicles along with one motorcycle used in the commission of the crime.

According to Dimapur police PRO, the three arrested have been identified as Gihuka Jakhalu (29) ‘Leacy’ NNC/FGN; Khetoka Chophy (34) ‘2nd lt.’ NSCN (R) and Tokato Awomi (31) ‘capt’ NSCN (R).

Police said the modus operandi adopted by trio was to initially conduct discreet survey on certain construction sites within the town and thereafter waylay the labour contractors/thekadars while exiting from the construction site on completion of the day’s work.

In this connection, PRO said cases have been registered with East Police station, Dimapur. The police action follows spate of complaints that some miscreants assaulted and robbed labour contractors/ thekadars engaged in building constructions along the NH 29.

Body of drowned girl recovered Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JUN 21 (NPN): The body of a 19-year-old girl, who drowned in Chathe river near the irrigation dam on Sunday, was found on Monday.

According to ADCP crime and PRO T Relo Aye, the body was found downstream not very far from the place of occurrence.

PRO said that the youth from Chümoukedima and nearby area recovered the body downstream at around 4:20 am.

Meanwhile, the PRO has advised people not to hang out near river banks during rainy season especially when the State was under lockdown.

It may be mentioned the young girl had reportedly gone to the riverside with two of her friends when a sudden strong water current swept away all three of them.

While two of her friends managed to get out, the female was swept away by the strong current.

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state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

COVID-19 pandemic: Activities and vaccination drives

DIMAPUR: In order to tackle the surge in COVID19 cases in the state and to stop further community spread, various activities are being undertaken by the government departments and CSOs in order to sensitise the public.

Vaccination drives are also being conducted across the state to ensure the public

remain protected.

Vaccination for business community in Kma: Kohima DTF on COVID19 in collaboration with Ko h i m a C h a m b e r o f Commerce and Industry (KCCI) organised a special outreach vaccination drive for high risk group, focusing on business community within Kohima town at KCCI Tower, Kohima nagalandpost.com Poll on June 21.

Along with vaccinaQ.: Is the state govt strategy, tion drive, screening for especially if third wave comes, effective against non-communicable disease was also conducted covid ? for beneficiaries. A total of 100% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 145 beneficiaries received 90% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– their first dose from the 80% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– age category of 18 to 45 70% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– years and 45+ during the 60% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– outreach drive.

50% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Awareness & vac40% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– cination drive for PWDs: 30% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– Social welfare department, –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– 20% Tening in collaboration 10% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– with administration & 0% A B C medical department organised an awareness20% A Yes. cum-vaccination drive for 75% B No. persons with disabilities 5% C Can’t Say. (PWDs) at Tening CHC 21.

Next poll on June ADC and chairman Q: Ha s t h e l o c k d ow n SDTF for COVID-19, brought communities Tening, Rosietho Nguori closer to each other ? briefed on the importance  Yes. of Covid vaccination for  No. PWDs and general. He said that vaccination was  Can’t Say.

June 22

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A heavy t-storm in the a.m

31 26

A stray afternoon t-storm

27 20

Guwahati A thunderstorm in the area

33 25

A t-storm around in the a.m

29 22

Imphal

Itanagar A thunderstorm in spots

29 24

Shillong

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

24 19

Kohima

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

24 19

Dimapur A stray afternoon t-storm

32 24

A t-storm in the afternoon

26 20

Mkg

Tuensang Most cloudy with a t-storm

21 16

A p.m t-storm in spots

26 21

Zunheboto A thunderstorm or two

23 18

Wokha

konger village, Tuensang on June 20.

MO, Dr. Mhathung gave a brief presentation on the importance of vaccination. Leangkonger village council acknowledged MO, CHC Shamator, Dr. Mhathung, MO AR Shamator battalion and Dr. Jacob and team for the initiative.

Sensitisation drive at Kiphire: With an aim to vaccine on the entire district, medical department, Kiphire carried out a sensitisation drive at Tethuyo village, Sangphure village, Sitimi village, Seyochung village and Phisami village on June 20.

Vaccination drive at Viswema: 600 beneficiaries of Viswema village, including the aged and PWDs were vaccinated over four days.

In a press release, Viswema village council (VCC) chairman Tebül Neikha and secretar y Dühovil Rhetso thanked the government and medical department for making the vaccines free of cost.

It also thanked the healthcare workers and Viswema CHC staff for providing the facility to the villagers at their doorsteps since June 9.

Distribution of relief packages for daily wage earners Kiphire: SDO (C) James T. Khulu Tikhir launched the distribution of relief package for daily wage earners and labourers affected by the lockdown, here, at Kiphire local ground on Monday.

According to the official, a total of 1000 household have been listed as beneficiaries in the district. An official from District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Kiphire also informed that identification of beneficiaries and distribution process are being initiated by concerned ward authorities/village councils along with administration officials in various sub-division and Kiphire headquarters. The relief package included rice, dal, mustard oil, sugar, salt, tea, bathing soap, washing soap, masala packet, onion, garlic and chilli powder. The relief items were arranged and provided by DDMA Kiphire, while volunteers from all the wards assisted in packaging and distribution. (Correspondent) Niuland: Under the initiative of Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA), the office of ADC, Niuland, distributed 800

SDO (C) James Khulu distributing relief items to beneficiaries on Monday. (NP)

relief packages to daily wage earners/ labourers under Niuland sub-division on June 21 in the presence of the Western Sumi Youth Front (WSYF).

In a press release, WSYF vice president Otoka H Yeptho expressed gratefulness to the ADC for the initiative.

The front also thanked the staff of ADC office and DBs for assisting in the packaging.

Bhandari: Distribution of relief packages under Bhandari sub-division began at Bhandari on June 21 at town hall, Bhandari, Wokha.

During the distribution programme, SDO (C) Bhandari & border

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

magistrate, Merapani, T. Sulanthung Lotha expressed gratitude to the DDMA Wokha, for the assistance.

He informed that the same relief package would be provided to other administrative headquarters of Baghty, Champang and Merapani village, (Marachü Yan) by concerned administrative officers in the coming days.

Altogether, 300 beneficiaries availed the package in the presence of Lotha Hoho and Eloe Hoho, Bhandari Town, Lotha Lower Range public Organisation (LLRPO) Bhandari Town Students’ Union and GBs.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Compensation for 2-lane project

WEATHER FORECAST

Aizawl

the only means to protect oneself from the virus and he encouraged the gathering to avail the opportunity offered to them. The ADC added that in case of any issue, the administration along with the medical team was willing to assist the people.

Short speeches were delivered by MO, AYUSH, Dr. Nuksung Jamir and disability representative, Cherachun. Poshan block coordinator, social welfare department, Dibin Nbung chaired the programme and proposed vote of thanks.

Special vaccination drive held at Kiphire: DTF Kiphire on COVID19 and in collaboration with 7 Assam Rifles organised a special vaccination drive on June 20 at helipad ground, Kiphire.

During the vaccination drive, 22 first dose and four second dose for 45 years above were administered.

149 beneficiaries between 18-44 years availed the vaccine.

Vaccination drive at Leangkonger village: CHC Shamator in collaboration with Assam Rifles, Shamtor battalion conducted a Covid vaccination drive at Leang-

DIMAPUR: Deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie has informed the concerned land owners that damage compensation for Kohima - Jessami two-lane project would be paid in the office of the deputy commissioner, Kohima under the package and chainage numbers and as per the date and time.

According to DIPR re-

port, the DC informed that the package -1 (Ch 7+880 Ch 29/600 = 21,800 Kms) would be paid from June 21 to June 23 at 10 a.m., while package - 2 (Ch 29+600 Ch. 37+100 = 7500 Kms) would be paid on June 24 and June 25 at 10 a.m.

The DC has requested the concerned landowners to be present physically and to bring along four recent passport size photos (not

to scan) and Aadhaar Card (Xeroxed)/ID proof and bank passbook (front page Xeroxed).

Further, they have also been informed that payment to any other representative other than the concerned person would not be entertained.

All the beneficiaries have been requested to maintain the laid down SOPs of the government.

26/07/1974 to 05/06/2021 We, the family members of George Yeptho would like to express our profound gratitude to all the organisations and individuals who shared in our bereavement from the time of his brief illness till he left for his heavenly abode on 5th June 2021.

Through this column, we would like to acknowledge one and all who supported us physically, materially, emotionally, spiritually and financially during our darkest hour. We are truly indebted to you all and even though we cannot thank each one of you personally, it is our prayer that God Almighty shower His richest and unceasing blessings upon each one of you.

Loving wife, brothers, sister and all loved ones DC-504

Late Alitoni Chishi

15/05/1969 to 18/06/2021

We, the family members of Late Alitoni Chishi, would like to convey our sincere gratitude to each and every individual who supported us physically, spiritually and financially during her illness and demise.

We deeply regret our inability to thank each of you personally, but it is our earnest prayer that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

DP-2861

Loving family members and relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ER. KEVISEKHO KRUSE 24-07-1960 to 04-06-2021 Through this column, we wish to express our heartfelt gratitude who stood by us in prayers, in words and in deeds during the painful moment of our greatest loss. Nothing we say or do can ever repay you but only through prayers we earnestly plead the good Lord to bless you.

We convey our sincere gratitude to: 1. Shri. Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Nagaland.

2. Shri. Tongpang Oziikum, Hon’ble Minister, PWD (H) & Mech, Nagaland.

3. Shri. Neiba Kronu, Hon’ble Minister, Planning & Co-ordination, Land Revenue, Parliamentary Affairs, Nagaland.

4. Shri Jacob Zhimomi, Hon’ble Minister, PHED. 5. Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire, Hon’ble Advisor, Urban Development and Municipal Affairs.

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6. Shri Medo Yhokha, Hon’ble Advisor, Technical Education and Elections.

7. Shri. Keneizhakho Nakhro, MLA, 8th Western Angami Constituency Assembly.

8. Mr & Mrs Vilelie Khamo.

9. Shri. Rovilato Mor, Commissioner, Govt. of Nagaland.

10. Dr. Neikhrielie Khimiao & staff, K.P Bethesda Hospital Kohima.

11. Dr. Vikethonyü Kesiezie & staff, Oking Hospital Kohima.

12. Dr. Kekhrie Yhome.

13. Er. Repangyangba Longkumer, Chief Engineer, PHED. 14. Er. K.G Sumi, Retd Chief Engineer, PHED. 15. Mr. Pelekho Nagi.

16. Union Baptist Church, Chümoukedima.

17. Ministers Hill Baptist Church, Kohima.

18. MHBC Thepfüko Krotho.

19. UBC Thenupfüko Krotho 20. Nagaland Baptist Church Council (NBCC).

21. Chakhroma Baptist Church Council (CBCC) & Mission Department.

22. CRC Khonoma.

23. Peducha Baptist Church.

24. Tsüüma Baptist Church.

25. Phom Baptist Church, Chumukedima.

26. Khonoma Baptist Krotho Kohima.

27. Khonoma Rüfüno Nagaland.

28. Khonoma Rüfüno Kohima 29. Khonoma Rüfüno Dimapur.

30. Khonoma Rüfüno Khonoma.

31. Khonoma Public Commission.

32. Semoma Union Khonoma.

33. Rüfüno Nagaland Development Society.

34. The Phizo Memorial Park Trust.

35. ARÜ Kikramiako Khonoma.

36. Pfüphe Yiemia Union Nagaland.

37. Khami-Thevo Seyie Krotho.

38. Thevomiapfü Krotho Chakhro.

39. Thevoma Union Nagaland.

40. Krusenoko Mechü Krotho.

41. Lerie Colony Panchayat.

42. Ward 10, Chairman and colleagues, Chümoukedima.

43. NDPP Nagaland.

44. NDPP Kohima.

45. NDPP Youth Wing, Kohima Region.

46. NDPP Women Wing 8th Western Angami AC. 47. NDPP Youth Wing 8th Western Angami AC. 48. NDPP Unit Sechü Zubza.

49. NDPP Unit, Hospital colony.

50. NDPP Unit, Mezoma.

51. NDPP Unit, Kiruphema.

52. 8th Western Constituency Village Councils, colonies & party workers.

53. Naga Mothers Association.

54. Angami Public Organization.

55. Angami Gazetted Officers Krotho.

56. Khonoma Gazetted Officers Union.

57. Angami Women Organization.

58. Western Angami Women Organization.

59. Western Angami Youth Organization.

60. Western Angami D-Group Sports Association.

61. Western Angami Public Organization.

62. Chakhroma Public Organization.

63. Chakhroma Women Organization.

64. Southern Angami Women Organization.

65. Sechüma Village Council.

66. Sechü Zubza Village Council.

67. Kiruphema General Council.

68. Kiruphema Basa Council.

69. North East Christian University.

70. All Nagaland Private Schools Association.

71. North Town Hr. Sec. School Principal and staff.

72. G. Rio School, Kohima.

73. ALTRURA Society.

74. Chümoukedima Timber Traders Association.

75. Friends and neighbours.

“You fought the good fight of faith and finished your race well. Your legacy etched in our hearts will live through us and the people that you touched” -In God we trust, Fare thee wellLoving wife Mrs Salhoutuonuo Kruse, children & family DP-2871

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

‘BJP will continue to induct people from other parties’

Gerukamukh, Jun 21 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Monday that the process of inducting people from different political parties into the BJP will continue, as he welcomed former Congress MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi to the party fold.

Speaking at a party programme in the Dhemaji district, Sarma said that inspired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ideals and hard work to build a developed nation, many political leaders and workers have joined the BJP. “It is my firm belief that a day will come when all people and organisations of the state will be associated with the BJP and help in building a strong and developed nation,” he said.

The process of induct-

Himanta Biswa Sarma

ing people into the BJP from other parties began in 2014, it continued with many leaders joining before the assembly polls this year, while several others have expressed their interest to join after the polls, Sarma said. “This is primarily due to the confidence and faith that people have in the prime minister’s vision and leadership,” he added.

Referring to Kurmi, the chief minister said that he is a youth leader

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Northeast/State

who represents not only the aims and aspirations of the tea tribe community but also the people of the state.

“Be it the AssamNagaland border issue, development of his constituency and the state, or schemes for the tea tribe community, Kurmi has always been vocal and at the forefront to highlight the issues. We are hopeful that he will continue to work for the development of his constituency and the state,” he said.

Kurmi, a four-time MLA, was in the Congress for a longer period “than me and will have a better understanding of that party and reasons for leaving it”, Sarma said.

Kurmi said that he delayed joining the BJP and should have switched over much earlier.

Siblings drown ‘Jackfruit Mission’ will be a NE COVID-19 UPDATE after boat carrying game-changer, says M’laya CM Covid graph on gradual slide in M’laya them capsize Correspondent The chief minister as- SHILLONG, JUN 21: The COVID-19 graph in Me-

Correspondent

IMPHAL, JUN 21: Two siblings drowned after a boat capsized on a river in Manipur’s Bishnupur district on Monday.

Police as well as local sources said that the two teenage siblings drowned after the boat they were sailing on sank into the swift current of Kumbi River today morning.

The deceased were identified as Laishram Solomon (17) and Laishram Joshua (13), sons of Laishram Chandrkumar of Kumbi Uyungmakhong village of Bishnupur district.

The tragic incident occurred while they were going to help their father in paddy field on Monday morning.

Reports quoting witnesses said that the boat carrying them sank after the swift current of the river pulled it into the river.

SHILLONG, JUN 21: Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma on Monday said the ‘Jackfruit Mission’ will be a game-changer as the demand for jackfruit products in the international market is very high. With jackfruit grown abundantly in Meghalaya, the ‘Jackfruit Mission’, launched in 2018, is being implemented by the directorate of food processing through several interventions to promote value-added products.

Interacting with entrepreneurs at the ‘Nano Jackfruit Entrepreneurs’ event in the College of Community Science, Tura, West Garo Hills district on Monday, the Chief Minister said the Government is supporting the farmers engaged in jackfruit plantation and is providing training and other support to leverage their activities by connecting them with market linkage.

sured that the state government will provide help to nano entrepreneurs to take the mission forward.

Sangma also informed about the Chief Minister’s Suppor t for Producers Group, wherein Rs. 5000 each is provided to individuals who collectively come together to form a group.

“Under the programme, each individual entrepreneur or farmer with similar interest can come together and avail the support to further their entrepreneurial activities or use it as a startup fund to begin their venture,” he said and informed that Rs 5 crore has already been sanctioned to take this project forward.

The Chief Minister informed that the Government was playing a pro-active role to create market linkages with the neighboring Bangladesh, Arab countries, to create value chain and job opportunities.

ghalaya appears to be on a gradual slide with the State on Monday recording five more deaths due to the viral disease, taking the casualty count up to 785, and 269 new cases of infection adding up to 4,196 active cases, which has been on the decline over the past few days, health officials said.

The state also registered 655 more cases of recovery from the viral infection, adding up to 40, 574 recovered cases till date, even as the total confirmed cases till date was recorded at 45,555. Director Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War said the new cases of death due to COVID-19 included three in East Khasi Hills district and one each in Ri-Bhoi district and West Jaintia Hills district.

Sikkim reports 25 new Covid cases

Gangtok, Jun 21 (PTI): Sikkim’s COVID19 tally rose to 19,321 on Monday as 25 more people tested positive for the infection, a health bulletin said. The Himalayan state, however, reported zero fatalities due to coronavirus in the last 24 hours. The number of COVID19 deaths in the state stands at 293 so far, the bulletin said. East Sikkim registered the highest number of new cases at 17, followed by four in South Sikkim and two each in West Sikkim and North Sikkim. Sikkim now has 2,448 active cases, while 16,329 people have recovered from the disease and 251 patients have migrated to other states so far.

Sikkim’s Covid-19 positivity rate stands at 14.5 per cent, while the recovery rate among the coronavirus patients has improved to 84.5 per cent.

Assam observes International Yoga Day Arunachal governor, CM take

Guwahati/Dibrugarh, Jun 21 (PTI): Assam observed the International Yoga Day on Monday with Governor Jagadish Mukhi and Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma participating in separate programmes amid tight COVID protocols.

The governor and his wife participated in a yoga session at the Raj Bhavan which was streamed live through social media platforms to ensure minimum gathering at the premises but also enabling more people to join and benefit from it.

“I along with my wife

Prem Mukhi celebrated #InternationalDayOfYoga at the premises of Raj Bhavan.

The celebration was carried out on a virtual platform considering the prevailing COVID 19 situation,” the governor tweeted later.

CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, who is in Dhemaji district on an official visit, joined a session along with his Cabinet colleagues Ranoj Pegu and Sanjoy Kishan, and others, in the NHPC campus at Gerukamukh in Dhemaji. Sarma, in a series of tweets, wrote: “Amid the Covid pandemic, #yoga, which is India’s invaluable

contribution to the world, boosts immunity, energy and positivity. We’re grateful to Hon PM Sri @narendramodi for taking the message of Yoga to the world.”

Underlining the importance of yoga for sound mental health along with physical well-being, he added, “Youth should embrace yoga and reap its benefits.

Some of our youth, who are under the bad influence of drugs, should also embrace yoga. Under Assam Yoga Prakalpa, yoga centres have been established in development blocks all over the state.”

528 inmates of Mizoram part in session on Yoga Day orphanage test positive for Covid

Itanagar, Jun 21 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh on Monday observed the International Day of Yoga by organising yoga camps in various parts of the state maintaining all Covid-19 protocols.

In the state capital Itanagar, the main function was arranged at Raj Bhawan where Governor Brig (Retd) Dr B D Mishra and Chief Minister Pema Khandu participated in a yoga session organised by the state youth affairs department.

Speaking at the pro-

gramme, the governor expressed hope that the occasion would motivate more and more people to practise yoga.

“Yoga has helped the people in overcoming mental and physical challenges since ancient times and due to Covid pandemic, it has become more relevant,” Mishra said.

He appealed to the people to make yoga practice a part of their lifestyle and defeat the Covid-19 pandemic by maintaining appropriate protocols.

AIZAWL, JUN 21 (IANS): Triggering fresh concerns, as many as 528 inmates of an orphanage-cum-rehabilitation centre in Mizoram have tested positive for Covid-19, officials said on Monday.

Officials of the Health and Family Welfare Department said that during a mass screening at the orphanage, samples of 989 out of the 1,500 inmates were tested, of which 528 returned positive.

They said that five of the inmates had recently

State reaches out World music Day 2021: Music for a cause toNMC power deptt work ceived from seven North Eastern states: Arunachal charge employees Pradesh; Assam; Manipur;

Winner of Song of the Year Trance Effect performing during the virtual World Music Day, 2021. (NP)

Correspondent KOHIMA, JUN 21 (NPN): The virtual “World Music Day 2021” went live on YouTube, Monday, at 6 p.m. with participation from musicians across Nagaland and the North East region.

The event, organised

by Musicians Guild Nagaland and supported by TaFMA and NSDMA, was held to raise COVID relief fund for COVID patients from the economi-

cally weaker sections of the state and musicians who have been affected by the pandemic.

The live event was hosted by Yanpvuo Kikon and Mengu Suokhrie with a range of renowned personalities making guest appearances and presenting the Musicians Guild Music Awards 2021.

The list of performers included About Us, Trance Effect, The Wishess, Tune Up Channel, Rap Cypher,

Seysei, Abdon Mech, Imliakum Aier, Arenlong Longkumer, Papersky, KL Pamei, Version 2, Sungjem Mar Jamir, Megh and Elysian among others.

Alongside the live performances, the MG Music Awards were also presented.

The panel of judges for the awards were Fiona Pachuau, Sanam Puri, Ehsaan Noorani and Among Jamir.

220 entries were re-

Mizoram; Tripura; Meghalaya and Nagaland for the awards.

Best Indie Pop went to Abdon Mech (Nagaland) for the song Again; best gospel award-Achumla Jingrü (Nagaland) for Holo Hele; electronic music award-Run Monday Run (Nagaland) for the song Zongza; best pop song: Moondrip (Nagaland) for the song Lt Down; best sound engineer: Tongs Kichu, Odi Studio (Nagaland) for the song Clowns; best hip hop: Prodg’s (Nagaland) for Paigham.

B e s t Ro c k S o n g About Us (Nagaland) for the song Gimme Gimme presented by Alobo Naga; best music video: Abdon Mech (Nagaland) for the song Give Me My Soul Back; song of the yearTrance Effect (Nagaland) for the song Clowns; most promising artiste: Temsu Clover, Joshua Shohe and Klanjung.

Viewers during the live performances peaked close to 2000.

DIMAPUR: Nagaland Motorcycle Club (NMC) reached out to 217 field-staff of the power department on “world motorcycle day” (WMD).

The majority of field-staff were work charge employees in three districts: Dimapur; Kohima and Tuensang where the club has its units.

In a press release, NMC informed that the electrical field-workers and a few counterparts in other departments unlike most government servants who have been able to work from home or were getting respite from attending office since 2019, have been taking additional risks in ensuring that electricity in the state does not get disrupted to the best of their ability despite technical and financial handicaps.

Nagaland Motorcycle Club as a small gesture of appreciation and gratitude to their invaluable service collected a sum of Rs. 108500 from among the club members in the three districts and distributed it to 217 field workers through their respective offices.

Condolence messages from organisations

DIMAPUR: Chumukedima Town Council (CTC) has expressed grief over the demise of head GB Chumukedima town, Kelenguzo Kuotsu.

In a condolence note, CTC administrator, Seyiekhrietuo Solo described late Kelenguzo Kuotsu as “a tall leader and a large hearted individual who tirelessly worked for the betterment of the town with deep wisdom and great vision”.

CTC said that he was not just a leader but a protective father figure to many, adding that his sudden demise had left a void that would be difficult to fill.

Further, the council conveyed its deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.

CTYO: Chümoukedi-

ma Town Youth Organisation (CTYO) while expressing grief over the demise of Kelenguzo Kuotsu described him as a wonderful person, a humble leader “with an always-ready-tohelp attitude and a perfect guide”.

In a condolence note, CTYO president Hovishe Naleo and general secretary Avi Makritsu said that he accomplished many good things in life and always followed the path of honesty.

They also said that it was painful to have lost a father figure.

Further, CTYO conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family.

CVC: Chümoukedima Village Council (CVC) has expressed deep shock and sadness over the sud-

den demise of Kelenguzo Kuotsu.

In a condolence note, CVC chairman Razouvotuo Chatsu and secretary Mhasiletuo Visezo said that late Kelenguzo was a fatherly figure to many and was loved by all and that he dedicated the best of his years to the welfare of the community.

CVC said that he would be fondly remembered for his simple demeanour and humility and for his readiness to help those who approach him.

It also said that with his passing, the Chümoukedima village in particular and the people of Chümoukedima in general had lost an upright leader and a beloved elderly member whose stead would be impossible to replace and

that his contributions would be cherished.

CVC conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members and extended its prayers that God would grant them peace and solace.

NTUCT: Naga Tribal Council Chumoukedima Town while expressing grief over the demise of Kelenguzo Koutsu said that he was its active member and advisor, who was an optimist, a true philanthropist and a leader who stood for morality, legality and historical rights of common man.

In a condolence note, NTUCT said that late Kelenguzo made significant and immense contribution towards the society, particularly in Chumoukedima town. It also said that his

demise was a loss not only for the family members but also for the Naga society.

N T U C T c o nve ye d heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty would provide them strength and courage to withstand the loss.

CTSU: Chumoukedima Town Students’ Union (CTSU) has expressed grief over the demise of Kelenguzo Kuotsu.

In a condolence note, CTSU general secretary Kenivi Yhoshü and joint secretary Letsol Thakro said that his good deeds and contributions to his people and the society would be remembered fondly.

Further, the union conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members.

tested positive, forcing the health officials to conduct mass testing at the centre on Sunday.

The officials said that more positive cases might be detected after the samples of the remaining 511 inmates are tested.

“During the past 24 hours, the number of active Covid cases in Mizoram increased to 4,132 as against 3,603 on Sunday. Of the 529 new cases, 528 are from the orphanage,” the officials told the media.

UNC welcomes setting up of panel on Naga issue

DIMAPUR: United Naga Council (UNC) welcomed the formation of Core Committee on the “Indo-Naga” political issue by the Nagaland government and hoped that the committee would be able to intervene and “forge the long and frequent stalemate” taking place in the negotiation between the two parties.

In a press release, UNC president S Kho John and general secretary S Milan suggested inclusion of an elected member each from Assam, Ar unachal and Manipur in the core committee for better coordination if the criteria of the select committee permits.

UNC expressed belief that the members and representatives of the different political parties in the core committee would “put their best efforts in the interest of the entire Nagalim, with the spirit and soul of the Uniqueness of the Naga History and Situations and in tune with the agreed Historic Framework Agreement signed on 3rd August 2015 at New Delhi to co-exist peacefully as two separate entities.”

Further, the UNC expressed confidence that the core committee members would look beyond their personal interest and groups and politically respond to the call of the Nagas.

T h e p r iva t e ly r u n orphanage-cum-rehabilitation centre, Thutak Nupuitu Team (TNT), which is registered with the state government, is located on the outskirts of Aizawl.

Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga said that he is personally monitoring the situation. He told the media that a medical team led by senior doctors has been sent to the orphanage, where some of the infected inmates are asymptomatic, while some are symptomatic.

‘Unauthorised’ NSCN (R) camp sealed DIMAPUR: Dimapur police Monday raided and sealed an “unauthorized mobile camp” operated by NSCN (R) in Padumpukhuri area for violation of cease fire ground rules.

According to Dimapur police PRO, the house was sealed in the presence of the district administrative officials and GBs. As per the notice put up on the sealed house, the premises/building had been sealed for usage as “unauthorised office/camp”.

The notice signed by Dimapur district administration, Dimapur police and Padumpukhuri village authority cautioned that any individual or group tampering or breaking of the sealed lock without the approval of the concerned authority would be penalised under relevant sections of law.

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXxI NO. 196 Dimapur, TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

Nagaland’s progress report

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or all practical purposes, there was no debate that the government of Nagaland (and those at the helm putting aside whatever their likes or dislikes) should have established the state’s first and long overdue medical college at Dimapur where it was envisioned by politicians from the time of then chief minister late Vamuzo. Nagaland was made into a state in 1963 out of political necessity, though it was not a viable proposal. The medical college was always on the anvil as much as a separate university and high court etc. However, after the 70s, state politics had begun to change for the worse. It is a matter of regret that states in the north east which came into being long after Nagaland have today marched way ahead. For example, the university today is yet to evolve into something that should have been the envy of other universities. The pulls within the sanctum sanctorum of learning is a sad reflection of how illogical politics have percolated every strata of society.

Also, when Nagaland could have had a separate high court even by the 80s or 90s ,but it was largely ignored. When all other north eastern states today have separate high court buildings; the high court building at Kohima, which began in 2007 has run aground due to irregularities. Almost over 70% of money was paid for only 35% of work done. The CBI has begun investigation on the alleged scam.

The project which was approved with an estimated Rs.43 crore has been revised to Rs.52.63 crore despite very little progress and work found to be substandard. According to a report, there is speculation that the delay may be intentional since in order to increase the original estimate by multiple times. The same fate befell the proposed 500-bedded Referral Hospital project which began in late 80s with the original estimate of Rs.30 crore. Unfortunately, unchecked cost escalations eventually pushed the cost projection to an astronomical amount of Rs.200 crore which the Centre refused to grant. The project languished without any hope for nearly fifteen years till it was handed over to EHA and renamed as Christian Institute of Health and Scientific Research (CIHSR). The institute has around 100 acres of land and most of the building infrastructure needed for a hospital. Instead of pursuing the best option, the state government has grabbed the opportunity of “new projects” for two district medical colleges as per the scheme introduced by the then UPA government in 2010. The CIHSR will be a 400-bedded hospital as against 200 for NHAK (Kohima) and hardly 100 for Mon where the two district medical colleges are to come up. As stated, when there is already a big existing infrastructure at the CIHSR which is already functioning and which will be easier to turn it into a regular medical college rather than starting new district medical colleges; the state has to correct the drift of pandering to whims and fancies of politicians in the interest of the future generations.

For whatever reasons, Nagaland has been missing out on many other projects and a careful analysis of the factors would perhaps reveal that there has been some motives attributed somewhere but the so-called ‘concerned public’ have remained silent on such crucial issues.

DailyDevotion The Ministry of the Inner Life You are…a royal priesthood… —1 Peter 2:9 By what right have we become “a royal priesthood”? It is by the right of the atonement by the Cross of Christ that this has been accomplished. Are we prepared to purposely disregard ourselves and to launch out into the priestly work of prayer? The continual inner-searching we do in an effort to see if we are what we ought to be generates a self-centered, sickly type of Christianity, not the vigorous and simple life of a child of God. Until we get into this right and proper relationship with God, it is simply a case of our “hanging on by the skin of our teeth,” although we say, “What a wonderful victory I have!” Yet there is nothing at all in that which indicates the miracle of redemption. Launch out in reckless, unrestrained belief that the redemption is complete. Then don’t worry anymore about yourself, but begin to do as Jesus Christ has said, in essence, “Pray for the friend who comes to you at midnight, pray for the saints of God, and pray for all men.” Pray with the realization that you are perfect only in Christ Jesus, not on the basis of this argument: “Oh, Lord, I have done my best; please hear me now.”

How long is it going to take God to free us from the unhealthy habit of thinking only about ourselves?

We must get to the point of being sick to death of ourselves, until there is no longer any surprise at anything God might tell us about ourselves. We cannot reach and understand the depths of our own meagerness. There is only one place where we are right with God, and that is in Christ Jesus. Once we are there, we have to pour out our lives for all we are worth in this ministry of the inner life.

Quotes

There are two ways of spreading light: to be the candle or the mirror that reflects it. ~ Edith Wharton

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

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Centre must make way for states in Covid fight

widespread belief that Indians are somehow immune to Covid had built up thanks to the government and government-controlled media. But the second wave struck us with ferocity, with daily cases touching a peak of four lakh, and daily deaths crossing 4,000 — a record for any country.

Instead of a post-mortem, let us focus on what we must do to manage this crisis and prepare for the coming waves.

First and foremost, an acknowledgment that this is a national crisis calling for concerted efforts by both, the Government of India (GoI) and state governments, irrespective of party or region, is a must.

Denials, finger-pointing, and media management will not help. All must rise as one and look ahead, forgetting the past, but learning from past mistakes.

Admitting to mistakes is even better, but I doubt that it will ever happen.

It is time the GoI realises that health is a state subject, and that the states

have been pioneering many health programmes on their own, some with support and funding from the GoI, for a very long time.

The number of employees in the health wing of the GoI is negligible as compared to that in any state government. The implication is that if anything good in health or Covid management happens, the credit must rightly go to the state government. The GoI must stop claiming undue credit for better healthcare and must stop criticising state governments. But it must help them, motivate them to do better and assist them in their task.

Where the GoI must and can play a major role is in vaccination. So far, all vaccine procurement has been by the GoI, which allots vaccines to states depending on the need. It had, however, abdicated this responsibility. Fortunately, realising the chaos created by its policy, it has now accepted its role in vaccine procurement.

The task before it is to procure 160 crore doses

before December, the target date declared by the GoI. This works out to 26 crore doses per month as against the current production capacity of 6 crore. It must try to augment supplies by encouraging companies to produce more and through imports/gifts. It is doubtful whether this can be achieved. However, whatever it procures must be allotted to states in proportion to their eligible population. State governments must be involved in this policy. The vaccination policy may be left to the state governments based on the allocation.

The GoI must also augment supplies of critical medical goods through imports and donations from friendly nations in view of their acute shortage. It must distribute them to the needy states transparently and equitably.

State gover nments have rightly opted for lockdowns, which need to be lifted in a calibrated manner depending on local conditions. There is clear evidence that lock-

downs have helped arrest the spread of the virus.

But we must remember that lockdowns are not the solution. They just buy breathing time which can be used by governments to ramp up capacity.

State gover nments must set up efficient and well-functioning control rooms and telemedicine centres to guide people on home treatment and timely admission to hospitals. The private sector can also be fully involved in these efforts. Bed capacity must be increased in both private and public sectors, with all necessary requirements such as oxygen, medicines, and health workers. This planning must be for the anticipated caseload in the future so that no patient has to die for want of proper treatment.

It is also important to put in place a standard guidance protocol for health workers and control rooms to guide patients through the disease. The telemedicine doctor must be competent to provide timely guidance for hos-

NASU representation to School Education department for waiver of fees Respected Sir, At the outset, the undersigned on behalf of the Northern Angami Students Union (NASU) humbly extends our warm greetings. The NASU is a mandated organisation consisting of 20 constituent units namely:Botsa Students Union, Chiechama Vill a ge S t u d e n t s U n i o n , Chiedema Village Students Union, Chiiziema Village Students Union, Dihoma Village Students Union, Gariphema Village Students Union, Kijümetouma Village Students Union, Kohima Village Students Union, Meriema Village Students Union, Nachama Village Students Union, Nerhema Village Students Union, Phekerkriema Village Students Union, Rüsoma Village Students Union, Seiyhama Village Students Union, Teichiima Village Students Union, Tsiemekhuma Village Students Union, Tsiesema Village Students Union, Tuophema Village Students Union, Viphoma Village Students Union and Zhadima Village Students Union.

The Northern Angami Students Union (NASU) was solemnly constituted as a union in the year 1960 for the purpose of uplifting the students community and to also ameliorate education, social and moral values with sincerity and dedication. The Union after thorough deliberation presents to you this representation for your consideration and necessary action.

The Lockdown in the wake of Covid-19 Pandemic has caused several hardships to the entire populace, the students community in particular many of whom are going through extraordinary difficult circumstances. As the Covid 19 Pandemic forced closure of schools with a shift to online classes, the students community many who are not as privileged are now faced with an uncertain and unprecedented future. The Union while acknowledging the efforts of the Government would also like to highlight the impact of the coronavirus, the quarantine measures, in addition to and the subsequent lockdown with the current government restriction which

has severely disrupted the income and finance of the common men, many who now have no means to even procure and provide basic essential commodities for their families, most of whom have wards enrolled in unaided private recognised institutions.

We are all aware of the fact that many states in India have waived off fees for private unaided recognised institutions since a year past in consideration to the pandemic induced situation. Our neighboring State Assam for instance in its order No ASE 496/2015/Ptiv/18 Dated Dispur 13th August,2020 have directed all non governmental institutions to waive off 25% of the monthly fees for students admitted to their institutions.

We also know that the Supreme Court in the case of Indian School, Jodhpur & Anr. vs State of Rajasthan & Ors(supra) (CIVIL APPEAL NO. 1724 OF 2021(ARISING OUT OF SLP(C) NO. 27881 OF 2019) have passed an order directing the school management to deduct 15% off the fees in lieu of the unutilised facilities by the students. Relevant paras of the said judgment read as follows:“128.0rdinarily, we would have thought it appropriate to relegate the parties before the Regulatory Authority to refix the school-fees for the academic year 2020-21 after taking into account all aspects of the matter including the advantage gained by the school Management due to unspent overheads/ expenses in respect of facilities not availed by the students. However, that course can be obviated by the arrangement that we propose to direct in terms of this judgment. To avoid multiplicity of proceedings (as school fee structure is linked to school-school wise) including uncertainty of legal processes by over 36,000 schools in determination of annual fee structure for the academic year 2020-21, as a one-time measure to do complete justice between the parties, we propose to issue the following directions: (i) The appellants (school Management of the concerned private un-

aided school) shall collect annual school fees from their students as fixed under the Act of 2016 for the academic year 201920, but by providing deduction of 15 per cent on that amount in lieu of unutilised facilities by the students during the relevant period of academic year 2020-21. (ii) The amount so payable by the concerned students be paid in six equal monthly installments before 05.08.2021 as noted in our order dated 08.02.2021. (iii) Regardless of the above, it will be open to the appellants (concerned schools) to give further concession to their students or to evolve a different pattern for giving concession over and above those noted in clauses (i) and (ii) above (iv)The school Management shall not debar any student from attending either online classes or physical classes on account of non-payment of fees, arrears/ outstanding fees including the installments, referred to above, and shall not withhold the results of the examinations of any student on that account. (v) If any individual request is made by the parent/ward finding it difficult to remit annual fees for the academic year 2020-21 in the above terms, the school Management to consider such representation on case-to-case basis sympathetically. ( vi) The a bove a rrangement will not affect collection of fees for the academic year 2021-22, as is payable by students of the concerned school as and when it becomes due and payable. (vii) The school Management shall not withhold the name of any student/ candidate for the ensuring Board examinations for Classes X and XII on the ground of nonpayment of fee/arrears for the academic year 2020-21, if any, on obtaining undertaking of the concerned parents/ students.”

The Delhi High Court in the case of Action Committee Unaided Private Schools Vs Directorate of Education (W.P. (C) 7526/2020) have also upheld the same judgment passed by the Supreme

Court on 03.05.2021 in the case of Indian School, Jodhpur & Anr. Vs State of Rajasthan & Ors (supra).

The Union while addressing the untold privation and destitution faced by the people would also like to request the government to be sensitive to the predicament faced by the parents in these harsh times.

The Union therefore in consideration to the pandemic induced situation, put forward the following charter of representation for your consideration and implementation of the same.

Charter of Representation:The NASU has here under formulated the following charter of representation which is hereby submitted to the state government for favour of your action and the implementation of the same.

1. Waiving off school fees for unaided recognized private institutions: The Union while acknowledging the selfless service rendered by the staffs and management of every institution be it aided or unaided establishments, strongly urge the government to pass an order directing all unaided recognized private institutions to waive off certain percent of tuition fees for the un utilized facilities until formal or physical classes commences.

2. Institutions/School Management to not debar students from attending exams, online classes on account of non-payment of fees/arrears/outstanding fees.

3. Institutions/School Management to not withhold the results of the examination of any students an account of nonpayment of fees/arrears/ outstanding fees.

4. Institutions/School Management to consider request made by the parent ward finding it difficult to remit annual fees due to financial/economic hardships caused by the lockdown.

We trust that your authority would seriously implement our propositions.

President, Northern Angami Students Union and General Secretary, Northern Angami Students Union

pital admission, with the control room finding the patient a bed quickly.

Printed handouts and handbooks on proper mask-wearing, hand-washing, risks associated with travel and shopping, immunity development, risks that need to be avoided will help. Enforcement of masks and distancing in public places must go on till the country is fully vaccinated.

The measures suggested above require hard work and efficient management by state governments, by a team of reputed professionals and civil servants. They must closely monitor the field data to help leaders take correct decisions.

Above all, a high level of transparency on Covid management, particularly on vaccination, beds, supplies, infections and deaths, is a must to handle this warlike situation. Daily briefing by a professional, not a politician, is the need of the hour at both the Centre and state level, giving some confidence and assurance to the public. Transparency

is a good medicine to lessen public panic.

What was going on in this country was worse than a war, because in a war the enemy is seen and known. In this war, the enemy is not seen, its ways are unknown, and it can speedily change its tactics.

Let us not declare victory because of the declining trend in cases. Another wave may be lurking. This calls for total co-operation of the central and the state governments and also the public. The central government must realise that states are on the forefront in this war, and therefore, play a supporting and proactive role. It has only a minor, behind-the-scenes role in the health sector.

The sooner it realises this, the better will be our Covid management now, and in the coming waves.

R Poornalingam (This column first appeared in the print edition of Indian Express on June 21, 2021. The writer is former health secretary, government of Tamil Nadu)

Learning while staying at home?

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he pandemic has forced the teaching and learning process to migrate to the digital mode, thereby impacting the education system to face an upheaval like never before. For most teachers and students, shifting to online classes was rather new and sudden. This has posed several challenges to teachers and students. Some students have taken to digital learning with ease and comfort like fish swimming in the water. But for many, it has been a long struggle, stress and strain because of many factors. Online classes have both bright dimensions as well as dark shades.

Schools that are able to provide online classes along with co-scholastic activities and regular peer to-peer interaction have seen better mental health situation among students. For others, it has become monotonous, and this has led to a rise in anxiety and hyperactivity among children. In traditional education, students have a limited syllabus, whereas in online learning students have a vast choice of the syllabus. Through online classes, students can learn more things outside of their syllabus, which become very useful for their future. Digital platforms provide unlimited paths with a wide range of choices. Students can study anything they want to learn at any level. From learning a new language to building a website, students can learn each and everything from online classes. Online learning saves the time and money of travelling. It also offers a flexible schedule that permits students to study at their own convenience. Students can gain knowledge by watching the videos of any subjects at any time. The other side of online learning is that children are inevitably

spending more time in front of a screen. The exposure to blue light from the screen can put heavy strain on their eyes, causing itching, dryness and burning sensations.

Medical experts recommend the 20-20-20 formula, which involves a 20 second screen break, every 20 minutes.

Poor posture such as slouching at a desk for long periods puts pressure on the back muscles and ligaments triggering neck aches, back pain and headaches. Some children may be lacking the motivation to learn, as they don’t have any of the social interaction or live engagement that they usually get in a school environment.

Add to this the complex interplay of reduced instruction time, lack of direct context and contact between students and teachers, and other myriad challenges with online learning. The cumulative effect of all this is a learning gap between what students would have typically learned and what they have actually learned.

One must remember online learning is possible where the internet services are robust. Online education is still a dream in villages where internet services are poor. The poor have neither access to proper internet services nor computers to follow online classes. Infrastructural facilities such as computer with internet are expensive, and even mobile phone costs Rs.10,000 to Rs.15,000. Out of 1.6 million schools across the country, not even 10 percent can afford this. So, what we must understand and accept is that it might work for only a small percentage of elite institutions and communities.

Rev. Fr. C. Joseph, Counsellor, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Jakhama, Kohima, Nagaland

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Ignorance is bliss

Most of the shopkeepers of Dimapur have not been wearing masks. Not only that, the street vendors and hawkers in particular where a lot of people usually throng the area have been exhibiting this brave act of not wearing masks and not maintaining social distances. Is this sheer negligence or foolishness? When lacs of people across the globe have died due to the failure of taking up preventive measures at the correct time, a lot of people in Dimapur have been taking things too lightly. Along with these shopkeepers, some uniform people manning the streets have also been seen not wearing masks. Therefore, it is my earnest request to the concerned authorities to keep a check on these activities and see to it that the defaulters are either penalized or taught a lesson.

Chumben, Dimapur

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

Modi terms yoga ray of hope in pandemic announces app as world celebrates Yoga Day

NEW DELHI, JUN 21 (PTI): Yoga is a ray of hope and source of strength in the fight against Covid, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Monday as tens of thousands of people across the globe touched their toes, stretched towards the skies and breathed in and out mindfully to mark the seventh International Day of Yoga.

From mountains to beaches and town squares to neighbourhood parks, and in homes in distant corners of the world and country, people spread out their mats to perform ‘asanas’ and ‘pranayama’ breathing exercises, some as part of their daily fitness routine and others to take part in the celebration of the ancient Indian wellness discipline.

Linking the practice of yoga to the battle against the pandemic, Modi announced the ‘M-Yoga’ application in collaboration with the World Health Organization. The application will have many videos of yoga training based on ‘common yoga protocol’ available in

different languages.

Terming it a great example of the fusion of modern technology and ancient science, the prime minister also expressed the hope that the M-Yoga app will help in spreading yoga the world over and contribute to the efforts of ‘One World, One Health’.

President Ram Nath Kovind described yoga as one of India’s greatest gifts to the world. “#InternationalDayOfYoga greetings! Our ancient seers’ vision of bringing mind-body together to achieve holistic health and happiness has benefited millions over millennia. One of India’s great gifts to the world, it can be especially helpful during Covid-19. #BeWithYogaBeAtHome,” the Rashtrapati Bhavan tweeted, along with a picture of Kovind performing yoga.

Addressing a yoga day programme, the prime minister said there were several instances of doctors and nurses conducting yoga sessions in hospitals and

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

Narendra Modi (PTI)

experts stressing the importance of yogic breathing exercises in strengthening the respiratory system.

“At a time when the whole world is fighting the coronavirus pandemic, yoga remains a ray of hope,” Modi said. In the last oneand-a-half years, lakhs of new yoga practitioners were added in every corner of the world, Modi said.

“When the unseen coronavirus knocked on the doors of the world, no country was prepared for it in terms of resources, capability and mental toughness.

We all have seen that in such difficult times, yoga has become a great source of inner

strength,” he said.

Yoga, Modi added, tells us that so many problems might be out there, but we have infinite solutions within ourselves.

“At times, the lives of people exist in silos. These divisions reflect in the overall personality as well. The shift from silos to union is yoga. A proven way to experience a realisation of oneness is yoga,” he asserted.

Despite the pandemic, this year’s theme for International Yoga Day “Yoga for wellness” has raised the morale of the people.

He wished for the health of every country, society and individual, and hoped that “we will be united and will strengthen each other”.

Yoga shows us the way from stress to strength and from negativity to creativity, Modi asserted.

Many schools now begin their online classes with yogic exercises like ‘pranayama’, he said, adding that this prepares children physically to deal with Covid. Indian missions across the world organised special events to

mark the day.

At the iconic Times Square in New York, for instance, over 3,000 people assembled to perform ‘asanas’, with social distancing in place, to celebrate the day As the city opened up following the COVID-19 pandemic, people turned out in huge numbers for the event that included yoga, meditation and exercise sessions by renowned yoga practitioners.

“While we celebrate yoga in various parts of the world, celebrating yoga here in Times Square is very special, very unique.

More importantly, yoga is a universal idea and universal thought, a universal action. And what better place than Times Square to celebrate a universal thought.

This is the crossroads of the world,” India’s Consul General Randhir Jaiswal said in his address.

And in Kathmandu, the Indian Embassy organised a special programme virtually as part of its ongoing celebration of India@75 ‘Azaadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’.

SC reserves verdict on Rs 4l ex-gratia compensation to kin of covid deceased NEW DELHI, JUN 21 (PTI): The Supreme Court Monday reserved verdict on the pleas seeking directions that ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh be paid to the families of those who have died of COVID-19.

A special vacation bench comprising Justices Ashok Bhushan and M R Shah heard Solicitor General Tushar Mehta and senior advocate S B Upadhyay and other lawyers for almost two hours.

The top court asked the parties to file written submissions in three days and specifically directed the Centre to simplify the process of grant of death certificates to the dependents of those who have died of COVID-19.

The Centre had earlier told the apex court that the ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh cannot be paid to the families of those who have died of COVID-19 as the finances of state governments and the Centre are under severe strain.

In an affidavit filed before the top court, the Ministry of Home Affairs said it has by way of “Minimum

Supreme Court of India

Standard Relief ” under section 12 of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, taken several steps providing for substantial and speedy measures by way of, increase in the health, infrastructure, ensuring food safety to every citizen.

Advocate Gaurav Kumar Bansal, one of the petitioners in the matter, had argued that under section 12(iii) of the Disaster Management Act, 2005, every family whose member died due to disaster is entitled for ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4,00,000.

He had argued that since COVID-19 has been declared as a disaster and

as per the order dated April 8, 2015, every family whose member dies due to disaster is entitled for ex-gratia compensation of Rs 4 lakh.

The counsel, appearing for another petitioner ReepakKansal, had argued that a large number of deaths were taking place due to COVID-19 and death certificates need to be issued, as only after that the affected family members can claim compensation under section 12 (iii) of the Act. In his plea, Kansal has said that states should be directed to fulfil their obligation to take care of victims of COVID-19 and also their family members.

Centre to increase pace of COVID-19 CBSE, CISCE class XII board results will be out by July 31: SC told vaccination in July-August: Amit Shah

AHMEDABAD, JUN 21 (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said the central government has decided to increase the pace of vaccination against COVID-19 in July and August.

Talking to reporters after visiting a vaccination centre in Ahmedabad, Shah said with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to provide free vaccine against COVID-19 to people aged 18 and above, “we will fast achieve the goal of inoculating almost everyone”.

“The central government has decided to increase the pace of vaccination in July and August,” he added.

Shah said from Monday morning, an important jour-

ney has started in the fight against COVID-19 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The PM had taken an important decision that the Centre will provide free of cost vaccination to those aged 18 and above, he said while congratulating Modi for it. In a country having such huge population, providing free vaccination is a big decision, Shah said.

On the International Yoga Day on Monday, the drive of free vaccine for all is being launched across the country, Shah said, adding that India was already on top in the vaccination programme. “Now we will reach the target to vaccinate almost all very fast,” he said

after visiting the vaccination centre at Pandit Deendayal Upadhyaya hall in Bodakdev area of Ahmedabad.

Shah also appealed to citizens to get vaccinated against the coronavirus at the earliest.

“Those who have taken their first dose, should also get their second shot if it is due as per the government’s guideline. Only after receiving both the doses can we make ourselves safe against coronavirus,” Shah said.

He was accompanied

by Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel.

Shah, who represents the Gandhinagar Lok Sabha constituency in Gujarat, is on a two-day visit to his home state.

NEW DELHI, JUN 21 (PTI): The CBSE and CISCE boards have told the Supreme Court that class XII board examination results would be declared by July 31 and the students, desirous of taking up the board examination physically of CBSE can do so between August 15 to September 15, subject to conducive pandemic situation.

The CISCE said its students can take improvement examinations which may commence from September 1, subject to the situation remaining conducive.

In affidavits filed by the both the boards before the top court, they have said that as per the scheme the results for Class XII Board Examination 2021 shall be declared by July 31.

The apex court was told by both Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and the Council for the Indian School Certificate Examinations (CICSE) that they have amended their respective evaluation scheme to assess Class 12 students and incorporated a dispute resolution mechanism for the candidates who have any objections with regard to the results.

“I fur ther say that regarding the date before which the optional examination for the candidates who are not satisfied with their assessment with the policy, the examinations for such candidates shall be conducted any time between August 15, 2021 to September 15, 2021, subject to conducive situation,” said the affidavit

filed by Sanyam Bhardwaj, controller of examinations in CBSE. The CISCE in its affidavit said, “The CISCE will endeavour to hold the improvement examinations as expeditiously as possible after the declaration of the results. Subject to the situation remaining conducive and stable and declaration of results in a timely fashion, the improvement examinations should commence before September 1, 2021”..

The CBSE said it has incorporated a clause which said that the dispute with regard to computation of results will be referred to a Committee constituted by the board. It said that the scheme has been further amended to say that after declaration of result, if the candidates are not satisfied

with their result, CBSE will provide online facility for registration for the examination. The CBSE said that it has complied with the direction given on June 17 by the top court which asked it to provide for a dispute resolution mechanism, in case the students apply for correction of the final result declared by the CBSE. The apex court had also directed the CBSE to specify the timeline for declaration of the result and the date before which the optional examination will be conducted, subject to conducive situation and logistical constraints.

“Examination will be conducted by the board only in the main subjects as and when conditions are conducive for holding the

examinations. However, the marks obtained by a candidate in this examination will be treated as final for those who opt to take this examination,” the CBSE said in its affidavit.

With regard to private or second chance compartment candidate, the CBSE said that there examinations shall be conducted in such a manner so that they will fall within the assessment policy for the academic year 20192020 as approved by this the top court last year and, their results shall be declared in accordance with the said assessment policy.

“Their examinations shall also be conducted anytime between August 15, 2021 to September 15, 2021, subject to conducive situation,” the affidavit said.

Man gets 2 Covid ST. STEPHEN’S HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL jabs in 30 minutes, Near D.C’s Office Complex, D.C. Court Area no adverse event DIMAPUR - 797112, NAGALAND

School E-mail : ststephenshrsecschool@gmail.com School Website : www.ststephensdimapur.com ADMISSION FORMS FOR CLASS–11 (ELEVEN) (ARTS AND SCIENCE) FOR THE ACADEMIC SESSION 2021–2022 CAN BE OBTAINED FROM THE SCHOOL OFFICE ON ALL WORKING DAYS, I.E. MONDAY TO SATURDAY BETWEEN 8 A.M AND 12 NOON. THE SCHOOL PROVIDES FULL TIME TRAINED LECTURERS IN BOTH THE STREAMS. THE SCHOOL ALSO PROVIDES GOOD HOSTEL FACILITIES SEPARATELY FOR BOTH BOYS & GIRLS UNDER THE GOOD GUIDANCE OF THE MANAGEMENT. For more details, please contact : 8837343834, 7005023436, 9402682861 DP-2862

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BA R I PA DA , J U N 2 1 (PTI): A 51-year-old man in Odisha was administered 2 doses of a Covid vaccine within 30 minutes of each other, prompting the authorities to order an inquiry though he suffered no adverse event, official sources said on Monday. Prasanna Kumar Sahu of Raghupur village in Mayurbhanj district visited the vaccination camp on Saturday for the first dose after booking a slot. After taking the shot, as he was waiting for the 30minute observation period to get over, a nurse came in and nonchalantly injected a fresh dose even before he could protest, Sahu claimed.

national/STATE

‘No scientific evidence that vax causes infertility’ NEW DELHI, JUN 21 (AGENCIES): There are “no scientific evidences” suggesting that COVID19 vaccination can cause infertility, the centre said today following false claims and reports on vaccine sideeffects.

The centre clarified that none of the available vaccines in India affects fertility as “all vaccines and their constituents are tested first on animals and later in humans to assess if they have any such side effects.”

“The vaccines have been found to be safe and effective,” it said. India is using two vaccines -- Covishield and Covaxin -- at present.

Vaccines are authorised for use only after their safety and efficacy is assured, the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare said. It

said there have been media reports expressing concerns regarding infertility due to Covid vaccination. “Such misinformation and rumours were observed to be spreading in the community during the vaccination drives earlier too, like polio and measles-rubella,” the ministry added.

Meanwhile, the National Expert Group on Vaccine Administration for COVID-19 (NEGVAC) has said that all lactating women can be vaccinated, terming it as safe with “no need to stop or pause breastfeeding before or after the vaccination.”

With vaccine uptake already slow in the country, the false claims are a threat to the government’s goal of inoculating all adults by the end of this year.

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The country’s vaccination drive has significantly slowed in recent months due to a shortage of jabs and hesitancy, even as it battled a vicious surge in cases in April and May that overwhelmed the healthcare system in many places.

To boost its vaccination drive, the government today implemented the revised guidelines under the “Free Vaccination For All Campaign” where vaccine doses provided free-of-cost by the centre will be allocated to states based on criteria such as population, disease burden and the progress of vaccination, and all above the age of 18 will be eligible for the free jabs. The centre will now procure 75 percent of the vaccines being produced by the manufacturers in the country.

in the killing of seven security forces’ personnel and five civilians, besides two grenade attacks.

“The group was also involved in two major attacks in Sopore -- the first one on March 29 in which two municipal councillors and a policeman were killed and another on June 12 in which two policemen and two civilians were killed in the main market area,” the DGP said. Inspector general of police (IGP), Kashmir

Elderly man’s communal video: Twitter India MD wants to join probe GHAZIABAD, JUN 21 (PTI): The Twitter India managing director has offered to join through video conference the Ghaziabad police probe into the circulation of a communally sensitive video clip of an elderly Muslim man on the social media platform, officials said on Monday.

Managing Director Manish Maheshwari, who lives in Bengaluru in Karnataka, was issued notice by the Ghaziabad police on June 17 and asked to report at its Loni Border police station within seven days to get his statement recorded in the case, the officials added.

“The Twitter India MD has responded and offered to join the probe via video call for the time being. He has assured of his cooperation

with the police,” Superintendent of Police (Ghaziabad Rural) Iraj Raja told PTI. “Twitter India officials have also provided the police with some information and clarifications on the issue.

In light of this information, we are going to send another notice to relevant officials of Twitter India,” Raja said.

The Ghaziabad police is yet to take a call on Maheshwari’s response on joining the probe through video conference, the officer said. The Ghaziabad police has so far issued notices to Twitter India and news website The Wire in the case in which some journalists and opposition Congress politicians have been accused of sharing the video with an intention to provoke communal unrest.

No. 9954 Yesterday’s solution No. 9953

No. 4574 Yesterday’s solution No. 4573

No. 3598 Yesterday’s solution No. 3597

Across 1. Maltreat (5) 6. Flies high (5) 9. Uncover or reveal (3,4) 10. Bar of gold (5) 11. Organs for breathing (5) 12. Irritates (5) 13. Infectious disease (7) 15. Enemy (3) 17. Prayer ending (4) 18. Thin cord (6) 19. Surrenders (5) 20. Saffron (6) 22. Gaelic (4) 24. Farmyard bird (3) 25. Portion (7) 26. Girl’s name (5) 27. Death-dealing (5) 28. Stinging insects (5) 29. Melodious (7) 30. Runs away (5) 31. Fashionable (5) Down 2. Breed of small fowl (6) 3. Catchword (6) 4. Consume (3) 5. Bulgaria’s capital (5) 6. Chooses (7) 7. Burden (4) 8. Area (6) 12. Goes up (5) 13. Game (5) 14. Fruit (5) 15. Fine thread (5) 16. Wading bird (5) 18. Number (5) 19. Cloud type (7) 21. Recollect (6) 22. Preser ve after death (6) 23. Hidden gunman (6) 25. Having a pleasant taste (5) 26. Identical (4) 28. Used to be (3)

RGTF reminds DoSE to rectify anomalies

(From p-1) the date of appointment while others derived from the date of cabinet sitting.

“This gives a clear picture of using three different yardsticks while determining the seniority of graduate teachers,” the forum said, adding that it portrayed “a blur picture”. The forum said that implementing the same would create an abnormal

hierarchy.

RGTF Dimapur, on behalf of RGTFN, has, therefore, appealed to the department to forward the long-awaited review meeting minutes of Nagaland School Education Service Rules 2017, which was held on June 20, 2020, for cabinet approval at the earliest in order to solve all seniority clashes of its cadres.

JDU chief slams Chirag Paswan for his ‘lion’s son’ and ‘orphan’ remarks PATNA, JUN 21 (IANS): After the split in the Lok Janshakti Party, the verbal war between Chirag Paswan and JDU national president RCP Singh has intensified.

RCP Singh on Monday lambasted Chirag Paswan and said that he should decide whether he is the son of a lion or he is an orphan. Singh’s comment came in the context of Chirag Paswan’s statement where he claimed on Saturday that he is the son of a lion and he will fight against the present crisis as a lion. A day later, Chirag gave another statement where he declared himself as an orphan after losing control of the party.

“If Chirag is saying that Late Ram Vilas Paswan was a lion then Pashupati Kumar Paras is also the brother of a lion,” Singh said. The split in the Lok Janshakti Party happenned 10 days ago when Paras declared himself as the leader of the party in Parliament and also mentioned the support of 5 MPs to Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla. Paras was also elected president of the LJP after an executive committee meeting in Patna on Friday. Sources have said that the separation between Chirag Paswan and Paras happened due to Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Chirag Paswan also alleged

that Nitish Kumar was directly involved in the LJP crisis. The statement against Nitish Kumar caused JDU leaders to retaliate against Paswan.

RCP Singh was vocal against Chirag Paswan as soon as the LJP crisis began.

“Chirag Paswan has committed so many blunders in the recent past. The people of Bihar and his own party workers and leaders were not happy with whatever he did during the Bihar assembly election.

Now, it’s results are coming in the form of a split in the party,” Singh said.

He added that digesting success is not an easy thing for all. You can achieve something but maintaining it is a big thing.

Chirag Paswan failed on this account, Singh said.

Singh added that Chirag Paswan has done just the opposite of his father Late Ram Vilas Paswan who did not believe in the politics of sabotage. He had an ideology of maintaining a coalition pact. On the other hand, Chirag did just the reverse of his father’s ideology and is now paying the price for it. He has been doing negative politics since the death of his father. As a result, four MPs and his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras left him, Singh said.

AAP’s CM face for Punjab to be from Sikh community: Kejriwal AMRITSAR, JUN 21 (PTI): Delhi Chief Minister and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal on Monday announced that the party’s chief ministerial face for the 2022 Punjab assembly polls will be from the Sikh community.

When asked who will be the CM’s face of the party for the 2022 polls, Kejriwal said, “Discussions are going on in the party regarding this, when time comes, you will be informed”.

“But one thing I can tell you is that the entire Punjab will be proud of him. One thing is certain that AAP’s CM face will be from the Sikh community,” he said.

Kejriwal, who is the AAP national convener, asserted that the people of LOST NOTICE I, Aremo L Humtsoe, am applying for duplicate copy of BA Pass Certificate, as I have lost it.

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Punjab are fed up with the present leadership ruling the state and added that the state is looking for a new type of leadership.

Kejriwal was here to induct former IPS officer Kunwar Vijay Pratap Singh, who was part of the SIT probing the 2015 Kotkapura police firing incident in Punjab, into the Aam Aadmi Party here.

Singh joined the party fold in presence of Kejriwal and other senior leaders including Raghav Chadha and AAP state unit chief and MP, Bhagwant Mann.

When asked during a press conference if the AAP’s CM face can be from the Dalit community, Kejriwal replied, “Entire Punjab will be proud of him and he will be from Sikh community”.

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area since June 19. “There are 18 FIRs against him and he was involved in the killing of nine security forces’ personnel, four civilians, two former militants, three sarpanches and two separatists,” the DGP said.

He said the other slain militants were a Pakistani national named Abdullah alias Asrar, who was working with Pandit for long, and Khursheed Mir of Sopore against whom there were six FIRs and who was involved

of School Education & Literacy (Mid Day Meal Division), under the head “Allocation of foodgrains for Nagaland for the 1st quarter (for the period April 1, 2021 to June 30,2021)” number of children approved by the Project Approval Board for Nagaland under primary stage was 1,15,973 while number of working days approved by PAB was 56 and 649.46 metric tonnes of rice allocated.

Under upper primary stage, 37760 number of children approved, 56 working days 317.18 MT of rice and under National Child Labour Project PAB approved 2200 number of children, 78 working days while 25.74MT rice was allocated.

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ing Pandit, in the area.

“The operation was very important for the police and security forces. In the encounter, three dreaded terrorist commanders, who were active for a long time and were involved in several terror crimes, were killed,” Singh told reporters at a press conference here.

He identified one of the slain militants as Mudasir Pandit alias Umer alias Mass Bhai, who was the LeT commander of the

ing an extrusion process, to improve its nutritional value and provide public health benefits at minimal cost.

In a bid to ensure nutritional security, Centre had decided to scale up the distribution of fortified rice and start its supply through Integrated Child Development Services and MidDay Meal scheme from April 2021.

Currently, fortified rice is being distributed via ration shops, also called the public distribution system (PDS), in one district each in six states out of the 15 states identified for implementation of a central scheme on a pilot basis for three months in 2019-20.

According to Ministry of Education, Department

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Security personnel during an encounter at Sopore in Baramulla district, June 21. (PTI)

Vijay Kumar said the slain militants were hiding in a house that belonged to the family of another militant.

“I urge the militant families not to give shelter to active militants. Then they blame the police for misbehaving with them....

The families of militants should refrain from providing food and shelter to active militants,” he said.

The IGP said there was a huge support from the locals in tracking the militants.

“We had circulated posters with the images of all three wanted militant commanders. The police tracked them down to their exact location, but the locals supported us. I thank the locals for the huge support,” he said. General Officer Commanding (GoC) of the Army’s Kilo Force Major General H S Sahi said a soldier was injured in the operation and he was evacuated to a hospital where his condition is stated to be stable.

Maj. Gen. Sahi also appealed to the local militants to give up their arms and join the national mainstream.

(From p-1) the authority concerned, if they had any doubt, instead of forwarding such posts blatantly so that the authority concerned could find out the fact.

He said the report would be shared with all investigating agencies.

It may be recalled that similar video clips had surfaced a few years ago claiming that plastic rice was mixed with genuine rice in other parts of India. However, with regard to Nagaland, so far such allegations have not been proved.

For tifying rice involves grinding broken rice into powder, mixing it with nutrients, and then shaping it into rice-like kernels us-

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SR I NAG A R , J U N 2 1 (PTI): One of the most wanted militants, Mudasir Pandit, and a Pakistani ultra were among the three militants killed in an overnight encounter with security forces in the Sopore area of Jammu and Kashmir’s Baramulla district, police said on Monday.

Director General of Police (DGP) Dilbag Singh said all the three slain militants were top commanders of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) outfit.

The operation was very important for the police and other security forces as the militants were involved in several attacks and killings, he added. These include two major attacks in Sopore -- one on March 29 in which two municipal councillors and a policeman were killed and another on June 12 in which two policemen and an equal number of civilians were killed.

The encounter broke out late on Sunday night as the security forces launched a cordon-and-search operation following information about the presence of at least three militants, includ-

Lab test confirms fortified rice, not plastic

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Top LeT terrorist among 3 killed in J&K encounter

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

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Iran’s new prez says he won’t meet Biden Biden to meet with Ghani at WH amid Dubai, Jun 21 (AP): Iran’s president-elect said on Monday he would not meet with President Joe Biden nor negotiate over Tehran’s ballistic missile program and its support of regional militias, sticking to a hard-line position following his landslide victory in last week’s election.

Judiciary chief Ebrahim Raisi also described himself as a “defender of human rights” when asked about his involvement in the 1988 mass execution of some 5,000 people. It marked the first time he’s been put on the spot on live television over that dark moment in Iranian history at the end of the Iran-Iraq war.

“The US is obliged to lift all oppressive sanctions against Iran,” Raisi said at the news conference.

Raisi sat in front of a sea of microphones, most from Iran and countries home to militias supported

by Tehran. He looked nervous at the beginning of his comments but slowly became more at ease over the hourlong news confer-

Ebrahim Raisi

ence.

Asked about Iran’s ballistic missile program and its support of regional militias, Raisi described the issues as “non-negotiable.”

Tehran’s fleet of attack aircraft date largely back to before the 1979 Islamic Revolution, forcing Iran to instead invest in missiles as a hedge against its regional Arab neighbors, who have purchased billions of dollars in American military hardware over the years.

Those missiles, with a selfimposed range limit of 2,000 kilometers can reach across the Mideast and US military bases in the region.

Iran also relies on militias like Yemen’s Houthi

rebels and Lebanon’s militant Hezbollah group for counterbalance against enemies such as Saudi Arabia and Israel, respectively.

On a possible meeting with Biden, Raisi simply answered: “No.” His moderate competitor in the election, Abdolnasser Hemmati, had suggested during campaigning that he’d be potentially willing to meet Biden.

The White House did not immediately respond to Raisi’s statements Monday.

Raisi will become the first serving Iranian president sanctioned by the US government even before entering office, in part over his time as the head of Iran’s internationally criticized judiciary — one of the world’s top executioners.

The victory of Raisi, a protégé of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, came amid the lowest turnout in the Islamic Republic’s history.

Millions of Iranians stayed home in defiance of a vote they saw as tipped in Raisi’s favour after a panel under Khamenei disqualified his

strongest competition.

Of those who did vote, 3.7 million people either accidentally or intentionally voided their ballots, far beyond the amount seen in previous elections and suggesting some wanted none of the four candidates. In official results, Raisi won 17.9 million votes overall, nearly 62% of the total 28.9 million cast. In Tehran, the election saw a 34% turnout, a number far lower in previous years that saw polling stations noticeably empty.

Raisi’s election puts hard-liners firmly in control across the government as negotiations in Vienna continue to try to save a tattered deal meant to limit Iran’s nuclear program, at a time when Tehran is enriching uranium at 60%, its highest levels ever, though still short of weapons-grade levels. Representatives of the world powers party to the deal returned to their capitals for consultations following the latest round of negotiations on Sunday.

Then-President Donald Trump unilaterally withdraw America from

the landmark agreement in 2018, setting in motion months of tensions across the region.

Raisi’s election victory has raised concerns that it could complicate a possible return to the nuclear agreement. In his remarks on Monday, Raisi called sanctions relief as “central to our foreign policy” and exhorted the US to “return and implement your commitments” in the deal.

On Sunday, Iran’s sole nuclear plant at Bushehr underwent an unexplained emergency shutdown. Previously, Iranian officials had warned US sanctions affected their ability to get parts for the facility.

On Saudi Arabia, which has recently started secret talks with Iran in Baghdad to reduce tensions with Iran, Raisi said that Iran would have “no problem” with a possible reopening of the Saudi Embassy in Tehran and the “restoration of relations faces no barrier.” The embassy was closed in 2016 when relations deteriorated.

US troop pullout from Afghanistan

Washington, Jun 21 (PTI): President Joe Biden would meet Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and his chief peacemaker Dr Abdullah Abdullah at the White House on Friday for the first face-to-face interaction ahead of the withdrawal of the remaining US and NATO forces from the war-torn country

by September 11.

The visit by President Ghani and Dr. Abdullah will highlight the enduring partnership between the United States and Afghanistan as the military drawdown from Afghanistan continues, White House Press Secretary Jen Psaki said on Sunday.

“Biden looks forward to welcoming Afghan President Ashraf Ghani and Dr. Abdullah Abdullah, Chairman of the High Council for National Reconciliation, to the White House on June 25,” she said.

The high-level meeting will take place as the Taliban insurgents have in recent weeks captured

President Joe Biden and his Afghan counterpart Ashraf Ghani.

dozens of new districts in Afghanistan and both sides are said to have suffered heavy casualties.

The escalation in fighting between Afghan security forces and Taliban militants have dealt fresh blows to the US-brokered peace negotiations between Kabul and the insurgents.

The US, Psaki said, is committed to providing diplomatic, economic, and humanitarian assistance to support Afghan people, including Afghan women, girls and minorities.

She said the United States will remain deeply engaged with the government of Afghanistan to ensure the country never again

becomes a safe haven for terrorist groups who pose a threat to the US homeland.

“The United States continues to fully support the ongoing peace process and encourages all Afghan parties to participate meaningfully in negotiations to bring an end to the conflict,” Psaki said.

The US military exit from Afghanistan before September 11 stems from the February 2020 agreement Washington signed with the Taliban in return for counterterrorism guarantees and pledges the group would negotiate a political settlement to the war with the Afghan government.

Debate over Myanmar upends Japanese firms, varsities begin on-site Covid vaccination start to UN rights body session

US envoy hopes N.Korea will accept dialogue offer Seoul, Jun 21 (IANS): Sung Kim, the newly appointed US special envoy for North Korea, on Monday said that Washington hoped for a positive response from Pyongyang over its dialogue offer.

He made the remarks during a trilateral meeting here with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, Noh Kyu-duk and Takehiro Funakoshi, Xinhua news agency reported.

“We continue to hope that North Korea will respond positively to our outreach and our offer to meet anywhere, anytime without preconditions,” Yonhap News Agency quoted Kim said as saying.

He also stressed that the administration of US President Joe Biden will continue to implement UN Security Council resolutions against Pyongyang.

“We will also urge all UN member states, especially UN Security Council members, to do the same, to address the threat posed to the international community by North Korea,” the envoy added.

Kim, who doubles as ambassador to Indonesia, arrived in Seoul on Saturday for a five-day trip, marking his first visit since he assumed office.

He is accompanied by Deputy Special Representative Jung Pak and Adam Farrar, director for the Korean Peninsula at the National Security Council.

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tion of Myanmar will be recognised.

“If we exclude the country concerned, this is not fair,” said Ambassador Chen Xu of China, urging the debates on Myanmar to be put off until the council’s next session in September.

But Western envoys insisted the rights situation in Myanmar was urgent, notably over alleged rights violations such as those suffered by the Muslim Rohingya minority and — more recently — protesters against the military takeover who have faced a deadly crackdown.

“We recognise that we are dealing with an unusual set of circumstances that have not arisen before,” said Rita French, Britain’s international ambassador for human rights. “But we need to be guided by relevant practice of what has

happened before.”

“The reason why two dialogues were mandated just a few months ago is because there is a human rights crisis in Myanmar,” she said.

Envoys ag reed to maintain the council’s schedule that includes the two debates on Myanmar. But the council president, Ambassador Nazhat Shameem Khan of Fiji, acknowledged her office would continue to assess whether they would proceed, and said the plans could still change.

Pressure has been growing against Myanmar’s military. In a rare move, the UN General Assembly on Friday condemned the takeover and called for an arms embargo against the country in a resolution that demanded the restoration of the country’s democratic transition.

Gratitude to YeS Society The undersigned expresses deepest gratitude to the YeS Society, Dimapur for extending material help to all our bonafide members during these challenging times especially on the occasion of Father's Day. Through their generous act in memory of their father, members of the YeS Society led by APC, Y. Kikheto Sema, IAS has reminded us of the unmatchable importance of a father.

We pray that God Almighty shower abundant blessings upon the Society and wish success in all endeavours of its members.

Philimi Baptist Church Philimi Village Council Philimi Welfare Kohima, Dimapur, Akuhaito and Zunheboto

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

cination rollout and helping reduce the burden on local municipalities.

The two-dose vaccine developed by US biotech firm Moderna Inc. will be used for this initiative, Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato has announced.

Kato said that workplaces and universities will be in charge of deciding who gets vaccinated, although he recommended that the elderly and those with underlying health conditions be given priority.

The companies and universities, he said, will also be in charge of sourcing their own medical personnel to administer the jabs

A Tokyo Fire Department employee receives a COVID19 vaccine.

amid the nation’s lack of which has contributed to the medical personnel qualified country’s sluggish rollout. to give the vaccinations, As the government ramps

up its vaccination drive, it lifted the coronavirus state of emergency covering nine prefectures including Tokyo and Osaka on Monday, with Okinawa remaining under the emergency measures until July 11 due to a surge in cases and an overstretched medical system.

Seven of the nine prefectures including the capital are now under a quasi-state of emergency until July 11, which allows for targeted antiviral measures for particular areas within a prefecture, rather than the entire prefecture itself.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT On behalf of the fraternity of Power Department, we would like to convey our sincere gratitude to the Nagaland Motor Cycle Club, Dimapur Chapter, for cheerfully donating Rs. 50,000/-, to be distributed amongst Work Charge Field Workers under the Dimapur Electrical Division on 21st June 2021, coinciding with World Motor Cycle Day. Your good sense and charitable work brought immense encouragement to all our field staff, who are daily braving the COVID-19 pandemic to ensure minimal interruption of power supply at every hospitals and homes.

Together we can triumph over this difficult time. God bless all!

DP-2863

GENEVA, JUN 21 (AP): The UN’s top human rights body opened its latest session on Monday and was immediately embroiled in a debate over the representation of Myanmar, where a military takeover toppled the civilian government in February.

Western countries said that two planned debates about the human rights situation in Myanmar at the Human Rights Council’s 3-1/2 week session should go forward, even without the country represented.

But China, the Philippines and Venezuela insisted it should be on hand.

Myanmar hasn’t been represented at the UN in Geneva since the civilian government’s ambassador left after the junta took over. The UN General Assembly’s credentials committee is facing a decision about which representa-

Tokyo, Jun 21 (IANS): Japanese companies and universities on Monday began on-site Covid-19 vaccination for people aged under 65, while seven prefectures including Tokyo shifted from a fully-fledged to a quasi-state of emergency.

Major businesses administering the jabs included SoftBank Group Corp., Central Japan Railway Co. and Itochu Corp, reports Xinhua news agency.

On-sit inoculation also began at the Keio University, Tohoku University and Hiroshima University, among others. The new inoculation campaign is aimed at speeding up the country’s vac-

DC-505

-Sd(Er. Imsenkaba) Executive Engineer Dimapur Electrical Division Dimapur, Nagaland.

Super Techno Industry (Japan Techno) Address - Xekiye Village (Sub-Division) Kuhuboto, Dimapur : Nagaland Retail Price - Rupees 10 Give Away Price - Rupees 9 Contact - 8474013579 / 9366086626

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT "For this God is our God forever and ever; He will be our guide even to the end." Psalms 48:14

Lt. Mr. Rokotuolie Nakhro

Born : 05.01.1982 – Died : 11.06.2021

25.05.1964 – 28.05.2021

LATE JEPIHO AWOMI 06.06.1969 – 06.06.2021

We, the family members of Late Jepiho Awomi, express our gratitude to everyone who stood by us physically, spiritually, materially and financially during his illness and supported us through prayers until his demise on 06 June 2021.

We regret our inability to thank each individual; however we pray that God our Almighty bless you all abundantly.

Loving Wife, Daughters and Son K-1074

Through this column, we, the family members of Lt . Thitso Lohe, S /o Lt. Thüyenüyi Lohe who breathed his last on 28th May 2021 express our sincere gratitude to each and every individuals who stood by us financially, materially and prayer support at this difficult time. We regret our inability to offer thankfulness to each and every individuals but it is our humble prayer that the Almighty God shower His abundant blessings upon all of you.

Loving Wife, Children & Relatives DP-2868

God called your name so softly, That only you could hear, And no one heard the footsteps, Of angels drawing near, The golden gates stood open, God saw you needed rest; His garden must be beautiful, He only takes the best.

We, the bereaved family members would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to each and every one for immensely supporting us spiritually, physically and financially during his illness and at the time of his demise.

A special word of thanks to: 1. Baptist Church Jotsoma 5. Jotsoma Youth Organization 2. Calvary Baptist Church 6. Jotsoma Students' Union 3. Social Welfare Director and staff 7. Taxi Union, Phezhu 4. Jotsoma Village Council 8. Vitho Kro-u We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally; however, it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless each and every one of you abundantly.

Loving Wife, Children and Family Members K-1073 K Y M C

8

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, JUNE 22, 2021

EURO 2020: Netherlands win; Austria beat Ukraine to reach knockouts BUCHAREST, Jun 21 (Agencies): Goals from Memphis Depay and Georginio Wijnaldum helped the Netherlands beat North Macedonia to make it three wins from three at Euro 2020.

Frank de Boer’s side had already secured top spot in Group C with a game to spare having beaten Ukraine and Austria.

And they produced another dominant performance in front of 12,000 fans at the Johan Cruyff Arena in Amsterdam.

The Dutch opened the scoring with a devastating counter-attack, started by a Daley Blind tackle on the edge of his own box and finished by a first-time Memphis Depay strike from Donyell Malen’s cross.

Depay, playing his first game since his move to Barcelona was announced, now has nine goals and three assists in his past 10 games for the Netherlands.

Wijnaldum wrapped the game up in the sec-

(L) Gini Wijnaldum scored his second goal from a close range. (R) Austrian players celebrate after scoring a goal against Ukraine on Monday. (AP)

ond half with two goals in seven minutes, first tapping in from Depay’s well-placed cross, before Macedonian goalkeeper Stole Dimitrievski’s save from Depay fell nicely for another close-range finish from the Netherlands captain.

The Dutch will travel to Budapest for their last16 tie, where they will face

the third-placed finisher Hoffenheim midfieldfrom Group D, E or F on er Baumgartner turned in June 27.

David Alaba’s corner on minutes in Bucharest as Austria 2-1 Ukraine 21 Austria pipped Ukraine to Christoph Baumgart- second place in Group C ner’s first-half goal sent behind the Netherlands.

Austria through to the last Austria will play Italy 16 of Euro 2020 on Mon- at Wembley on June 26 day after a 1-0 win over after advancing from the Ukraine that left their op- group stage at a major ponents facing an anxious tournament for the first wait to see if they qualify. time since the 1982 World

Cup. Ukraine, eliminated in the group stage at the past two European Championships, must wait to find out if they advance as one of four best thirdplaced teams.

Andriy Shevchenko had ruled out his Ukraine team playing for the draw they needed to finish as runners-up, hav-

ing snapped a run of six straight losses at the competition with their 2-1 win over North Macedonia.

Austria coach Franco Foda recalled Marko Arnautovic after the forward missed the 2-0 defeat by the Netherlands while serving a one-match ban for insulting a North Macedonia player in their opening game.

Needing victory to be assured of a place in the next round, Austria went ahead as Baumgartner beat 18-year-old defender Illia Zabarnyi to Alaba’s corner and poked beyond Georgiy Bushchan.

Ukraine came close to an equaliser when Mykola Shaparenko drew a good low save from Daniel Bachmann, the rebound just eluding a lunging Andriy Yarmolenko, who had scored in the first two group games.

Baumgartner’s evening ended prematurely

due to injury and his replacement Alessandro Schopf soon set up Arnautovic, the for mer Stoke man dribbling wide moments after Konrad Laimer’s curling effort was punched away by Bushchan.

Austria nearly handed Ukraine a way back into the match when Stefan Lainer headed Viktor Tsygankov’s free-kick towards his own goal, but Bachmann reacted well to preserve the victory and a spot in the knockout phase.

FIXTURES Croatia Vs Scotland: 12:30 am (Wednesday) Czech Republic Vs England: 12:30 am (Wednesday)

Tejinder qualifies for Tokyo Olympics Copa America: Peru beat Colombia; Venezuela hold Ecuador with record-breaking show at IGP 4 Patiala, Jun 21 (PTI): Shot-putter Tejinder Singh Toor qualified for the Tokyo Olympics with a new national record at the Indian Grand Prix 4 here on a day when the national women’s 4x100m relay team and sprinter Dutee Chand also breached the previous best marks in the country. Toor crossed the Olympic Qualification mark with a throw of 21.49m and broke his own National Record. The Olympic Qualifying effort in this event is 21.10m.

The previous record, which was also in Toor’s name, stood at 20.92m and was set in 2019.

The women’s relay team, however, failed to place itself inside the Olympic qualifying bracket despite the record effort of its own.

The quartet of Hima Das, Dutee Chand, S Dhanalakshmi and Archana Suseendran clocked 43.37 seconds to win the race ahead of India ‘B’ team (48.02 seconds) and Maldives (50.74) in the three team race.

The Indian team bettered the previous record of 43.42 seconds set in 2016 in Almaty by the quartet of Merlin K Joseph, H M Jyothi, Srabani Nanda and Dutee.

But the quartet failed to clock below 43.05 seconds needed to be among the top 16 teams in the Road to Tokyo list.

Tejinder Singh Toor. (File)

Sixteen team will run in the women’s 4x100m relay race in Tokyo Games.

India was placed 22nd before Monday’s race on the basis of its 43.81 seconds performance during the 2019 Asian Championships. Monday’s 43.37 seconds will take India to the 20th spot.

Olympic-bound Kamalpreet Kaur bettered her earlier national record mark in women’s discus throw by hurling the iron disc to a distance of 66.59m.

But her performance will not be counted as the new national record as she was the lone competitor in the event.

“As per rules, for national record purposes, the number of competitors should at least be three. So, her performance will not be counted as national record.

But it will be considered for other purposes like ranking,” AFI Secretary Ravin-

der Chaudhry told PTI. Kaur had become the country’s first woman discus thrower to breach the 65m mark with a national record mark of 65.06m during the Federation Cup here in March, which also booked her a spot in the Tokyo Olympics.

Her performance on Monday will place her 8th in the Road to Tokyo list, and could put her in the medal contention bracket.

The bronze medal winners in the 2012 and 2016 Olympics came up with 66.38m and 65.34m efforts respectively.

Sprinter Dutee Chand also shattered a national record in the women’s 100m event. She completed the race in 11.17seconds. However, the Olympic Qualification time in this event is 11.15s.

The previous record was 11.21 seconds, also created by Dutee.

Goiania, Jun 21 (Agencies): Sergio Pena got among the goal-scoring charts as Peru defeated Colombia in the ongoing Copa America here at Estadio Olimpico Pedro Ludovico on Monday.

Colombia’s Yerry Mina also registered an own goal and as a result, Peru ended up winning the match 2-1.

With this win, Peru has risen to the third spot in Group A and the side now has three points from two games.

Colombia remains at the second spot with four points from three games.

In the first half, Peru took the lead in the 17th minute as Pena netted the ball into the goalpost. Colombia got the equaliser in the 53rd minute as Miguel Borja converted from the penalty box and as a result, the scoreline became 1-1.

Colombia’s Mina then

Sergio Peña and Christian Ramos of Peru celebrate with teammates. (Getty Images)

scored the goal inside his own box, and eventually, Peru emerged triumphant.

Peru will next take on Ecuador on Thursday while Colombia will lock horns

against Brazil on the same day. Earlier, Venezuela and Ecuador played out a 2-2 draw. Venezuela is at the fourth spot in the Group A standings with two points

while Ecuador is at the fifth spot with just one point.

Ronald Her nandez scored his first international goal in stoppage time to give Venezuela a dramatic 2-2

Rani named women’s hockey captain for Olympics

New Delhi, Jun 21 (IANS): Hockey India (HI) on Monday named veteran striker Rani Rampal as the captain of the 16-member Indian women’s hockey squad that will compete at the next month’s Tokyo Olympic Games.

Defender Deep Grace Ekka and seasoned goalkeeper Savita Punia will be vice-captains of the team.

While announcing the team on June 17, HI had said that the captain would be named later “It is a huge honour

Rani Rampal

to lead the Indian team at the Olympics. In these past years my role as a captain was made easy by teammates who shared the responsibilities as senior

players. I look forward to this added responsibility and thank HI for this honour,” said Rani after being named captain.

Rani, 26, was also skipper of the Indian women hockey team that competed in 2016 Rio Olympic Games.

HI said that Rani was the obvious choice, not just for her on-field exploits but also for her innate ability to guide the youngsters in the team.

“Savita and Deep have been in the core group

for nearly a decade and have been an integral part of the leadership group.

They also played a key role in Indian team achieving the best ranking of world No.9 in 2018, following a strong performance at the FIH women’s World Cup,” said HI. The Indian team has over the past four years achieved significant results, including winning the Asia Cup in 2017, silver at the Asian Games 2018, and the Asian Champions Trophy.

Tokyo agrees to allow 10,000 local fans at venues BCCI to donate Rs 10 crore to IOA

Tokyo, Jun 21 (IANS): The Tokyo Olympic Games organising committee on Monday confirmed that up to 10,000 domestic fans would be allowed to attend events when the fortnightlong quadrennial showpiece commences on July 23.

Spectators from outside Japan have already been barred from attending the Games.

“The capacity will be set at 50 per cent for all venues at the Games, and 10,000 fans will be permitted providing it does not exceed that limit; decision on the Paralympic Games will be made by 16 July 2021,” the Tokyo Organising Committee of the Olympic and Paralympic Games wrote on its official twitter account.

The other key decision taken during the meeting involving five parties -- International Olympic Committee (IOC), International Paralympic Committee

Journalists gather at Multifunctional Complex at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Village during a media tour on Sunday in Tokyo. (AP)

(IPC), Tokyo 2020, Tokyo Metropolitan Government and the government of Japan -- was that, in the event of any “rapid change in infection status”,the number of spectators could be reduced, or competitions could be held without spectators”.

“Restrictions on the number of spectators at

the Games, including nonspectator competitions, will be based on the content of the state of emergency or other relevant measures in force at that time,” said a joint statement.

The other key measures to be implemented before and during the Olympics are, strict adherence to the wearing of masks at

venues at all times,ban on “speaking in a loud voice or shouting”, and spectators leaving the venues in a “staggered manner”.

“Spectators will be requested to travel directly to venues and return home directly, and to take all necessary precautions when moving between prefectures,” the statement added.

Mumbai, Jun 21 (IANS): The Indian cricket board will “donate” Rs 10 crore to the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to support Indian athletes competing at the Tokyo Olympic Games next month, it was decided at an emergent meeting of its apex council.

The support to the IOA has come as a bit of surprise, particularly considering some lingering doubts about the Olympic Games actually taking place due to Covid-19 situation around the world and its “impending” third wave. Certain people and organisations have called for the postponement/ cancellation of the JulyAugust Games, which were scheduled for last year but were postponed due to the pandemic.

Also, the IOA is not really poor by its own standards. As per the 2018-19 balance sheet, the IOA is

worth Rs.39.12 crore. But it has still not uploaded the 2019-20 balance sheet while the 2010-21 accounts could be work in progress.

Besides, the IOA has four “national sponsors”, according to its website.

They are MPL Spor ts Foundation, Inox Group, Nippon Paint, and Edelweiss. And, until recently the IOA had a kit supplier in Li-Ning, a Chinese company, with which it had signed a contract in 2018 that covered the Tokyo Olympics. Reportedly, the Li-Ning contract was worth between Rs 5 crore and Rs 6 crore.

The Board of Control for Cricket in India

(BCCI), according to its 2018-19 balance sheet, is worth Rs.14,489.80 crore.

Surprisingly, it has still not uploaded the balance sheets of 2017-18 and 2018-19, which should have been done by now, while it is understood that work on the 2019-20 accounts is on.

“The summer Olympics is scheduled to be held in Tokyo from 23 July to 8th August 2021. The BCCI has decided to support Indian athletes in every form and manner it can.

In that spirit, based on the request received from the IOA/MYAS [Ministry of sports], the apex council of BCCI has decided to extend support to the IOA and has pledged a monetary gesture of Rs.10 crores,” the BCCI said in a late evening statement on Sunday.

The BCCI hoped the Indian athletes would “return with more medals than ever before”.

draw against Ecuador.

Ecuador controlled the first half before going ahead six minutes before halftime when Ayrton Preciado scrambled a goal inside a packed six-yard box.

Edson Castillo bulleted home a header after 51 minutes to equalise on his first international start for Venezuela only for Ecuadorian substitute Gonzalo Plata to race the length of the field and give his side a 2-1 lead with 19 minutes remaining.

Enner Valencia should have cemented the victory when he only had the keeper to beat 12 minutes from time but the Fenerbahce striker put his shot wide.

Just when it looked like Ecuador would escape with all three points Hernandez got on the end of a 40-meter pass into the box to loop a header past the stranded keeper.

NABA clarifies D I M A P U R , J UN 2 1 (NPN): Reacting to a news report under the headline, “State eyeing for Olympic entry”, the president of Nagaland Amateur Boxing Association (NABA), T. Meren Paul has clarified that boxers from the state were trained under junior coach, T. Arenla and not by a local trainer as mentioned in the report.

In a clarification note, Meren stated that the “propose of this rejoinder is not for raising a tempest in the tea cup but for correct reporting in future so as to uphold and cherish the sentiment of an individual un blemish as sports and media goes hand in hand having a collateral interest”.

He further stated that it may be inadvertent but referring a Coach as a Trainer “could tantamount to degrading and demeaning to the individual if taken seriously by the incumbent”.

WTC: Fourth day’s play abandoned Southampton, Jun 21 (IANS): The fourth day’s play of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between India and New Zealand here on Monday was abandoned without a ball bowled due to persistent rain. The umpires waited for about five hours before calling off the day.

Monday, the fourth day, is the second day to be washed out at the Hampshire Bowl. The first day on Friday was also washed out without a ball bowled.

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