22 Nov 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 348

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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SPORTS, PAGE 12

Farmers harden stand, put forth 6 demands DEMAND: Resume talks, guarantee MSP & arrest MoS Ajay Mishra To go ahead with proposed march to Parliament on Nov 29 NEW DELHI/LUCKNOW, NOV 21 (PTI): Digging in their heels, farmer unions said on Sunday they will continue their agitation till the government starts talks with them on their six demands, including a law guaranteeing Minimum Support Price (MSP) and the arrest of Union Minister Ajay Mishra, even as the Centre prepared to bring bills in Parliament to repeal its three agri laws.

The agitation spearhead, Samyukta Kisan Morcha (SKM), also said the farmers would go ahead with their planned protests, including a mahapanchayat in Lucknow on Monday to press for a law on Minimum Support Price (MSP) and a march to Parliament on

Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal addressing the media at Singhu border in Delhi on Sunday. (PTI)

November 29 to observe one year of anti-farm law protests. The umbrella body of agitating farm unions took the decision at its first meeting after Prime Minister Narendra Modi in his address to the nation on Friday announced that the three farm laws will be repealed, fulfilling a major demand of the protesting farmers.

Government sources said on Sunday the Union Cabinet is likely to take up for approval on Wednesday the bills for rescinding the three farm laws so that they are introduced in the forthcoming winter session.

In an open letter to

Prime Minister Modi, the SKM thanked him for the repeal of the three farm laws, but noted that “after 11 rounds of talks, you chose the path of unilateral declaration rather than a bilateral solution”.

They put forward six demands including that the MSP, based on the comprehensive cost of production, be made a legal entitlement of all farmers for all agricultural produce, sacking and arrest of Union Minister of State for Home Ajay Mishra in connection with Lakhimpur Kheri incident, withdrawal of cases against farmers and building of a memorial for those who

WC, NNPGs back Akato's expulsion

D I M A P U R , N OV 2 2 (NPN): After the faction led by vice president NSCN (R) Akato Chophy split but retained the same nomenclature with Akato as president of NSCN (R), Working Committee (WC), NNPGs endorsed the decision of the NSCN (R) in expelling its vice president Akato Chophy for “antiparty activities”.

In a release, WC, NNPGs through its media cell, said that “while betraying NSCN (R)”, Akato had also “deeply wounded and offended Naga tribes and civil societies at this juncture”. It also said Akato had defected number of times from one to another organisation “for his personal glory and monetary gain, should not talk about constitution of NSCN.” WC, NNPGs said Akato has discarded his

own undertaking signed in ‘black and white’ on October 22, 2021 after mediation with WC convenor and co-convenors when he agreed to bury the differences within NSCN (R). It said this exposed “the characteristics of a man without conscience, ready to betray his nation and own comrades for monetary gains” adding “the WC, NNPGs and Naga people, will not trust wanton boys building castles in the sand.”

On the split within NSCN (R), WC, NNPGs said the “mentality to float a new group at this hour was exasperating, a shame to society and a disgrace to his own community.”

On Akato’s justification that the split was in defence of the NSCN constitution, WC, NNPGs dismissed it as “a self-mockery” as Akato has been

“responsible for infringing upon every provision of the NSCN (R) constitution to elevate himself and seize more power and money.”

WC, NNPGs said Akato’s act as “insubordination of NSCN (R) formation and wilful defiance of the collective undertaking, had led to his expulsion from both NSCN (R) and WC, NNPGs. On Akato and his group retaining the same nomenclature-- NSCN(R)WC said this has no basis since he (Akato) had already been excommunicated from NSCN (R) and deviated from the principle of NNPGs. In view of this, WC, NNPGs said Akato henceforth has “no moral authority to represent the Naga political issue in any capacity.”

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lost their lives during the agitation. They also sought removal of penal provisions on farmers in the “Commission for Air Quality Management in the National Capital Region and Adjoining Areas Act 2021” and withdrawal the draft “Electricity Amendments Bill, 2020/2021” proposed by the government “Prime Minister, you have appealed to the farmers that now we should go back home. We want to assure you that we are not fond of sitting on the streets. We too desire that after resolving these other issues as soon as possible, we return to our homes, families and farming.

“If you want the same, then the government should immediately resume talks with the Samyukta Kisan Morcha on the above six issues. Till then, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha will continue this movement,” the letter said.

Farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said at a press conference at the Singhu border of Delhi, one of the anti-farm law protest sites, that SKM will again

hold a meeting on November 27 to decide the future course of action.

The opposition parties blamed the government for the situation, with Congress leader Rahul Gandhi saying that “people who have suffered false rhetoric are not ready to believe” the prime minister’s words.

The Samajwadi Party also questioned the Centre’s intention. “It is absolutely clear that their heart is not clean, and after the elections, the bills will be brought again...This is the truth of those tendering false apologies to farmers.

The farmers will bring a change in 2022,” the SP said in a tweet.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut demanded that the kin of those killed during the farmers’ agitation be given financial assistance from the PM CARES Fund. “The government has now realised its mistake and withdrawn the farm laws...,” Raut said.

The opposition parties have put their weight behind the agitating farmers on the issue of Minimum Support Price also.

Akato-led NSCN (R) sever ties with NNPGs

DIMAPUR, NOV 21 (NPN): NSCN/GPRN (R) Akato

Two days after causing a split in NSCN (R), Akato Chophi-led NSCN (Reformation) on Sunday declared that it has “once and for all,” decided to sever all ties with the Working Committee (WC) of the NNPGs and will remain as a “separate entity.”

In a statement issued through its MIP, the group reaffirmed and re-iterated its earlier stand made on November 19, 2021-- that “we split from the arbitrary, despotic, dictatorial and unconstitutional functioning of some leaders and their few misguided followers, and to uphold the NSCN Yezabo and party discipline by affirming full support to the dynamic and undisputed leadership of his (Cont’d on p-8) excellency, the president,

Chophi.”

While appreciating the maturity of the NNPGs leaders and members “for stepping up in trying to bridge the gap of the impending issues within the NSCN (R)”, the Akato-led group however said it was unfortunate that while it was “trying to expedite peace by not reserving any kind of grudges in display of maturity by avoiding personal attacks and character assassinating of leaders”, yet some few chose to “spew venom of prejudicial mentalities who could not compromise with this good faith.”

Further the Akato-led group also reiterated its stand on the November 19 declaration of maintaining “unilateral ceasefire with the Government of India”.

INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

AKMWP, DUCCF & AWUMT reject nominations to ULBs; want polls

Members of the three organizations during the press meet in Kohima on Sunday. (NP)

Correspondent

KO H I M A , N OV 2 1 (NPN): Association of Kohima Municipal Ward Panchayats (AKMWP), Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation (DUCCF) and All Wards Union Mokokchung Town (AWUMK) on Sunday rejected the state government’s decision to constitute advisory councils to various municipal and town councils in the state.

Addressing a joint press meet for the first time at 2K hotel here, AKMWP president Thejao Sekhose, AWUMT president Limanungsang, DUCCF president Tsenthungo Nyamo said that the house decided to ask the state government to hold the ULB elections at the earliest after making necessary rectification and amendment to the Nagaland Municipal Act, wherever it infringes upon Article 371

State govt failed to honour Nov 13 martyr: TAMU

PM suggests setting up high-power Police tech mission

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PM should keep his word to repeal farm laws: NPCC

their voices would be heard since the government was formed by the people and for the people.

The State government on November 18 issued guidelines for the constitution of advisory council to various municipal and town councils in Nagaland till duly elected ULB members were in place.

It said that the recommendation of names for nomination/appointment as members in all the municipal and town councils should be completed and submitted to the principal secretary, urban development & municipal affairs on or before November 30, 2021.

It may be recalled that in 2017, an attempt to hold ULB elections was faced with stiff resistance from the public which led to a series of unrest in the State capital Kohima and commercial hub Dimapur.

Sarma and Rio hold closed-door meeting

JORHAT, NOV 21 (PTI): Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and his Nagaland counterpart Neiphiu Rio held a closeddoor meeting on Sunday at Jorhat and discussed several issues affecting the two states. Though officials were tight-lipped about the issues discussed in the meeting, sources said the duo spoke only on some “personal and political issues”.

Sarma, who tweeted to inform about the meeting at Circuit House where the press was not allowed, also did not share details of the discussion that lasted for about 15 minutes only. It was followed by breakfast.

“Glad to have met HCM Nagaland Sri @Neiphiu_ Rio at Jorhat today, along with MP Sri @KamakhyaTasa. Discussed several DIMAPUR, NOV 21 (NPN): Tizit passed after late Khatnei was bur- form that state. Tizit Area Military courageous and fearless Naga killed issues of mutual interest in Area Military Union (TAMU) has ied, but there has not been “even Union further expressed dismay that on the line of duty in a different expressed unhappiness that the state the slightest bit of concern from the the chief minister was yet to send a land, was not acknowledged and government failed to acknowledge highest echelons of power in our message of condolence, adding that condoled. the sacrifice made by Rifleman state.” having such courageous and fearless “We write this with the hope (late) N Khatnei Konyak of 46 AsTAMU said leaders in others soldier who made supreme sacrifice that the CM has not forgotten his sam Rifles, who was killed in the states have announced compensa- for the nation was an honour for Naga Martyr, who has laid down line of duty during an ambush in tion, rewards, and recognition to the country and deserved highest his life for the country. We hope for Churachandpur, Manipur on No- those jawans martyred in the same respect. a single word that will soothe our LUCKNOW/NEW DELvember 13. ambush, while in Assam the govClarifying that it was not to heavy hearts as well as when the HI, NOV 21 (IANS): Prime TAMU president B. Tingyon ernment had offered Rs 50 lakhs as accuse or an attempt to malign the Naga soldiers of the Indian Army Minister Narendra Modi on Konyak and general secretary Khat- ex-gratia and a road named after image of the chief minister, TAMU sacrifice for their motherland,” Sunday suggested constitutnei Konyak said seven days had the martyred soldier, who hailed said they were hurt that a young, TAMU stated. ing a High-Power Police Technology Mission, under the leadership of the Union Home Minister.

Addressing the 56th Staff Reporter since September 2020. He DGsP/IGsP Conference said that the “recent bye in Lucknow, Modi called D I M A P U R , N OV 2 1 election results, which had for constituting the High(NPN): Even though Prime humiliated the BJP in the Power Police Technology Minister Narendra Modi on mainland, had cooled down Mission, to adopt future technologies for grass root November 19 had apolotheir arrogance.” gized and announced CenO n t h e s t a t e m e n t policing requirements and tre’s decision to repeal the K. Therie along with party colleagues at the press conference. (NP) made by Modi that his suggested development of government was unable to inter-operable technologies, three farm laws, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Commit- victory for the farmers after not be like the promise convince a section of farm- which would benefit police tee (NPCC) president K. a year-long struggle. made to resolve the Naga ers about the benefits of forces across the country.

He also suggested posithe new farm laws, Therie Theire on Sunday said that Addressing media per- political issue. the Congress party would sons here at the Tourist Taking a dig at the said that this small section tive use of drone technology “ W e w e r e t r y i n g t o only accept once the three Lodge, Therie said that the BJP, Therie said that the of people had defeated BJP for the benefit of the people, convince farmers, then the contentious laws were with- Prime Minister had made saffron party’s arrogance in the bye elections, which a release from the Prime laws were repealed. Now I drawn in the Parliament many promises which were on the farm laws led to the was a clear indication of the Minister’s Office said in think the farm laws were New Delhi. during the winter session. not fulfilled and hoped that death of nearly 700 farmers, downfall of the BJP. political not agricultural.”

He said it was a huge three farm laws would also who had been protesting (Cont’d on p-8) (Read more on p-5)

This is it!

(A) of the Indian Constitution. This was among the two-point resolution adopted during the meeting.

The members said that since the government was directly involved with the wards through them (the three councils), there was no need for another advisory council.

They said they were not against the government, but was opposed to the November 18, 2021 notification issued by the Municipal Affairs Department.

The three organisations also said that there were various points in the Municipal Act which infringes upon Article 371 (A) and therefore necessary rectification was needed before implementing it. They said the Act was also adopted from other States and therefore was not suitable for Nagaland.

Thejao Sekhose said they were affirmative that

Himanta Sarma presenting a bouquet to Neiphiu Rio. (Via Twitter)

order to strengthen the ageold ties & bonhomie b/w (between) two states.

“We strive towards building an ever united & stronger #NorthEast,” Sarma tweeted. An official statement from the Assam chief minister’s public relations cell gave details of his other programmes in Jorhat district, but was silent about the particulars of the meet-

ing between Sarma and Rio. “Both the chief ministers discussed several issues of mutual interest,” it said.

“They discussed something personal, and some political issues. The inter-state border dispute between Assam and Nagaland was not discussed in it. No official issue was deliberated upon in the brief meeting,” a senior official said.

Covid: State logs 10 fresh cases

DIMAPUR, NOV 21 (NPN): Nagaland on Sunday recorded 10 fresh Covid-19 positive cases from Dimapur while no deaths were reported during the day. Following 10 fresh cases in Dimapur, the total caseload surged to 32050.

The death toll remained unchanged at695 (including 16 non-Covid deaths but with positivity) India logged 10,488 new coronavirus infections taking the country’s total tally of COVID-19 cases to 3,45,10,413, while the active cases declined to 1,22,714, the lowest in 532 days, the Health ministry stated on Sunday. The number of deaths climbed to 4,65,662 with 313 fresh fatalities, according to the data updated at 8 a.m.

DRDA Wokha calls for office shutdown

DIMAPUR, NOV 21 (NPN): After DRDA Kohima and Mokokchung began its protest against non-payment of salaries, DRDA Wokha has also called for “total shutdown of office” with effect from November 22. In a press note, DRDA deputy project officer Wokha on behalf of the employees claimed that they have not received their salaries since April 2021. Despite making it known to the higher authority about the issue, the employees said they were yet to receive any positive response. The aggrieved employees also expressed regret for the inconvenience caused to the public.

Corrigendum

DIMAPUR, NOV 21 (NPN): Apropos the news item “There will be only one NSCN (R)…” published on November 21, it is clarified that NSCN (R) tatar hoho speaker, Iheshe Aye said that “only one member from Sangtam region joined Akato Chophi’s group” and not as published.

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Fortified rice part of flagship program: Pukhayi SMHSS conducts interface meeting

DIMAPUR: Advisor, Food and Civil Supplies (F&CS) LM&CP, Taxes department, Pukhayi Sumi said government of India has identified fortified rice as one of the interventions and made it a part of national flagship programme like Poshan Abhiyaan and Anaemia Mukht Bharat.

According to DIPR report, Pukhayi was addressing an awareness campaign on fortified rice conducted by department of F&CS Nagaland in collaboration with Centre for Health Research Innovation (CHRI) and National Stock Exchange (NSE) on November 20.

The advisor said gov-

Pukhayi Sumi addressing the awareness campaign on fortified rice. (DIPR)

ernment of India has made fortified rice a part of flagship programme as a preventive strategy to tackle anemia which is a cost-effective, culturally appropriate strategy to address micro nutrient deficiency.

He also mentioned that the awareness campaign was organised to promote rice fortification to address the prevalence of iron deficiency anemia in the state.

Speaking on the importance of rice fortification

in diet and overall health, Satakshie Sharma from CHRI said that rice fortificationis a process of adding nutrients such as iron, folic acid etc. to regular rice keeping in mind the dietary requirements to improve the

nutritional quality of food and to provide public health benefit.

Rice being India’s staple foods, she said fortifying rice with micro nutrients became an option to supplement the diet of the people.

Highlighting the benefits of fortified rice, Sharma encouraged the people to consume the rice which would be available for all beneficiaries through public distribution system without any hesitation.

The programme was chaired by director F&CS. As part of the demonstration of fortified rice, fortified rice packets and food packets were also distributed to the beneficiaries.

FAC Mokokchung SMA organises workshop on ‘Shaala Siddhi’ organises ‘Lit-Colloquium’

DIMAPUR: Fazl Ali College (FAC), Mokokchung, department of English organized “LitColloquium” Series 2 on the topic “Silent Screams: Gender Issues in Naga Society”, with SDO (C), Sentilong Ozukum as guest speaker on November 20.

A press release by FAC stated that Ozukum raised some common issues on gender prevalent in Naga society and discussed by drawing instances from real life incidences.

The issues concer ned “Question of Identity” where identity of daughter was not fixed, whereby he further questioned dual identity of woman, identity by birth, and identity by marriage and its ramifications.

Another issue the speaker focused was “Inheritance of Property” in Naga society on which Ozukum reiterated on how there should be clear distinction between inherited and acquired property.

He further spoke on “domestic violence”, adding that this was another

DIMAPUR: A workshop on “Shaala Siddhi” was organised by State Mission Authority (SMA) on November 18 at the Directorate of School Education (DoSE), Kohima.

A press release by the department stated that delivering a speech, state mission director, Temsunaro Aier encouraged the district and block level officials to be committed towards their duty.

She pointed out the need to take up professional courses based on the NEP 2020 mandatory 50 hours of Continuous Professional Development (CPD) to improve one’s professionalism.

In a keynote address,

SSA deputy mission director, LiyaloApon said “Shaala Siddhi”, a National Programme on School Standards and Evaluation (NPSSE), was an innovative initiative towards school evaluation for quality improvement.

The programme was led by joint mission director Dr.Chumbeni Kikon while assistant director school education B. Nellayappan, Liyalo Apon and state mission coordinator Rukuzo Hoshi were resource persons for the workshop. The programme was attended by all the assistant district coordinators and EBRC coordinators.

Meanwhile, the released informed that the school

evaluation dashboard could be used for viewing and analysing school evaluation report and data which could further be consolidated at the block, district and state level to extend appropriate support to school.

It also facilitates schools in monitoring their progress and improvement over the years and would further direct the schools to take appropriate actions for its continuous improvement and allow for revisiting their practices.

The consolidated data at block, district and state level can direct policy-level decisions across the level, informed the release.

issue that was stressed and importance of sensitizing and educating people on this matter and to come out of social stigma posed by society.

On the issue of gender inequality, he encouraged representation of women in decision making bodies asserting that man cannot make decisions for women. “Customary law” was another issue of concern which was emphasized up on.

He stated that a law which had not been codified and not woman friendly needs to be re-interpreted and changed since culture was dynamic, he reiterated.

Some other gender issues discussed were, gender gap in pay, stereo typing, sexual exploitation, discrimination in employment opportunities, and lack of economic empowerment.

The programme ended with interactive disquisition on the different issues. The programme was led by Imolemla of BA 5th Semester, while vote of thanks was delivered by Asst. Professor, Dept. of English, Ben- ACID-cum-NDWM Nagaland region organised mass registration of unorganised workers dangsenla. (domestic workers) in the Esharam portal on November 18 at Rio Colony, Dimapur.

CRIME BEAT

Security forces nab NSCN (I-M) member

DIMAPUR: Security Forces in a joint operation with state police apprehended a cadre of NSCN (I-M) on November 18 at Burma Camp, Dimapur.

In a press release, IGAR (N) HQ PRO stated that basing on “specific input” the joint team carried out an operation and apprehended NSCN (I-M) cadre and recovered “extortion slips and other incriminating documents”.

PRO informed that the apprehended individual along with recovered items have been handed over to East Police Station Dimapur for further investigation.

Two ‘drug peddlers’ apprehended

DIMAPUR: In a joint operation carried out by security forces with state police, two “drug peddlers” were arrested along with 30kgs of marijuana amounting to Rs 15 lakh (approximate) on November 19 at Pherima, Dimapur district.

In a press release, IGAR (N) HQ PRO stated that theapprehended individuals along with recovered items have been handed over to Medziphema Police Station Dimapur district for further investigation.

PPVC destroys seized liquor

DIMAPUR: Acting on its resolution banning sale of liquor within its jurisdiction, Padum Pukhuri Village Council (PPVC) members along with GBs conducted a surprise checking on November 19 at several “suspected shops” and seized large quantity of liquor.

In a press release,

PPVC said the council also imposed “nominal monetary penalty” against the defaulters for violating the resolution/PVVC said the seized liquor was destroyed in the presence of different community leaders, women organisation, church leaders and some prominent citizens of the village.

Students and others at the interface meeting.

DIMAPUR: Children’s Parliament of St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School (SMHSS) Padumpukhri conducted an interface meeting with the council members of Padumpukhri Village Council (PVC) on November 19.

In a press release, Development Association of Nagaland (DAN) stated that PVC chairman, Aheto

Yeputhomi highlighted the history of Padumpukhri and about the establishment of the village council while a brief introduction on Children’s Parliament was shared by prime minister (children’s parliament) Phalwani Sumpi.

The members of children’s parliament also interacted with the council members. The Interface

Meeting was chaired by minister for health & sanitation (children’s parliament) Gaidimliu Ruth; opening prayer was led by teacher animator (children’s parliament) Peteneizo Zao; welcome address was delivered by speaker (children’s parliament) Rongsentila and vote of thanks was proposed by (member of children’s parliament) Lutsushi Lichumi.

NEWS IN BRIEF RC Kohima chartered night: Rotary Club Kohima, Rotary International would be organising its 18thchartered night on November 22, 5 p.m. onwards at Capital Convention Center, Kohima, Nagaland. All club members have been requested to attend the programme along with their families.

Book released: A book titled, “Book of Emotions: Declare” authored by Mongshai Khiamniungan was released

by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Noklak Hiazu Meru on November 18 at the Conference Hall of DC Noklak.

MOC hold freshers’ & cultural day: Mount Olive College Kohima held its freshers’ and cultural day on November 20 at the college with renowned author, Dr. Easterine Kire as the guest speaker of the cultural programme.

KC bids farewell: Kohima College bade farewell to its associate professor and vice principal (retired) Thinokhrienuo Tseikha on November 17 by organising a programme to appreciate her 35 years of service.

CRISIL Foundation launches CFL: CRISIL Foundation launched money wise Centre for Financial Literacy (CFL)

1st Death anniversary Late aLiKaLa OZUKUM

at Ahthibung Town under Peren district and Chunlikha Block under Kohima district on November 15 and November 20 respectively.

IC organises ‘spiritual awakening crusade’: Immanuel College organised a spiritual awakening crusade under the theme, “Prepare to meet your God” on November 16 at the college auditorium with New Life Church, Kohima Pastor Rev. Azahto Kiba as speaker.

UCTE holds ‘spiritual & ideological talk’: Unity College of Teacher Education (UCTE), Dimapur organised a “spiritual and ideological talk” on an Indian philosopher, yogi, poet, freedom fighter, educationist and idealist, Aurobindo commemorating his 150th birth anniversary on November 16 at the College Seminar Hall.

NDPP Wka region elects: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) Wokha region organised change of guard programme for the office bearers for the tenure 2021-2024. The team would be led

by John Ezung as president, Lily Kikon as president of women wing and Amos Odyuo to retain as NDPP youth wing president.

3rd death anniversary

of Khontsemo Lotha on 22nd nov. 2021

19th Death anniversary of

Late KiLenKaba Waromung (16/06/1950 – 22/11/2002)

(09.09.1979 – 22.11.2021)

“O’er the yonder in serene bliss... but we mortals here, Cherishes your gentle gracefulness” Deeply missed every single day mkc-427/21

Loving Husband, Parents, Siblings & Dear ones.

acKnOwLeDgeMent

AcknowLedgement

It’s been three years since you left us for your heavenly home. We feel empty and now realized how worthy father you were for us. We greatly miss your loving words and cares that have become memories lingering in our hearts every passing day. We will always love and miss you with all our hearts until we meet again.

Loving wife, children, grand children & great grand children dp-5619/21

IN GRATITUDE

“Believe on him to life everlasting”

1 Timothy 1:16

Lt. Rongsentoshi Jamir We, the family of the Lt. Rongsentoshi Jamir, wishes to express our deep appreciation to those who have offered such kindness, support and messages of sympathy and comfort in our bereavement. We especially wish to thank Diphupar Ao Baptist Church, neighbors, friends, relatives from far and near. To those who reached out to us during our time of mourning, we are grateful for your continued support and love during our time of need.

Loving wife, children and family members dp-5625/21 K Y M C

Years have passed but the mark my father left on this world will never fade. Today we mark the anniversary of his passing. And we celebrate the love and memories he gave us. “Through thick and thin you were always there to guide and protect me. I know, I tested you, exhausted you and fought you, but you always put a smile on your face and made sure for me to understand things. I think of you often and wishing you peace and strength, while I know nothing can alleviate your loss, I do want you to know we are remembering you on this day.”

Loving wife, daughter, grand daughter and son-in-law dp-5607/21

07.04.1971 – 16.11.2021 We, the family of Late Zungasanen, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one who supported and stood by us physically, financially and spiritually during hospitalization until the demise of our beloved father. Words are inadequate to express our gratefulness to each and every individual for the love and concern shown towards us. It’s our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. Longsa Senso Telongjem Dimapur 2. Longsa Senso Telongjem Kohima 3. Mokokchung Town Longsa Senso Telongjem 4. Olive Hospital and nursing staff, specially to Dr. Bendangtoshi, Dr. Ikhito and Dr. Biogese 5. Artang Baptist Arogo and Artang Yimden 6. Lirmen Baptist Arogo 7. Govt. Middle School Artang 8. Col. Wati Jamir, Commandant 17 Assam Regd.

Loving Wife, Children, in-laws and relatives. mkc-430/21

Died on : 10.08.2021

Died on : 30.07.2021

We would like to extend our deep gratitude to all of you who shared our grief and sorrow during the illness and at the demise of my dearly-loved son/our dearly loved brother/uncle VIRAKOLIE PESEYIE and my beloved wife/ our beloved mother/grandmother NGUTOZONO PESEYIE by outpouring your love, prayer, generosity and sympathy.

May God bless you with a bountiful harvest of what you have sown.

Loving members and relatives of the bereaved family. dp-5623/21 K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will repeal of 3 farm laws help Modi win elections in 5 states in 2022?

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

A B C

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Peaceful coexistence essential for development, says Kashiho

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

15% 78% 7%

NEXT POLL

Q: Will repeal of three

farm laws benefit the BJP politically in UP and Punjab?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST NOVEMBER 22

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Sunshine

30 17

Mostly sunny and pleasant

26 13

Guwahati Mostly sunny and pleasant

27 16

Mostly sunny and pleasant

27 9

Aizawl Imphal

Itanagar A couple of morning showers

21 14

Shillong

Partly sunny

20 8

Kohima

Mostly sunny and beautiful

22 9

Dimapur Mostly sunny and beautiful

27 13

Mkg

Mostly sunny and comfortable 24 11

Tuensang Mostly sunny and cooler Wokha

16 5

Mostly sunny and not as warm 20 13

Zunheboto Mostly sunny

21 9

V. Kashiho Sangtam and others during his assembly tour.

DIMAPUR: Minister of Soil & Water Conservation, Geology & Mining and NSMDC, V. Kashiho Sangtam asserted the importance of social harmony and peaceful coexistence for any kind of development.

In a press release, BJP 59 A/C media and publicity cell informed that the minister stressed on this message during his official tour of 59th Assembly Constituency which concluded on November 20 at Amahator Headquarters.

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

In his speech, Sangtam said 59A/C constituency was inhabited by people from different community and that it was essential to maintain cordial relationship.

He encouraged the people to inculcate a sense of brotherhood by fostering peace and unity without which no development could take place.

“We as a social being, sometimes some misunderstandings may arise but that can be sorted out within the family through

mutual understandings,” said Kashiho.

The minister also highlighted the changes and development brought about by UDA government formerly known as PDA government.

Kashiho also encouraged the people to get vaccinated while lamenting the low coverage in the district.

The minister was accompanied by his wife, vice president BJP and Kiphire in-charge, Subenthung Kithan and host of other BJP leaders.

Shifting of Longshen EAC Hq opposed DIMAPUR: Citizens of Longleng town have vehemently opposed the shifting of Longshen EAC hq, under Phomching sub-division, Mon terming it as “absurd and irrational”.

In a press statement, head GB of Longshen Hq, Khamji stated that the ideal of shifting the town was based on the vested interest of some selfish individuals and not based on the consensus of the denizens and the original land owners (Tangnyu and SheanghahChingnyu Village).

It claimed that Longshen town has completed 41 years and at present inhabited by 103 households with a current population of 557. It has also various government and non-governmental establishments and NGOs. Therefore, the head GB stated that shifting of a prominent town would amount to loss for government and inhabitants in the form of massive displacement and loss of properties. It alleged that no prior information or notification with regard to shifting was issued by the Mon district administration. Cautioning that government would be held responsible in the event of any misunderstanding or untoward arise, the head GB has urged the responsible authority to intervene at the earliest.

Training on value addition of fish products for Wokha SHGs

Participants at the training programme. (IA Wokha) DIMAPUR: One day training on value addition of fish products under Gender Budgeting 20202021 and implemented by department of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources (F&AR) was conducted for Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission (NSRLM) Self Help Groups (SHGs) wokha on November 19.

According to DIPR report, resources persons were district F&AR officer, Wokha, C. Dory Yanthan, district functional specialist Daniel Ovung, area coordinator Renbeni Patton and Victor Ovung.

The trainees were imparted hands-on demonstration and training about making fish- cutlets, fish- fingers, fish- pickles and fish- soup.28 trainees from13 different SHGs under Englan Range area attended the training.

SBAK Aizuto celebrates platinum jubilee D I M A P U R : Wo m e n ministry of Sumi Baptist A k u k u h o u Ku q h a k u l u (SBAK) Aizuto celebrated its platinum jubilee under the theme “Called to be Christlike” (Khristo Kimihishipenikekulu) on November 20 and 21 at the Sumi Christian centre Aizuto.

During the inaugural session, the platinum jubilee stone was inaugurated and dedicated by executive secretary SBAK Aizuto, Rev .Mulato Chishi.

While the Edna Anderson garden was inaugurated by Er. Picto Shohe MLA on November 21.

The garden was built in memory of the beloved wife of Rev. Anderson, the first Christian missionary to Sumi region.

Wo m e n s e c r e t a r y SBAK, Delino I. Chophy spoke at the inaugural session and Rev Mulato Chishi spoke on the last session.

Sukhalu attends NE Education Conclave MU, PCC hold lecture series

Union education minister, Dharmendra Pradhan with the delegates of NorthEast Education Conclave in Guwahati.

DIMAPUR: Advisor school education, K.T Sukhalu attended the North-East Education Conclave organized by the department of Education, Government of Assam and Shankardev Education and Research Foundation Guwahati in the light of New Education Policy 2020 at Assam Ad-

ministrative Staff College, Guwahati on November 20 and 21.

He was accompanied

by Kevileno Angami, Special Secretary to the Government of Nagaland School Education & SCERT, Temsunaro Aier, State Mission Director Samagra Shiksha, Shanavas C. IAS, Principal

Director School Education and Dr. Kevizakie Rio, Joint Mission Director Samagra Shiksha, Nagaland.

The concave was graced by Union Minister of Education, Dharmendra Pradhan as the chief guest. The conclave was attended by Education ministers from all the North Eastern states.

DIMAPUR: A lecture series “Media Talk” jointly organised by department of mass communication, Mizoram University and department of multimedia and mass communication, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) on November 16, coinciding with the National Press Day. In a press release, PCC stated that in an inaugural lecture, award winning journalist and author Teresa Rehman asserted that quality and core values of journalism would survive the test of time adding “We cannot have a media that paddles lie and function without credibility”.

Speaking on the theme, “journalism in the post-truth era’, Rehman impressed upon the reality of post truth era in journalism stating how media ecosystem has experienced seismic changes with proliferation of fake news and mis-

information where algorithms and the number of clicks matter without any concern for integrity and credibility.

Dribbling the idea of opinions as opposed to facts in news, Rehman categorically mentioned that a complex political communication environment leads to a perplexing post truth world giving emotions and opinions a go ahead in influencing people way more than facts.

In this context, she argued that the core value of journalism would always remain despite changing circumstances and underscored the importance of keeping one’s feet firmly on the ground.

Earlier, professor V Ratnamala of MU welcomed the speaker and participants while the programme concluded with vote of thanks by Dr. Dakter Esse from PCC (Autonomous).

Consultative meeting on 2-lane work

JSU and JPYO with the employees of M/S Gopal Reddy at the joint consultative meeting.

DIMAPUR: Jalukie Students’ Union (JSU) and Jalukie Pumling Youth Organisation (JPYO) held a joint consultative meeting with the contractors of the

K Y M C

2-lane NH129A on November 21 at Jalukie.

The two organisations in a press statement stated that the talk was fruitful for both the parties and decided

not to compromise on the quality of road at any cost.

Reminding the implementing agent (contractor) to strictly adhere to the government specification,

the JSU and JPYO stated that it will from time to time voluntarily inspect within its territory and asked the company/contractor not entertain outsiders for any issues.

It further stated that earth cutting shall be strictly carried out as per the surveyed post and in the events of any necessity for expansion/diversion, the work shall be stopped till such time due compensation is obtain by the deserving land holder.

At the meeting, it was also mutually agreed to convene weekly/monthly meeting to facilitate better coordination amongst the two parties.

Further, JSU and JPYO appealed to all individuals or organisations to refrain themselves from interfering in the construction work within the stretch of Jalukie jurisdiction.

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TMC leader booked for attempt to murder SAYANI GHOSH INTERRUPTED A MEETING ADDRESSED BY BIPLAB DEB

AGARTALA, NOV 21 (PTI): Tripura police on Sunday arrested West Bengal Trinamool Congress leader Sayani Ghosh, who allegedly threatened Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb during a meeting here on Saturday night, on the charge of attempting to murder, a police official said.

Ghosh, the youth unit secretary of TMC West Bengal, was arrested after being called in for questioning in a police station in the state capital Agartala.

The development took place a day before a planned visit by the TMC’s national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee to the North-eastern state.

Sub-divisional Police Officer (Sadar) Ramesh Yadav said Ghosh was arrested under IPC Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 153A (promoting disharmony between two groups) for her comments against the chief minister.

Yadav said some persons who were with her allegedly threw stones at a street corner meeting which was being addressed by the chief minister.

A police official, who did not want to be named,

Sayani Ghosh said a BJP worker lodged a complaint alleging that Ghosh had reached the spot where the meeting was being held and shouted “Khela hobey” (game will happen) and claimed that there were not even 50 people in the gathering.

“Khela hobey” is a slogan used by the TMC during the assembly election in West Bengal held in March-April this year.

Ghosh was earlier detained for questioning in a police station and arrested later. TMC leaders alleged that their workers were also roughed up by BJP supporters outside the East Agartala Women’s police station, a charge denied by the saffron party. Abhishek Banerjee in a tweet accused the BJP government in the North-

eastern state of disregarding Supreme Court orders on the rights of political parties to hold peaceful programmes. “@BjpBiplab has become so UNABASHEDLY BRAZEN that now even SUPREME COURT ORDERS DOESN’T SEEM TO BOTHER HIM. “He has repeatedly sent goons to attack our supporters & our female candidates instead of ensuring their safety! DEMOCRACY BEING MOCKED under @ BJP4Tripura,” Banerjee said in the Twitter post, attaching a video of the alleged attack of Sunday morning.

The Supreme Court recently directed Tripura police to ensure that no political party is prevented from exercising their rights in accordance with the law for campaigning in a peaceful manner.

Police said some unidentified miscreants attacked a group of people who gathered near the police station during the questioning of Ghosh, but no one was injured.

The TMC is contesting the Tripura civic polls to be held on November 25.

The ruling BJP has already

won 112 out of 334 seats uncontested across 20 urban local bodies including Agartala Municipal Corporation.

This will be the first civic election that the BJP will face after coming to power in 2018.

The Mamata Banerjeeled party is trying to gain a foothold in the state ahead of the 2023 assembly elections. TMC Rajya Sabha MP Sushmita Dev claimed that BJP sheltered goons attacked the leaders and workers of the party on the premises of the police station after Ghosh reached there.

“Our candidates were beaten up; their houses vandalized and though complaints were filed, no action was taken. Police here are acting in a one-sided manner,” she told reports.

The TMC has repeatedly alleged that its candidates were being prevented from campaigning by the ruling BJP supporters there.

TMC West Bengal secretary Kunal Ghosh said if this is what is democracy in Tripura, “we would recommend to our leaders to do the same thing (to the BJP) in West Bengal”.

Tripura BJP spokesper-

son Nabendu Bhattacharya denied the allegation, saying the saffron party workers did not ever attack anyone of the TMC as the party does not consider it as a political opponent to reckon with.

The alleged attack created ripples in West Bengal where the TMC and the BJP were engaged in a war of words.

BJP state president Sukanta Majumdar claimed that the TMC is unable to even field candidates in seats for the local body elections in Tripura.

“They (TMC) have to take busloads of people from West Bengal to secure attendance of 500 people in Abhishek Banerjee’s public meetings. There will be no impact of meetings by Abhishek Banerjee or Mamata Banerjee,” Majumdar said.

He claimed that the only opponent of the BJP in Tripura can be the CPI(M) and not the TMC. TMC leader and senior minister Firhad Hakim claimed that that the BJP was indulging in violence in Tripura. “But we will follow the democratic path and win Tripura. Democracy does exist in BJP-ruled states,” he said.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Pradhan inaugurates nanotechnology, knowledge centres at IIT Guwahati GUWAHATI, NOV 21 (PTI): Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on Sunday inaugurated the Centre for Nanotechnology (CNT) and the Centre for Indian Knowledge System at IIT, Guwahati.

The CNT aims at meeting future challenges and augmenting academic partnerships with industries in the field of nanotechnology.

The majority of funding for the centre, which included Rs 37 crore for constructing the building, apart from equipment, was received from the Union Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY).

Speaking on the occasion, Pradhan congratulated Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati for securing excellent positions in various international and national ranking systems and appreciated efforts of the authorities to create an ecosystem for research and education with a focus on the overall development of the North-East region.

“Rich biodiversity of the region provides a lot of scope for research, which can benefit the entire humanity. There are several

Dhamendra Pradesh inspecting innovations by IITGuwahati. policy directions in the NEP 2020, which can modernise our education system.

“As provided in the National Education Policy, we should create a hub in Guwahati by creating a cluster of institutions in the region,” Pradhan said.

The CNT will host 25 laboratories that will focus on advancements in multidisciplinary and scientific research. It presently hosts two centres-for-excellence sponsored by the MeitY and the Indian Council of Medical Research.

The Centre for Indian Knowledge System will focus on preserving, documenting and sustaining the knowledge that is unique in the country.

Top priorities include Indian classical music, yoga, Sanskrit, traditional medi-

cines, temple architecture, ceramic tradition and special agricultural practices and herbal plants of the North-East region.

Pradhan also inaugurated two hostels at the premier technology institute.

The new Disang hostel adds 1,000 rooms to the existing capacity of IIT Guwahati. The Dikhow hostel is the first such facility on the campus specifically to provide accommodation for project staffers.

Constructed at a total cost of Rs 132 crore, these hostels will further help enhance the capacity of IIT Guwahati. Assam Education Minister Ranoj Pegu said the institute should concentrate on development of entrepreneurship and produce job creators, not only job seekers.

Amit Shah to lay foundation stone Meitei’s ST status demand: CSOs threaten to impose bandh for Rani Gaidinliu tribal museum Correspondent

Correspondent IMPHAL, NOV 21: Union home minister Amit Shah is scheduled to arrive in Imphal on a day visit in Manipur even as Union ministers are rushing to the poll-bound state.

The 60-seat Manipur Legislative Assembly will go to poll early next year, probably by February-March.

The scheduled visit of the Union home minister was barely a day after Union minister Piyush Goyal con-

cluded his two-day visit in the state on Sunday.

Official sources here said that Shah will lay foundation stone through video conferencing for setting up the Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum at Luangkao village in Tamenglong district from City Convention Centre, Imphal. Union tribal affairs minister Arjun Munda will also accompany the Union home minister, the source said. The tribal museum is to be set up at an estimated cost

of Rs 15 crore sanctioned by the Union ministry of tribal affairs. The N Biren-led state government had recently decided to set up the proposed museum at Luangkao village, the birthplace of freedom fighter Rani Gaidinliu.

It had also decided to name the museum as Rani Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum. The foundation stone for the project is to be laid as a part of Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav week celebration that began on 15th November.

Powerful IED blast at market-shed in Mnp

Correspondent

IMPHAL, NOV 21: Suspected militants triggered a powerful bomb suspected to be an IED at a newly constructed marketshed at Sekmai in Manipur’s Imphal West district on Sunday morning.

No casualty was reported as the market was yet to open though the impact of the blast dug a pit on the RCC floor of the shed besides damaging the roofs of the new structure.

Soon after the blast rocked the area, personnel of the Sekmai police station rushed to the spot and conducted a spot investigation. They recovered remnants of the blast including detonators while

observing that it was an IED that went off.

Sekmai police have registered a case and initiated investigation to establish the perpetrator(s).

No militant group has so far owned up the blast till the time of filing this report.

This is the second time in less than a week that suspected militants triggered a powerful blast at public places. On November 18 last, the suspects triggered a blast in front of a shop at Kairang under Heingang police station of Imphal East district.

Today’s blast came up amid the beefing up of security across the state after the recent deadly ambush on an Assam Rifles convoy, killing CO of 46 Assam Rifles, his wife and son and four jawans.

Mandaviya unhappy at AIIMS Guwahati construction pace GUWAHATI, NOV 21 (PTI): Union Health and Family Welfare Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Sunday expressed displeasure in delay in completing the construction of the AIIMS Guwahati and asked the officials concerned to finish the pending works within the next six months.

Mandaviya along with Assam Health Minister Keshab Mahanta and officials of various departments visited the construction site at Changsari near Guwahati and reviewed the ongoing construction works.

According to a release from the Office of the Assam Health Minister, the Union Minister was unhappy about the delay in completing the construction work of the AIIMS and expressed his dissatisfaction to the concerned firm carrying out the works.

Mandaviya then ordered the two construction companies to finish the remaining works within the next six months so that the institute can be thrown open to the public.

He also favoured a

checking of the already completed construction works by a team of the IIT-Guwahati.

In order to expedite hiring of faculty and other related works for starting the health centre, Mandaviya requested the Assam government to nominate a state IAS officer for appointing him as deputy director of the AIIMS Guwahati.

On June 28, 2016, the state government had handed over more than 571 acres of land at Changsari in Kamrup district to the Centre to set up the 750-bedded super-speciality hospital.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 26, 2017 had laid the foundation stone of the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS), Guwahati, to be set up at an estimated cost of Rs 1,123 crore funded under the Pradhan Mantri Swasthya Suraksha Yojana.

The first stage of construction was scheduled to be over by June 2021 and the second stage was fixed to be completed by June 2022.

Mizoram CM seeks review of allocation of funds to NE AIZAWL, NOV 21 (PTI): Mizoram Chief Minister Zoramthanga on Sunday urged the Centre to review the allocation of funds to the northeastern states through the North Eastern Council (NEC), an official statement said.

During his meeting with Union Minister of State for DoNER and Cooperation, B L Verma in New Delhi, Zoramthanga said many important projects in the Northeastern state were either delayed or could not be executed because the states did not receive their due share, the statement said.

He said the Centre should review its allocation of funds to the northeastern states through the NEC, it said.

The state government has been making massive efforts to promote bamboo plantation in the state, he said.

Citing that there is dire need of bamboo link road in the state, the chief minister urged the Centre to take measures in this regard.

IMPHAL, NOV 21: With the demand for inclusion of Meitei community of Manipur in the Schedule Tribe (ST) list of Indian Constitution resurfacing, as many as 12 civil society organizations on Sunday threatened to impose a three-day statewide general strike in the state, commencing from November 25.

The CSOs demanded furnishing of reports of socio economic and ethnographic surveys of the Meitei community which the Union ministry of tribal affairs has sought from the Manipur government on or before November 24.

If the state government fails to do so, we will be giving a 72-hour statewide general strike on November 25, leaders of the 12 CSOs declared, at a press conference held at Manipur Press Club, Imphal today.

The leaders declared that if no positive response came up from the state government despite the threeday strike, they were ready to resort to intense forms of agitations from the next day.

Representing the CSOs, chairman of World Meitei

Council (WMC) Heikrujam Nabashyam demanded that the state government must not delay in furnishing the socio economic and ethnographic survey report to the Union ministry of tribal affairs.

He claimed that the Union ministry has been seeking the report from the state government for over eight years and the state government was silent without furnishing the report till date.

He said that as a result of a series of people’s agitations under the aegis of Scheduled Tribe Demand Committee (STDC), the Union tribal affairs ministry had sought the report to consider the demand.

STDC has been campaigning for inclusion of the Meitei community of Manipur in the Schedule Tribe (ST) list of Indian Constitution since 2012, and in a letter written to the state government in June 2013, the Union concerned ministry sought the socio economic and ethnographic report of the community.

Mention may be made here that on receipt of the letter, the state government constituted Manipur

Cong asks PM to end ‘silence’ on Chinese ‘intrusion’ in Arunchal

NEW DELHI, NOV 21 (PTI): The Congress on Sunday accused the BJP government of deception and deliberate distortion over alleged Chinese intrusions in Arunachal Pradesh and questioned Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “silence” on the issue.

The opposition party also accused the BJP of giving lessons on national security to the entire country while digressing from addressing the serious issue that affected India’s integrity and sovereignty.

Congress spokesperson Abhishek Singhvi shared satellite images to claim that China has built another village six to seven kilometres inside Indian territory in Arunachal Pradesh with over 60 structures.

He also claimed that the Chinese president had visited a few kilometres north of this spot a few days ago. The Congress leader demanded that Prime Minister Modi address the issue and tell the nation about steps he is taking in this regard.

“We condemn the prime minister’s silence. It is culpable. It is a negative

eloquence which we can do without. It is inexcusable,” he told reporters.

There was no response from the government on the issue. The Congress has been attacking the government consistently over its handling of border tensions with China.

“We don’t understand this definition is national security, where you berate, browbeat, intimidate the whole country on national security issues and keep silent on this kind of things,” Singhvi said, claiming the prime minister never said a word “on the January 2019 and September- October 2021 intrusions”.

“It is a sad case of deliberate distortion, digression and diversion on an issue affecting India’s integrity and sovereignty,” he alleged, hitting out at the BJP government.

The satellite images shared by Singhvi, sourced from some professional websites, purportedly show images of the same spot in Arunachal Pradesh in April 2019 and then in September 2021 with around 60 structures or habitats built up.

A sit-in-protest staged at Khurai in Imphal demanding ST status for Meitei community on Sunday.

State Commission for the Schedule Tribe Act, 2014 on March 27, 2014.

On August 8, 2016, the Manipur State Commission for Scheduled Tribes was constituted to examine the ST status demand for the community.

In the meantime, the National Commission of Schedule Tribes, on July 6, 2018, sought a report on action taken regarding the socio economic and ethnographic survey from the state government for the procedure to include Meitei/Meetei in the ST list.

“We are demanding the state government to furnish the report only, as

we know that fulfilling the demand is not within the ambit of the state government,” the WMC chairman said.

He added that the only thing the Manipur government needed to do was furnish the report to the Union ministry of tribal affairs.

The state government also needed no prior approval or consent of the state legislative Assembly while furnishing the report, he observed.

“It is up to the Parliament to decide whether the Meitei community can be included in the ST lists,” he said. The chairman claimed that the British recognized

Meitei as tribal and even the then government at the Centre did consider inclusion of the community in the lists of ST. But, the community missed the opportunity when some of the then leaders, with the wrong notion that Meiteis were the descendants of Arjun, raised strong objections, he said.

Now, the present generation realized the reality but the state government was yet to take up necessary steps despite knowing the facts and the need for a constitutional protection of the community, he said.

On the other hand, sit-in-protests demanding ST status for the Meitei were staged at various parts of Imphal today under the aegis of STDC. At one of the protests staged at Khurai Salanthong in Imphal East district, placards read as “No ST no vote,” “We demand ST status for Meetei/Meitei,” etc. were displayed.

The protesters pressed the state government to furnish the necessary recommendation for inclusion of the Meitei in the ST lists of Indian Constitution to the Centre.

M’laya CM pushes for Constitutional recognition of Khasi, Garo languages Correspondent

on January 21, 2022, the Chief Minister said it would be befitting if the Garo and Khasi languages are included in the 8th Schedule to the Constitution.

Sangma said that as per the New Education Policy, the local language should be encouraged in schools and colleges.

“The North East is rich in languages, culture and heritage and we need to preserve this rich cultural heritage which is the identity of the people and many languages have become extinct,” he pointed out.

Underscoring the need to use modern technology to preserve this cultural heritage besides preserving them in documents and books, the Chief Ministers urged the Union education minister to have a detailed research in the languages of Meghalaya.

SHILLONG, NOV 21: Meghalaya Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma on Sunday stressed on the importance of learning Hindi and the need for constitutional recognition of the Khasi and Garo languages.

“The people of the State have been working very hard for the inclusion of these two languages in the 8th Schedule and the Meghalaya assembly has also passed a resolution in this respect and if these languages are included in the 8th Schedule, it would be a great gift for the people of the State,” he said, after inaugurating Kendriya Hindi Sansthan at Mawdiangdiang, the New Shillong Township in State’s East Khasi Hills district.

Union Education Minister, Dharmendra Pradhan and State Education MinLearning Hindi gives ister, Lakhmen Rymbui youth an edge were also present at the programme.

Sangma, who is fluent Po i n t i n g o u t t h a t in Hindi, said that in many Meghalaya will be celebrat- States not much importance ing 50 years of statehood is given to the national lan-

guage and added that the youth have taken to learning foreign languages such as Japanese, Italian or Spanish in the hope of getting attractive jobs in those countries.

“If similar importance of learning foreign languages is given to learn Hindi, one will be at an advantageous position. Unless we break the language barrier, it will be very difficult to provide employment to the youth,” he said, and added that for anyone from the North East region who wishes to work in the other economically developed states of the country knowing Hindi will be helpful.

“I have studied in Delhi and learnt Hindi and we would converse in the language. Today, as the chief minister, when I go to Delhi and interact with the ministers and officials, I find a different comfort level in communication,” he said, and expressed happiness in having the institution in the State and urged youths to give due importance to Hindi.

Modi suggests setting up highpower Police technology mission

PM Narendra Modi speaks during the two day DGP/IGP conference, in Lucknow. (PTI)

LUCKNOW/NEW DELHI, NOV 21 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday suggested constituting a High-Power Police Technology Mission, under the leadership of the Union Home Minister.

Addressing the 56th DGsP/IGsP Conference in Lucknow, Modi called for constituting the HighPower Police Technology Mission, to adopt future technologies for grass root policing requirements and suggested development of inter-operable technologies, which would benefit police forces across the country.

The Prime Minister gave examples of CoWIN, GeM and UPI as he cited the importance of technology in the lives of the general public. He also suggested positive use of drone technology for the benefit of the people, a release from the Prime Minister’s Office said in New Delhi.

Stressing on the review of the SMART Policing concept introduced in 2014, he suggested development of a roadmap for its continuous transformation and institutionalisation of the same in police forces. He also urged to involve highly

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

qualified youth - to look for technological solutions through hackathons - to tackle some of the routine challenges faced by police.

He appreciated the positive change in police attitude towards the general public, particularly postCovid.

Addressing the valedictory session of the Conference, Modi called for analysis of all police related incidents and developing case studies, to make it an institutionalised learning mechanism.

The two-day Conference was attended by 62

DGsP/IGsP of States/ UTs and DGs of CAPFs/ CPOs in Lucknow. More than 400 officers of various ranks attended the Conference, virtually, from IB offices across the country. The Prime Minister participated in the discussions and gave valuable suggestions during the Conference.

In the run-up to the Conference, various core g roups of DGsP were formed for holding discussions on key aspects of national security such as, prison reforms, terrorism, Left Wing Extremism, cyber-crimes, narcotics trafficking, foreign funding of NGOs, drone-related matters, development of border villages, etc.

Modi also awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service to IB personnel. For the first time, as per the directives of the Prime Minister, IPS officers from various states had submitted articles on contemporary security issues, which added more value to the conference, the release said.

Air pollution: Delhi schools to remain shut NEW DELHI, NOV 21 (PTI): Schools in Delhi will remain closed for physical classes till further orders while online classes and board exams will continue, the Directorate of Education (DoE) announced on Sunday in view of the prevailing air quality situation.

The air quality remained “very poor” on Sunday morning, authorities here said. The city recorded its air quality index (AQI) at 382 at 9 am. The 24-hour average AQI was 374 on Saturday.

“The environment department has directed to close all the schools with immediate effect till further orders of the Commission for Air Quality Management in NCR and adjoining areas. Therefore, all government and private schools will remain closed till further orders,” Additional Director of Education Rita Sharma said. “ H owe ve r, o n l i n e teaching learning activities and the examinations for board classes would be conducted as per guidelines issued earlier,” the official said.

Farm Laws: BKU’s hometown Muzaffarnagar shifts focus to MSP

M U Z A F FA R NAG A R , NOV 21 (PTI): With the promise of repeal of contentious farm bills secured, farmers in the UP’s Muzaffarnagar have now trained their sights on a law for the Minimum Support Price (MSP).

Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s announcement of repealing the three farm laws has sent farmers in celebration in the western Uttar Pradesh town, which is also the headquarters of the Bhartiya Kisan Union (BKU).

BKU’s president Naresh Tikait and his brother and union spokesperson Rakesh Tikait live in Sisauli village of Muzaffarnagar.

Magaram Balyan, a local BKU member, said the government announced the withdrawal of the laws due to pressure from farmers.

He claimed the announcement is an attempt to appease voters before the polls.

“These laws alone won’t help the farmers. The government must now provide legal guarantee for MSP for crops, ensure availability of fertilisers, and resolve other matters critical

to farming,” Balyan said.

He also said the protests are now firmly united in their opposition to the BJP. The claim was not found wanting of evidence as farmers in the region have been seen to have banned entry of the BJP leaders in their villages.

“Except for their voluntary visits during deaths and condolence prayer meetings, BJP leaders have been banned from entering villages for over a year now,” Balyan added.

Opposition Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD) said the decision to repeal the laws is a big deal as it shows the BJP “bowing down” to outside the party, which has rarely happened since 2014.

The RLD also said by repealing the laws, the government has not done any favour to farmers as the main problems still remain to be addressed.

“Prime Minister Modi has announced rollback of laws which were not accepted by the farmers from day one. He has just removed the burden off farmers which his government wanted to force on the community,”

RLD spokesperson Sandeep Chaudhary told PTI. “The real benefit to farmers would be if the government addresses concerns related to MSP, and delivers on the BJP’s promise of doubling farmers’ income,” Chaudhary said.

The PM’s announcement on Friday broke the year-long deadlock between government and farmers, which began last November with massive protests at several of Delhi’s borders.

Nevertheless, BJP supporters in Muzaffarnagar felt the government should not have given up on the protestors, who may now want to come up with more demands. “ T h e g o ve r n m e n t should not have done this (repealing farm laws). These ‘union-wale’ won’t end the protest and will keep on adding demands and blackmail the government,” Sunil Kaji, a resident of Satheri in Khatauli area, told PTI. All the same, he said the announcement will add to the BJP’s credibility in the region and may work in its favour in next assembly elections in 2022, and even the general elections in 2024.

SP fears BJP will bring back three ‘Kin of dead farmers should be Farm laws will be brought back: Mishra farm laws after assembly polls compensated from PM CARES’

LU C K N OW, N OV 2 1 (PTI): The Samajwadi Party on Sunday expressed apprehension that the three contentious farm laws will be brought again after the 2022 assembly elections, citing the statements made by Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra and BJP MP from Unnao Sakshi Maharaj on them. Both Mishra and Maharaj told reporters on Saturday that the laws can be brought again, if needed On Friday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that the Centre will repeal the three farm laws after the nearly yearlong agitation by a section of farmers, mostly from Punjab, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh.

Farmer leaders said the protesters will stay put at border areas of Delhi until the Centre formally repeals these laws in Parliament and indicated their stir for a statutory guarantee of MSP and withdrawal of the Electricity Amendment Bill will contin-

ue. In a tweet in Hindi, the Samajwadi Party charged, “It is absolutely clear that their heart is not clean, and after the elections, the bills will be brought again. Occupying the constitutional posts, Governor of Rajasthan Kalraj Mishra and BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj have said that the BJP government may bring the bill for farm laws.”

“This is the truth of those tendering false apologies to farmers. The farmers will bring a change in 2022,” the SP said in the tweet.

Mishra on Saturday said in Bhadohi that efforts were made to make the farmers understand the provisions of the farm laws, and positive aspects, but the farmers were demanding the withdrawal of the three farm laws and were protesting against them. Eventually, the government felt that the laws be withdrawn, and if there is a need to make the laws again, it will be done.

“The farmers were con-

tinuously demanding that the farm laws be withdrawn, and it was done in a very civilised manner. It is a good step and appropriate decision,” Mishra said.

Speaking to reporters in Unnao on Saturday, BJP MP Maharaj said, “Bills are made and repealed. They will come again, and will be made again. It hardly takes any time (Bills to bante rehte hai, bigarhte rehte hai...vaapas aajaayenge, dobaaraa ban jaayenge...koi der nahi lagtee hai). But, I would thank Modiji that he displayed a big heart, and he chose the Nation over the laws. And those whose intentions were wrong, those who had raised slogans of Pakistan zindaabaad and Khalistan zindabad, they have got a befitting reply.”

He also categorically stated that there is no connection between the announcement of repealing of the farm laws with the Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections 2022.

MUMBAI, NOV 21 (PTI): Claiming that more than 700 farmers died during the year-long protest against the three contentions farm laws, Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday demanded that the kin of the deceased be given financial assistance from the PM CARES Fund, two days after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced a repeal of the three legislations.

Speaking to reporters here, Raut claimed that many tillers had died at the protest site near Delhi while some committed suicide and others killed in police firing. Some were crushed to death in Lakhimpur Kheri. All of them were protesting against the farm laws, he said.

“The government has now realised its mistake and withdrawn the farm laws.

There is a demand from different parts of the country that the kin of the farmers who lost their lives should be financially compensated,” Raut said.

Sanjay Raut

Alleging that “unaccounted money” was lying in the PM CARES Fund, Raut said this money should be used as ex-gratia for the kin of the deceased farmers.

“Just apology to farmers is not enough. Supporting their families is important,” he said apparently referring to the speech of the prime minister.

Queried about the health of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, who is recuperating in a hospital after undergoing surgery, Raut said Thackeray’s health is improving.

LU C K N OW, N OV 2 1 (IANS): Stirring a major controversy, Rajasthan Governor Kalraj Mishra on Sunday lamented the repeal of the three contentious farm laws and said that the laws can be formed again later.

Reacting to Friday’s announcement of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to repeal of the farm laws, Mishra said: “The government tried to explain to farmers the pros of farm laws. But they were adamant about repeal. The government felt that it should be taken back and re-drafted later if needed but right now they should repeal as farm-

Kalraj Mishra

ers are demanding.”

BJP MP Sakshi Maharaj, meanwhile, said that the “bills (farm laws) have got nothing to do with polls.

For Prime Minister, the nation comes first. Bills come,

they are repealed, they can come back, they can be redrafted”.

RLD president Jayant Chaudhary has already warned farmers that the laws would be brought back after the polls. AAP spokesman Vaibhav Maheshwari said that it is strange that farmers of the country do not have faith in Prime Minister Modi’s words.

“Today, the country has reached a state where the Prime Minister’s words have no value. The farmers are saying that we will trust the Centre when it will withdraw these farm laws in Parliament,” he said.

Andhra named best marine state

BHUBANESWAR, NOV 21 (PTI): Telangana was adjudged best performer in inland fisheries, while Andhra Pradesh was named the best marine state in the country by the Centre on Sunday.

Union Minister for Fisheries, Animal Husbandry and Dairying Parshottam Rupala announced the awards at a programme to celebrate World Fisheries Day in Bhubaneswar.

Balasore in Odisha was named the best

marine district, and Balaghat in Madhya Pradesh received the award for the best district in inland fisheries.

The award for the best hilly and Northeastern state in the sector was given to Tripura. Bongaigaon in Assam received the award in this category for being the best district.

Rupala said that the Centre has set a target of achieving Rs 1 lakh crore export from the sector by 2024-25.

Demand to repeal CAA gains ground in Uttar Pradesh should be withdrawn.

He said that the decision to withdraw the farm laws has shown that democracy and the power of the people is paramount.

“Every effort was made to subdue the farmers’ movement just as it was done with all other agitations in the country,” Madani alleged.

Darul Uloom Deoband spokesman, Maulana Sufiyan Nijami, said that just like the farm laws, the government should take back the the CAA for harmony and peace in society.

S.R. Darapuri, a social

activist, also said that time has come for the CAA to be repealed, adding that the people’s sentiments should be respected.

Speaking on the condition of anonymity, another activist who participated in the anti-CAA protests said that “like-minded people” were mulling restarting their agitation that had been called off during the pandemic.

“The farmers have shown the way and if sustained protests by them can force repealing of farm laws, why can’t we do the same?”

she queried.

The CAA was notified on December 12, 2019, and came into force with effect from January 10, 2020.

After the CAA was passed by Parliament, widespread protests were witnessed in different parts of the country.

The CAA is aimed at granting Indian citizenship to persecuted minorities like Hindus, Sikhs, Jains, Buddhists, Parsis and Christians from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan but Muslims do not find a mention.

Child abuse evident in prosperous Kejriwal promises free pilgrimage scheme for U’khand families too: Smriti Irani

NEW DELHI, NOV 21 (PTI): There is a presumption amongst many that child abuse is limited to families that are poor, but in reality it is as much evident in prosperous families too, Union minister Smriti Irani said on Sunday.

Addressing the National Workshop on Child Rights with Emphasis on Preventive Aspects of Child Protection Issues, Irani urged the participants to look into abuse that happens in prosperous families, that happens in powerful organizations and that happens in childcare institutions.

There is a presumption amongst many that abuse is limited to families that are poor and that the abused child is restricted to poverty, but in reality such abuse is as much evident in prosperous families, she said.

“And how can we not as administrators, but as citizens find solutions,” the Union Women and Child Development minister told the participants that consisted of NGOs, government officials among others.

She said the best test of a democracy is if, “we as citizens, we as a nation can deliver justice to all

children”.

“This is a workshop conducted under the aegis of 75 years of Independence and until such time that every child is afforded protection can we truly be free.

“So on your shoulders rests the freedom of a future generation so that may they grow without fear so that they may grow with confidence that if they seek justice that justice will be delivered, so that they grow with the belief that what you do today in protection of children is the flag that they will bear for their future generation,” she said.

DEHRADUN, NOV 21 (PTI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday promised to introduce a free pilgrimage scheme for people of different communities in Uttarakhand if the Aam Aadmi Party comes to power in the state.

Under the free pilgrimage scheme, Hindus will be sent to Ayodhya, Muslims to Ajmer Sharif and the Sikhs to Kartarpur Sahib, he announced at a press conference in Haridwar.

“We have introduced a free pilgrimage scheme for the elderly in Delhi under which they are taken in the

comfort of AC trains for free to 12 different pilgrimage destinations all over the country including Haridwar.

Their food, lodging and stay is all free,” the AAP national convener said.

As many as 36,000 people have already availed of the scheme so far, he said.

Kejriwal said a train will start from Delhi on December 3 to take people to Ayodhya for free.

“A similar free pilgrimage scheme for people in Uttarakhand will be introduced if we are voted to power in the state,” Kejriwal said.

DP-5618/21

rifice and defeat the mighty state power and their crony capitalist friends. Prime Minister Modi must also reconsider and repeal CAA ‘without further delay’,” he tweeted.

Jamiat president Maulana Arshad Madani welcomed the announcement of withdrawal of the three farm laws and lauded the farmers for their “success”.

Madani claimed that the agitation against the CAA encouraged farmers to protest the farm laws.

He demanded that just like the agri laws, the CAA

SITUATION VACANT

JUBilee MeMOrial SCHOOl (Affiliated to CISCE, New Delhi) Salangtem Ward, Mokokchung, Nagaland

Walk-in-intervieW

1. Maths & Science (Primary & Middle Section) : 1 Post Qualification : B.Sc (PCM) with B.Ed/D.El.Ed. 2. Hindi (Primary & Middle Section) : 1 Post Qualification : B.A (Hindi) with B.Ed/D.El.Ed. 3. Chemistry (High School & Higher Secondary) ISC : 1 Post Qualification : M.Sc (Chemistry) with B.Ed/TTC/D.El.Ed. 4. Political Science (High School & Higher Secondary) ISC : 1 Post Qualification : M.A. (Political Science) with B.Ed/TTC/D.El.Ed. Scale of Pay for Sl. No. 1&2 : 8000 – 240 – 12800/- P.M. Plus D.A 120%, HRA, M.A. etc.

Sl. No. 3&4 : 9300 – 280 – 14900/- P.M. Plus D.A 120%, HRA, M.A. etc Perks : CPF, LTC, Gratuity etc. (Accommodation will be provided for out station candidates) DATE OF INTERVIEW : 4th of December 2021 at J.M. School Complex.

Interested candidates may report at J.M. School office along with all original documents latest by 8:00 A.M on the same day. Please note that NO CALLING LETTERS WILL BE ISSUED separately. Candidates can sent their Bio-data (personal information) through e-mail; jmschoolna001@gmail.com Sd/Sd/S.K. Maiti Rev. Temsuwati Kichu Principal, J. M. School Chairman Ph. No : 0369-2226319 BOG, J. M. School

MKC-426/21

LU C K N OW, N OV 2 1 (IANS): Several Muslim organisations and members of the civil society have now urged the government to repeal the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the withdrawal of the farm laws.

BSP MP from Amroha, Kunwar Danish Ali, has called for the repeal of the CAA “without further delay”.

“Repealing 3 Farm Laws is a welcome move.

I congratulate farmers for their will power to fight, sac-

6

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post VOL. XXXI NO. 348 DIMAPUR, MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Harvest on farm bills

A

fter a year of unending protests, violence and deaths, the three farm laws have proved as controversial as when they were legislated when eventually the prime minister Narendra Modi had announced their repeal on Guru Nanak Jayanti.

Attempting to strike an emotional chord with the agitating farmers, Modi appealed to them to return back home to their families and enable all(government and farmers) make a fresh start. It may be recalled that the government on June 5,2020 rushed to promulgate three ordinances on farm laws. Right to Information requests have revealed that the government has no record of consulting stakeholders about the content of these proposals, before they were summarily turned into laws. This was done through executive ordinances in June 2020, without even waiting for Parliament to take up the matter. The reason why the government chose the ordinance route was in attempting to turn crisis into opportunity, presumably hoping that the pandemic’s economic devastation would reduce the chance of any public mobilisation against its moves. However, the government’s calculations were clearly wrong.

The Modi government has repeatedly relied on ordinances to skip a more consultative legislative process and in this case was also seeking to use technicalities and avoid working with the states, in what some called “bypass reform.” The ordinances exploded into outrage as the route was questionable. Then on September 14,2020 the government tabled the three farm bills in parliament and were passed by the Lok Sabha on September 17,2020 without referring to them to the house committee.

The opposition against the farm bills came not only from the opposition but even BJP partners. Minister of food processing industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal of SAD resigned over the passage of these bills.

What followed in the Rajya Sabha was disturbing.

Despite the BJP not having a simple majority in the Rajya Sabha, and the opposition calling for every vote to be counted, the Speaker passed the laws using a “voice vote”- adjudicating that one side had shouted louder than the other. In other words, the laws were passed without actually counting to see if they had sufficient votes. The three farm laws, which seek to deregulate agricultural markets, create a basis for contract farming and take regulatory power away from state administrations, among other things, were announced as part of the “Atmanirbhar Bharat” package that sought to lift the Indian economy out of the Covid-19 induced quagmire. Suddenly on Guru Nanak Jayanti, Modi had a change of heart after his government and states ruled by BJP were hammering the farmers like enemies of the nation.

Over 700 farmers have died in the protest so far.

However observers say the decision was spurred by the BJP’s internal tussle, poor performance in the Panchayat polls and the recent by-polls but its impact would be mixed. More crucially, the decision comes just ahead of elections in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, where the agitation has found popular traction among Sikh farmers and land-owning Jats of western Uttar Pradesh plus around areas like Pilibhit, Lakhimpur Kheri and Bahraich. Perhaps, the bitterest pill that the BJP had to swallow for the sake of trying to win in UP and Punjab is its loss of credibility within and beyond. Ministers who had vigorously defended the bill across states and BJP party cadre who were still busy campaigning and explaining about the merits of the bills were all dumbstruck when they were repealed.

DailyDevotion “It is Finished!”

I have finished the work which You have given Me to do. —John 17:4 The death of Jesus Christ is the fulfillment in history of the very mind and intent of God. There is no place for seeing Jesus Christ as a martyr. His death was not something that happened to Him— something that might have been prevented. His death was the very reason He came.

Never build your case for forgiveness on the idea that God is our Father and He will forgive us because He loves us. That contradicts the revealed truth of God in Jesus Christ. It makes the Cross unnecessary, and the redemption “much ado about nothing.” God forgives sin only because of the death of Christ. God could forgive people in no other way than by the death of His Son, and Jesus is exalted as Savior because of His death. “We see Jesus…for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor…” (Hebrews 2:9). The greatest note of triumph ever sounded in the ears of a startled universe was that sounded on the Cross of Christ— “It is finished!” (John 19:30). That is the final word in the redemption of humankind.

Anything that lessens or completely obliterates the holiness of God, through a false view of His love, contradicts the truth of God as revealed by Jesus Christ. Never allow yourself to believe that Jesus Christ stands with us, and against God, out of pity and compassion, or that He became a curse for us out of sympathy for us. Jesus Christ became a curse for us by divine decree. Our part in realizing the tremendous meaning of His curse is the conviction of sin.

Conviction is given to us as a gift of shame and repentance; it is the great mercy of God. Jesus Christ hates the sin in people, and Calvary is the measure of His hatred.

Quotes

Beauty is power; a smile is its sword. ~ John Ray

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Post-mortem

Nagaland – Victim/Hub of Drug Trafficking

I

n the past few months, I haven’t come across anyone in Nagaland who hasn’t come across an ‘addict’ Anecdotal evidence on drug use, drug abuse and drug peddling in Nagaland and its dimensions is alarming. Even by conservative estimates, the sample of drug users present in the jails in Nagaland is disturbing – about 2025% of the inmates in the jails in Nagaland. While a smaller number of inmates are under detention for criminal cases where they are themselves involved as users or peddlers, a greater proportion are in jails for other offences – petty thefts, extortion, non-return of loans or even on account of engaging in fights with others. Some of the cases are real cases while in some others, the family members foist false cases against their near and dear ones just to get rid of them – virtually disowning them while they are in the jails. Jails provide a relatively safe environment for the user-addicts where their access to drugs is cut off to a large measure.

While the primary, short-term objective of the guardians would probably be to deprive the users of the drugs, however, the incidental gains include avoid getting a bad name in the society or stigma, avoid theft of property at home or of other neighbours, or even not having to incur expenditure on food and clothing etc. Jails as centres of de-addiction or rehabilitation is not an immediate expectation.

Under these circumstances, the addicts are virtually disowned and even with some of our jails not having adequate medical

and health facilities, withdrawal symptoms are not uncommon. Except where there is a coordinated effort, the addicts in the jails remain unattended. Some NGOs do try to help but the efforts are sporadic at best.

However, if the proportion of addicts in the jails in Nagaland is any indicator and is a mirror to what is going on in the society, the situation is alarming.

While a projection based on jail demographics could be misleading, my informal interactions with sources, student leaders, women associations and even some addicts indicate that the situation deserves an immediate intervention.

Interactions reveal that on an average, a drug user consumes about one gram of drug per day, with the severely addicted ones doing 4-5 doses per day too.

A drug user spends anything between two thousand rupees to five thousand rupees per day on drugs.

The average number of ‘opiod’ drug users in Nagaland is about 20000 – 10% of the population as per the Government of India’s report - which is likely to be a conservative estimate. As per this estimate, the drug consumption is massive. It means that on lower scale of consumption, almost 20 Kg of heroin/smack is sold every day in Nagaland. This works out to about 600 kilograms per month or at least 7200 kilograms per year – almost 3-times the seizure at the Mundra Port a couple of months back.

Mind you, the estimates I am projecting by way of number of users and per

capita consumption are on a lower side. I am not even factoring in sedatives or medico-legal drugs or inhalers or cannabis or even opium or ‘kani’.

Without going into any specifics, the average seizures of drugs in Nagaland are, at best near the three-figure mark. Needless to say, bulk of these come from Myanmar – the processed ‘opiods’ through Manipur route while the unprocessed ‘kani’ travels through the almost all across the porous border.

The informal mechanisms of handling ‘drugtrafficking’ and traffickers are a major stumbling block in combating the menace.

There are innumerable instances where either the drugs consumers/addicts or peddlers or carriers/ couriers are intercepted by the civil society groups at various levels. In majority of cases, the civil society groups just ‘confiscate/ seize’ the drugs informally and destroy them although the cases of some of these being resold may not be unheard off too. In most such cases, the users/addicts are intercepted and after being deprived of the consignments, they are merely let-off after imposing fines (actually, illegal extortion in legal terms) on the users or peddlers. The Civil Society and NGOs at various levels are not just stakeholders but partners.

However, the partnerships must be formalised with clear-cut roles and parameters defined for effectively combating the menace. The linkages and roles need better definition. A realisation has to dawn on everyone that informal and loose mechanisms have caused more hurt than healing.

While some of these genuine efforts are to be applauded, others burn holes in the system- the informal starts overriding the formal, the informal does not coordinate with the formal, the informal starts exceeding its limits and irregularity starts becoming the norm as opposed to legally backed action.

With instances of drug trafficking and consumption being handled informally, the State is not in a position to acknowledge the severity of the problem and address it. Since the matters are handled informally, there is an absolute lack of follow-up or coordination in investigation –civil society and NGOs are neither legally empowered to do so, nor do they have the wherewithal to handle all this. Resultantly the efforts remain confined to pockets and the links between traffickers/peddlers and users cannot be busted.

The demand-chain and supply-chain remain intact, and the menace continues to grow.

S o m e t i m e s, e v e n when the users are and small-time peddlers are intercepted and brought to the police station, the follow-up action by the police does not enthuse the classical theorists. Instances where the police do not register FIR or investigate have also been cited by sources. Police sometimes do not even make GD entries although they should be registering FIRs. This non-registration and nonaction by police further emboldens the ‘users’ as well as the peddlers and the authority of the law and the police erodes. Police stations start getting looked at as centres of compromise

and bargain rather than law-enforcement. In some cases, the chances of police becoming complicit also take start taking root.

The non-registration of reports of peddling/ trafficking by police should be handled with a heavy hand and disciplinary action initiated. Creating public awareness about the process of registration of complaints with police would help. As a starter, public submitting reports about trafficking and traffickers or consumers to police should insist that ‘GD Entries’ should be made and ‘copies handed over to complainants or people making the reports. These will help in better follow-up by the supervisors as well as by the public. Loosepaper complaints should be discouraged. Senior police officers would also do well to evolve mechanisms where the identities of ‘sources’ and ‘informers’ should be compiled, yet secrecy maintained.

It may be worthwhile setting up anti-narcotics cells in the DEFs to counter the menace. These district cells could be tasked with supervision of other narcotics related cases within their respective districts, ‘taking-over’ important cases and coordinating with the ‘cells’ in the other districts. The State level narcotics cell should actively start investigating cases having inter-State ramifications including tying-up with their counterparts and the Narcotics Control Bureau.

Since most opiods are entering Nagaland from neighbouring States or Myanmar, investigating the inter-State linkages is an imperative requisite.

Meanwhile, the department of Health and family welfare should also look at the possibility of enhancing its capabilities for rehabilitation and treatment of the addicts. I had the occasion to address this issue at the recent inauguration of the Longleng Jail because an overwhelming majority of the inmates likely to be housed in Longleng are addicts/ peddlers, too.

The Assam Police has launched a massive effort to combat drugs trafficking and consumption. Links back to Nagaland and Manipur – wholesalers, suppliers, storage agents and traffickers abound in the area. With an estimated 7200 kilograms of consumption per annum in Nagaland and perhaps an equal quantity in Manipur and Assam (due to its large population), the impact on the health of an entire generation is on the guillotine. In monetary terms, the total outflow is almost 5000 Crores per annum (@60 lakh rupees per Kg), which is humungous.

Besides the numbers who could perish bringing untold misery to the families and near and dear ones, the impact on the social fabric, the financial stability of the state due to hard-earned money going to traffickers and the additional stress which the health systems will come under in due course and the individuals and even on law and order could be immense.

While solutions to other things can wait, one for this can’t. Health is wealth.

We need to intercede NOW! A concerted strategy is required. NOW! Rupin Sharma

The challenges to become an architect “Architecture should make us feel different ,if not, engineering should be enough” -Daniel libeskind Architecture is the profession of designing buildings, open areas, communities, and other artificial constructions and environments, usually with some regard to aesthetic effect.

Architecture often includes design or selection of furnishings and decorations, supervision of construction work, and the examination, restoration, or remodelling of existing buildings.

The history of architecture traces the changes in architecture through various traditions, regions, overarching stylistic trends, and dates. The beginnings of all these traditions is thought to be humans satisfying the very basic need of shelter and protection.

The term “architecture” generally refers to buildings, but in its essence is much broader, including fields we now consider specialized forms of practice, such as urbanism, civil engineering, naval, military, and landscape architecture. It is about as long as the history of humanity itself, and probably just as complex.

The exact origin of architecture could be said to date to the Neolithic period, around 10,000 BC, or simply when

people stopped living in caves and started handling the way they want their houses to look and feel like.

Also known as the “mother of all arts” , Architecture not only reflects the society that builds it, but it also affects the way that society develops. This means that we need architects who can respond to the different needs and values of all sections of the community.

Architecture is everywhere.

Each and every building: home, school, office, hospital and supermarket were designed for their particular purpose. It is of vital importance that these buildings, and in turn the environments they form and the neighbourhoods and cities they are a part of, are designed to be the best possible buildings for their specific context, use and the people who use them. It even has the ability to materially affect outcomes: it can affect the way we relate to each other, increase business productivity, support communities and neighbourhoods, improve health, and even decrease crime. Architecture also has the power to inspire and delight — it can enhance everyday experiences.

The role of an architect is constantly being modified and redefined with the changing scenario in the profession and

erasing complex ecological and environmental issues. Designers either respond to the community with their work or they shape it, dictating the environment.

Architecture deals with many important issues in today’s society like exploring new ways of living, investigating new technologies and materials and ensuring that what we built is environmentally sustainable.

Which means that an architectural education is one of the broadest on offer, equipping people with the tenants to enter a broad range of different careers.

In an architectural college training is given for various facets of construction such as knowledge of mass, space, volume, light, texture, shadow, program and materials. The building that is the end product is a creative manipulation of all these elements.

It also teaches pragmatic elements like construction, technology and cost. Architecture create the overall aesthetic look of buildings and other structures. A building must also be functional, safe and economical and must suit the needs of the people who use it. Architects consider all these factors when they design buildings and other structures. Their duties require specific skills in designing, engineering, managing, supervision

and communication with clients and builders. Thus, affective architectural education must strive to achieve and inculcate the same understanding of the architects responsibilities to society, building users, and clients.

Competition to enter architectural programs are high.

Grades, class rank, aptitude and achievement scores count heavily in determining who will be accepted. There are some important criteria that needs to be followed to get through architecture colleges ,the students must clear the nata entrance examination of minimum 70 marks out of 200,the students must also pass the class10 and 12 with minimum 50% marks with mathematics as a compulsory subject with 45% for reservation category.Most schools of architecture offer degrees through either a five-year bachelor’s program or a threeor four-year master’s program.

Currently, 35 states require that architects hold a professional degree in architecture from one of the 123 schools of architecture accredited by the National Architecture Accrediting Board (NAAB).

As per council of architecture research and statistics there are approximately 370 architects registered compared to which at least 25,000 architects are required for a population of

3.88 crore in north-east regions of India. Since, there was no architectural college in the North East states and students had to travel far and wide in order to fulfill the dream of becoming an architect, Dona foundation took it upon themselves to start a college of architecture.

‘Guwahati College of architecture and planning’ (GCAP), promoted by Donna foundation was inaugurated by late Shri Tarun Gogoi, Former chief minister of Assam on 26th January, 2006. It is the first Institute of Architecture in the North Eastern Regions of India. The college offers a five year bachelor degree in architecture and two year master degree in planning (urban and regional planning).

Guwahati college of architecture is the only college in northeast which is fully dedicated to architecture and planning courses.

In Nagaland there are other architecture colleges like royal school of architecture Betkuchi, Guwahati, Department of Architecture,Nehu Shillong and also Mizoram university.

“I do not believe architecture has to speak too much .it should remain silent and let nature guise of sunlight and wind “. -Tadao Ando.

Losin Rengma Guwahati College of Architecture

Systematic research on the NLTP ACT is an imperative need

D

espite the NLTP Act, Nagaland continues to deal with the problem of alcoholism as liquor still flows freely in the state. There is countless evidence that alcoholism has and will continue to sweep away many precious lives, destroy families, and create financial crises for families or an individual. It is noteworthy that back when the NLPT Act first came into force, the state witnessed a massive improvement in the lives of people, especially from alcoholism—a

crucial fact that the advocates of repealing the NLPT Act appear to be unaware of. The case made that the economy of the state will improve without the act is nothing but superficial.

Then to have a rational argument, one must also consider the potential adverse outcomes—rise in divorce cases, street violence, vehicle accidents, the poor performance of students in their studies, financial crisis, so on and so forth.

As a matter of fact, the Naga

society witnessed these effects of alcoholism before the NLPT Act, and we fear that history might repeat itself if the act is repealed.

To that end, a group of concerned elders at Dimapur met on Nov. 19, 2021, to deliberate on the issue of repealing the NLTP Act. It was decided to humbly request the Government of Nagaland to conduct in-depth systematic and evidence-based research to analyze alcoholism in the Naga society before and after

the NLTP Act was implemented.

2) Rev. Dr. (Miss)K. Kaffo 3) Mrs. Neikolou (Akole) In doing so, we believe that the decision taken on the Mero 4) Mrs. Alemla Alem future of the said act would be 5) Rev. Dr. Vezopa Tetseo a rational and scriptural one.

6) Mdm. Khrieleno Terhüja Furthermore, we request all the 7) Rev. Dr. Visor H. Zeliang believers in Nagaland to uphold 8) Rev. C. Lima Sangtam the Government of Nagaland 9) Rev. (Mrs.) S. Imdaklemla in their prayers and that the government will make the right Chairman, Dimapur Chrisand wise decision on the future tian Elders’ Voice, Rev. L. of the said act.

Kari Longchar, Secretary, Elders present at the meetDimapur Christian Elders’ ing: Voice, Rev. J. Thungjamo Lotha.

1) Rev. Dr. Alem Meren

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.

Raj Cabinet: 15 ministers sworn in

Tikaram Jully takes oath as Cabinet minister of the Ashok Gehlot government. (ANI)

state.

The council of ministers in the Congress government in Rajasthan now has 19 cabinet ministers and 10 minister of state, apart from the chief minister.

Chief Minister Gehlot and members of his council of ministers were among those present at the oath taking ceremony at the Raj Bhawan.

The number in the council of ministers in the state has increased to 30 now. The Rajasthan Cabinet can have a maximum of 30 ministers, including the chief minister.

In the cabinet expan-

sion and reshuffle process, three ministers –- Govind Singh Dotasra, Harish Chaudhary and Raghu Sharma -- were dropped.

The resignations of Sharma, Chaudhary and Dotasra were accepted according to the “one man, one post” formula of the Congress. They all hold positions in the party.

Sharma has been appointed as the All India Congress Committee (AICC) in-charge for Gujarat and Chaudhary as the AICC in-charge for Punjab, while Dotasra is the Rajasthan Congress chief.

Chaudhary and Shar-

Some irresponsible nations twisting definition of UNCLOS: Rajnath Singh

Priyanka reiterates support to Nishad community

MUMBAI, NOV 21 (PTI): Taking a dig at China, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday said “some irresponsible nations” with their narrow partisan interests and hegemonic tendencies are coming up with wrong definitions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

It is a matter of concern that UNCLOS is being repeatedly weakened by arbitrary interpretation of its definition by some nations, Singh said, after commissioning of Indian Navy’s destroyer Visakhapatnam here.

As a responsible maritime stakeholder, India supports consensus-based principles and a peaceful, open, rules-based stable maritime order, Singh said.

India envisages IndoPacific having freedom of navigation, free trade and universal values where all stakeholders’ interests are protected, he said.

“Some irresponsible nations, with their narrow partisan interests, hegemonic tendencies are coming with wrong definitions of international laws,” Singh said without naming China.

China has been militarizing islands in the South China, a move that has attracted global criticism. The

and Tikaram Jully-- who have been elevated from minister of state (MoS) to cabinet rank, while two -- Vishvendra Singh and Ramesh Meena -- are those who were sacked last year for rebelling and have been reinducted as cabinet ministers.

Hemaram Choudhary, Mahendrajeet Singh Malviya, Ramlal Jat, Mahesh Joshi, Govindram Meghwal and Shakuntla Rawat were also sworn in as cabinet ministers.

Zahida, Brijendra Singh Ola, Rajendra Gudha and Murari Lal Meena were sworn in as ministers of

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh being presented a memento by Admiral Karambir Singh (R). (PTI)

area has over-lapping claims of several East and Southeast Asian nations.

In 2016, an international tribunal rejected China’s argument that it enjoys historic rights over most of the South China Sea -- a region known to be rich in hydrocarbons and also hosting an important Sea Lane of Communication.

Following the order, China said the award is “null and void and has no binding force” and it neither accepts nor recognises it.

Singh said as an important country in the region, the Indian Navy’s role assumes a more crucial role for the region’s security.

He said countries world over are working towards making their military power strong and modern due to global security reasons, border disputes and importance to maintain maritime dominance.

There is a rising demand for military equipment. Reports suggest that world over the cost for security is expected to reach USD 2.1 trillion. In 5-10 years, this is expected to rise manifold, Singh noted.

“We have an opportunity to use all our capacity, take advantage of the policies, and make the country a hub in indigenous ship building,” Singh said.

LU C K N OW, N OV 2 1 (IANS): Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday reiterated her support to the Nishad community and said that if the Congress party comes to power in the state, fisheries will be given the status of agriculture.

On the occasion of World Fisheries Day, Priyanka Gandhi tweeted: “I want to reiterate the promise that I made to my sisters and brothers of the Nishad community. I assure you that status equivalent of agriculture will be given to fisheries sector. Preference will be given to the Nishad in the sand mining and fisheries contracts and the construction of the Guru Machendranath University in Gorakhpur.”

Last month, the Congress leader, while reaching out to the farmers of Uttar Pradesh at a rally, had promised that if the Congress is voted to power in the upcoming Assembly polls, then fisheries will get the status of agriculture and all the facilities granted under it.

Priyanka Gandhi also tweeted the edited video of her speech in which she was seen addressing the rally in Gorakhpur last month.

ma were cabinet ministers and Dotasra was a MoS. Dotasra, Chaudhary and Sharma resigned on Friday from the council of ministers, while other members of the previous Gehlot Cabinet resigned in a meeting on Saturday to make way for the expansion.

After the swearing in ceremony, Gehlot also said some of the MLAs could not be given an opportunity but they will be adjusted in posts such as parliamentary secretary, adviser to the chief minister, and chairman of various boards and corporations.

Besides Congress MLAs, those independents who had supported the government at the time of the 2019 political crisis too had expectations from the cabinet reshuffle, but no independent MLA has been inducted as minister.

Former deputy chief minister Pilot said representation of Dalits, tribal and women has increased in the cabinet which is a welcome move.

The Congress leader said in this reshuffle and expansion, the government structure has been prepared in a new form with regional and social balance, which will benefit the party.

Main rail, road routes cut off in AP due to heavy flood

AMARAVATI, NOV 21 (PTI): The main rail and road routes in Andhra Pradesh, connecting the south and east, remained cut off as the Penna river in spate caused heavy destruction on Sunday.

The Chennai-Kolkata National Highway-16 had to be closed down for traffic in SPS Nellore district following a heavy breach of road at Padugupadu.

At least 17 Express trains were cancelled on the Chennai-Vijayawada grand trunk route as the flood overflowed on the railway track at Padugupadu. Three other trains were partially cancelled or diverted.

The State Disaster Management Authority said more than two lakh cusecs of floodwater flowed out of the Somasila reservoir in SPS Nellore district, leading to the deluge.

This caused breach of the National Highway-16 at Kovuru as well.

Consequently, traffic on the NH-16 between Nellore and Vijayawada has been suspended, leaving hundreds of vehicles stranded for kilometers on either side.

Hundreds of passengers were stuck in the Nellore RTC bus station as bus services were disrupted.

Vehicular traffic com-

Dengue cases in Chennai spike after flooding

CHENNAI, NOV 21 (IANS): After being lashed by incessant rains and subsequent inundation, Chennai is facing another crisis with dengue cases on the rise. The number of cases reported in the city in the last few days has increased to 105 with Kodambakkam and Teynampet areas reporting the majority of them.

Kodambakkam reported 18 cases, while Teynampet had 17 in the past three days. Meanwhile, the Greater Chennai Corporation (GCC) officials have called upon the residents to remove the stagnant water from the residential colonies as well as

Jitendra Singh. (PTI file)

NEW DELHI, NOV 21 (PTI): Union minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said that retrieving Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) is next on the agenda. Addressing the ‘Mirpur Balidan Diwas’ programme dedicated to PoJK displaced persons here, he said the leadership which has the capacity and the will to abrogate Article 370, also

has the capacity to retrieve PoJK from the illegal occupation of Pakistan.

Speaking as the chief guest, the minister said the partition of Indian subcontinent was the greatest tragedy in the history of mankind and added that while India suffered the tragedy of partition, Jammu and Kashmir suffered the second tragedy of losing out a part of the erstwhile state to illegal occupation of Pakistan. “Retrieving Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) is next on the agenda,” Singh said.

He said it was always believed and said that Article 370 would never be abrogated but under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra

Modi, this was made possible and in the same way the resolve to retrieve PoJK would also be accomplished.

Singh, the Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office, said, retrieving PoJK is not only a political and national agenda, but also a responsibility towards the respect for human rights because “our brethren in PoJK are living in inhuman conditions” and have been mercilessly denied even basic amenities like healthcare and education.

He said the then Home Minister Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel took over the responsibility of accession of over 560 princely states at the time of independence and successfully accomplished it

NEW DELHI, NOV 21 (IANS): After farmers decided to continue their stir till the farm laws are repealed legally, former Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Sunday said that public is not ready to believe the Prime Minister.

In a tweet he said, “People who have suffered false rhetoric are not ready to believe the words of the Prime Minister! Farmers’ Satyagraha continues.”

Farmer leaders are firm on the earlier de-

clared agenda that their widespread protest will continue till there is legal backing for minimum support price (MSP) and the three contentious farm laws are repealed in a constitutional manner in the Parliament.

The other demands of the farmers include paying tributes to the martyr farmers in the Parliament when the winter session starts on November 29, withdrawal of FIRs against farmers and compensation to the

families of the martyr farmers.

Va r i o u s f a r m e r s ’ organisations have been protesting for over a year demanding repeal of the

three farm laws and many of the farmers have been camping at various entry points of the national capital since November 26, 2020.

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21 (IANS): Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has written a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking extension of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) for another eight months beyond November 30. In his letter, Patnaik said the effect of Covid-19 has not waned away yet completely despite a fast-paced vaccination drive undertaken across the state as new infection cases continue to surface.

Also, other economic activities are yet to reach the pre-pandemic level as a result of which people still struggle to lead a normal life with sustainable means of livelihood, he said.

“Under the prevailing situations, it is felt highly necessary that the government must provide relief to the vulnerable during these critical hours,” Patnaik said, adding, a serious cause of concern in the ongoing pandemic is the challenge of food security to the needy and vulnerable.

but he was kept out of Jammu and Kashmir because Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru wanted to handle J&K at his own level.

Even after Pakistan attacked J&K in the autumn of 1947, Nehru was hesitant to send Indian forces to Jammu and Kashmir and it was only after empathic intervention by Sardar Patel that the first contingent of Sikh Regiment landed in Srinagar, said Singh. Deviating from the propriety of collective decision-making, Nehru had on his own declared unilateral ceasefire just when the Indian forces were about to retrieve the entire territory of Jammu and Kashmir captured by Pakistan, he said.

Public not ready to believe in PM: Rahul Gandhi

k-2184/21

and excluding stakeholders from consultations, results in confrontation and conflict. It must give up the undemocratic practice and refer all important bills to parliamentary standing or select committees for building consensus,” said Anand Sharma after government announced repeal of farm laws. The Congress is also going to raise the issue of Chinese incursion and Pegasus spyware in the house.

Former Congress President Rahul Gandhi had said that the party will raise the Pegasus snooping issue in Parliament and will ask who “authorised” pegasus to spy.

The Supreme Court has already set up a committee to be supervised by a retired top court judge Justice R.V. Raveendran, who will be assisted by Alok Joshi, former IPS officer and Dr Sundeep Oberoi. The Centre had argued that disclosing the details on the use of Pegasus spyware involves national security issues, as it refused to divulge any details.

terraces of their houses to prevent the breeding of Aedes mosquitoes. While speaking to IANS, Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said: “After incessant rains and waterlogging, the possibilities of mosquito breeding is on the high. However, residents must also try to clear water stagnation in their surroundings to prevent the breeding of mosquitos. The state health department is conducting several health camps in all colonies.” The state health department has commenced door-to-door health check-ups and provided medicines to prevent the spread of the disease.

Retrieving PoJK is next on agenda: Jitendra Singh

Oppn to corner govt on China, Odisha CM writes to PM on PMGKAY inflation, Pegasus in Parliament BHUBANESWAR, NOV NEW DELHI, NOV 21 (IANS): The opposition parties are set to corner the government in the upcoming winter session of parliament on issues of inflation, Chinese incursion, Pegasus spyware and farm laws. The session begins from November 29. Leader of opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge has made it clear that the party will raise the issue of inflation. “It has been 7 months since inflation is in double digits. The Government has failed to bring the prices of essential commodities down making the struggle of common man even worse during the pandemic,” Kharge said.

Armed with success on the repeal of farm laws, the opposition will also try to corner the government on the passage of the bills in the house. It has been alleging that the government is bulldozing the procedure.

“Government must realise that enacting important laws in a hurry bypassing parliamentar y scr utiny

ing from Srikalahasti has been stopped at Tottembedu check post and diverted via Pamuru and Darsi, officials said.

In Kadapa district, a bridge on the river Papagni collapsed at Kamalapuram, cutting off road communication between Kadapa and Anantapuramu districts.

Floodwater gushing out from the Veligallu reservoir led to the bridge collapse, officials said.

In Kadapa city, a threestoried building collapsed in the wee hours of Sunday, but no casualties were reported as the inmates ran out to safety just minutes before the incident.

dp-5605/21

JAIPUR, NOV 21 (PTI): Fifteen ministers – 11 cabinet and four ministers of state – were sworn in on Sunday in Rajasthan, in a much-awaited expansion of the Ashok Gehlot ministry.

Gover nor Kalraj Mishra administered the oath of office to the new ministers.

Of them, five are believed to be from Congress leader and former deputy chief minister Sachin Pilot’s camp, which had rebelled against Gehlot’s leadership in 2020.

Chief Minister Gehlot told reporters after the oath taking ceremony that representation has been given to all, be it scheduled tribes, scheduled castes, backward classes or minorities.

He said that portfolios will be allotted while keeping in mind preparations for the assembly elections in 2023.

Pilot, who along with 18 other Congress MLAs had rebelled, expressed satisfaction over the new council of ministers, saying it has been done with a comprehensive approach and will send a good message across the state.

The 11 cabinet ministers include three – Mamta Bhupesh, Bhajan Lal Jatav

7

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

8

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

BUSINESS/STATE

RBI panel’s recommendations to promote digi-lending growth

NEW DELHI, NOV 21 (PTI): The recommendations made by the RBI working group on digital lending, including lending through online platforms and mobile apps, will promote orderly growth of sector, industry players said.

In a comprehensive report, the Working Group constituted by the RBI has made several recommendations, including a separate legislation to prevent illegal digital lending activities, subjecting digital lending apps to a verification process by a nodal agency and establishing a self-regulatory organisation (SRO) covering the participants in the digital lending ecosystem.

Emkay Global Financial Services in a note said the proposals appear to be largely constructive for the digital lending space and are on expected lines.

That said, the introduction of regulations may moderate the growth rate of digi-loans, which have seen strong growth in a short term in countries like China and India (P2P), it said.

“However, the regulations would facilitate or-

derly growth in the long run, similar to MFIs post 2010.

As of now, most buy-nowpay-later (BNPL) credit is onboarded on bank/ NBFC books,” it added.

Commenting on the recommendations, V Swaminathan, CEO of Andromeda and Apnapaisa, said that given the pace of expansion of digital lending, safeguarding the interest of consumers has now become the most important task for the authorities as well as industry players.

The RBI Working Group has rightly made a case for separate legislation to prevent illegal digital lending activities and a SRO covering the participants in the digital lending ecosystem, he said.

“It has to be ensured

that consumers do not lose faith in the players in the digital lending space. The Working Group has made important suggestions for growth of the sector,” he said.

Welcoming the recommendations, the Fintech Association for Consumer Empowerment (FACE) said SRO is the call of the hour in order to structure the industry and to set the rules for the Fintech members and customers. “ We we l c o m e t h e RBI’s step to bring in higher standards of ethical behaviour and code of conduct for the digital lending platforms,” it said.

G a u r av C h o p r a , founder and CEO of IndiaLends and founding member of Digital Lend-

ing Association of India (DLAI), believes that recommendations such as on auditable logs for every action that a user performs on the app will be a game changer for India’s digital lending industry.

“It will demolish many existing loan sharks and curb unfair practises,” he said, and added that the report seeks to safeguard consumers from unregulated digital lenders who have the potential to exploit borrowers with unfair or predatory terms.

Commenting on the report, Ankit Rata, co-founder and CEO of Signzy, said that if the recommendations are passed, it will not only help protect consumers but also restrict breaches of data privacy while curbing fraudulent transactions.

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) had in January last constituted the working group under the chairmanship of Executive Director Jayant Kumar Dash on digital lending, including lending through online platforms and mobile apps.

The working group was set up against the back-

drop of business conduct and customer protection concerns arising out of the spurt in digital lending activities. The stakeholders can send their comments on the report to the RBI by December 31.

Lalit Mehta, co-founder and CEO of Decimal Technologies, said the report by the RBI’s working group on digital lending is a welcome move as it is a significant step towards creating a safer digital lending ecosystem.

Digital lending innovation is crucial for the country as it has the potential to address the credit gap, especially among micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and the population living in underbanked areas, Mehta said.

Raman Kumar, founder and chairman of CASHe, said digital lending has a huge potential in a mass consumer market like India.

However, a key deterrent is a “perceived” lack of regulation when dealing with pure-play platform companies and new credit products that the consumer is exposed to, like EMI-

based purchases or otherwise called BNPL (buy now, pay later).

Among other things, the group suggested development of certain baseline technology standards and compliance with those standards as a pre-condition for offering digital lending solutions.

The loans, it added, should be disbursed directly into the bank accounts of borrowers and serviced only through bank accounts of the digital lenders.

Data collection with prior and explicit consent of borrowers should have verifiable audit trails and should be stored in servers located in India.

It is further stipulated that the use of unsolicited commercial communications for digital loans should be governed by a code of conduct to be put in place by the proposed SRO. Algorithmic features used in digital lending to be documented to ensure necessary transparency, said the report, on which the RBI has invited comments from stakeholders till December 31.

WC, NNPGs back Akato’s expulsion

(From p-1) Further, it said Akato’s action was an embarrassment to the Nagas and the world where an individual “without an iota of integrity, attempted to undermine the sanctity of the impending solution to the Indo-Naga political issue.”

It also reiterated that NSCN (R) vice president Akato’s removal from WC platform will have no negative bearing on the stature of NNPGs or the concluded formal talks.” Rather, it will be a boon that a “habitual defector” has alienated himself from the people.

According to WC, the removal of Akato was not due to any ideological issue but “rather an unconstitutional, unacceptable and unethical trait of Mr. Akato to remain a finance minister, tax collector, treasury officer and cashier.”

Further, WC, NNPGs have appealed to those “national workers stationed at Hoito village with expelled former vice president Akato” and who are unaware of the ground reality, to return to their legitimate NSCN

(R) fold headed by president Y. Wangtin Naga and ato kilonser P. Tikhak.

WC reiterated “this is a Naga issue and not of the clan, personal affinity or family connections”.

It also reminded national workers, that it was time to contribute to the nation and not idol worshipping and that “dissident elements with mala fide intention will have no role to play in the Naga polity.

It also reminded all right thinking Nagas including the business community, to “desist from extending any form of sympathy, material, financial support or taxation.”

WC also reiterated its resolve to uphold the decision of the 14 Naga tribal hohos and other frontal Naga organisations, “to not entertain formation of any new political faction”.

WC said it will “collectively work towards finding an honourable and acceptable political solution without further delay” with solidarity and prayer support of Naga tribes and apex civil societies.

PM should keep his word to repeal farm laws: NPCC No change in petrol, diesel rates

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

that after remaining stagnant at 70mmscmd for the past five years, domestic gas available for commercial consumption has risen.

It rose to 80mmscmd in the past few months. “Since domestic gas availability would not suffice the demand of 220mmscmd projected in FY27E, import infrastructure would remain key to growth in gas consumption.” “We expect India’s

available LNG capacity to rise to 66.5mmtpa in the next 3-4 years from 42.5mmtpa.” Furthermore, the report said that key trunk pipelines like Jagdishpur-Haldia, Kochi-Bangalore, Mehsana-Bhatinda, and North East grid would facilitate better gas penetration.

Additionally, it said that favourable gas prices would benefit domestic consumption and would

benefit the overall gas sector in the country. “In light of commodity prices turning favorable again (higher spot prices in the medium term, increase in petchem margin in Q3FY22, and better LPG price realization) and the reality of derisking US Henry Hub contracts coming to light, we reiterate GAIL as our top pick in the largecap space,” the brokerage said.

No. 10103 Yesterday’s solution No. 10102

No. 4725 Yesterday’s solution No. 4724

No. 3749 Yesterday’s solution No. 3748

ACROSS 8. Flop (7) 9. Damage (9) 13. Misgiving (5) 14. Push (5) 15. Disinclination to move (7) 16. Type of poison (7) 17. Settee (5) 18. Grown-up (5) 20. Truck (5) 22. Disorderly (6) 23. Bodyguard, informally (6) 25. Pacify (7) 27. Cut of beef (4,3) 30. Beast (6) 31. Red wine (6) 32. Bet (5) 35. Informal language (5) 36. Musical drama (5) 3 7 . Fa m o u s g i r l s ’ school (7) 39. Excess (7) 41. Proportion (5) 42. Scold (5) 43. Stinginess (9) 44. Liberty (7) DOWN 1. Torment (6) 2. Mercy (8) 3. Intensive instruction programme (5,6) 4. South American country (9) 5. Cargo (7) 6. Extremely important (10) 7. Single entity (4) 10. Brief turbulent storm (6) 11. Witchcraft (7) 12. Horse’s gait (6) 19. Downfall (7) 21. Copy (7) 24. Academic cap (11) 26. Preacher (10) 28. Prototype (9) 29. Width (7) 30. Help (6) 32. Deplorably bad (8) 33. Long narrow carpet (6) 34. Eat (7) 38. Senior journalist (6) 40. Wander (4)

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varied depending on the level of local taxes.

The global crude prices which has touched three year high level of over $85 a barrel on several occasions in past one month has softened now to below $ 80 barrel. Rise in US inventory has pushed down crude prices but OPEC+ decision on only gradual increase in production in December could raise crude prices further. This could put pressure on oil companies to revise fuel prices upwards again.

Before the price cuts and pause, diesel prices increased on 30 out of the

last 58 days taking up its retail price by Rs 9.90 per litre in Delhi.

Petrol prices have also risen on 28 of the previous 54 days taking up its pump price by Rs 8.85 per litre.

Since January 1, 2021, the prices have increased by more than Rs 26 a litre.

The excise duty cut by the Centre on November 3 was first such exercise since the onset of Covid pandemic. In fact, the government had revised excise duty on petrol and diesel sharply in March and again in May last year to mobilise additional resources for Covid relief measures.

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NEW DELHI, NOV 21 (IANS): India’s domestic gas production is expected to get a boost from KG Basin, from Motilal Oswal Financial Services (MOFSL).

“Domestic gas production would get a further boost, primarily from RIL and ONGC’s assets in the KG Basin,” the brokerage house said in a report.

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‘Domestic gas production expected to get a boost’

NEW DELHI, NOV 21 (IANS): Petrol and diesel prices remain unchanged on Sunday post the revision of duties by the Central and state governments on Diwali eve, providing a continued relief to consumers.

Accordingly, petrol and diesel prices have remained static for the 17th consecutive day on Sunday under the daily price revision mechanism followed by oil marketing companies.

The pump price of petrol in Delhi, which fell to Rs 103.97 a litre at 6 a.m. on November 4 from the previous day’s level of Rs 110.04 a litre, remained the same lon Sunday.

The diesel prices also remained unchanged in the capital at Rs 86.67 a litre.

In the financial capital Mumbai, petrol continues to be priced at Rs 109.98 a litre and diesel Rs 94.14 a litre.

Prices also remained static on Sunday in Kolkata where the price of petrol was reduced by Rs 5.82 to Rs 104.67 per litre and that of diesel by Rs 11.77 to Rs 89.79 per litre in the first week of November.

Petrol price in Chennai also remained at Rs 101.40 per litre and diesel Rs 91.43 per litre.

Across the country as well, the prices largely remained unchanged on Sunday but the retail rates

Dp-5569/21(c)

carried out by his party, Therie said that the Congress would continue to voice out the concerns of the public until the state government wakes up from its slumber.

NPCC vice president and chairman of the farmers wing, V Lasuh said the Congress would continue to protest until and unless Centre guarantees the MSP.

Dp-5470/21

asked if repealing of the farm laws was impelled by fear of the crucial elections early next year, Therie said the BJP may have thought that by doing so, they could win back the hearts of the people, but it would prove them wrong. “BJP will continue to make mistakes”, he stated. When asked about the several protests being

Dp-5569/21(D)

agriculture policy or Minimum Support Price (MSP) for farmers. He also said that even though Nagaland had adopted APMC, it was not functioning as it should.

He also said that even if the farm laws may not impact Nagaland, it was important to come forward and help the agriculture producing farmers. When

Dp-5569/21(B)

were only meant to favour the corporates and to take over the affairs of agricultural business.

“What was the need of having these three farm laws to curb the benefit of the middle men and farmers”, Therie questioned.

With regard to Nagaland, Therie said that the state government had no

Dp-5596/21

(From p-1) He said that after the 2024 general election, the nation would witness a change and the people would once again smile.

Despite the already existing Agriculture Produce Market Committee (APMC), that has benefited the people, Therie pointed out that the new farm laws

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Declaration

I, Smti liMaBenla through this affidavit vide registration number 6326/21 dt 18.11.2021 hereby declare that the names LIMABENLA and LIMABENLA AO are one and of the same person. Hence the name LIMABENLA shall be used in all official documents and correspondence from now onwards.

Sd/- Deponent Mkc-428/21

Declaration

I, Smti nGanGSHiZenla through this affidavit vide registration number 24868/21 hereby declare that the names NGANGSHIZENLA and NGANGSHIZENLA AO are one and of the same person. Hence the name LIMABENLA shall be used in all official documents and correspondence from now onwards.

Sd/- Deponent Mkc-429/21

9

INTERNATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

downgrades ties with Lithuania TTP demands political office in third country China after Taiwan opens de facto embassy

Pakistan government says ‘not acceptable’

ISLAMABAD, NOV 21 (PTI): The banned Tehreeke-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) has asked the Pakistan government to allow it to open a political office in a third country, a demand rejected

by Islamabad as unacceptable, according to a media report.

In a series of meetings with the Pakistani authorities during negotiations for a peace agreement, the TTP made three demands, which include allowing the opening of a political office in a third country, reversal of the Federal Administered Tribal Areas merger with the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province and the introduction of Islamic system in Pakistan, the Express Tribune newspaper reported on Saturday.

“But Pakistani authorities told the TTP directly and through Taliban interlocutors that these demands were not acceptable,” the paper said.

“The TTP was par-

2 Philippine police officers killed in clash with rebels M A N I L A , N OV 2 1 (IANS): Two police officers have been killed and four others wounded in a clash with the rebels in the central Philippines, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Sunday.

The PNP said the police officers were hit by an improvised explosive device during a firefight on Saturday with an undetermined number of New People’s Army (NPA) rebels in Gamay, a town in Northern Samar province, Xinhua news agency reported.

The PNP said the officers were members of its elite unit the Special Action Force (SAF) created as a highly specialised strike force to fight insurgents, terrorists, and organised crime groups. There were no reported casualties on the rebel side. The NPA rebels have been fighting the government since 1969.

The TTP, commonly known as Pakistani Taliban, is a banned militant group based along the Afghan-Pakistan border. (PTI)

ticularly told in categorical terms that there was no question of introducing an Islamic system based on their interpretation. Also the terrorist group was told that Pakistan is an Islamic republic and the country’s Constitution clearly states that all laws in Pakistan have to be in conformity with the teachings of Islam,” it added.

The Pakistan authorities, in turn, put forward

three demands to the TTP. These include, accepting the writ of the state, laying down arms and issuing a public apology for the terrorists’ acts committed by them. If these demands are met, the authorities said they would consider granting them amnesty, it said.

Earlier this month, Pakistan’s Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry had announced that a complete ceasefire had been reached

between the government and the TTP. At the same time, Chaudhry had said that the interim Afghan government had facilitated the negotiations - a claim reiterated by the TTP itself.

The gover nment is now trying to use the influence of the Afghan Taliban over the TTP to reach a broader peace agreement and end nearly two decades of militancy in the country.

The TTP, commonly known as Pakistani Taliban, is a banned militant group based along the AfghanPakistan border. It has carried out a number of major terror attacks across Pakistan and reportedly been using Afghan soil to plot terrorist attacks in Pakistan.

Last month, Prime Minister Imran Khan disclosed in an interview that his government was in talks with the TTP for “reconciliation” with the help of the Taliban in Afghanistan, drawing criticism from politicians and victims of terrorism.

Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid had defended the government’s move, saying the negotiations are for “good Taliban”.

The Parliament was

told during the national security briefing that a final peace deal with the TTP would be struck only after all the conditions are met and traditional jirgas would be employed to make sure they don’t take up arms again, the paper added.

However, opposition parties are not particularly pleased by the outcome of these talks, as the TTP had used similar peace deals in the past to regroup and unleash a wave of attacks across Pakistan.

The Pakistani military had launched a major operation against militants in North Waziristan, the last bastion of the TTP, forcing them to flee into Afghanistan.

But the militants using the sanctuary in the neighbouring country have been launching frequent cross-border attacks, assassinations, fire-raids and bombings in different parts of Pakistan.

When the Afghan Taliban took over Kabul in August, Pakistan handed the new government a list of demands including seeking action against the TTP terrorists operating out of Afghanistan.

BEIJING, NOV 21 (PTI): Furious over Lithuania for permitting Taiwan to open a representative office, China on Sunday downgraded diplomatic ties with it to the level of charge d’affaires, a move that could further damage Beijing’s relations with the European Union, as the tiny Baltic nation with less than three million population is an influential member of the bloc.

“There is only one China in the world and the government of the People’s Republic of China is the sole legal government representing the whole of China,” the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The one-China principle is an overwhelming consensus of the international community, a widely-recognised norm governing international relations, and the political foundation for China and Lithuania to develop bilateral ties, it said.

“Regrettably, Lithuania has chosen to ignore China’s solemn position and to disregard the broader interests of bilateral ties and the basic norms

governing international relations. It has allowed the establishment in Lithuania of the ‘Representative Office’ bearing the name of Taiwan, thus creating an egregious precedent in the world,” the statement said.

“The Chinese government, out of the need to safeguard national sovereignty and basic norms governing international relations, has no choice but to downgrade its diplomatic relations with Lithuania to the charge d’affaires level.

The Lithuanian government must bear all the ensuing consequences,” it said.

Charge d’affaires in diplomatic parlance means the embassy will be headed

by the chief of mission in the absence of the ambassador. China has already recalled its envoy from Lithuania’s capital Vilnius.

At the same time, Beijing also warned Taiwan.

“We also have this stern warning for the Taiwan authorities: Taiwan is never a country. No matter how ‘Taiwan independence’ forces try to misrepresent facts and confound black and white, the historical fact that the mainland and Taiwan belong to one and the same China cannot be changed. Attempts to seek foreign support for political manipulation will prove a dead end,” the statement said.

Sudan’s military agrees to reinstate Hamdok Bookings open for UK’s expanded Covid booster vax

CAIRO, NOV 21 (AP): A deal was reached between Sudan’s military and civilian leaders to reinstate Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok, who was deposed in a coup last month, military and government officials said on Sunday.

They also said that government officials and politicians arrested since the October 25 coup will be released as part of the deal between the military and political parties, including the largest Umma Party.

However, the party later issued a statement implying that it did not sign off on the deal.

Hamdok will lead an independent technocratic Cabinet, the officials said.

They said the UN, the US and others played “crucial roles” in crafting the agreement. They spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss the deal before the official announcement.

The coup, more than two years after a popular uprising forced the removal

Abdalla Hamdok

of longtime autocrat Omar al-Bashir and his Islamist government, has drawn international criticism. The United States, its allies and the United Nations have condemned the use of excessive force against anti-coup protesters.

Sudanese have been taking to the streets in masses since the military takeover, which upended the country’s fragile transition to democracy. The agreement comes just days after doctors said at least 15 people were killed by live fire during anti-coup demonstrations.

The military has tight-

ened its grip on power, appointing a new, military-run Sovereign Council. The council is chaired by coup leader Gen. Abdel-Fattah Burhan.

The Sovereign Council will meet later Sunday before announcing the deal, the officials said.

A national initiative formed after the coup that includes political parties and public figures said in a statement that Hamdok would be reinstated and will form a technocratic Cabinet. It said the deal would be signed later Sunday along with a political declaration. It did not elaborate.

However, the Umma Party released a statement stressing its opposition to any deal that fails to “meet the aspirations of all revolutionaries and the Sudanese people.”

“The party expresses its faith in the victorious and rebellious resistance and reaffirms that it shall always stand by the people to protect justice,” it said.

L O N D O N, N OV 2 1 (PTI): The UK’s health service will open up for over-40s to book in their COVID-19 booster vaccine dose from Monday, as the UK government warned top-up doses were important to prevent an infection spike and winter lockdowns currently being faced by many European countries.

The National Health Service (NHS) said on Sunday that following new advice from the government’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI) this week, the vaccination programme has been expanded, with over 40s eligible for boosters and people aged 16 and 17 able to book a second COVID-19 vaccine jab. Those eligible for a booster can book an appointment in advance – five months after their second dose – to be vaccinated as soon as they reach the six month mark, so

far being offered to those aged over 50 and in medically vulnerable groups.

“Getting your COVID-19 booster vaccine is the best way to keep yourself and your loved ones safe this winter and will help reduce the pressure on the NHS,” said UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid. “While the government is continuing to monitor a wide range of data to ensure the country remains protected, we have very sadly seen a surge in cases in parts of Europe.

The most important thing we can do to stop a similar rise in this country

is get the jab – so please get your vaccines as soon as you can so we can keep the virus at bay,” he said.

New data from the first real-world study on the effectiveness of booster vaccines by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) shows top-up jabs boost protection back up to over 90 per cent against symptomatic COVID-19 in adults aged over 50.

The findings reveal that two weeks after receiving a booster dose, protection against symptomatic infection in adults aged 50 years and over was 93.1 per

cent in those with Oxford/ AstraZeneca vaccine – being administered in India as Covishield – as their primary course and 94.0 per cent for Pfizer/BioNTech.

Following a rise in cases and a return of lockdown restrictions in Europe, those eligible for a booster have been urged by the NHS to take up the offer as soon as possible. “ P l e a s e g e t yo u r boosters when eligible, and get your first and second doses if you haven’t already, to secure vital protection during the winter to keep you and your loved ones safe,” said UK Vaccines Minister Maggie Throup.

According to the NHS, a total of 14 million people in the UK have already received their booster vaccines and more than 50 million first doses (88.2 per cent) and 46 million second doses (80.2 per cent) have been administered across the country.

Protests erupt in Pakistan’s Gwadar IRGC commander says 9 killed in Nepal: Ramdev TV channels stir controversy amid growing backlash against CPEC ‘direct battle’ with US forces in Gulf K A R A C H I , N OV 2 1 (PTI): Massive protests have erupted in Pakistan’s port city of Gwadar against unnecessary checkpoints, a severe shortage of water and electricity and threats to livelihoods from illegal fishing, part of a growing backlash in the country against China’s multibillion-dollar belt and road projects.

The protests organised by workers of some political parties, civil rights activists, fishermen and concerned citizens have been going on for a week at Y Chowk on Port Road in Gwadar, a coastal town in the restive Southwest Balochistan province of Pakistan.

The protesters demand the removal of unnecessary security check posts, availability of drinking water and electricity, eviction of big fishing trawlers from Makran coast and opening of the border with Iran from Panjgur to Gwadar, Jang newspaper reported on Sunday.

Head of the ‘Give rights to Gwadar’ rally Maulana Hidayat ur Rehman said the protests would continue until their demands are met, asserting that the government has not been sincere in resolving the problems of the local people living in the region.

Rehman has strongly criticised the government in the past for failing to resolve

TEHRAN, NOV 21 (IANS): Iran’s Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) has had a number of “direct battles” with the US forces in the Gulf, in which nine of its forces have been “martyred”, Alireza Tangsiri, the navy commander of the IRGC, announced on Sunday.

Tangsiri said that the nine soldiers died to “defend the territory of our beloved country”, adding the IRGC has made the US “realise the sovereignty of the Islamic republic in the maritime arena”, Xinhua news agency reported. Tangsiri did not mention the time of the clashes or how the nine Iranian soldiers were killed in a “direct battle with the US forces”. For some considerations, some of the IRGC’s confrontations with the US forces have not been publicised in the media, he added.

The young Iranians should know the importance of People from some political parties, civil rights activists, the Gulf as Iran has important resources and capacities fishermen and concerned citizens held protests. there, noted Tangsiri. On November 3, the IRGC said that the basic problems of the China-Pakistan Economic it had thwarted a US attempt to take over the Iranian oil people of Gwadar.

Corridor project (CPEC), in the Sea of Oman after a brief confrontation.

“We are demanding the flagship project of Chithe rights of Gwadar, which na’s multi-billion-dollar Belt were usurped by the rulers and Road Initiative (BRI). and the people were even India has protested to deprived of basic needs. The China over the CPEC as it fishermen were not able to traverses through Pakistanearn their livelihood as big occupied Kashmir (PoK). trawlers were allowed for The massive infrastructure B RU S S E L S, N OV 2 1 will be imposed for now, Xifishing at Makran Coast,” project connects China’s (IANS): New measures to nhua news agency reported.

Nightclubs, public and he said at a public meeting Xinjiang province with curb the spike in Covid-19 last month.

Gwadar port in Pakistan’s infections approved by the private events of more than Belgian authorities have 50 people indoors and 100 Rehman said despite Balochistan province. building the Gwadar Deep Gwadar port has long entered into force, requiring outdoors will also require Sea Port, the people of the been portrayed as the jewel the wearing of mask in areas the use of a CST and a city were still jobless and the in the CPEC crown, but in where a Covid Safe Ticket mask.

Teleworking is comgovernment has done noth- the process, the city has be- (CST) is required.

A “Covid Safe Ticket pulsory four days a week ing about it. come the very embodiment Plus” rule, combining the until December 13, and “It is an insult for the of a security state. sons of soil when they are The authorities’ pri- CST with mandatory mask then three days a week, and stopped at checkpoints and orities are geared towards wearing, is now applied in- no more than 20 per cent of inquired about their where- securing the port and its an- doors for anyone above the all staff who are required to work from home can be in abouts,” he was quoted as cillary interests; the welfare age of 10 years.

The authorities, who the office at one time. saying by The Express Tri- of those for whom the area Covid-19 indicators in bune. is home counts for little. Far are expected to meet again The protests are part from the port being a harbin- in January, have asked peo- Belgium have been rising of growing discontent with ger of an economic boom, ple to respect the 1.5-metre steadily for weeks and hosChina’s presence in Gwadar, the opposite has happened, social distancing indoors, pitals were overburdened by whose port is an integral The Dawn newspaper re- and limit social contacts out- staff shortages and a rise in part of the USD 60 billion ported on Friday. doors, though no “bubbles” hospital admissions.

New Covid-19 measures enter into force in Belgium

KATHMANDU, NOV 21 (IANS): Two television channels owned by yoga guru Ramdev in Nepal has stirred controversy after they were being operated without registration. During a function on Friday, Sher Bahadur Deuba launched the two channels -- Aastha Nepal TV and Patanjali Nepal TV -- in the presence of Ramdev, Acharaya Balkrishna and other top leaders of major political parties.

“Foreign investment in the media sector is prohibited as per the Nepali law.

We have not received any application to register these two television channels,”

Gogon Bahadur Hamal, Director General, Department of Information and Broadcasting, said.

“We have formed an investigation team to study the registration of the television channels. If they have started broadcasting without prior approval, we will take action.” It is said that multinational company Patanjali has invested in the two channels where Ramdev and Acharaya Balkrishna are the main promoters.

As per the Nepali law, foreign investment is not allowed in media and film sectors. But if any foreign television channel needs to

operate from Nepal, one should have fulfilled all required legal and other procedures.

During the function, Prime Minister Deuba had assured that he will provide land for Patanjali for medical purpose.

The two channels were part of Patanjali group’s latest venture. Founded by Acharya Balakrishna in 2006, Patanjali went on from starting as an Ayurveda medicine manufacturing company to other fields including clothing (Patanjali Paridhan), dairy (Patanjali Daary), food items and more.

PUBLIC NOTICE The National Human Rights Commission has decided to hold a public hearing on grievances of the general public regarding alleged violations of human rights in the States of Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur and Sikkim from 16th to 17th December, 2021 at Guwahati. Those persons who have a complaint of alleged violations of human rights by a public servant or of negligence by a public servant in prevention of such violation may send their complaints to the Commission by Registered Post/Speed Post at the following address or through email at jrlawnhrc@nic.in.

Registrar, National Human Rights Commission, Manav Adhikar Bhawan, Block C, GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi-110023.

Complaints can be submitted using NHRC portal (hrcnet.nic.in) directly or through the nearest Common Service Centre.

The complainants must invariably mention their mobile numbers/e-mail id etc. in the complaint for facilitating communication with them.

Last Date for receipt of Complaints in NHRC : 27.11.2021.

Such complaints as are deemed fit for enquiry shall be taken up at the open public hearings.

The parties shall be informed in due course about the date and venue of public hearing.

Sd/- S. R. SARAVANAN, IPS, Special Secretary Home.

Issued by DIPR

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Regional content can go global, says I&B Minister Anurag Thakur Anurag Singh Thakur addressing at the inauguration Indian Panorama section, during the 52nd International Film Festival of India (IFFI2021), in Panaji, Sunday. (PTI)

E

mphasising that it was possible today to take good regional content to national and international audiences, Union Minister for Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur said on Sunday: “If you are creating the right content, then that is not restricted only to the regional language.

It becomes national and international soon.”

Addressing a gathering of filmmakers and film aficionados after inaugurating the Indian Panorama section at the 52nd edition of the International Film Festival of India (IFFI), Thakur sought suggestions from the assembled dignitaries on ways to facilitate the promotion of the film industry. He also urged

T

the participants to come forward with suggestions on how to take IFFI to greater heights.

“Content is the king.

We have to work hard to create the best. We are the world’s largest film producer, but at the same time, how many films of ours are acknowledged at the international level?” the minister asked.

Stating that India had the talent, technology and skilled manpower, all of which were not expensive, he said the country could offer the world a platform to come and shoot their films here. He also reiterated his idea of India being a post-production hub during his speech.

Pointing out that animation, visuals and graph-

ics, all played a very important role today, the minister said that with technology, one could showcase something which was not imaginable a few years back.

“We have seen in the past that only actors, singers and lyricists would get cinema awards,” Thakur said.

“In the past few years, at the National Film Awards, we have been honouring technicians. I think it is very important that people who play a larger role behind the screen should be honoured on different platforms and we’ll try and do that in the coming years,” Thakur said.

Stating that there was no reason for IFFI to fall behind other film festivals, the minister said some changes had been made in its format this year. “I had only a couple of months to work on that,” he said, and informed the gathering that he had brought on board a new producer and broadcaster, and also got stars in this brief duration.

“Getting stars during the Covid-19 pandemic wasn’t easy, but still, we got one of the topmost film stars of Indian cinema to perform at the opening ceremony. We’ll do our best in the coming years as well,” he said. (IANS)

Venezuela claims Guinness World Record for largest orchestra

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

Oscar-winning costume designer Emi Wada dies aged 84

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apanese costume designer Emi Wada, who won an Oscar for her work on Akira Kurosawa’s 1985 movie “Ran”, has died aged 84, local media reported on Sunday, citing her family.

Wada died on Nov. 13 and a service was held with family and close friends, according to the reports, without citing a cause of death.

Born in Kyoto, Wada began Members of the National System of Orchestras of Venezuela play during an attempt to enter the Guinness work while still a student Book of Records for the largest orchestra in the world. at Kyoto City University of Arts. She also created enezuela’s National ting a new record after they System of Youth and played La Marche Slave by Children’s Orchestras Pyotr Tchaikovsky for more - known as “El Sistema” than five minutes.

- has set a new Guinness During the broadcast, record for the world’s largest President Nicolas Maduro orchestra with 8,573 musi- showed the certificate from cians playing together, the Guinness World Records country’s government said which recognized that “El on Saturday.

Sistema” broke the record A week ago more than with 8,573 musicians in the 12,000 musicians played a orchestra. classical piece together for The previous record more than five minutes as was for an orchestra of they sought to beat a Rus- 8,097 musicians who played sian record that was set two together in St. Petersburg, years ago.

Russia.

Venezuela’s InformaConditions require mution Minister Freddy Nanez sicians to be playing simuland the Russian ambassador taneously without people in Caracas, Sergey Melik- swapping in and out, or Bagdasarov, congratulated lending their instruments the musicians on Saturday to other players. in an address broadcast on Guinness did not imstate television. mediately respond to reThe broadcast included quests for comment. a recording of Guinness “El Sistema” counts World Records expert Su- some 350,000 children and sana Reyes announcing that youths among its rank, playthe Venezuelan musicians ing in a network of 180 had been successful in set- orchestras.

(Reuters)

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costumes for theatre and dance productions.

As well as working with Kurosawa, Wada designed costumes for many international films including Peter Greenaway’s “Prospero’s Books” (1991) and Zhang Yimou’s “Hero” (2002) and “House of Flying Daggers” (2004).

She continued to work in her 80s, creating costumes for Ann Hui’s “Love After Love”, which premiered at the 2020 Venice International Film Festival. (Reuters)

Japanese Oscar-winning movie costume designer Emi Wada (L) and Hong Kong actress Cecilia Yip present an award at the 25th Hong Kong Film Awards, April 8, 2006. (Reuters)

NCDA holds choral conducting workshop

Monkeys, humans produce same brain responses to speech sounds

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speech. The closer the FFR profile resembles the profile of the sound source, the stronger the brain’s auditory processing capacity.

In contrast, the more different the two profiles are, the higher the chances of diagnosing an auditory deficit.

Until recently, scientists thought that FFRs arise deep inside the brain stem -- the brain’s innermost structures close to the base of the skull -- and ripple outward, eventually reaching the surface of the brain and the scalp.

Pitt researchers proved the long-standing theory wrong as they found that FFRs are generated not only at the brain stem, but also in the auditory cortex of the brain -- the region responsible for the processing of sounds located right around the temple, only a few centimeters away from the surface of the skull -and that the pattern of FFR generation is similar across mammals. In response to four different tones of the Mandarin syllable “yi”, the brains of English-speaking individuals who aren’t familiar with Mandarin Chinese generated similar FFRs as macaque monkeys and guinea pigs, both of which have very similar hearing range and sensitivity to humans.

A better understanding of the way auditory deficits manifest in the brain can fill a critical gap in the development of fast, accurate and non-invasive diagnostics, the researchers said. (IANS)

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peech sounds elicit comparable neural responses and stimulate the same region in the brain of humans, macaques and guinea pigs, according to a study that may help pave the way for better understanding and diagnosis of auditory processing deficits.

A mu l t i d i s c i plinary group of University of Pittsburgh researchers reported in the journal eNeuro that the brain’s responses to sound -- called frequency-following responses, or FFRs -- can be recorded from small electrodes placed onto a person’s scalp.

They are used by clinicians to quickly assess a child’s hearing capacity and flag a slew of potential speech and language disorders, such as dyslexia and autism. But the method has a major drawback - it is lacking specificity.

“These tests can only tell us that something is off - but we don’t know what that ‘off ’ is,” said Bharath Chandrasekaran, Professor at Pitt’s School of Health and Rehabilitation Sciences.

“Understanding the source and mechanism of FFR generation would allow for the development of specific markers of speech impairments, which would be instrumental in improving clinical diagnostics of auditory processing deficits,” he added.

The FFRs are also used to identify any issues in auditory processing, or the way that the brain interprets sounds coming from the environment, especially

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he Nagaland Choral Directors Association (NCDA) held its first choral conducting workshop from November 18-20, at Dimapur Christian Fellowship, Darogapathar.

The workshop was opened by coordinator of Nagaland Chamber Choir, Dr. Limawati Pongen, with a prayer while one of the advisors of NCDA, Lipokmar Tzudir, exhorted and encouraged the participants.

There were 18 participants from Kiphire, Phek and Dimapur consisting of church music directors, music teachers, music students and working professionals. The workshop covered topics on choral singing and warm up; conducting technique, rehearsal techniques, repertoire, conductors and accompanists. The workshop was led

by Kevisekuo Sechu, Hito Kiho, Pfotokho Kayina, Vimezo Iralu and Mhonroni Lotha. NCDA plans to have the next event in the early part of 2022. Participants of the choral conducting workshop.

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

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Manchester City beat Everton, move to second in EPL table

Manchester City’s Ilkay Gundogan, right, duels for the ball with Everton’s Jonjoe Kenny during the English Premier League match at Etihad stadium in Manchester. (AP/PTI)

MANCHESTER, NOV 21 (IANS): Defending champions Manchester City defeated Everton 3-0 in a onesided match in the Premier League on Sunday as they returned back to the second behind leaders Chelsea.

Pep Guardiola’s side rode on goals by Raheem Sterling (44’), Rodrigo Hernandez Rodri (55.) and Mota Bernardo Silva (86’) as they won their eighth win out of 12 games, moving up to 26 points, three

points behind Chelsea in the race for the top spot.

Liverpool are at 25 points.

It was another masterful performance from the defending champions, who replicated the dominant display against Manchester United a fortnight ago to claim a deserved victory.

Sterling gave the Citizens the lead at the Etihad Stadium when he converted Joao Cancelo’s superb cross to mark his 300th Premier League appearance with

a goal.

Rodrigo then scored a goal that looks like a contender for the goal of the season, the Spaniard beat Jordan Pickford with a 25yard thunderbolt to double City’s lead.

Ber nardo Silva wrapped up the three points late on when he reacted quickest to slide Cole Palmer’s deflected strike-throug’ Pickford’s legs from six yards.

With City enjoying

Meghalaya beat Nagaland by 91 runs in Men’s U-25 State A Trophy wicketkeeper also effected a run out and took a catch in the second innings. In fact, apart from an early wicket, Meghalaya were cruising at the start, as Arien made 88 for the second wicket with number three batter Abhishek Gupta (29 from 67, four fours). The two had carried Meghalaya to victory by nine wickets in Wednesday’s opener against Sikkim, making today their second successful stint together.

However, the pair proved to be the mainstay of Meghalaya and their dismissal led to the folding of the innings. Nine wickets fell as the team added just 44 to the score, including the last six batters for just five runs. This despite contributions of 14 from Roshan Warbah

and 13 by Joydeepan Deb. With Meghalaya dismissed early, in 38.1 overs, Nagaland’s innings began right away but they were reduced to 14/4 in five overs when the players finally took lunch.

There was no respite following the break, however, as Kumar continued to find his way past the defences of the opposition batters. Such was his hold over Nagaland that Kumar was bowled continuously, as Meghalaya could sniff a huge victory. His six scalps were from a variety of batters, including the top, middle and lower orders.

The other bowlers to also grab wickets today were Lokesh Turaha and Agreas Chamcham Sangma, who both finished with figures of 1/12.

RSZ to organise Walkathon on Nov 23

DIMAPUR, NOV 21 (NPN): Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) will be organizing a walkathon in solidarity with the people’s longstanding aspiration for creation of a separate Tseminyu district on November 23, pursuant to the resolutions adopted during the RSZ executive council meet on November 11. The event is being organized to implore upon the popular government of the day to expedite the process for creation of Tseminyu district and to register its displeasure over the 73 years lapses despite the creation of Tseminyu Bench Court in 1948 which remain a sub-division till date. The proposed ‘Tseminyu District Demand Walkathon’ will be flagged off at 58 km milestone Tseminyu at 3 a.m. Participants will proceed to Kohima and culminate at Naga Solidarity Park, Kohima where a public reception will be held, followed by a short briefing to the media personnel.

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SHILLONG, NOV 21 (AGENCIES): Abhishek Kumar (right) was the star of the show as Meghalaya defeated Nagaland by 91 runs despite defending a small total in their Plate Group match of the Men’s U-25 State A Trophy 50over tournament in Guwahati today, reports The Sports Room. Kumar took 6/17 in 9.4 overs to dismiss Nagaland for 44 and thereby earn Meghalaya’s second win in two outings.

Earlier, Meghalaya were all out for 135 after Nagaland won the toss and elected to field first. If conditions were challenging for batters, no one mentioned that to Arien B Sangma (left), who delivered a fine knock of 52 from just 66 deliveries (five fours). For a terrific all-round effort, the

78 percent of possession, into the side-netting with The win sees City table, having temporarily Liverpool’s victory over Everton mustered just two seconds remaining. return to second in the dropped to third following Arsenal on Saturday. shots on target, with Ederson’s only save of note coming from a free-kick Andros Townsend fired straight at the goalkeeper.

The margin for City could have been bigger if they had capitalised on their chances.

With Pickford beaten, Ilkay Gundogan saw a looping head bounce off the top of the crossbar, whilst Sterling had a penalty decision overturned after referee Stuart Attwell consulted the pitch-side monitor and adjudged no foul had taken place when Michael Keane’s contact send the winger to the floor.

Sterling spurned a glorious chance to add a third for City, when he arrived unmarked at the far post to meet substitute Riyad Mahrez’s low cross, only for Pickford to gather after the winger’s heavy touch let him down.

Guardiola handed 19-year-old James McAtee his Premier League debut in the final five minutes, and the young midfielder enjoyed some impressive touches, going close to adding a fourth when he fired

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, NOVEMBER 22, 2021

India beat NZ by 73 runs; sweep T20 series 3-0 ISL: Jamshedpur holds East Bengal 1-1

KO L K ATA , N OV 2 1 (PTI): Rohit Sharma batted in style and led with panache to script a near perfect tale on his full-time captaincy debut as India handed T20 World Cup runners-up New Zealand the ignominy of a 3-0 series defeat after a 73-run win in the third T20 International here on Sunday.

The Indian skipper first made a statement scoring 56 off 31 balls in India’s 184 for 7 and then made some immaculate captaincy calls which witnessed New Zealand’s surrender for a paltry 111 runs in 17.2 overs.

It was a second backto-back bilateral T20I series triumph with a clean sweep for India after beating the Black Caps 5-0 in their own den in 2020.

Axar Patel (3/9) bowled accurately and also got one to turn as his three wickets in Powerplay literally ended New Zealand’s resistance and the rest was a mere formality. The New Zealand team looked bone tired after a gruelling T20 World Cup campaign and the result won’t be a fair reflection of the team’s capabilities as they went through

Rohit Sharma plays a shot during their 3rd and final T20 match of the series against New Zealand. (PTI)

the motions for the better part of the three games.

For India, who were aiming to reset the button, the series win will certainly give them a few pointers going forward. For Rohit and head coach Rahul Dravid, this series was about checking what kind of ammunition they have going forward.

Bhuvneshwar Kumar and Ravichandran Ashwin’s return to form in white ball cricket augurs well as there is no substitute for experience. Venkatesh Iyer has shown potential and needs to be persisted with. He

bowled steadily and needs more game time to become a middle-order enforcer having been a top-order player.

Harshal Patel is a welcome addition with his sincere efforts but the middle order still remains a bit iffy as it didn’t perform up to expectation in any of the games. But what he has shown like his predecessor Virat Kohli is ability to walk the talk with performances that his mates will look up to.

When India batted, Rohit’s imperious form was on full display as he laid the platform for an above par

score. In his bid to test the team’s character by batting first, the skipper led the way with five fours and three sixes in his sublime knock but despite a blazing start, the Indians stuttered in the middle overs before Harshal Patel (18 off 11 balls) and Deepak Chahar (21 not out off 8 balls) used their long handles which fetched 50 runs in last five overs.

Ishan Kishan (29 off 21 balls), Shreyas Iyer (25 off 20 balls) and Venkatesh (20 off 15 balls) all got starts but couldn’t convert it into a big score. Having got two flashy back-to-back boundaries off the very first over by Trent Boult, there was no looking back for Rohit.

Rohit pulled Boult behind square for his first six and hit Adam Milne (0/47 in 4 overs) over long-on for the second maximum and the third off Lockie Ferguson was another pull behind the square into the stand below the giant electronic scoreboard. Post Powerplay, stand-in captain Mitchell Santner (4-0-27-3) was able to pull things back as Kishan edged an arm ball into the keeper’s gloves while Suryakumar Yadav

(0) played a loose shot to a tossed up delivery giving an easy catch to the cover, much to the irritation of his skipper.

Rohit’s frustration was compounded when Rishabh Pant went for an ugly hoick to give Santner his third wicket in his second over.

But Rohit didn’t allow the fall of wicket to bog him down as he got his fifty with a deliberate cut through the vacant third-man area off his opposite number.

His sequence of scores in last six T20 Internationals is 74, 30, 56, 48, 55 and 56 and captaincy hasn’t changed his style of play one bit. It took a brilliant one-handed reflex catch from Ish Sodhi to dismiss Rohit. Sodhi tried to bowl wide off Rohit’s reach but gave enough air, which enticed him to give the charge without getting to the pitch of the delivery.

Brief scores India 184/7 in 20 Overs (Rohit Sharma 56, Ishan Kishan 29; Mitchell Santner 3-27) beat New Zealand 111 all out in 17.2 overs (Martin Guptill 51, Tim Seifert 17, Axar Patel (3-9) by 73 runs.

ATP Finals: Zverev stuns Djokovic Man United sack Solskjaer, to set up title clash with Medvedev Carrick named interim boss

Alexander Zverev

TURIN, NOV 21 (IANS): G e r m a n y ’s A l ex a n d e r Zverev came up some of the best tennis of the season in front of a cheering crowd as he defeated world No.1 Novak Djokovic of Serbia in three sets to set up a title clash with Russian Daniil Medvedev at the Nitto ATP Finals in a late Saturday night match here.

Producing high-quality tennis, the 2020 Tokyo

Olympic Games gold medallist edged Djokovic 7-6(4), 4-6, 6-3 in the year-end elite tournament to raise hopes that he could finally break the jinx of not winning a major when the Australian Open commences in January next year.

The German, who beat Djokovic in the 2018 season finale championship match in London, played bravely and hit with depth in the

crucial moments against the Serbian, who was crowned the world No.1 for a record seventh year recently. Zverev saved a set point in the first set and closed the net effectively throughout to advance after two hours and 29 minutes in an thrilling match.

The 24-year-old hit 35 winners at the Pala Alpitour and reduced his ATP head-to-head deficit with Djokovic to 4-7.

Wi t h t h i s v i c t o r y, Zverev avenged his US Open semifinal loss to Djokovic. It is the second time the 18time tour-level titlist has beaten the top seed this year, after upsetting him en route to clinching the Tokyo Olympic singles gold.

Zverev, who went 2-1 in Red Group action at the Nitto ATP Finals to qualify for the last-four, will face Medvedev in the final later on Sunday after the Russian cruised past Casper Ruud 6-4, 6-2. Medvedev leads Zverev 6-5 in their ATP head-to-head, having defeated the 24-year-old in a third-set tie-break in the round-robin stage earlier this week.

Ole Gunnar Solskjaer MANCHESTER, NOV 21 (IANS): Manchester United on Sunday sacked Ole Gunnar Solskjaer as manager of the Premier League club, ending a three-year association following another humiliating defeat on Saturday.

The 4-1 defeat to Watford on Saturday evening proved the last straw and the club’s board met in an emergency meeting on Sunday morning and decided to part ways with the Norwegian, who was appointed as permanent manager in December 2018.

Ed Woodward, the club’s executive vice president, arrived at Manchester United’s training centre at Carrington on Sunday soon after the board meeting to convey the decision to Solskjaer who was conducting the morning training session.

Under Solskjaer, United were unable to put up a good performance despite the presence of a player like Cristiano Ronaldo as it slumped to big defeats against archrivals Liverpool, Manchester City, and now Watford in the last few weeks.

The 48-year-old Solskjaer had a very successful playing career at Old Trafford, excelling in the role of ‘Super Sub’ for coming in as a replacement and scoring crucial goals on many occasions during the times of legendary manager Sir Alex Ferguson.

Michael Carrick, another former United player who assisted Solskjaer for the last three years, will manage things for the next few games while the club looks to appoint a permanent replacement.

“Manchester United announces that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has left his role as manager,” the club announced in a statement on Sunday.

According to reports, former Real manager boss Zinedine Zidane is high on the United board’s wishlist to replace Solskjaer.

East Bengal and Jamshedpur players in action during the ISL match on Sunday.

VASCO, NOV 21 (AGENCIES): SC East Bengal picked up a point in its opening game of the Indian Super League (ISL 2021-22) as the side played out a 1-1 draw with Jamshedpur FC at the Tilak Maidan stadium in Goa on Sunday.

Croatian Franjo Prce opened the account for SC East Bengal early in the first half before Jamshedpur FC captain Peter Hartley struck the equaliser at the cusp pf half-time.

There was a similarity in the way the two teams found the target in the opening half. The two centrebacks on either side – Prce and Hartley – did the finish-

Indian contingent shine at Uganda Para-Badminton KAMPALA (UGANDA), NOV 21 (IANS): The Indian contingent bagged a rich haul of 47 medals at the Uganda Para-Badminton International event here on Sunday.

This medal tally includes 16 gold, 14 silver, and 17 bronze medals. According to information received here, Palak Kohli, Abu Hubaida, and Ammu Mohan clinched two gold and one silver each. Manasi Joshi won a gold medal in the women’s singles SL3 event.

The gold winners are Manoj Sarkar, Sukant Kadam, Hardik Makkar, Abu Hubaida, Dhinagaran, Palak Kohli, Manasi Joshi, Jyoti, Ammu Mohan, Arwaz Ansari, and Deep Ranjan, Chirag Baretha and Raj Kumar, and Mandeep Kaur, Manasi Joshi, and Ruthick, Abu Hubaida, Ammu Mohan, Sivarajan.

Meanwhile, Tokyo Paralympics gold winner Pramod Bhagat finished with a silver medal in the men’s singles SL3 event.

He also bagged silver in the men’s doubles SL3-SL4 event alongside Manoj Sarkar.

ing job moving up to avail the opportunities coming off corner-kick situations.

SC East Bengal drew first blood in the 17th minute when Croatian striker Antonio Perosevic set up compatriot Prce in the goalmouth after collecting a clearance from Jamshedpur goalkeeper T.P. Rehenesh following a corner. Prce fired an acrobatic bicycle kick the ball deflected into the back of the net after striking Jamshedpur forward Nerijus Valskis.

The Red and Gold Brigade tried to utilise the impetus and almost doubled the lead in the 33rd minute when Perosevic got the ball

home just to find himself flagged offside. Jamshedpur FC tried to claw back into the game in the final few minutes of the opening half and found a corner in the second minute of the added time.

Alexandre Lima issued a nice floater for Valskis to bring it down. Hartley was positioned perfectly to head it home on the first bounce. Both side had a host of chances in the second half but neither managed to score as both sides took away a point from the encounter.

MONDAY’S MATCH Mumbai City Vs FC Goa Time: 7:30 pm

F1: Hamilton wins in Qatar LOSAIL (QATAR), NOV 21 (IANS): Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton registered a dominant victory in the inaugural Qatar Grand Prix at the Losail International Circuit, and closed down the gap with title rival Max Verstappen of Red Bull, making the race for the drivers’ championship tighter with two races to go.

Verstappen, recovering from a grid drop that saw him start at seventh position, fought back to finish second, as Alpine’s Fernando Alonso took the final podium position.

After a clinical start from pole position, Hamilton was able to control the pace at the front and maintained his position as he raced to his second win in a row after Brazil. But while Hamilton was impressive, so too was Verstappen, who was dropped from the 2nd position to 7th on the grid for failing to respect double waved yellow flags in qualifying. The Dutch driver shrugged off the disappointment, though, jumping to 4th at the start before quickly making his way up to 2nd, as he followed Hamilton across the line to limit the damage to his title lead, which now stands at 8th points as Ver-

Lewis Hamilton

stappen claimed fastest lap bonus point.

Hamilton now has 343.5 with Verstappen, who has 351.5, with races in Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi to go. Meanwhile, there was joy down at Alpine as Alonso returned to the podium for the first time since the 2014 Hungarian Grand Prix, the Spaniard having executed an aggressive drive to survive late-race pressure from Red Bull’s Sergio Perez to take third.

Perez’s 4th place was a decent recovery considering he’d started P11, while he finished ahead of the Alpine of Esteban Ocon, with Lance Stroll taking P6 for Aston Martin. The Ferrari pair of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were P7 and P8. Lando Norris took P9 after a late stop for McLaren driver, as Sebastian Vettel took the final points-paying position for P10.

Indonesia Masters: Momota clinches men’s singles title

Kento Momota

BALI, NOV 21 (IANS): World No. 1 Japan’s Kento Momota clinched the Indonesia Masters badminton tournament men’s singles title after beating Denmark’s Anders Antonsen in the final, here on Sunday.

The 27-year old dismissed Antonsen with his typical high-octane game and registered a convincing 21-17, 21-11 victory in a 49-minute encounter.

It’s a significant win for Momota as it secured him his first World Tour title since a near-fatal car crash in January 2020. In the women’s singles final, Japan’s Akane Yamaguchi, who had

beaten India’s PV Sindhu in the semi-final, was defeated

by An Se-Young. The South Korean shuttler, seeded four, won 21-17, 21-19 in a thrilling contest.

In the men’s doubles, Hoki Takuro and Kobayashi Yugo beat home favourites Marcus Fernaldi Gideon and Kevin Sanjaya Sukamuljo in a thrilling threesetter, 21-11, 17-21, 21-19.

It was the Japanese duo’s first-ever win over Gideon and Sukamuljo and they collected their BWF World Tour Super 750 title trophy in as many months.

Japan’s great day continued in the women’s doubles as Matsuyama Nami and Shida Chiharu outclassed South Korea’s Jeong Na-eun and Korea Kim Hye-jeong 21-9, 21-11.

The mixed doubles final was the only final without Japanese representation after Watanabe/Higashino bowed out in the semi-finals to Hong Kong’s Tang Chun Man and Tse Ying Suet. But the Tang and Tse were outclassed by Dechapol Puavaranukroh and Sapsiree Taerattanachai in the final, the Thai pairing winning 21-11, 21-12.

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