23 Dec 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXII No. 21

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

India currently facing 3rd Covid wave: Scientists NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (IANS): A slew of studies

by Indian scientists show that amid rising cases of Omicron, the third wave of Covid-19 has set in India from mid-December, and it may hit its peak in February next year. A yet-to-be peer reviewed study led by a team of researchers from the Indian Institutes of Technology (IIT), Kanpur used a statistical methodology based on the fitting of a mixture of Gaussian distributions based on an algorithm for clustering to estimate the parameters.

The third wave was forecast using the data on the first two waves of pandemic. The team also utilised the data of different countries that are already facing the third wave, modelling their daily cases data and predicting the impact and timeline for the third wave in India.

“The report forecasts India's third wave of Covid-19 to start around mid-December 2021 and the cases to peak in the beginning of Feb-

ruary 2022,” Subhra Sankar Dhar, Associate Professor, department of Mathematics and Statistics, wrote in the paper. A separate study led by a joint team from the IITs Hyderabad and Kanpur is based on the Sutra model, which tracks the country's Covid-19 trajectory.

According to Prof M. Vidyasagar of IIT Hyderabad and Maninda Agrawal of IIT Kanpur, the daily caseload is expected to rise as Omicron begins to displace Delta as the dominant variant.

Meanwhile, India’s Omicron tally has reached 213, said the Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare. However, out of total Omicron positive, 90 have been discharged. So far 15 states have reported Omicron infection, said the ministry. Delhi (57) has the highest number of Omicron cases 57, closely followed by Maharashtra (54).

Daily Covid-19 caseload in India is expected to increase once the Omicron starts displacing Delta as

the dominant variant, media reports quoted members of the National Covid-19 Supermodel Committee as saying.

According to their prediction, the third wave of Covid wave in India is set to begin “early next year”.

However, they noted that the infection rate will be milder than seen in the second wave, due to a large-scale immunity and vaccination present in the country now.

The committee, however, said that it's unlikely that India will see more daily cases than the second wave in April-May. He said the government started vaccinating majority of Indians only starting March 1, which was just about the time that the Delta variant struck. “So the Delta variant hit a population that was 100 per cent vaccine-naive, other than the frontline workers.”

It further said that now country has sero-prevalence of 75-80%, first dose for 85% of adults, both doses for 55% of adults, and a “reach” for the pandemic of 95%.

US returnee tests positive, swab sample sent for genome sequencing

Dr Neikhrielie Khimiao (NP)

Correspondent

KOHIMA, DEC 22 (NPN): Swab sample of a person, who tested positive for Covid-19 on return from the USA, has been sent for genome sequencing.

Confirming this, health & family welfare (H&FW) principal director Dr Neikhrielie Khimiao said the person, who had returned from the US, had initially tested negative on arrival.

However, on the eighth day, the person tested positive for Covid in Dimapur and was asymptomatic. The patient

was currently under quarantine as per the protocols, he added.

Since the State lacked the facility for genome sequencing, he said the sample was sent outside to confirm whether it was Delta or Omicron variant, adding that the report was expected in the next five to six days.

“Till the result of the genome sequencing is out, we cannot say whether it is Delta or Omicron variant,” he mentioned, adding that the H&FW department had also initiated contacting tracing. Khimiao assured that the department was prepared to face any emergency situation as necessary measures had been put in place like manpower, testing kits, oxygen units, etc. With the impending omicron variant, he said necessary information, advisories and orders have been issued to all District (Cont’d on p-8)

ISL: Kerala Blasters defeat Chennaiyin FC SPORTS, PAGE 12

Mercury dips in NE after wet spell; snow drapes Shillong Staff Reporter/Correspondent

DIMAPUR/SHILLONG, DEC 22 (NPN): Cold wave gripped the North East region Wednesday after rainfall lashed several parts of the region while Meghalaya’s state capital Shillong was covered beautifully under a thick blanket of hailstone or possible snowflakes.

According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the rainfall activity was due to the influence of cyclonic circulation over south Bangladesh & neighbourhood at lower tropospheric levels. It said light to moderate isolated/ scattered rainfall was likely over Assam & Meghalaya and Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura during next two days with isolated thunderstorm.

Shillong: Photos shared on social media showed large areas of the city and its suburbs covered with thick blanket of hailstone. Many of the people in the state had only heard about snowfall in

A Shillong street covered with hailstones. (Twitter) other mountainous states of the country.

“It was a showering of hailstone, but in some places in Upper Shillong we are yet to confirm if there was light snow fall. This weather condition is due to the trough in the Westerlies,” Rakesh Kumar, scientist at the IMD in Upper Shillong said.

“This kind of disturbances occur mostly in the higher reaches of the Himalayas and affect states like Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand and others, but in some cases these disturbances move across Tibet and then come down south to the foothills of the

Himalayas,” he explained.

The weather condition took most by surprise because such winter rainfall is rare. However, what was more surprising was the heavy showering of hailstone and possible snowfall that covered the open spaces, streets and rooftops.

Traffic on the streets was thin owing to the weather condition. Due to the extreme weather conditions, the temperature dropped drastically and plummeted from 11.6 degree Celsius before the rainfall and hailstone, to 6 degree Celsius.

This temperature is at least 2 degrees below normal.

Rio, Sarma to Parliament adjourned sine die RPP condemns use of Nagaland House for Mangkolemba CSOs DELHI, DEC 22 tions passed in the din and meet Amit Shah NEW unlock PWD (R&B) office (PTI): The tumultuous without a discussion. Joshi ‘religious propaganda’; asks govt to clarify Spl. Correspondent NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (NPN): Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio and his Assam counterpart Himanta Biswa Sarma are scheduled to leave for Delhi on Thursday.

According to sources, both Rio and Sarma have been called to Delhi by Union Home minister Amit Shah. Sarma will be arriving Dimapur by a chartered flight from Guwahati on Thursday and after picking up Rio both will fly to New Delhi. Sources said that the chief ministers have been called to Delhi in connection with the Naga political issue.

The meeting in Delhi also comes against the backdrop of the Oting/Mon incidents and the five-point Nagaland Legislative Assembly resolution that was unanimously adopted on December 20. The assembly had demanded that the Centre revoke the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from the Northeast, specifically from Nagaland, so as to strengthen the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the Naga political issue.

The resolution also demanded an apology from the appropriate authority along with an assurance that justice would be delivered by applying laws of the land on those who perpetrated the massacre and those who were responsible for the incidents.

This is it!

“It’s a lie that I threw the book at the Speaker. I did but it landed on the other side.”

K Y M C

Winter session of Parliament ended on Wednesday a day before schedule with proceedings in Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha marred by repeated disruptions by the opposition.

While Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi said the opposition seems to be "unable to digest" the mandate of 2019 when BJP-led NDA retained power, the Congress and TMC accused the government of "manufacturing majority" in the Rajya Sabha by suspending opposition members in contravention of the rules to get key legisla-

said Lok Sabha registered a productivity of around 82% and for the Rajya Sabha it was around 48%.

Rajya Sabha chairman Venkaiah Naidu lamented that the House functioned "much below its potential" due to repeated disruptions.

Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla told reporters that agreements and disagreements on issues may be reflected in debates and not through disruptions.

During the session, 13 bills - 12 bills in Lok Sabha and one bill in Rajya Sabha - were introduced, while 11 bills were passed by both Houses of Parliament.

DIMAPUR, DEC 22 (NPN): Rising People’s Party (RPP) has strongly condemned use of Nagaland House at New Delhi for alleged religious propaganda and political party activities.

Referring to reports that RSS-backed Bharatiya Christian Manch organised a preChristmas programme at Nagaland House, New Delhi on December 16, the party asked the State government to clarify on the issue.

In a release, the party pointed out that, barring official functions of the State government, Nagaland House in any part of India was not permitted to allow political

party activities within its premises and said such activities were highly condemnable.

RSS leader Indresh Kumar had reportedly passed some controversial remarks on conversion, provoking angry reaction from United Christian Forum, an umbrella body of Christian organisations that monitors human rights violation against Christians in India.

Observing that the programme seemed to have been a propaganda meeting propagating a political agenda, RPP pointed out that the controversial programme made headlines in most national dailies.

The party said the avoid-

Theft tops Dimapur crime list in 2021 Annual police report says overall crime rate declined (R & L) R. Tetseo and BL Markad. (NP) Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, DEC 22 (NPN): Theft topped the list of crimes in Dimapur district in 2021.

According to a report compiled by Dimapur Police, a total of 280 cases of theft were recorded in the past 12 months resulting in the arrest of 83 offenders.

Extortion was the second most prevalent crime in Dimapur with 98 cases registered and 138 arrests.

The third most frequent crime was violation of Arms Act as 58 cases were registered and 59 arrests made.

Violation of Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act

(38 cases and 56 arrests) and kidnapping & abduction (36 cases and 81 arrests) came in fourth and fifth respectively in the list.

Giving a summary of the report on crimes under IPC and special and local laws at the commissioner of police office here on Wednesday, deputy commissioner of police (crime) and PRO Bharat Laxman Markad claimed that, compared to 2020, theft cases declined from 313 to 280, but extortion cases increased from 88 to 98, cases related to drugs

increased from 25 to 38, cases related to Arms Act increased from 47 to 58 and cases under Foreigners Act increased from two to six.

He said 857 criminal cases were registered in 2020, which had come down to 738 this year, a decrease of 13.88%, while cases of kidnapping/abduction had an increase of 26%. He cited split in factions and relaxations of lockdown measures among the reasons that had contributed to the increase in cases of abductions.

able controversy had soiled the image of Nagaland, for which it held the State government solely responsible.

RPP wanted to know who authorised the use of Nagaland House for hosting the politically-inclined pre-Christmas celebration and who were the State co-organisers of the programme. It said the State government was expected to issue a clarification on the issue.

Given the ramifications, the party demanded that the State gover nment should apologise to the people of the State and immediately issue a notification debarring such activities in Nagaland Houses in the future.

Governor extends season’s greetings

DIMAPUR, DEC 22 (NPN): Nagaland governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi has extended season’s greetings and wished all the people of Nagaland Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

December 25, being the most important day of the year commemorating the birth of Jesus Christ, Prof. Mukhi, in his message, said “Let us all renew our determination to follow His examples of forgiveness, peace and (Cont’d on p-8) love.”

Over 200 shanties burned down in Dimapur Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, DEC 22 (NPN): A round 250 shanties were destroyed in a fire that broke out at Ura Villa Colony here Wednesday evening.

The fire & emergency services Dimapur office-incharge, C Renbenthung Lotha, told Nagaland Post that the colony chairman’s report informed that approximately 250 households, most of whom were daily-wage workers, have been affected by the disaster. Properties worth several lakhs of rupees have been destroyed in The remains of houses destroyed by fire at Ura Villa colony on Wednesday. (NP)

the fire, he informed.

The OC said that after receiving fire call at around 5: 05 p.m. the fire and emergency services Dimapur mobilised six fire engines.

He said that sufficient equipment and fire personnel were deployed to douse the inferno. Lotha said that it took four hours to bring the fire under control. The team was led by assistant sub inspector (ASI) Khamlu Phom.

The fire was suspected to be caused by an electric short circuit. However, there was no report of any casualty at the time of filling of this report.

DIMAPUR, DEC 22 (NPN): Civil Society Organisations (CSO) Mangkolemba sub-division under Mokokchung district Wednesday said they have decided to “temporarily unlock” the office of the executive engineer, PWD (Road and Bridge) from December 20, 2021.

The office was kept locked by CSOs since November 1, 2021 over the demand for repair of 11km Longnak-Mangkolemba road stretch.

In a press release, CSOs convenor I Tia Jamir and secretary Wapongtoshi said the decision was taken after the meeting deliberated on the acceptance of the letter to the chief minister for allotting road repair fund by advisor national highways and treasuries and accounts, Dr Longrineken.

CSOs said the two legislators—Minister Imna Along Longkumer and Dr. Longrineken also requested for unlocking the office since the work proposal was currently in process. CSOs have, however, retreated that they would continue to press for demand until the objective was fulfilled.

Dimapur Police issue festive season advisory Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, DEC 22 (NPN): In view of the ongoing festive season, Dimapur Police has come up with a series of plans to thwart any untoward incident, besides issuing a detailed advisory.

As per the advisory issued by Police Commissioner Rothihu Tetseo said road traffic-related enforcement will be reinforced, especially around Dimapur City Centre and Purana Bazar- Chümoukedima highway stretch and people have been urged to strictly adhere to all road traffic rules.

Further, special armed deployment as per District Action Plan will continue at strategic locations around Dimapur district to thwart extortion and illegal taxation-related activities, while special armed escort will continue to be provided to trucks and goods vehicles bound for Dimapur or in transit towards Kohima from New Field/Dellai gate till Medziphema.

Besides providing contact numbers of police officers and police stations on website www.dimapurpolice. in, people have also been urged to dial 100 to contact police control room or call 70850 55050 in case of any

emergency. Though temporary licence for selling firecrackers have been issued, manufacture, sell and use of firecrackers generating noise exceeding 125 DB (AI) or 145 DB (C) at a distance of 4 metres from the point of bursting and joined firecrackers have been prohibited.

Police have appealed to public not to burst crackers within 100-metre radius from silent zones like hospitals/healthcare centres, educational institutions, religious places, etc. Fireworks would be permitted on Christmas and New Year’s eve only from 11.55 pm to 12.30 am. Police also appealed to the public and street vendors to avoid overcrowding around busy market places obstructing thoroughfares and road traffic at busy traffic intersections like City Tower, Holy Cross point, Deluxe point, new flyover, etc, on Christmas and New Year’s eve.

The advisory ordered closure of all restaurants, lounges, night carnivals, night bazars, etc, by 10 pm.

With the spread of new Covid-19 variant Omicron, Dimapur Police further requested the public to strictly adhere to all Covid-related protocols, especially in public places.

K Y M C

2

STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

CSU celebrates 75th anniversary

K.G. Kenye, MP Rajya Sabha along with CSU leaders and others at the programme.

DIMAPUR: Chizami Students’ Union (CSU) celebrated its 75th anniversary on the theme, “educate, empower, inspire” on December 21.

Speaking at the programme, K.G. Kenye, MP Rajya Sabha, son of late Goyiepra Kenye, founder

president of CSU, shared about how the Chakhesang community was an integral part of the greater Naga family.

He pointed out how the Chakhesang community was marching ahead progressively and held a promising future for pros-

perity.

Kenye thanked the Almighty whose hands had guided them since inception.

He lamented how uprightness, clarity and honesty attributed to them were slwoly eroding and were not visible in their

characters anymore.

In this regard, he called upon the gathering to develop and inculcate these traits into their daily lives again.

Meanwhile in his presidential address, Wetshete Thopi emphasised on the need to maintain a

LBC celebrates 75 years of Christianity

balance between modern education and traditional knowledge systems so that they do not lose indigenous values.

He urged upon the gathering to revive and relearn the age-old traditional values handed down by their fore parents alongside the modern education.

The programme began with the unfurling of union flag and unveiling of anniversary plaque. A “knowledge fair” was also conducted as part of the anniversary celebration followed by extravaganza night. Various participants along with the jubilee choir also presented songs.

It may be mentioned that the Chizami Students’ Union was established in 1946 by Goyiepra Kenye, the first graduate among the Chakhesangs.

T h e u n i o n wo r k s closely with the village council and local institutions in their endeavour to provide valuable lessons on leadership and awareness on social issues.

The congregation at the programme.

DIMAPUR: The Lozaphuhü Baptist Church (LBC) celebrated 75 years of Christianity on the theme “Proclaim His Glorious Deeds” on December 18 and 19.

A press release from the Lozaphuhü Baptist Church informed that while speaking on the theme, CBCC executive secretary, Rev. Khrotso Mero spoke on the theme where he emphasised on the zealous and persistent attitude of the pioneers in proclaiming the Good News

amongst the Chakhesang people despite untold hardships and persecution.

Meanwhile, NBCC general secretary, Rev. Dr. Zelhou Keyho spoke on the topic, “The Harvest is Plenteous”, where he reiterated the fact that there were still many countries with very less Christian percentage.

This, Dr. Zelhou said, was indicative even within the country and neighbouring Asian countries.

In this regard, he said that the Harvest was plen-

teous and there was “still a great need to preach the Gospel to the unbelievers”.

During the inaugural service, Rev. Khrotso Mero unveiled the anniversary monolith, prayer of blessings was said by home evangelist and retired pastor, LBC, Thoputso Rhakho while CYE Chizami Baptist Church presented a special praise. The celebration was graced by neighbouring Churches and villages, pastors and leaders under CBCC and well-wishers.

12 students receive ‘Indus Towers Scholarship Program’

Orgns, pol parties convey Christmas greetings DIMAPUR: The Naga People’s Front (NPF) has conveyed warm Christmas greetings to all.

In a message, NPF press bureau said that Christmas was a time for everyone to celebrate the birth of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, a time to be joyous, to be grateful and thankful for the many blessings that were bestowed. The party expressed hope that the spirit of Christmas would infuse everyone’s lives with positivity, hope and joy.

NPCC: Conveying Christmas greetings, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) called upon all to remember the grieving family of the Oting massacre in their prayers.

“May this celebration of the

birth of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ be a reminder of God’s great love for us that He gave his only begotten son to die for our sins thereby redeeming us from death and giving us eternal life”, NPCC said.

In a message, NPCC president, K. Therie also urged upon all to remember the ones who did not make it through the pandemic and hoped that the season would bring people to a meaningfully closer relationship with the Almighty.

NDPP minority committee: Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) minority committee in a message hoped that as everyone celebrated this Christmas, the message of love, peace and hope would be spread everywhere and that the

people would step into the New Year with a new hope for a happy and a prosperous 2022.

NNC GDRN (N/A): NNC GDRN (N/A) has conveyed warm Christmas greetings to all the Naga people across Nagaland and around the globe. Keeping in prayers, the recent tragedy of Oting, it urged upon all the Nagas across the globe to “pray for peace and early solution as one Naga family”.

Dimapur Bengali Samaj: Dimapur Bengali Samaj has extended Christmas and New Year greetings to all and prayed that the Lord would help the people overcome all the sufferings and usher them “in the new year free of sufferings, hunger, disease and death.”

has adopted a multi-fold approach for corporate social responsibility (CSR), inclusive education being one of the important elements while promoting education programs, he informed.

He also said that the Indus Towers Scholarship Program with Shishu Sarothi offered a ray of hope to those “waiting to emerge from the margins of our society and prove their worth in the world”.

Later, an induction session was also conducted for the students to orient them about the methodology of claiming and mode of scholarship disbursement.

It may be mentioned that the Indus Towers (formerly Bharti Infratel Limited) partnered with Shishu Sarothi for the “Indus Towers Scholarship Program” 2021-22 for the fifth consecutive year. As part

State commissioner for PwDs, Diethono Nakhro along with students at the programme on December 18. of Indus’ corporate social responsibility programme, the company has offered the scholarship to 120 students with disabilities from North East region of India where 12 students are from Nagaland. The scholarship program implemented by Shishu Sarothi was launched

oBituaRy

“I have fought the good light, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith” (2nd Timothy 4:7)

DP-6110/21

DIMAPUR: Indus Towers organised a felicitation programme for 12 students from Nagaland who were selected among 120 students for the “Indus Towers Scholarship Program” 2021-22.

The programme was held in Kohima on December 18 with and state commissioner for persons with disabilities, Diethono Nakhro as the chief guest.

In a press release, Indus Towers informed that during the programme, the state commissioner for PwDs encouraged the students and shared insights on the initiative with the participants present.

Meanwhile, Circle CEO-NESA Indus Towers, Rajender Gurung said that the Indus Towers believed Aongza ward of Mokokchung town was declared the “Best maintained Ward in taking active role and re2021” in an award ceremony organised by the Mokokchung Municipal Council sponsibility in transforming (MMC), Tuesday at MMC conference hall. Alempang ward and Salangtem the lives of communities.

To this effect, Indus ward were declared the first and second-runner up respectively. (NP)

07-06-1977/19-12-2021

We, the bereaved family members of Lt. M.s. Muno would like to extend our profound gratitude and heartfelt thanks to each and every individual, relatives friends, unions and well wishers who stood by us and supported us at the sudden demise of our beloved father.

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

Loving Children, Family Members

in 2016 with the objective to encourage and support students with disabilities and has since supported 316 students across North East.

Nagaland State Disability Forum (NSDF) is the state partner organisation for the scholarship program in the state.

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY Lt. E. PANGPHO PHOM

23/12/2020 It has been a year since you left us for your eternal home, but your memories are still much alive in our hearts and will always be. May God grand eternal peace to your soul to live happily in His divine paradise. On this day your family and kins missing you so much.

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren, In-laws and Relatives k-2445/21

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

SAT trustees along with the students at the award ceremony on December 19.

DIMAPUR: The 11th Sürümi Award Trust (SAT) presentation ceremony was held at SBC (Aizüto) on December 19 with Hewoto Yeptho, retd. joint director (agri) and trustee as the main speaker.

In a press release, SAT secretary, Hotoshe Sema Awomi informed that while addressing the gathering, the speaker shared on how he had struggled during his time with mere and limited K Y M C

facilities. In this regard, he said that the students today were lucky with better study atmosphere, therefore, they were expected to better.

Exhorting the educated unemployed youth, he cited examples of Lionel Messi, Narendra Modi and Amitabh Bachchan and pointed out how persistence effort could bring laurels and glory even after great struggle and failures.

Kinito Jakhalu from

Mount View School, Suruhuto received the award under the rural (village based), Elina H. Sümi from Mount View School Suruhuto under rural (Suruhuto area), Kumughato T. Yeptho from Olympic HSS, Zünheboto under urban (NBSE) and Limeka Hutoi Ayemi from Assam Valley School, Sonitpur under urban (CBSE/ICSE etc).

S AT - P G L A A M C award for subject topper in

MIL (Sümi) was bagged by Elina H. Sümi (NBSE subject topper) of Mount View School, Suruhuto and SAT Akighiché Shepe award to those students who secures admission to various professional degree courses went to Inoto H. Jakhalu - B.E. (Civil) at Veltech University, Chennai, Kahovi Aye - B.Tech. (Civil) at Shivalik College of Engineering, Dehradun and Akinali H. Ayemi - B.Arch. at Shushant University, Gurgaon.

The programme was chaired by women leader, Ghünali Aye who also said the benediction, SSC president and trustee, Boto Awomi recorded the ceremony proceedings while pastor Pekah Zhimo invoked God’s blessings on the awardees Earlier, invocation was said by women pastor Bethel Chophi, welcome address

by STL president and trustee Hutoni K. Achumi and a special number by SSU president and trustee Vikishe Jakhalu.

DP-6104/21

11th Sürümi Award Trust ceremony

Born on: 25.06.1940 – died on : 08.12.2021 We, the bereaved family of Late R. NokdeNsaNg ao, express our sincere gratitude to everyone who shown us sympathy at the sad demise of our beloved father, who passed away on December 8, 2021.

Though we couldn’t thank each one of you personally, it is our prayer that Almighty Lord bless you all abundantly.

Loving Children and all the relatives.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“The life of the dead is placed in the memory of the living”

We, the bereaved family of Late MOATEMSU, would like to thank most sincerely all those who sympathized with us on our sad loss. We would like to offer our heartfelt gratitude to all our relatives, friends, and well-wishers who stood by us emotionally, morally, physically and financially.

The family will always MOATEMSU 20th March 1992 remember the genuine kindness and thoughtfulness 16th December 2021 that we received when we needed the most. dp-6103/21

Loving mother, sister and family members

Born on: 19.12.1942 – Died on : 05.12.2021 Through this column, we the family members of Late L. Kupuhe Aye who went to be with the Lord, would like to express our profound gratitude to all individuals, various churches, Unions, friends, neighbors and well-wishers who stood by us in prayers, materially, financially and physically during his illness till the sad demise on 5th December 2021. We deeply appreciate those who travelled from far and near to pay their last respect and sent messages of condolences.

We convey our heartfelt gratitude to: 1. Doctors, nurses and staff of CIHSR, Dimapur.

2. Sumi Baptist Church, Diphupar.

3. Mishikito Baptist Church, Dimapur.

4. Valley View Sumi Baptist Church, Dimapur.

5. Sumi Baptist Church (B) Mokokchung.

6. Sumi Baptist Church (A) Mokokchung.

7. NCRC,Sumi, Mokokchung.

8. NCRC Zaphumi ‘A’.

9. NCRC Zaphumi ‘B’.

10. Lumami Baptist Church.

11. E.S and staff of SBAK, Nito Mount.

12. Youth Department, SBAK, Nito Mount.

13. Akuluto VK Area CLF. 14. Zaphumi Union, Dimapur.

15. Sumi Community, Mokokchung.

16. Sumi Student Union, Mokokchung.

17. Majakong Ward Yimden, Mokokchung.

18. Relatives and Friends.

We deeply regret and apologize for our inability to thank each and every individual personally but we sincerely pray that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren, In-laws and Relatives. dp-6111/21 K Y M C

STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.:-Did the one-day assembly session bring out any new facts on the Oting massacre?

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

A B C

Advent Christmas celebrated across Nagaland

3

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

10% 85% 5%

BJP national vice president, Dr M Chuba Ao speaking at the programme. (NP)

Y. Patton along with elders, pastors, chairmen and catechists during the fellowship.

CEO Nagaland, V. Shashank Shekhar along with officers and staff. (DIPR)

NEXT POLL

Q: Is the solution to the Naga

problem now effectively put on hold ?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST DECEMBER 23

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sun

25 14

Aizawl

Sunny to partly cloudy

Guwahati Sunshine Imphal

Partly sunny

19 9 25 11 21 8

Itanagar Mostly sunny

21 10

Shillong

Mostly sunny

15 5

Kohima

Partly sunny, a stray-t-storm

15 7

Dimapur Mostly sunny and pleasant Mkg

A stray morning thunderstorm 19 8

Tuensang Mostly sunny and cooler Wokha

22 11

A passiong morning shower

11 3 17 10

Zunheboto A brief morning shower or two 15 6

NPF, NGOs Forum Mon unit visit Oting

DIMAPUR: The central team of Naga People’s Front (NPF) led by senior vice president, Pusazo Luruo, senior vice president Blaise Iheilung and senior vice president Shinhyu Khiam along with a team of Mon division visited Oting Village, Mon district on December18.

In a press release, NPF press bureau informed that the delegation during their visit paid homage to the departed souls and laid a wreath followed by a prayer.

The delegation also called on the Konyak Union (KU) during their visit to extend solidarity.

They also extended their support and cooperation towards bringing justice to the victims.

Nagaland NGOs forum Mon unit: The Nagaland NGOs forum Mon unit visited district hospital Mon and met MS, Dr. Hoito Sema followed by a visit to the injured victims of the Oting massacre on December 13. In a press release, the unit’s president Hamkai Arolim and general secretary Heatwang M informed that the visit was carried out to extend its solidarity and support.

KVK Peren conducts field day

Metsubo Jamir along with officers and staff at the pre-Christmas programme.

DIMAPUR: Bharatiya Christian Manch (BCM) Nagaland state organised a pre-Christmas programme on the theme “for into us a child is born” with BJP national vice president and BCM advisor Dr M Chuba Ao as special guest here, on Tuesday.

Speaking at the programme, Dr. M Chuba Ao said that the BCM was a preamble of love, peace and harmony and an NGO which started with a vision to celebrate the diversity in India.

Dr. Chuba said that people should respect each other’s religion and that BCM had a herculean task ahead to create a bridge between supremacy and hatred among religions.

He encouraged them to set an example as Nagaland was a diverse state.

Meanwhile, Peace channel director, Fr CP Anto spoke from the book of Luke 1-14. He said “good will” was the most important thing that bound people and that when it was transferred from one

individual to the other, it accommodated “peace”.

During this Christmas, we need to celebrate the diversity, each individual and culture, he said, and pointed out how Nagaland was the “best and model state for religion tolerance”.

In the welcome address, BCM Nagaland convenor, Er Longshi Kikon briefed on BCM and informed that it was launched in Nagaland in the month of April 2021.

He highlighted the fundamental objective of BCM, working as bridge and create a bonding irrespective of religion, caste and tradition and other aspects.

Later, Christmas message was delivered by Rev. AT Patton.

The programme was chaired by BCM Nagaland executive member, O Atila Phom, invocation was said

by Dimapur Phom Baptist Church, Burma camp, pastor Hamba Namdakly and vote of thanks was proposed by BCM Nagaland

co-convenor, Dr. Temsuwati Lkr. (Staff Reporter) Patton attends preChristmas fellowship: Deputy chief minister Y. Patton on Tuesday, held a pre-Christmas fellowship with chairmen, pastors and catechists of Sungkha village and 13 adjoining villages.

According to Dy CM office media cell, in his exhortation, Patton said that being leaders in the villages and the churches was a privilege and a responsibility which was bestowed

by God. Urging them to play positive roles for a better society, the BLP leader said that this was the time where everyone must celebrate the festive season in peace and good cheer as they welcome the birth of Jesus Christ.

Extending Christmas and New Year wishes to the people, he handed out Christmas gifts to the gathering.

Meanwhile, the elders in their speeches acknowledged the Patton for his gesture towards them es-

pecially since they were located in the remote areas of the district.

In this regard, they also shared their problems and grievances to which the Dy CM assured all possible help at his disposal.

Earlier, pastor of Merapani, Rev. Ellis Odyuo said the closing prayer.

CEO office: Office of the chief electoral officer (CEO), Nagaland organised a pre-Christmas programme at its office in Kohima on December 21.

According to a DIPR report, delivering the Christmas greetings, CEO, V. Shashank Shekhar shared that the efforts they put towards bringing the teachings of Jesus into action would comprise the real Christmas celebration.

Christmas is also a good opportunity to express our gratitude to all those who love us and due to whose help, prayers and blessings we have achieved success in life, he exhorted.

Earlier, Joint CEO, Ruokuovituo Khezhie led the programme while dep-

uty CEO, Awa Lorin read the Bible and said a prayer.

RD deptt: Department of rural development organised a pre-Christmas programme in the RD conference hall, Kohima on December 16.

In his Christmas message, minister for RD, Metsubo Jamir urged upon the officers and staff not to forget the sacrifice that the savior Jesus Christ had made for mankind because the beginning was His birth and the end was His sacrifice.

Exhorting the gathering that this Christmas was meaningful to each one of them, he said that one should not forget the many lives that had been lost due to the pandemic, families that were grieving and families that had been affected by the tragedy at Oting, Mon. Speaking on the importance of department gathering, commissioner & secretary, RD, Neposo Theluo said that such kind of gathering was important and meaningful as it fos-

tered an open environment for everyone to have free discussion which would enhance inclusion.

He maintained that the unity called upon them to recognise that they were not there to work alone or to strive for individual spiritual realisation but also to recognise oneness with God and with each other.

Earlier, director RD, Liboni Humtsoe shared her experience on “my unforgettable Christmas”.

The programme was chaired by joint director, K. Neibou Sekhose and benediction was said by additional director, Azenuo Pienyu.

The advent Christmas celebration was marked

by Offering for orphanage home, lucky tip, sharing christmas blessing, special number, scripture reading and Christmas feast.

KOHD: In a bid to spread love this festive season, an advent Christmas was held at Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home (KOHD) sponsored

by His Little Ones (HLO),

USA, on December 21.

During the prog ramme, founder and chairman of His Little Ones (HLO), Dr Andrei Duta shared greetings.

Husezo Rhakho, Ph.D scholar at Baylor University, US shared the message where he preached on the grand miracle which was the incarnation of Jesus Christ.

He encouraged the children from the scripture of Psalm 37:4.

Special presentations were made by KODH children and Mülüzolü Nyekha while a special prayer for KOHD was said by professor, Baylor Law School, Brandon Quarles.

The programme also celebrated the birthdays of four kids at KODH. It may be mentioned that His Little Ones, led

by Dr. Andrei Duta was launched with a vision for children of Romania in 2001. HLO’s mission is to provide for the spiritual, emotional, physical and educational needs of children.

APC Nagaland issues advisory to farmers

DIMAPUR: Agriculture Production Commissioner (APC) Nagaland, Y Kikheto Sema has advised all to judiciously use the land sustainably by adopting proper landuse planning for increasing ecological and livelihood security.

According to a DIPR report, the APC said that unlike other states, the land holding pattern was peculiar in Nagaland which was owned by individual, clan and community and in this regard, he stated that it was everyone’s collective responsibility to use the land sustainably.

Pointing out that about 70 % of the population inhabited in rural area were engaged in agri & allied activities, Kikheto said that about 73 % were engaged in jhum/shifting cultivation and the remaining 27% in terrace rice cultivation (TRC).

Y Kikheto Sema

He however, said that DIMAPUR: KVK Peren although the traditional under ICAR research comjhum cultivation was a “way plex for NER conducted field of life” for Nagas, it was day at Angadwadi centre, neither economically reMhainamtsi on December 18 munerable nor ecologically on “nutrition garden”. Dursustainable in the long run. ing the programme, Dr. KL With the pandemic and Meena, principle scientist & the drought-like situation head, KVK Peren advised faced this year, he said that Anganwadi workers to go it was essential for farmers for water harvesting so that to change from traditional even during dry season their farming to improved modern nutrition garden could be farming practices. maintained. Theme of field In the advisory, APC day was discussed by Dr. said that conserving or prePatu K.Zeliang, SMS PBG. serving top hill and steep During the programme, areas of the landscape/waspecial guest, CDPO, Jatershed would serve as relukie, Namhuheing said that maintaining a kitchen garden would not only help family members enjoy organic vegetables and fruits but also help them economically. During the feedback from participants, Angadwadi worker Ncineu shared how after receiving training from KVK Peren, four angadwadi centres decided to set up nutrition garden with the help of KVK. Later, SMS A/Sc Dr. Babita spoke about various activities and programmes under KVK. Altogether, 30 Healthcare workers of Peren district conducted participants attended the random sample COVID testing drive in Mhainamtsi and programme.

Heningkunglwa check gate, Peren district on Tuesday.

K Y M C

KOHD children and others at the advent Christmas celebration.

charging zone for the benefit of availing moisture at the downstream areas.

He advised on adopting diversification of crops by cultivating climate resilient crops and mixed cropping in order to cope with uncertainty of climatic factors; farmers may also convert their jhum plots to alternative farming like cash crops.

Identify potential areas for settled farming near the water bodies and emphasise on spring shed approach, catchment area treatment and other similar intervention etc.; as committed during the drought-like situation, the state government through the department of agriculture, horticulture and FOCUS project have distributed seeds to almost all villages in the state.

The government might not be able to provide required seeds at all times,

therefore, APC advised the farming community to revive the age-old tradition of preservation & management of seeds by preserving the best mother plant and its produce for seed storage.

Informing that soil testing laboratories had been recently established in 11 districts and the mini soil testing labs were expected to be set up in all the 74 blocks, the APC advised the farmers to avail the facility to test their soil and ascertain the soil health status so that officers and scientist of the agri & allied, KVKs etc., could guide them.

Farmers, village councils, civil societies, church organisations and officials of agri & allied departments, KVKs, ICAR etc. have been requested to create mass awareness so that the farming system is improved and prepare for any eventualities in the coming years.

K Y M C

4

NORTHEAST

Student shot dead in Mnp poll violence Correspondent

IMPHAL, DEC 22: Tension ran high in Heirok Assembly constituency of poll-bound Manipur’s Thoubal district as poll related violence claimed the life of the younger brother of a Congress worker during the wee hours of Wednesday.

Police said that the deceased, identified as one Ningthoujam Rohit succumbed to his injuries before reaching the hospital.

The victim’s father, N. Premchandra was also seriously wounded in the incident. A resident of Heirok Mayai Leikai, Rohit was shot by some unidentified miscreants at point blank range. Following the death of the student, irate mob ransacked an office of the BJP in the constituency as tension escalated, but was later brought under control.

Rohit is the first death reported in poll-related violence incident across the state, particularly in the valley districts since the commencement of the electioneering for the upcoming state Assembly polls, slated to be held in the early part of 2022. According to police, few unidentified masked gunmen barged into the home of Rohit at around 12.30 a.m. on Wednesday.

As Rohit and his father

People of Heirok AC in Thoubal district protesting against killing of a youth and injuring his father by masked gunmen on Wednesday.

tried to stop the gunmen, the miscreants opened fire at them at point blank range.

According to family members, Rohit and his father, who were retiring after dinner, went out of their rooms after they heard some people threatening to kill anyone who stayed outdoors.

The masked men also threatened womenfolk of the locality who were on vigil after a violent clash broke out between two groups at around 9 p.m. on Tuesday.

Mother of the deceased told reporters that the masked men first shot at her husband on the head and then overpowered the son who was nearby. They dragged him inside the bathroom attached to the house and shot him at point-blank.

At the time of the incident, Rohit’s elder brother

AHRC issues notice for poor jail conditions

GUWAHATI, DEC 22 (PTI): The Assam Human Rights Commission (AHRC) Wednesday issued a notice to the state Inspector General of Prisons to inquire into the allegations made by suspended Congress MLA Sherman Ali Ahmed regarding human rights violations and pathetic living conditions in the Guwahati Central Jail. AHRC Member Deva Kumar Saikia directed the IG (Prisons) to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within one month of the receipt of the notice, the Commission said in a press release. The matter has been listed for January 24, 2022.

The MLA from Baghbar was released on bail in early December after serving two months in Guwahati Central Jail. The Commission took suo moto cognisance of media reports on Ahmed’s claims that

human rights of inmates, prison manual rules, and provisions of the Prisons Act were being flouted by the jail authorities, the release said.

Ahmed, who was arrested on October 4, was jailed for misappropriation of funds and in a separate case over his “provocative” remarks on the eviction drive in Darrang district.

The eviction drive that was carried out at Gorukhuti in Darrang district in September this year had turned violent, claiming two lives besides causing injury to several others. After his release from jail, Ahmed had told journalists that basic facilities such as proper medical care, toilets, and adequate drinking water were lacking in the jail due to which the inmates and undertrial prisoners were serving their terms in deplorable conditions.

who is a Congress worker was not at home. It was also reported that the masked men beat up neighbors, who had rushed to the house upon hearing the gun shots.

Earlier, Congress workers of the locality engaged in a scuffle with BJP workers, who allegedly pelted stones at a newly set up polling unit of the Congress in the area.

During the melee, some persons allegedly took out small arms and fired in the air, during which a Congress workers identified as Khundongbam Rakesh was shot in his right arm and was rushed to Raj Medicity hospital in Imphal.

Locals alleged that despite the prevailing tense situation, the police and the BSF failed to act and to take control of the situation.

Meanwhile, residents of the area, mostly women-

folk staged a protest by completely blocking all roads leading to the locality from early in the morning.

Besides displaying placards protesting the killing and violence in the area, they also shouted slogans accusing BJP workers of being responsible for the incidents.

While pressing to book the perpetrators, they also demanded that guilty should be awarded harsh punishment.

Meanwhile, various students’ bodies, while strongly condemning the killing, demanded immediate arrest of those involved and to book them under relevant sections of the law.

It may be mentioned that poll related violence has been occurring in Heirok Assembly constituency in the last few months.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Passport office finds citizenship PIL in Gauhati HC over ‘fake encounters’ of Assam poll candidate ‘doubtful’

GUWAHATI, DEC 22 (PTI): A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Gauhati High Court by an advocate seeking an independent inquiry and a separate judicial probe into the alleged encounters by the Assam Police since May this year.

The PIL, filed by New Delhi-based advocate Arif Jwadder who hails from Guwahati, was registered on Tuesday. Jwadder has claimed in the PIL that over 80 such encounters have taken place in Assam since the new government took charge in May this year.

Twenty-eight people were killed and 48 injured in the “fake encounters”, the advocate said.

The people who lost their lives or sustained injuries in the “fake encounters” were not dreaded criminals and the modus operandi of the police was the same in all the encounters, the PIL said.

Jwadder has sought an order from the High Court for registration of FIR in the alleged “fake encounter” cases and an “independent investigation” by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), or a Special Investigation Team (SIT) or a police team from another state under the supervision of the court. He also sought a judicial inquiry by a sitting Judge of the Gauhati High Court into the alleged encounters and monetary compensation to the families of the victims after due verification.

Jwadder said in the PIL that as per police statement published in newspapers after all the encounters, the accused tried to snatch service revolvers of the police personnel, and in self defence, the law enforcers had to retaliate.

Casting doubts on the police version, the petitioner said that the persons who were killed or injured in the alleged encounters were not militants, and so they were not trained to use pistols.

It cannot be the case that all the accused could snatch service revolvers from trained police officers, the advocate said in the petition.

According to the police, all the encounters took place at night and the victims were unarmed and handcuffed at the time of the incidents, he added.

Besides the Assam government, Jwadder has made the director-general of Assam Police, department of Law and Justice, NHRC, and AHRC respondents in his petition.

been cooked up to show how independent journalism that exposes communal violence and the rise of Hindu majoritarianism is an attempt by the enemies of the state to undermine a democratically elected government”.

During a VHP rally in October called to protest against the communal violence in neighbouring Bangladesh, a mosque was allegedly vandalised and two shops were set ablaze at Chamtilla in Tripura. According to the state police,

ITANAGAR, DEC 22 (PTI): Amid reports of China building villages along the border with Arunachal Pradesh, the northeaster n state has taken up a comprehensive project to build infrastructure in villages in borderlands to stop people from migrating from the remote ice-clad areas.

The state gover nment has submitted a Rs 4,000-crore proposal to the union home ministry to help build infrastructure in all the border villages.

“The proposal has been already cleared by the ministry after a meeting at the highest level and will now go before the Union Cabinet. Once cleared, border areas will be developed with all amenities so that migration can be stopped,” Chief Minister Pema Khandu said in an interview to PTI. The project aims at building

Pema Khandu roads, health centers and educational institutions, besides creating new safe water supply schemes and electrifying villages and upgrading mobile connectivity, Khandu said.

The chief minister added that he had also requested the Centre for special 4G towers in the border villages. This comes after reports that many border places catch Chinese mobile signals but are unable to connect with Indian mobile or data service providers.

Khandu has been strongly pitching for development of border areas

to stop migration of border populace looking for a better quality of life.

The Arunachal Pradesh government is also developing three ‘model villages’ in the Indo-Tibet border areas – one each in the eastern, central and one western part of the state.

Deputy Chief Minister Chowna Mein who is also in charge for finance department, while presenting the state budget for 2021-22 had said, “I am happy to announce a major initiative to develop three Model Villages on a pilot basis in the Indo-TibetChina border areas – one each in the Eastern, Central and one Western part of the State. I propose to earmark a fund of Rs 30 Crore for the same.”

“These model villages would serve as pilot projects which will be further expanded to cover many more such villages. The

houses and a few shops, reportedly owned by Muslims, were also ransacked in nearby Rowa Bazar. This led the Tripura Police to book 102 social media account holders, including journalists under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. After reports of the Tripura government using draconian laws to deter journalists and civil society activists from reporting on the communal violence in the state began to cause a major concern, the EGI

decided to send a threemember fact-finding team to the state. The members of the team were independent journalist Bharat Bhushan, general secretary of the guild Sanjay Kapoor, and editor of ‘Imphal Review of Arts and Politics’ Pradip Phanjoubam.

The team visited Tripura from November 28 to December 1 and met a cross-section of journalists, representatives of the state government, including the chief minister, ministers

and the DGP, as well as civil society activists, to assess the state of media freedom.

In the report, the EGI said, “The Tripura Police and the administration have displayed lack of professionalism and integrity in dealing with the communal conflict and with those reporting on the issue. This makes them complicit in the growth of muscular majoritarianism that subverts democratic institutions.”

It said the result of this “subversion of institutions”

Christmas spirit grips NE; hectic activity all over AIZAWL/SHILLONG/ KO H I M A , D E C 2 2 (IANS): With Christmas approaching, pre-celebrations, shopping, decorations of churches and important places has begun with great enthusiasm in the northeastern states.

Christmas celebrations across the northeastern region last year was subdued due to the Covid restrictions which forced the people to remain indoors. But now, advance Christmas greetings and mini celebrations are underway in different government, non-government offices and localities in most of the eight northeastern states. All the thoroughfares and shopping malls at Police Bazar, Shillong’s main commercial hub, wear a heavy crowded look as men and women busy buying their

File photo of Christmas decoration in Mizoram. favourite items ahead of Christmas. After celebrating the occasion with his secretariat staff on Wednesday, Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma tweeted : “Advance Christmas celebration with the entire staff of my office. Thankful to them for their service.

Christmas greetings from

Pranab Doley as he often spoke out against the BJP-led government.

“This is because I have been very critical and vocal (against the government). I have been a mass leader fighting for democratic rights... I am being targeted as I fought the elections, gave them the toughest fight,” he claimed.

The peasant leader had finished second in Bokakhat constituency, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi had campaigned for Bora during the run-up to the polls.

According to the letter sent by the passport office to Doley, his “nationality is doubtful as per a police verification report”.

Doley said he had applied for renewal of his passport on April 7.

Golaghat SP Sumeet Sharma, when approached, said he was not aware of the details of the case.

Khandu bats for development of border areas

scheme would encompass innovative ways to dovetail social-economic-cultural needs of village life while establishing the model villages,” Khandu pointed out.

Re s p o n d i n g t o a question on media reports about China constructing a second village (cluster of at least 60 buildings) in the state, approximately 6 km within India, the chief minister informed that he had recently visited Shi-Yomi district and had interaction with the personnel of Army, paramilitary forces and local residents of Monigong area, where, reportedly the village was built.

“There is no such development as reported by the army, paramilitary forces and local residents.

Whatever construction has happened is within the Tibet-China territory,” Khandu added.

EGI slams Tripura authorities for its dealing with communal conflict NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): Tripura Police and the state administration have displayed “lack of professionalism and integrity” in dealing with the communal conflict and with those reporting on the issue, the Editors Guild of India (EGI) said on Wednesday.

A report of the ‘Fact Finding Mission on Attacks on Media Freedom in Tripura’, released by EGI during a virtual press conference, claimed that “grand conspiracy theories have

GUWAHATI, DEC 22 (PTI): A peasant activist in Assam, who had also unsuccessfully fought as a candidate of a regional outfit in the last Assembly elections, has been marked as a ‘doubtful’ citizen in the police verification report that was issued during his passport renewal process.

Pranab Doley, a member of the state’s indigenous Mishing community, said that he has been asked to give “proof of his citizenship” in person at the regional passport office here.

He also said that his name had appeared in the NRC list published on August 31, 2019.

Doley, who had contested as an Anchalik Gana Morcha (AGM) nominee against Asom Gana Paris h a d ( AG P ) p r e s i d e n t and state cabinet minister Atul Bora from Bokakhat constituency in this year’s state polls, was on Monday served a notice by the passport office.

Anchalik Gana Morcha was a part of the Congress-led ‘Grand Alliance’ in the state.

A senior leader of Jeepal Krishak Sramik Sangha -- one of the prominent peasant organisations in Golaghat -- Doley claimed it was a “tactic to silence him”

the entire CMO Team !” In Kohima, the Planning and Coordination Department has requested the people to celebrate a sustainable and environment-friendly Christmas. An officialon Wednesday said that the key objective of this campaign is to align the Christmas festival celebrations to the

United Nations Sustainable Development Goals dissemination and spark action among the residents in Nagaland for making this Christmas and beyond, sustainable.

“Green Christmas in Nagaland” is the need of the hour for the state primarily because, while it is the most wonderful time of the year, it’s not the most environmentally friendly, he said.

As part of this campaign, the Planning and Coordination Department has undertaken a ‘Green Christmas Contest 2021’ which will be taking applications till December 25.

Nagaland Chief Electoral Officer V. Shashank Shekhar celebrated preChristmas at its Office in Kohima and said : “Efforts we put towards bringing

the teachings of Jesus into action will comprise the real Christmas celebration.

Christmas is also a good opportunity to express our gratitude to all those who love us and due to whose help, prayers and blessings, we have achieved success in life.” In Aizawl, Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati sent his good wishes to all the children and their caregivers at charity homes within the state. And, in the spirit of the Christmas tradition, he also shared food items and other gifts among seven charity homes within Aizawl city for this Christmas celebration.

The Assam Rifles troopers have erected a huge 47-feet Christmas star -- the largest in the northeastern region, ahead of Christmas, in Mizoram.

has been visible everywhere. “... reporting and tweeting -- law enforcement agencies claim -- about the violence in that state, is a criminal act,” it said.

The Guild also said that this is the reason why the police and the ruling party see a design in the tweets and expectedly drag Pakistan as being responsible in this exposure of social instability in Tripura when they dramatically confide in you -- one tweet is even from Pakistan.

Government of naGaland

office of the deputy commissioner

dimapur : naGaland notice civil misc. case no. 26/2021

Whereas the petitioner Shri Pradeep Chakravarty, W/o, S/o, D/o of Late Hari Pada Chakravarty a resident of Kalibari Road has field a petition, praying for declaring the petitioner as “Legal Heir and Next of Kin” of Late Hari Pada Chakravarty Notice is hereby issued inviting object, if any to file this court on or before 14th Jan day of 2022, as to why the prayer of the petitioners shall not be granted.

Given under my hand and seal of this court this 13th day of Dec 2021.

DP-6108/21

additional deputy commissioner dimapur: nagaland

in the court of principal district & sessions JudGe dimapur : naGaland notice s/c. no. 1016/21 invitinG claims/obJections of other claimant(s) for issue of succession certificate under part-i of indian succession act 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Nitoshe Swu has been applied by Smti Kahuli Swu, W/o Late Nitoshe Swu, R/o H/No. 494, Block-B, Lhomithi Colony Dimapur, Nagaland for possession of: 1. Pension Benefits 2. SBI A/C No.- 10810683071 3. LIC Policy No. – 405364284 Notice is hereby given that any person have interest in the administration of the benefits/estates of the said deceased may if she/he so desire appear in this court on or before within a period of 30 days from the date of publication.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this the 21st December 2021.

DP-6105/21

principal district & sessions Judge dimapur : nagaland

in the court of principal district & sessions JudGe dimapur : naGaland notice s/c. no. 1007/21 invitinG claims/obJections of other claimant(s) for issue of succession certificate under part-i of indian succession act 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Hari Pada Chakravarty has been applied of Shri Pradip Chakravarty F/o Late Hari Pada Chakravarty R/o H/No. 77, Kalibari Road, Dimapur, Nagaland for possession of: 1. SBI C.C. A/C No. 10433033166 2. Trade Licence Standing in the name of M/S Chakravarty & Co. 3. Drug Licence standing in the name of M/S Chakravarty & Co. Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the pension benefits/estates of the said deceased may if she/he so desire appear in this court on or before within a period of 30 days from the date of publication.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this the 20th December 2021. principal district & sessions Judge dimapur : nagaland DP-6107/21

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Maha minister says K’taka govt needs to respect Shivaji

MUMBAI, DEC 22 (PTI): Maharashtra minister Eknath Shinde on Wednesday said the Kar nataka gover nment needs to show more respect towards Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj and his legacy, and an act to defame an icon like him cannot be pardoned.

Seven people were recently arrested in neighbouring Karnataka for allegedly desecrating the Maratha warrior king’s statue at Bengaluru.

Shinde on Wednesday made a statement in the Maharashtra Legislative Council over the incident.

“The whole incident is to be condemned. I strongly express my condemnation as we all respect Shivaji Maharaj. His contribution towards us is inspirational, and defaming an icon like him is an act that cannot be pardoned,” the state urban development minister said.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has used Shivaji Maharaj’s name

Eknath Shinde

several times. He even used his name at the time of a function in Kashi recently. But, the Karnataka government needs to show more respect towards Shivaji Maharaj and his legacy,” the Shiv Sena leader said.

The alleged incident in Bengaluru had raised tempers in the border district of Belgaum, which Maharashtra claims should belong to it.

Shinde claimed the Karnataka government has always been biased against Marathi people living there.

“As Shiv Sena workers we had gone to Belgaum (in the past), but were put behind bars,” the minister

said, without specifying the incident.

The Shiv Sena had recently held protests in Mumbai against the alleged desecration of the statue of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj in Bengaluru.

The Karnataka Legislative Assembly on Monday passed a unanimous resolution condemning the recent defacing of the statues of Shivaji Maharaj and Sangolli Rayanna and burning of Kannada flag, saying such incidents will be considered asan act of sedition and strict action will be taken against those involved under the “Goonda Act”.

Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai, who moved the resolution, asserted that there is no question of letting go even an inch of the state’s border, and said if Kannadigas in parts of Maharashtra wish to join Karnataka and pass resolutions in this regard, his government was ready for it.

Maratha activists threaten to cross K’taka; security beefed

B E L A G A V I (KARNATAKA), DEC 22 (IANS): The Karnataka Police on Wednesday made elaborate security arrangements in the Belagavi district in view of the Maratha activists from Maharashtra threatening to cross the border and hold protests here.

BENGALURU, DEC 22 (IANS): The Federation of Kannada Organisations on Wednesday announced a ‘bandh’ on December 31 demanding a ban on the Maharashtra Ekikarana Samithi (MES) in Karnataka.

Speaking to the media Vatal Nagaraj, a Kannada activist, said that MES is causing unrest in the state by fuelling tension between the Kannadigas and Marathi people.

A bandh will be observed from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. on December 31, Nagaraj added.

“We are giving a deadline to the Karnataka government to ban MES by December 29 midnight. If they fail to ban, a bandh will be observed across the state. It

4,690 arrested under UAPA, 149 convicted: Govt

ALAPPUZHA (KER), D E C 2 2 ( P T I ) : F i ve persons have been arrested in connection with the recent murder of BJP functionary Ranjith Sreenivas here, but they were not part of the attack team and were those who provided logistics support to the assailants, police said here on Wednesday, while suspecting a “larger conspiracy” behind his killing and local SDPI leader K S Shan.

The ar rested were prima facia the sympathisers of SDPI, a senior police officer said.

“There is a larger conspiracy behind the killings of Sreenivas and Shan,” said ADGP (Law and Order) Vijay Sakhare, the head of the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the two back to back murder cases, which had rocked the state recently.

He also said interrogation of the suspected was in progress to identify those who directly participated in the crime.

“The arrested persons

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): As many as 4,690 people were ar rested in different parts of the country under the stringent anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the past three years, and 149 of whom got convicted, according to government figures. Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said in Rajya Sabha that 1,421 people were arrested in 2018 under the UAPA, 1,948 in 2019 and 1,321 in 2020. A total of 35 people were convicted in 2018, 34 in 2019 and 80 in 2020, he said in a written reply to question.

The minister made it clear that the conviction is an outcome of an elaborate judicial process and is dependent on various factors, such as duration of the trial, appraisal of evidences, examination of witnesses. “There are adequate Constitutional, institutional and statutory safeguards including inbuilt safeguards in the UAPA itself to prevent misuse of the law,” he said.

K S Shan

were not part of the attack team. But they provided all logistics support to the attackers and participated in the conspiracy. There is good progress in the investigation,” he said.

The senior IPS officer, however, denied the SDPI leadership’s charge that police personnel investigating the case had forced their activists to chant ‘Jai Sri Ram’ .

“I am prepared to quit my job if anyone proves the charge,” Sakhare added.

Shan, the state secretary of SDPI, was killed by a gang on Saturday night while he was on his way back home, while the BJP OBC Morcha state secretary Sreenivas was hacked to death in front of

his family by some assailants in his house on Sunday morning.

An all-party meeting, which was convened by the state government in the wake of the killings, on Tuesday unanimously condemned the murders and urged every political party to maintain peace.

Amid criticism from the opposition over the alleged lapses on the part of the state police, the government said those involved in the killings would be rounded up and brought to justice.

Police on Monday had arrested two persons in connection with the death of Shan and claimed they had obtained a “substantial lead” in the investigation into the murder of Sreenivas.

activists from entering the state to stage protests,” police said.

The police also said that the Maratha activists have gathered in Maharashtra on the other side of the Kagawad border and police are on a high alert to prevent any untoward incident.

Kannada groups call for ‘bandh’ on Dec 31

Political murders: 5 arrested; police suspect larger conspiracy

Ranjith Sreenivasan

Police sources said the activists had made statements regarding the border crossing while condemning desecration of the Shivaji Maharaj statue in Bengaluru. “We do not want to take any chances and security has been tightened in the border areas to prevent Maratha

is a question of self-respect. No one should oppose this bandh,” he said.

The government should also urge the Central government to impose President’s rule in Maharashtra as Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray has failed to rein in elements who are targeting Kannadaspeaking people, he added.

Various Kannada organisations have extended support to the bandh. However, Karnataka Rakshana Vedike President, Narayana Gowda said that they don’t support the call for a bandh.

“People have just been recovering from Covid-19 infection. Bandh is not a solution for all problems. We will protest against MES in a different way,” he added

5 Govt to probe hacking of Insta accounts of Priyanka’s children

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (IANS): Taking suo motu cognizance, the government on Wednesday ordered a probe into allegations of hacking of Instagram a c c o u n t s o f P r i ya n k a Gandhi and Robert Vadra’s children.

According to sources, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology approached Instag ram taking suo motu cognizance of the allegation made by Priyanka Gandhi of the hacking of the Instagram accounts of her children.

Instagram has informed the ministry that the allegation is false and no complaint has been lodged from the Gandhi family or on behalf of anyone so far.

According to sources, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology has asked the Computer Emergency Response Team to investigate the matter.

Under the protocol, the team can also speak to

India successfully tests newgeneration ‘Pralay’ missile BALASORE (ODISHA), DEC 22 (PTI): India Wednesday successfully conducted the maiden flight test of the indigenouslydeveloped, surface-tosurface missile ‘Pralay’ off the Odisha coast, the DRDO said.

The solid-fuel, battlefield missile developed by the Defence Research Development Organisation is based on Prithvi Defence Vehicle from the Indian ballistic missile programme.

The missile, launched from the APJ Abdul Kalam Island around 10.30 AM, met all the mission objectives, the DRDO said in a statement.

“The new missile followed the desired quasi ballistic trajector y and reached the designated target with high degree accuracy, validating the control, guidance and mission algorithms.

“All the sub-systems performed satisfactorily. All the sensors deployed near the impact point across the eastern coast, including the down range ships, tracked

The missile has a range of 150-500 kilometre and can be launched from a mobile launcher. (PTI)

the missile trajectory and captured all the events,” it said.

With a range of 150 to 500 km, ‘Pralay’ is powered with solid propellant rocket m o t o r a n d o t h e r n ew technologies. The missile guidance system includes state-of-the-art navigation and integrated avionics, the

statement said.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated DRDO and associated teams for fast-track development and successful launch of the modern surface-to-surface missile.

“It is a significant milestone achieved today,” Singh tweeted.

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (PTI)

Priyanka Gandhi and her children if required.

Priyanka Gandhi on Tuesday had accused the government of hacking the Instagram accounts of her children. After that her husband Robert Vadra threatened legal action in the matter. In an exclusive chat with IANS over phone, Robert Vadra said on Tuesday, “We have the proof of what we are saying. We will definitely take recourse to the law. We believe in the justice system.

The way this government is behaving, only legal remedy can stop it. Also, this should not happen to children.”

Kharge seeks to raise Ayodhya land matter in RS NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): Congress leader Mallikar jun Kharge on Wednesday sought to raise in Rajya Sabha the issue of reported purchase of land in Ayodhya by politicians and officials following the Supreme Court judgement on Ram temple.

Soon after tabling of listed papers and reports, Leader of the Opposition in the House Kharge stood up holding a newspaper and started speaking about the issue. “ Yo u ( C h a i r m a n ) might have seen in today’s Indian Express which carried a story saying that MLAs and Mayor, relatives of Commissioner, SDM, D I G, o f f i c i a l s b u y i n g land...,” he said.

Rajya Sabha Chairman M Venkaiah Naidu told Kharge that to raise the issue he has to give a notice first.

Naidu also said a newspaper report cannot be read in the House.

To this, Kharge said he was not reading from the newspaper, but from his notes.

Def Ministry fines MBDA for delay in Day after civic poll rout, Roy Over 120-year old church reopens offset obligations under Rafale deal says party run by ‘traitors’ in Srinagar after 30 years

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): The defence ministry has imposed a fine of less than 1 million euros on European missile maker MBDA for delay in fulfilling its offset obligations under the Rafale aircraft deal, sources said on Wednesday.

Fr e n c h a e r o s p a c e major Dassault Aviation is the manufacturer of the Rafale jets while MBDA supplies the missile systems for the aircraft.

India had signed an inter-gover nmental agreement with France in September 2016 to procure 36 Rafale jets at a cost of Rs

59,000 crore, and the offset obligations were part of the contract.

As a part of the deal, 50 per cent of the total contract value has to be reinvested in India as offsets in each year between September 2019 and September 2022.

The sources said the defence ministry has imposed and collected a fine of less than 1 million euros from MBDA for delaying its offset obligations for the September 2019-September 2020 period.

MBDA has deposited its penalty but has also

lodged its protest with the defence ministry, they said.

M B DA d i d n o t respond to PTI’s request for a statement on this matter.

T h e C AG h a d i n September last year said that Dassault Aviation and MBDA are yet to fulfil their offset obligations of offering high technology to India under the Rafale aircraft deal, according to the Comptroller and Auditor General’s report released on Wednesday.

In its report tabled in Parliament, the national auditor had said that Dassault Aviation a n d M B DA p r o p o s e d in Se ptember 2015 to discharge 30 per cent of their offset obligations by offering high technology to the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), but the two firms were yet to do it.

3,117 from minority communities in 3 countries granted citizenship: Govt

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): A total of 8,244 non-Muslims from Pakistan and Afghanistan had applied for Indian citizenship in the last four years and of them, 3,117 were granted citizenship, Union Minister of State for Home Nityanand Rai said on Wednesday.

The minister said in Rajya Sabha that all foreign nationals are governed by the provisions contained in the Foreigners Act, 1946, the Registration of Foreigners Act, 1939, the Passport (Entry into India) Act,

1920 and the Citizenship Act, 1955.

“The number of citizenship applications received from Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Christian minorities groups from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan during the year 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 is 8,244,” he said in a written reply. Rai said the number of Indian citizenship granted to people belonging to Hindu, Sikh, Jain and Christian minorities groups from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan during the year 2018, 2019, 2020 and 2021 is 3,117.

KOLKATA, DEC 22 (PTI): A day after his party’s dismal performance in the KMC polls, veteran BJP leader Tathagata Roy slammed the state leadership, saying the party is being run by a bunch of “rotten debauchcum-traitors”.

On Tuesday, West B e n g a l ’s r u l i n g T M C gained control of the 144-member Kolkata Municipal Corporation, clinching 134 seats, in an emphatic endorsement for the party seven months after its landslide win in the state assembly polls.

The BJP, which lost much of its steam after the assembly poll defeat, managed to win just three wards, the Congress and the CPI (M)-led Left Front two, and Independents three.

“Hindu Bengalis seem headed for doom a n d ex t i n c t i o n . T h e i r principal abode, the state o f We s t B e n g a l , h a s been a Kakistocracy*, ruled by a bunch of souldestroyers for the last 44 years. *Government by the worst persons; a form of government in which the worst persons are in power*,” Roy, a former governor of Tripura and Meghalaya, tweeted.

“BJP, who could have resurrected it, was left to be run by a bunch of thoroughly rotten debauchcum-traitors. The result was the Assembly election debacle of 2021. And because there was no serious

course correction thereafter, the rout in Municipal elections. #Kakistocracy WestBengal,” he said in a series of tweets.

The Left Front, despite the mauling, finished second only to the TMC in terms of vote share and, in a majority of the wards, it pushed the BJP to the third position.

Continuing his tirade against the state leadership, Roy said he has pointed out the lacunae at party forums on numerous occasions, but nothing was done to rectify the mistakes.

“Some people are f e e l i n g b a d a b o u t my comments against BJP publically. I am also upset about it. But there is no other way; I have said those things secretly at party forums, but it did not have not been any result. It doesn’t matter whether I am alive or dead.

What is important is the defeat of the Hindu Bengalis is imminent,” he wrote.

Roy, who has been attacking the party’s West Bengal leadership since the assembly poll debacle, had said last month he has decided to bid “farewell” to the state unit of the BJP for the time being, a remark that was interpreted as an indication that he will hold fire. He had said he would wait to see the municipal poll results. West Bengal BJP president Sukanta Majumdar declined to comment, saying only Roy can speak speak for his statements.

SRINAGAR, DEC 22 (PTI): The bells started ringing and the faithful gathered for mass prayer as the Saint Lukes church here – one of the oldest in Kashmir -- came alive after three decades on Wednesday just ahead of Christmas.

It was closed after the eruption of militancy in the valley in the 1990s.

The Church located near the Chest Diseases Hospital on the foothills of the Shankaracharya hillock in Dalgate area of the city here will officially be thrown open for the public on Thursday, but the prayer was held on Wednesday, officials said.

The renovation of the Church – which is about 125 years old -was undertaken by the J-K Tourism Department under the “Smart City Project”.

The Church has been thrown open after 30 years after it was renovated and restored to its old glory, they said.

The renovated Church will be e-inaugurated on Thursday by J-K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha, Church official Kennedy David Rajan said.

He said the Christian community is happy to see the Church being re-opened after its renovation.

Grace Paljor, principal of a private school here, said the community was glad that a 125-year-old

People walk in front of the St. Lukes Church, which was reopened for worshippers after more than 30 years, Wednesday. (PTI)

Church was restored to its old glory, and prayers were held there after three decades.

The minuscule Christian population in the valley usually visit the Holy Family Catholic

Church, a Roman Catholic Church, at M A Road, and the one at Church Lane here for Sunday mass and Christmas mass.

There are churches in Baramulla and Gulmarg as well in the valley.

6

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

VOL. XXXII NO. 21 DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Gone but not forgotten

W

hile everyone has a divine right to criticise at will, the response or reaction of the opposition Congress on the resolution of the one-day session of the state assembly over the infamous Oting massacre of December 4,2021 has taken many aback. Not known for mincing words and at times, rushing headlong when attacking at will, state Congress president Kewekhape Therie has taken his gloves off in attacking the NDPP-led allparty government, now known as United Democratic Alliance (UDA). Therie chose to describe the demand for apology from the “higher authority” by the all-party oppositonless government at the one-day session as “an insult to the bereaved families, their villages and community of Nagaland.” Therie cited one of the resolutions of the house that demanded “an apology from the appropriate authority”. However, the resolution did not specify which ”higher authority” was being referred to and on what account? Certainly, any person or authority cannot be an accused and against whom some action is demanded, without mentioning the offence(s). The house resolution also demanded repeal of the Armed Forces(Special Powers)Act 1958 from the state including the states where it is in force in the north east. The Oting massacre is however most crucial as Nagaland continues to grapple with the horrific incident and families of the victims still numbed with pain and shock. Accounts of what happened was splashed on all front pages of national and international news media. The accounts irrefutably point to the unprovoked reaction by the Special Forces unit of the 21 Paras which opened fire on the Bolero carrying the innocent youths returning to their village from Tiru coal mines. The youths were earning a living to support their families- wives and parents.

They chose to work as labourers in coal mines; a work that is hazardous to health. Despite the health hazards, the victims nevertheless chose to use what God has given them, in order to make an honest living instead of taking to crimes like most others. They were returning home to spend Christmas with their near and dear ones. Some were looking after their ailing parents, another was married just a week earlier. These innocent youths were martyred for being good citizens and trying to live by honest means. It was not only a dastardly and cowardly attack against Naga society but also an anti-national act. Nest day, another was killed in Mon by the Assam Rifles, during the public outrage. Therefore, irrespective of which government agency was involved, the unprovoked killings was nothing short of a cowardly act of betrayal by the 21 Paras and cannot escape being classified as a massacre. Thus the house discussion on December 20 was a huge let down for those genuinely demanding justice because the procedures such as SIT and CoI have been reduced to mere exercises in futility since not one person has been identified nor arrested even more than two weeks after the incident. On the other hand, national news media unfailingly splashes news and clips of murder suspects being held while probe is being conducted.

All that the house demanded was an ‘apology’ aimed at no one but for what? For the sake of discussion, if the identity of the “higher authority” is unknown or is being shielded, then it can only mean that democracy in Nagaland has become a farce since the “people’s mandated government” has lost its moral fibre. This is not to support any attempt to politicise the issue but as a reminder that issues get blurred when people see everything from the prism of bipartisan politics.

DailyDevotion The Drawing of the Father No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him… —John 6:44 When God begins to draw me to Himself, the problem of my will comes in immediately. Will I react positively to the truth that God has revealed? Will I come to Him? To discuss or deliberate over spiritual matters when God calls is inappropriate and disrespectful to Him. When God speaks, never discuss it with anyone as if to decide what your response may be (see Galatians 1:15-16). Belief is not the result of an intellectual act, but the result of an act of my will whereby I deliberately commit myself. But will I commit, placing myself completely and absolutely on God, and be willing to act solely on what He says? If I will, I will find that I am grounded on reality as certain as God’s throne.

In preaching the gospel, always focus on the matter of the will. Belief must come from the will to believe. There must be a surrender of the will, not a surrender to a persuasive or powerful argument. I must deliberately step out, placing my faith in God and in His truth. And I must place no confidence in my own works, but only in God. Trusting in my own mental understanding becomes a hindrance to complete trust in God. I must be willing to ignore and leave my feelings behind. I must will to believe. But this can never be accomplished without my forceful, determined effort to separate myself from my old ways of looking at things. I must surrender myself completely to God. Everyone has been created with the ability to reach out beyond his own grasp. But it is God who draws me, and my relationship to Him in the first place is an inner, personal one, not an intellectual one. I come into the relationship through the miracle of God and through my own will to believe. Then I begin to get an intelligent appreciation and understanding of the wonder of the transformation in my life.

Quotes

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. ~ Mother Teresa

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

R

egardless of how the government negotiates with the farmers on the issue of legally guaranteed minimum support price for 23 crops, there seems to be no way it can abandon them. The State has been a foster father to the farmers, encouraging them to grow wheat and rice, pushing them to grow more and more of them, pumping their hearts with pride that they were feeders of the nation, glorifying them as warriors who drove the US food ships away.

The State did it for well over five decades, and suddenly one fine morning it tells the farmers, “I am no more your father. From now on a new father, the food tycoon, is going to take care of you.”

To the farmers it was like the shepherd asking his sheep to go live under the guardianship of a pack of wolves. They were shocked, shaken and terrified. And the resistance, as imperishable as the glitter in gold, began.

They would squat on roads, in freezing cold or scalding heat, until the foster father tore up the transfer of guardianship papers.

To the advocates of free enterprise that seemed like fully grown adults insisting to stay home as suckling babes. In their view they had to be detached.

They had to be forced to go out and build their own lives, like all adult children do. They had to go find their place in the

T

Foster Father of Farmers

marketplace.

The champions of privatization said they were not being cruel to the farmers.

They just wanted them to be self-dependent, to stand on their own feet.

T h e y we r e i m p a r t i n g wisdom to them. What Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in his address to the nation announcing the repeal of the three farm laws essentially meant the same thing: “We had only the best interests of the farmers in mind. But some of them were too foolish to understand.”

Were the farmers really stubborn and stolid? The answer is: they were stubborn but not stolid. The farmers are not against the private sector. How can they be? They are themselves in the private sector. Agriculture is the largest segment of the country’s private sector.

The same farmer in turban and country clothes who sat on the roads in protest and who was derided for seeking protection from the State as a permanent dependant is deeply engaged with the private sector.

He buys his seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, equipment and spaces in warehouses and cold storages from private players. He sells most of his produce to the private sector.

He is not only in the domestic marketplace but also in the world marketplace.

India’s agri exports have been

significantly growing and are likely to reach US$ 60 billion by 2022, which is the clinching proof of the participation of the farmers in turban and country clothes in the global market.

The question then is: Why was the farmer opposing the entry of the private sector into the agri produce market through the three laws? The answer is: It was not the solution to his problems.

One of his major problems is dwindling groundwater and soil nutrients. Was the food tycoon going to make the aquifers and the soil young, muscular and vigorous again?

Armed with the three laws, private players would have come and carted away all the agri produce.

They would not have bothered to see how the land was deteriorating. If one land deteriorated, they would have gone to another land, telling the abandoned farmers, “Sorry, we can’t help. It’s your problem.

You have to fix it.”

The trouble is the farmer cannot fix it himself. Only the State can do it. At the core of the farmer-State confrontation, and now of the hard negotiations between them, lies this issue: Who will fix the cracking food bowl?

The picture presented of the farmers is that they are big landowners who have amassed wealth growing rice and wheat and selling it to the government

and want to go on doing it, unmindful of their folly that they were cutting the branch of the tree they were sitting on.

This is a wrong picture.

The farmers are aware that their land, their main resource, is under threat. They want to move out of cereals into other crops, provided they get the same or more income from them. They are desperate to start with getting out of rice, for this crop is water guzzling and has drunk off much of the aquifers.

It is only the State that can help the farmers of Punjab, Har yana and Wester n UP, the browning land of green revolution, transition from cereals to other profitable crops.

The State can only do it by fixing a minimum support price for non-cereal crops and by raising it every year, The State has done it in pulses.

If today the country is close to achieving self-sufficiency in pulses, the reason is the State alluring farmers to switch from cereals to pulses with incremental MSP. The work of the State should not end with selfsufficiency in pulses. The green revolutionaries can be driven to grow pulses instead of cereals. There is a huge global demand for pulses. The country can claim an increasing share of global pulses exports by inducing farmers for the switch.

N o t o n ly p u l s e s, t h e farmers can be shepherded into

oilseeds to make the country self-sufficient in cooking oils and then join the group of cooking oil exporting nations.

The farmer is no different from any of us. They want to make a good amount of money for a good life.

As long as the State makes policies and implements schemes that help them earn a decent income they would be willing to grow anything.

Even in the developed countries the State plays the role of a guardian to the farmers.

The Indian State cannot give up that responsibility.

The State has to begin by moving rice cultivation out of the green revolution belt to other states and helping the farmers in the region diversify to pulses, oilseeds and other commercial crops. That will help solve many problems: It will help raise the groundwater table; it will end stubble burning, the additional cause of Delhi’s air pollution; it will save foreign exchange by reducing imports of pulses and oilseeds; it will earn foreign exchange through their exports.

Arun Sinha has done pioneering work in investigative journalism, beginning with the expose of Bhagalpur blindings. He has worked in senior editorial positions in the Indian Express and the Times of India. He has been editor of the Free Press Journal, Mumbai and The Navhind Times, Goa.

On Omicron and safety during festivities

he variant B.1.1.529 was labelled as a Variant of Concern on and given the name Omicron on 26th Nov 2021. Omicron is a highly divergent variant with around 26-32 mutations in the spike protein with potential for immune escape and higher transmissibility. As on 16th Dec 2021, Omicron has been reported from all 6 WHO Regions and over 89 countries (WHO) including many States in India.

Evidence available around Omicron is still preliminary and more data and research is needed for the same. Early evidence around Omicron is detailed as below.

Transmissibility • Omicron is at least 3 times more transmissible than the Delta VOC (MoHFW) • Omicron has substantial growth advantage over delta (WHO) • In countries with

community transmission

by Omicron, doubling time is between 1.5-3 days (WHO) • Omicron is spreading rapidly in countries even with high level of population immunity (WHO) • Higher rate of transmission from an Index case. Secondary attack rate of 21.6% as compared to 10.7 % by Delta (UK study) Disease severity • Data on clinical severity is still evolving as there is a time lag between increase in cases and hospitalizations or deaths.

• Hospitalizations in UK and South Africa continue to rise daily- countries most affected by Omicron.

• “It is too early to conclude if Omicron is more or less severe than other VOCs. However, early data suggestthat the severity may be potentially lower than for the Delta variant and even if this is the case, it isexpected that hospitalizations will in-

crease as a result of significant increases in transmission. Morehospitalizations will put a burden on health systems and lead to more deaths, particularly with shortdoubling”- WHO Impact on Diagnostics/Test Kist • Available RT PCR kits and Rapid Antigen tests is effective in detecting Omicron as per available evidence. Further genomic sequencing will follow up as necessary.

Effect on vaccines / immune evasion • Reinfection by Omicron appears to be higher than with other VOCs (South Africa/UK Study) • Preliminary data suggest a fall in neutralizing titres against Omicron • Two doses of available vaccines appear to have reduced effectiveness against omicron on Infection, symptomatic disease, and hospitalization (WHO) • South Africa report-

ed vaccine effectiveness of the Pfizer BioNTechComirnaty vaccine of 33% against infection and 70% against hospitalization (Preliminary data) • Though humoral immune response may be reduced, initial data indicates 70% of Omicron epitopes may not be affected by TCell recognition which will mean cellular mediated protection against severe disease may be preserved.

• Vaccines remain the most effective intervention against severe disease and death– against circulating VOC and possibly against Omicron.

Impact on available treatments/ therapeutics • Corticosteroids and IL-6 blockers are expected to remain effective.

• “Preliminary in vitro data published in preprints suggests that some of the monoclonal antibodies developed against SARS-CoV-2 may have decreased neutralization

against Omicron”- WHO Public Health and Social Measures • The use of well fitted masks, physical distancing, ventilation of indoor space, crowd avoidance and hand hygiene remain key to reducing transmission of SARS-CoV-2, even in the context of emerging variants. However, PHSMs may need to be enhanced to further limit interpersonal contact, to control transmission with a more transmissible variant- WHO In view of the emerging evidence and the start of festivities in the State, the following measures are strongly recommended to avoid a post festival surge and a third wave: 1. Use of masks is highly effective in reducing transmission of any Variant of concern. Everyone should wear a mask in public places especially in crowded areas, social or indoor gatherings.

2. All citizens should

celebrate responsibly by limiting gatherings, crowd avoidance and adhering to responsible measures like use of mask and hand hygiene. One life is more worth than an event postponed or cancelled.

3. COVID-19 vaccines are expected to be highly effective against severe disease and death for any variant of concern. Vaccines are strongly recommended to avoid more deaths and the unvaccinated or those who have not availed second dose should receive it timely before the third wave.

4. Anyone with COVID-19 like symptoms should come forward for testing and avoid crowd or public spaces.

5. Travellers should strictly adhere to laid down SOPs and monitor their health and symptoms.

Issued in public interest by Department of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland

Wangtin-led NSCN (R) rebuts Akato-led NSCN (R) allegations

F

irst of all it is our humble appeal to the media fraternity to stop lending the pious name of NSCN (R) to a person who is a drunker by the day and a theft by the night NSCN (R) is not a product that can be bought in the market nor borrowed to hide one’s ugly and hideous agenda.

Therefore, the good name of NSCN (R) should not be misused hereafter.

We are thankful to Mr. Akato for bringing few truth in the public domain but, as we all know that, a half truth is worse than a whole lie.

Mr. Akato who has been no less than a rolling stone from one faction to another in his entire life must look at the mirror and questioned himself if any truth is left in him except if not lies.

A person who has all his life worked for his personal gains and satiate his selfish interest in the garb of Naga National

movement should not lecture the Nagas what is right and what is wrong??

Now since, he wants the truth to be told, let us go for a fact check.

Mr. Akato wanted to join NSCN(R) in April 2015 and met our collective leaders in New Delhi to enroll him but he was denied time same day.

He kept begging several times all through the year 2016 and yet he was declined and finally in the year 2017 our leaders out of pure Naganess allowed him to enrolled inspire of many objections from the other leaders within the NSCN(R) and also from the NNPG’s. The animosity that brewed, between the NNPG’s only because of Akato can he check from any of the NNPG leaders.

But, our collective leaders steered through all obstacles and convince the NNPG leaders of considering for good of all the Nagas. Once he

was enrolled in the party (NSCN).

He asked to give him the status of collective leader which was also duly accepted, keeping in mind the contribution of the Sumi community.

Later, he wanted to look after the affairs of Chaplee (finance) which was also granted in good faith, so that, he runs the affairs of the government as his own and look at the welfare of all the workers but, as time pass by Akato was back to his old habits of lying and deceit.

He amassed wealth for himself and his relatives but negated the welfare of the NSCN workers forcing our leaders to detract the Ministry of Chaplee (Finance) and it is now in the open for everyone to witness the damage he intended to do to NSCN (R) only because of the Chaplee (finance) withdrawn from him. Is he serving NSCN only for finance?? Or else

what is the reason for his resentment? His sincerity and integrity is highly questionable.

Rest it is left to the wisdom of the Nagas to judge for themselves who is what? It is also a warning bell to every group to never encourage a man who is out to commercialize Naga political issue.

True to his habit of defecting, Akato chose to walk out of NSCN-R, by himself.

We never forced him nor asked him to leave but he himself on his own volition chose to stray away.

T h e r e f o r e, t h e question of impeachment doesn’t arise. Human memories are short but it should not be so short that, one forgets his own misdeeds and blame the others.

Lakpong designated camp was verbally allotted by the GOI in our first meeting in New Delhi but, later GOI made a U

turn and decline to give it in writing for reasons best known to them.

Thereafter, they male repeated raids and forced us to vacate the camp. We shall remain ever grateful and indebted to the Yali village council for giving us the NOC and their unflinching support, when we needed them the most.

The issue of Lakpong happened prior to Akato joining us so, he may be not aware of every details.

Next time he is advised to get his homework done more carefully before coming to public.

On the issue of Taken Note of (TNO), it is true that, our honorable Atokilonser, have been asking the GOI to recognize a camp in Naga areas of Arunachal Pradesh, since quite sometime but, GOI is not convinced that, the same camp will not be utilize for anti-India activities because of it’s strategic location.

So GOI doesn’t want

to take a chance and is hesitant to announce any such TNO in Naga areas so far.

GOI is in all her right to doubt our leaders, as they had never bow down in spite of so many hardship and challenges thrown at them. But what is the harm in giving a TNO in Arunachal Pradesh when we are in ceasefire in present state of Nagaland.

For the GOI there are many aspects to look into and it is too dicey given it’s close proximity with China and Burma and her political, economical and social relationship with those countries but, why should Mr. Akato poke his nose, when he can do no good for Nagas elsewhere??

NSCN/GPRN-R will no more issue any statement in this regard but abide by the decision of the join council meeting.

Issued by NSCN/ GPRN-Reformation

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

Modi to hold Covid-19 review meeting today

N E W D E L H I / LU C KNOW, DEC 22 (IANS): Amid the growing Omicron cases, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will on Thursday hold a review meeting on the Covid related situation in the country.

The Omicron tally in the country has reached 213 as per the health ministry report.

In a statement, the Union health ministry said on Wednesday morning that the Omicron infection tally has reached 213 across the nation. However, out of the total Omicron positive cases, 90 have been discharged. So far 15 states have reported Omicron cases, said the ministry. At 57, Delhi has the highest cases of Omicron infection followed by Maharashtra with 54 cases, said the ministry report.

Meanwhile, the Centre has said that the new Covid variant Omicron is three times more transmissible than the Delta variant.

The Centre has asked the states to review the emerging data of Covid-19 affected population, geographical spread, hospital infrastructure and its utilisation, manpower, notifying Containment Zones and the enforcement of perimeter of containment zones at the district levels. The Centre has also asked the states to formulate a strategy that can ensure infection is contained at the local level itself before it spreads to

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Narendra Modi

other parts.

Amid the Omicron threat, the states have been asked to ‘activate war rooms and keep analysing all trends and surges, no matter how small and keep taking proactive measures at the district or local level’.

Christmas, New Year celebrations banned in Delhi

In view of the rising cases of Omicron in Delhi, the Delhi Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) has put a ban on all kinds of gatherings on Christmas and New Year in the national capital.

“As per the DDMA order, all social, political, sports, entertainment, cultural, religious, and festival related gathering and congregations are completely prohibited in Delhi,” the DDMA order read.

The DDMA has directed all the district magistrates and DCPs to ensure that no cultural events, gatherings or congregations take place for celebrating Christmas or

New Year in the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi.

As many as 213 cases of Omicron have been detected across India so far, with Delhi recording 57 cases, the highest among all states and UTs, followed by Maharashtra (54), Telangana (24), Karnataka (19), Rajasthan (18), Kerala (15) and Gujarat (14).

Christmas curbs as Covid returns in UP

With the scare of Covid’s Omicron variant casting a shadow on Christmas celebrations, a number of churches in Uttar Pradesh have restricted the midnight mass for invitees only.

Christmas celebrations have been called off at other public places to avoid mass gatherings. Most of the clubs and hotels have also decided not to organise a New Year bash.

However, malls and a few hotels will go ahead with restricted celebrations in compliance with Covid protocols.

Father Donald HR

D’Souza, chancellor and spokesperson, Catholic Diocese of Lucknow, said, “In view of the situation, a limited number of people, mainly the Parish members, will participate in the Midnight Holy Mass and also in the day services on December 25.”

He said, “At St Joseph’s Cathedral, passes have been issued to members for the mass, which will be held in staggered timings to restrict the numbers. A few churches are encouraging people to attend virtual prayer services.”

Father Brijesh of Church of India in Prayagraj, said, “We have done away with a number of Christmas programmes this year. The choir singing is being done virtually and children and senior citizens have been asked not to attend the midnight mass.”

Sandeep Das, honorary secretary, Lucknow Golf Club, said: “We have decided to call off Christmas and New Year celebrations keeping in mind the safety of members and their families, especially since children have not been vaccinated.”

Shabahat Hussain of Hotel Taj Vivanta, said, “We have decided to give importance to the health and safety of people. That is why we are not going to organise any programmes on Christmas and New Year eve this year.”

Lucknow Commissioner of Police DK Thakur said police officials had been issued directives to curb Christmas and New Year revelry.

“Anyone violating Covid protocol would be penalised. Check posts and barricades will be set up on roads, especially near bars, clubs and lounges, to check people who may be driving in an inebriated state.”

He said security at malls and other crowded places would also be tightened to avert untoward incidents. Extra police force will be deployed in the east and the north regions of the city that house the maximum number of clubs, lounges and malls, he added.

Divisional Commissioner Ranjan Kumar said, “The situation is being monitored round the clock to ensure Covid appropriate behaviour on important days like Christmas and New Year eve. We have also deputed a team of doctors and other staff at Integrated Covid Control and Command Centre to keep a watch over the situation. Red zones have been marked to ensure better implementation of Covid guidelines. The administration will issue orders accordingly, in case of any untoward situation.

People are requested to follow strict Covid guidelines and maintain social distancing.”

Congress’ new problem seems to be BJP to enrol 1 lakh Harish Rawat, trusted aide to Gandhis ‘cyber yoddhas’ NEW DELHI, DEC 22 for U’khand polls (AGENCIES): Harish Rawat, one of the Congress’s top trouble-shooters, has hinted that he may soon be the one causing trouble for the party, with tweets that appear to be a very public takedown of the Gandhis.

The former Uttarakhand chief minister, 73, asks for “margdarshan (guidance) from Lord Kedarnath” and says “he has had enough” in the posts that smack of rebellion just weeks before polls in the hill state.

Though Harish Rawat is close to the Gandhis, he seems to accuse the Congress leadership of abandoning him.

“Isn’t it strange? We have to swim in this sea of elections, but instead of supporting me, the organisation has either turned its back on me or is playing a negative role,” Harish Rawat writes.

“The powers-that-be have let loose many crocodiles (predators) in the sea that we have to navigate.

Those whom I am supposed to follow, their people have tied my hands and feet. I have been thinking... Harish Rawat, it’s gone too far, you have done enough, it is time to rest,” he says.

“Then there is a voice in the head that quietly says I am neither weak nor will run from challenges. I am in turmoil. Hope the New Year shows me the way. I am confident that Lord Ke-

Harish Rawat

darnath (Shiva), will show me the way,” the Congress leader continues, making it clear that he is unhappy and reconsidering his future.

Rawat’s warning is loud and clear ahead of the Uttarakhand election due early next year. He is a member of the Congress Working Committee and also the party’s face in Uttarakhand.

Not long ago, he was firefighting for the Congress in Punjab, one of the states heading to polls early next year. As the party’s Punjab in-charge, he navigated many difficult months mediating between chief minister Amarinder Singh and his rival Navjot Singh Sidhu.

He asked to be relieved of his Punjab role so he could concentrate on his home state Uttarakhand.

On his request, the party replaced him as Punjab incharge.

But Mr Rawat reportedly felt isolated by party leaders in Uttarakhand.

The Congress is confident of returning to power in Uttarakhand, with the state’s ruling BJP neck-deep in infighting.

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (IANS): Over one lakh social media ‘yoddhas’ (warriors) will be enrolled by the BJP to spread the achievements of the Pushkar Singh Dhami-led Uttarakhand government and defuse the propaganda of Opposition parties in the poll-bound state, party leaders said.

Fo r t h i s p u r p o s e, the BJP has launched a campaign to enrol volunteers, and made an appeal to the youth to join the campaign to become a cyber ‘yoddha’.

Uttarakhand CM Pushkar Singh Dhami and BJP youth wing national president Tejasvi Surya has launched the campaign ‘Dev Bhoomi ke Digital Yoddha’.

The campaign is run by the Uttarakhand BJP’s youth wing in the state. The party has appealed to the people to give missed calls to become its cyber yoddha.

As per the plan, the BJP has decided to enrol one lakh cyber yoddhas in the coming week and they will spread works of Dhami gover nment on various social media platforms like WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

It is learnt that these cyber yoddhas will be provided content in the form of video and other materials, highlighting the work of Uttarakhand government to share on their social media handle.

At least one ‘Oxygen Steward’ Delhi Police files charge sheet in Rohini court shootout case in each district nationwide: Govt

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (IANS): The Centre is planning to identify and train at least one ‘Oxygen Steward’ in each district across the country amid rising Omicron scare.

The initiative aims to empower all healthcare workers engaged in Oxygen management and administration with the essential knowledge and skills to ensure rational u t i l i s a t i o n a n d avo i d any wastage of medical Oxygen, especially in resource constraint settings.

These trained professionals would be responsible for leading the training on Oxygen therapy and management in their respective districts and also support audit of oxygen delivery and preparedness for a surge scenario.

“Oxygen is life saving and critically important in the treatment of several illnesses, not just

Covid-19. The country witnessed an increased oxygen demand during the pandemic. Hence, the rational use of oxygen has become mandatory and need of the hour”, said Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Dr Bharti Pravin Pawar while inaugurating the National Oxygen Stewardship Programme on Wednesday.

Commenting on the programme, Dr. Pawar said, “It will enhance the skills of our healthcare workers in Oxygen therapy with necessary focus on essential knowledge and skills. This will also train our participants to avoid wastage or overuse of oxygen in resource constraint settings.”

Detailing the G ove r n m e n t ’s e f f o r t s in ensuring increased oxygen availability, the Union Minister said: “Government of India has sanctioned more than 1500

Pressure Swing Adsorption (PSA) oxygen generation plants of which 1463 have been commissioned which include, 1225 PSA plants which have been installed and commissioned under PMCARES Fund in every district of the country.”

The states have also been asked to install PSA plants in public health facilities and facilitate installation of PSA plants in private health facilities, she added.

D r . V. K . P a u l , Member (Health), NITI Aayog underscored that resource constraint is faced by all countries but it is important that the available resources are used prudently. Towards this effort, he lauded this initiative for its focus on ensuring efficiency in oxygen administration.

He also highlighted the recently launched ‘ O x yc a r e ’ d a s h b o a r d as another impor tant initiative towards oxygen administration.

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): Delhi Police has filed a charge sheet in a case related to the shootout in the Rohini court in which jailed gangster Jitender Gogi and two assailants dressed as lawyers were killed, unearthing the “deep conspiracy” behind the incident.

The assailants, who were from the rival gang, opened fire at undertrial prisoner Gogi inside a courtroom where an attempt to murder case was being heard against him on September 24. The duo was then killed in a swift police counter-fire.

The charge sheet, filed on December 17, named U m a n g Ya d av, Vi n ay Yadav, Ashish Kumar, and two gangsters Sunil Baliyan alias Tillu and Naveen Dabas alias Balli as accused.

Abated charge sheet has also been filed against deceased assailants Rahul and Jai Deep alias Jaggu.

The police filed the final report for offences under sections 302

A police personnel checking a vehicle as security is tightened outside Rohini court after the shootout incident, in New Delhi, September 24, 2021.

(murder), 353 (assault), 186 (obstructing public servant in discharge of public functions) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), and various sections under the Arms Act. “Investigation of the case was conducted by Crime Branch. Five persons have been arrested in the case. During investigation, all physical, oral, material,

and technical evidence was collected against the accused persons. The deep conspiracy behind the murder was unearthed,” Special Commissioner of Police (Crime) Devesh Shrivastava said.

He added, “During investigation, it was found that some other persons were also involved in the conspiracy to kill Jitender

Gogi. Further investigation in this regard is in progress.”

The police said that Gogi was brought to the Rohini court for appearance in a case and was escorted by a strong contingent of the 3rd Battalion of Delhi Armed Police (DAP) as he was a “very high risk” undertrial prisoner.

“Other units, like Special Cell and local

police, were also present,” the Special Commissioner said in a press statement.

Two assailants, armed with deadly weapons and disguised as lawyers, fired upon Gogi inside the courtroom at 1:20 pm and were shot dead in retaliatory fire by police.

“All three injured persons were rushed to hospital. Gogi was rushed to BSA Hospital emergency ward. Later he was declared brought dead. His dead body was preserved in the mortuary. Rahul and Jai Deep were shifted to BJRM Hospital, where the doctor declared them brought dead,” the police said.

Both the assailants belonged to the rival Tillu gang. While Rahul was involved in seven cases of murder and attempt to murder, Jai Deep was accused in three such cases.

“Tillu was engraved on the forearm of the assailant [Jai Deep],” the police added. Rahul belonged to Meerut in Uttar Pradesh and Jai Deep was from Sonipat in Haryana.

Din in Maha Assembly after Shiv Sena KPCC working president ‘I have sisters’, Priyanka recalls iconic MLA ‘mocks’ PM Modi, apologises P.T. Thomas passes away movie dialogue to counter critics in UP tariff of customers up to 100 units.

Raut recalled that he had only said that waiving of the tariff would be considered. However, as the power de par tment provided uninterrupted supply to customers during the lockdown period, the tariff for the same has to be paid.

The power minister said even Prime Minister Narendra Modi had made certain promises to farmers but hasn’t fulfilled them.

At this point, Jadhav allegedly mimicked Narendra Modi (which he later said was made by Modi as a prime ministerial candidate in 2014.

Taking strong objection, Fadnavis said Jadhav’s comments and gestures about the prime minister will not be tolerated.

BJP MLAs joined Fadnavis and said Jadhav had insulted the prime minister. BJP MLAs rose to their feet and demanded an apology from Jadhav.

Deputy Speaker Narhari Zhirwal said he would examine whether Jadhav made any unparliamentary remark and decide accordingly.

Wa t e r R e s o u r c e s Minister Jayant Patil (NCP) and Parliamentary Affairs Minister Anil Parab (Shiv Sena) said that leaders of all parties should be respected in the legislature.

Jadhav said he didn’t make any comment against the PM. “I spoke only about what Narendra Modi had said in 2014 when he was the prime ministerial candidate (of BJP),” the MLA said and added that he was withdrawing his comments and “gestures”.

Fadnavis alleged that Jadhav was taking the issue lightly.

“How can one withdraw the objectionable gestures?” Fadnavis asked and demanded an apology from Jadhav. As the ruckus c o n t i nu e d , t h e C h a i r adjourned the proceedings for 20 minutes.

T H I R U VA N A N T H A PURAM, DEC 22 (IANS): P.T. Thomas, the Congress legislator from Kerala and State Congress Working President, passed away at the CMC hospital in Vellore on Wednesday, said party sources. The 71-year-old Thomas was a four-time legislator and represented Idukki Lok Sabha constituency from 2009-14 and since 2016 has been representing Thrikakara Assembly constituency in Ernakulam district.

The Congress legislator was a heart patient and was recently diagnosed of cancer and was undergoing treatment at CMC Vellore where he breathed his last at 10.15 a.m. on Wednesday.

A no-nonsense leader, Thomas, had no qualms in fighting for what he felt was right and that helped him all through his political career and in the most recently concluded Assembly session, he took on Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan boldly and exposed his stand on certain issues and there were times when the two

P.T. Thomas

even exchanged words on the floor of the Assembly.

Following the poll debacle in the April 2 Assembly polls, while he won, the party suffered badly and soon the party decided to bring in new faces and even though being a legislator, he was made a Working President of the newly-constituted State Congress Committee.

C o n d o l e n c e s h ave star ted to pour in and Vijayan said a brilliant parliamentarian and one who believed in what he took up has passed away and it’s a huge loss. The body is likely to be brought to his Assembly constituency on Thursday and the last rites will be held later.

LU C K N OW, D E C 2 2 (PTI): Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Wednesday recalled the iconic dialogue from Bollywood movie ‘Deewar’ to counter critics that her party had lost base in pollbound Uttar Pradesh, saying, “Mere Paas Behen Hai” (I have sister).

In a video clip uploaded by the Congress general secretary on her twitter handle, a journalist is seen seeking her response to the rival parties’ remarks that the Congress had been speaking about women in its rallies as it had no base left in Uttar Pradesh.

To this, she asks the journalist whether he has heard the dialogue from Deewar in which Amitabh Bachchan and Shashi Kapoor played brothers.

“Amitabh tells Shashi Kapoor, ‘mere paas gaadi hai, mere paas bangla hai, yeh hai, woh hai, toh Shashi Kapoor ne kaha, mere paas maa hai (I have a car, I have a bungalow... so Shashi Kapoor says, I have mother).

“Toh main keh rahin hun, mere paas behen hai (I have sister),” Priyanka said in a apparent reference to women in Uttar Pradesh.

“I have sisters ....sisters will bring change in politics. #ladki hoon lad sakti hoon,” her tweet in Hindi read.

The Congress has already announced 40 per cent reservation for women candidates in the 2022 Uttar Pradesh polls.

On Tuesday, Priyanka had said the prime minister’s programme in Prayagraj on women empowerment showed that Modi had bowed before them and that the unity of the sisters will usher in a revolution.

Priyanka, who is also the Congress in-charge for Uttar Pradesh, had earlier released the party’s election manifesto for women titled ‘Shakti Vidhan’.

dp-6023/21

MUMBAI, DEC 22 (PTI): B J P l e a d e r D eve n d r a Fadnavis on Wednesday accused Shiv Sena MLA Bhaskar Jadhav of mocking Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Legislative Assembly and making certain gestures, evoking sharp reactions from the opposition MLAs leading to stalling of the proceedings.

Jadhav later apologised when the House reconvened after two adjournments, saying that making hand gestures was his natural way of speaking and that he didn’t use any unparliamentary word against the prime minister.

Ja d h av m a d e t h e remarks, as alleged by Fadnavis when a discussion on a calling attention notice on power issues was underway.

Speaking in the Lower House, BJP MLA Sudhir Mungantiwar sought to know why state power minister Nitin Raut has “backtracked” on his promise to waive electricity

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Govt has provided market to indigenous products: Naqvi

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (IANS): Union Minister for Minority Affairs Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi on Wednesday said that the government has not only protected the country’s legacy of art and craftsmanship but also provided new energy and market along with opportunities to indigenous products.

The minister made this remark on the eve of the inauguration of the 35th edition of ‘Hunar Haat’ in the national capital. “Hunar Haat has proved a ‘powerful perfect platform’ of ‘3 Vs - Vishwakarma Virasat Ka Vikas’. “ T h e g ove r n m e n t has not only protected the country’s legacy of art and craftsmanship, it has also provided new energy and market and opportunities to indigenous products,” Naqvi said.

The minister further said that more than 7.5 lakh artisans, craftsmen

Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi and people associated with them have been provided employment and self-employment opportunities through ‘Hunar Haat’ in the last about six years and more than 40 per cent of them are women artisans.

More than 700 artisans, craftsmen from over 30 states and union territories are participating in this 14-day ‘Hunar Haat’ being organised from December 23 to January 5.

Union Minister Bhupender Yadav and Union Minister of State Meen-

akshi Lekhi will inaugurate the 35th edition of Hunar Haat on December 23.

The ministry of minority affairs said that exquisite and elegant indigenous handmade products from more than 30 states and Union Territories’ traditional dishes from different regions of the country are also available at this Hunar Haat.

Various cultural and musical programmes by renowned artists such as Pankaj Udhaas, Altaf Raja, Daler Mehndi, Suresh Wadekar, Sudesh Bhonsle, Kavita Krishnamurti, Amit Kumar, Manoj Tiwari, Pawan Singh, Bhoomi Trivedi, Mohit Khanna, Jasvir Jassi, Priya Malik, Ahsan Qureshi, Rekha Raj and live performance of historic serial ‘Mahabharat’ by renowned actors Puneet Issar, Gufi Paintal and others; traditional circus are major attraction of the Hunar Haat in Delhi.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

BUSINESS/STATE

Theft tops Dimapur crime list in 2021

(From p-1) Regarding decrease in theft cases, the DCP remarked that this could be attributed to the implementation of District Action Plan and increased patrolling, among other factors.

He further claimed that though cases of extortion had increased in comparison to 2020, the spike was in the beginning of 2021, adding that after the Action Plan was put in place, case had decreased. Among the major achievements, the report stated that 71 cases were registered in connection with NLTP Act/DC Act and NDPS Act where 92 persons were arrested while 158 cases were registered in connection with extortion and Arms acts cases where 197 persons were arrested.

He said 15,000 traffic violation cases were booked under non-FIR and 24, 600 defaulters issued challans by the traffic police.

DCP further claimed that the overall crime rate had come down in the district, pointing out that in

2015, before the introduction of police commissionerate, Dimapur had recorded 1,003 cases, which has come down to 738 now and gave the comparative figures of crimes in 2020 and 2021.

Commissioner of Police Rothihu Tetseo, who too was present, claimed that extortion cases had come down in the last four months following the implementation of District Action Plan, adding that the overall law and order situation in the last 12 months was peaceful and under control.

Under the Action Plan, Dimapur Police was carrying out extra enforcement measures to control extortion and illegal taxation activities, Tetseo said, adding that the traffic police too were carrying out extra enforcement drives to prevent accidents, especially in the highways. Meanwhile, Dimapur police also made breakthrough in connection with the October 10 kidnapping case, October 27 firing incident, fraud and cybercrime.

Y.Patton Inaugurates Fairfill fuel station at Wokha

(L) Y.Patton inaugurating the M/S HP LP, Fairfill Station. (R) Area Sales Manager, Jorhat Sales Area, Sijou Swrjee alongside with the proprietor monitoring the Nozzle Sales Commercial.

DIMAPUR,DEC 22 ( NPN): Deputy chief minister, minister for home and road and bridges, Nagaland, Y. Patton inaugurated the newly commissioned M/S HP LP, Fairfill Station located at Church colony Wokha town on December 22.

In his address at the short programme, Patton lauded the proprietor for initiating such project in the heart of the town and wished them success in their venture. Area Sales Manager, Jorhat Sales Area, Sijou

Swrjee who was also present during the launch, enlightened the gathering about customer delightedness and also assured delivering best service in terms of quality and quantity to the customers. He also encouraged the entire team do give their best service to expand the HP CL (Hindustan Petroleum Corporation Limited) network.

Sijou Swr jee (Area Sales Manager) during his on- spot verification was satisfied with all the required arrangement which

was done according to the specification. Before the commencement of the outlet, he monitored the Nozzle Sales Commercial of fuel.

Mentioned may be made that HP CL is the first fuel outlet to be commissioned in Wokha district.

Proprietor of M/S HP LP, Fairfill Station, Chumlanthung Patton expressed gratitude to all well-wishers and individuals who have extended support for the successful commissioning of the project.

HP begins manufacturing laptops, PC products in India RBI to the rescue, intervenes to arrest rupee fall

Ketan Patel, Managing Director, HP India Market.

according to the company.

“We will be expanding our portfolio in manufacturing across multiple products within India in order to make sure that we play a meaningful role in building the country as a global manufacturing hub,” Ketan Patel, Managing Director, HP India Market, told IANS. “We have been work-

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

ing with the Central and state governments in the mission to empower the lives of millions of citizens and enhance the community’s quality of life. This announcement will further solidify our commitment to India,” he added.

HP Inc maintained its lead in the overall PC category in India, as it reported the third con-

secutive quarter (Q3) with over a million shipments in the country. It led both commercial and consumer segments with a 28.5 per cent share in the overall PC category, according to the IDC. This is the first time HP is manufacturing such a wide range of laptops in India, with products such as HP EliteBooks, HP ProBooks and HP G8 series notebooks.

The company has also expanded its locallymanufactured commercial desktops by adding various models of desktop mini towers (MT), mini desktops (DM), small form factor (SFF) desktops and a range of Allin-One PCs. These products have both Intel and AMD processor options and cater to a wide range of customer segments.

MUMBAI, DEC 22 (IANS): A likely Reserve Bank of India’s intervention via a recent US dollar sale worth around $4 to $5 billion has arrested the sharp slide in rupee value, cited analysts.

The RBI is known to enter the markets via intermediaries to either sell or buy US dollars to keep the rupee in a stable orbit.

However, the decline might trigger again on the back of continuous selling

by FIIs in the secondary market.

Lately, growing cautiousness over a US Fed’s tapering measures as well as scare around the Omicron variant of the Covid-19 impacted investors sentiments.

Notably, tighter liquidity controls in the US tempts global investors to pull-out money from the

No. 10134 Yesterday’s solution No. 10133

No. 4756 Yesterday’s solution No. 4755

No. 3780 Yesterday’s solution No. 3779

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emerging markets such as India.

The rupee on Wednesday closed at 75.55 to a greenback.

Last week, the rupee closed at 76.09 to a USD weakening significantly on a weekly basis.

The Indian rupee has stabilised this week after hitting its lowest level of 20 months.

“Recent correction in rupee seems to have been triggered as an overreaction to the Omicron variant,” said Sajal Gupta, head of forex and rates at Edelweiss Securities.

“The RBI did intervene in the market when the rupee hit a year-to-date low of 76.31 last week.

However, RBI is not expected to take further action as the flow picture seems quite favourable in the medium term.”

Recently, the rupee has been under pressure after the RBI refrained from raising reverse repo rate and also as the Federal Reserve decided to increase its pace of tapering.

On the domestic front, FIIs have been net sellers in the recent past and restricted weakness for the currency suggests that RBI has actively intervened to curb the volatility.

“The suspected RBI intervention could be to the tune of $4-5 billion and market participants expect that the current market swings could still continue until the fear of the omicron variant does not dim,” said Gaurang Somaiya, Forex & Bullion Analyst, Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

“Latest data released by the RBI showed reserves currently stand over

$635 billion suggesting that the central bank has enough cushion to deal with short term volatility.”

According to Dilip Parmar, Research Analyst, HDFC Securities: “Along with growth, the RBI started looking on liquidity and inflation aspect after FOMC meeting and from start of the week, they might have heavily intervene by selling dollar to curb the imported inflation and introducing ‘VRRR’ facility to remove extra the liquidity from the system.”

“In the next couple of days, we could see the rupee oscillating in the range 75.10 to 75.70 in the absence of fresh global cues and selling of foreign institutions could be lower ahead of the Christmas holiday.”

Rupee rises for fifth straight day, ends 5 paise up at 75.54 against USD

MUMBAI, DEC 22 (PTI): The rupee appreciated by 5 paise to close at 75.54 against the US dollar in r a n ge - b o u n d t r a d e o n Wednesday, extending gains for a fifth straight session helped by firm domestic equity markets.

Lower crude prices in the international market and a subdued dollar overseas also supported the local unit, forex dealers said.

The rupee resumed higher at 75.56 per dollar against the previous close of 75.59 at the interbank foreign exchange market and hovered in a range of 75.48 to 75.65 before settling at 75.54, registering a rise of 5 paise.

“Rupee continued its northbound journey for

the fifth day in a row following the rebound in risk sentiments and dollar selling from exporters. The market has also started pricing quarter and year-end rebalancing, which may bring some extra dollar inflows.

“Spot USD/INR is expected to trade in the range of 75.10 to 75.70 in next couple of days ahead of the Christmas holiday.

The bias for pair remains slightly lower amid a recovery in risk assets and the lower dollar index,” Dilip Parmar- Research Analyst, HDFC Securities, said.

T h e d o l l a r i n d ex , which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading lower by 0.04 per cent at 96.45.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 0.26 per cent to USD 73.79 per barrel. “Crude and dollar prices traded muted, and secondary capital markets performance helped the rupee gain as capital markets showed strength for the last two days. Going ahead rupee can be seen between the 75.35-75.85 range,” Jateen Trivedi, Senior Research Analyst at LKP Securities said.

Emkay Global Financial Services in a note stated that after last week’s central bank policies, there are hardly any positive surprises left for the USD/INR spot.

“Omicron continues to be a cloud of uncertainty and unless there is no sharp rise in death cases, it can be looked past.

US returnee tests positive, swab sample...

(From p-1) Task Forces (DTFs) and authorities concerned to be on alert, particularly border districts like Dimapur, Kohima, Wokha, Mon and Mokokchung.

State nodal officer for Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme and deputy director Dr Nyan Kikon has appealed to all citizens not to take the Covid-19 situation lightly in view of the Omicron and Delta variants that were causing the latest surge.

Though the severity of Omicron might not be as much as the other variant, he cautioned that it was highly transmissible and might spread rapidly. This, he said, would eventually overload the health infrastructure with an increase

in hospitalization.

He said airport officials and all surveillance units at all the entry points have been directed to give daily reports to the department.

State nodal officer for Bio-Safety Level 3 laboratories Dr Tina Khamo said the department had sent a proposal to the government to set up a genome sequencing facility at BSL-3 laboratory in Kohima so that test

reports could be had early.

While urging everyone to follow Covid-appropriate behaviours, she also advised those coming from outside the State to get themselves tested and isolate until the results were out.

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NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (IANS): PC and printer major HP Inc on Wednesday said it has started local manufacturing of multiple PC products including laptops in India, as the government renews its thrust on the ‘make in India’ initiative.

The company has begun manufacturing multiple models of laptops, desktop towers, mini desktops at the Flex facility in Sriperumbudur near Chennai, Tamil Nadu.

HP is also manufacturing display monitors in India.

Some of these products qualify under public procurement order of the government and will be available on the Government e-Marketplace (GeM) portal to meet the demands of the government departments and other customers,

US concerned with Turkey’s drone sales to conflict-hit Ethiopia

A Bayraktar drone seen during a rehearsal for the Independence Day military parade in central Kyiv, Ukraine August 18.

Ukrainian President says ready to implement Minsk agreements KIEV, DEC 22 (IANS): Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Tuesday that Kiev is ready to implement the Minsk agreements designed to end the conflict in Ukraine’s eastern region of Donbas. “We even wrote 10 steps on how to get it done very quickly. It is a complex document. It is 10 steps involving the Normandy format and the USA,” he said during a meeting with Ukrainian diplomats in the western Ivano-Frankivsk region, reported Xinhua, citing Interfax-Ukraine news agency. Zelensky said that

Over 80 missing in landslide at jade mine in Myanmar YA N G O N, D E C 2 2 (IANS): Over 80 people went missing in a jade mine landslide in Myanmar’s Kachin state in the early hours of Wednesday, a local village administration official said.

“According to witnesses at the scene, the landslide left over 80 people missing and the rescue operation is being carried out,” U Kyaw Min, an official of a village administration office, said.

The landslide took place at around 4 a.m. local time, burying nearly 100 people including jade scavengers and vendors, a Hpakant township police officer told Xinhua news agency.

“There is no data about the exact number of the missing jade scavengers,” the police officer said.

The authorities and local rescue organisations are conducting the search and rescue operation in the slide-stricken area.

Kiev has already submitted the 10-step plan on implementing the Minsk agreements to the US, France, Germany and Russia.

At the same time, he expressed his readiness to negotiate with his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin to resolve the conflict in Donbas. The Minsk agreements, reached in September 2014 and February 2015 respectively, outline the steps needed to end the conflict between government troops and armed groups in Donbas, which has left some 14,000 dead since April 2014.

Tigrayan rebel forces said on Monday they were withdrawing from some northern regions after government advances and, in a letter to the UN, called for a no-fly zone for drones and other hostile aircraft over Tigray. The U.S. State Department clamped down in May on exports of defence products for Ethiopia’s armed forces.

In September, the White House authorised sanctions on those engaged, even indirectly, in policies that threaten stability, expand the crisis or disrupt humanitarian as-

KYIV, DEC 22 (AGENCIES): Ukrainian military forces have conducted combat drills with U.S.-made Javelin anti-tank missiles in a conflict area with separatists in eastern Ukraine as tensions run high with Russia, Ukrainian Dom television channel said on Wednesday.

Ukraine, which seeks to join the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), has since 2018 received a series of consignments of U.S. ammunition and Javelin missiles, prompting criticism from Moscow. Kyiv accuses Moscow of massing tens

Ukrainian Army service members ride with Javelin antitank missiles during a military parade in Kiev, Ukraine.

of thousands of troops in preparation for a possible offensive, raising fears that a simmering conflict in

Xi Jinping

said, referring to the increasingly threadbare framework under which Hong Kong was to retain its own political, social and financial institutions for 50 years after being transferred from British rule. “Our fellow Hong Kong citizens will promote the glorious tradition of loving their country and Hong Kong,” Xi said.

The elections had been postponed for a year — ostensibly due to a spike in COVID-19 cases — after the opposition swept elections for district counsellors.

They followed widespread and increasingly violent anti-government protests in 2019 that prompted

Beijing to impose a sweeping National Security Law on Hong Kong, followed by a reorganisation of the electoral process and transformation of the makeup of the Legislative Council to stack it with pro-Beijing loyalists.

The opposition camp criticised the elections, with the largest pro-democracy party, the Democratic Party, fielding no candidates for the first time since the 1997 handover.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Zhao Lijian said Monday there were “multiple reasons” for the decline in voter turnout.

“It is not only the impact of the pandemic, but also the disruption and sabotage of anti-China elements in Hong Kong and external forces,” Zhao said at a daily briefing.

Some overseas prodemocracy activists, including London-based Nathan Law, had urged a boycott of the vote, saying the elections were undemocratic.

reported citing Palestine’s official news agency WAFA. Abbas briefed Lempert on the latest developments in the Palestinian territories, mainly Israel’s unilateral practices against the Palestinians that undermine the world backed two-state solution.

Abbas told Lempert that it is necessary to stop the Israeli measures and implement the agreements signed between the two sides to start a real political process based on imple-

menting the international resolutions. Abbas’ meeting with Lempert came one day before his meeting with US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan, who arrived in Israel on Tuesday to discuss several issues, including the revival of the stalled peace process. Direct peace talks between Israel and Palestine came to a halt in late March 2014, following deep differences on issues such as Jewish settlements and the recognition of a Palestinian state on the 1967 borders.

Ukraine’s eastern Donbass region could erupt into open war between the neighbours. Russia denies

planning any attack but accuses Ukraine and the United States of destabilising behaviour, and has sought security guarantees against NATO’s eastward expansion. Russia held its own military drills nearby, the Interfax news agency reported on Wednesday.

SU-30 fighter jets and SU24 bombers from the Black Sea Fleet did aerial refuelling exercises over Crimea, the Black Sea peninsula which Russia annexed from Ukraine in 2014. “The flights were conducted in the sky over Crimea,” Interfax quoted Russia’s Black Sea Fleet as saying. Around

Christmas shoppers make their way along the High Street in Winchester, England, Tuesday. (AP/PTI)

that the protection provided by making this change – so that people can leave isolation after day seven as long as they have taken these two lateral flow tests and the results are negative – that the protection it provides is very similar to 10 days of isolation without tests,” he said.

“Of course, anyone who leaves after day seven under this new procedure should continue to remain cautious but we are also very clear that the very best way to protect ourselves, our loved ones and our community is to make sure you get boosted if you’re eligible,” he added.

The change follows

warnings that the National Health Service (NHS), social care and other frontline services are looking at severe shortages amid the ongoing surge of the Omicron variant – which took the UK’s COVID-19 daily infections above 90,000 in recent days.

The self-isolation period was reduced from 14 days to 10 back in December 2020 as the Alpha variant spread rapidly through parts of the UK. Recently, mandatory isolation was dropped for vaccinated close contacts of a positive COVID-19 case during the Delta wave this year and has now been replaced with daily LFTs.

bers very quickly and at any moment, but would need more than 24 hours to bring enough troops to the border to mount an invasion.

Ukraine is the focus of consultations between Western allies and Russia, which has been urged to open negotiations in the so-called Normandy format, which would bring together representatives of France, Germany, Russia and Ukraine. Dialogue with Moscow is necessary, be it in the Normandy format or through talks at the Russia-NATO Council, German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock said on Wednesday.

Office of the

AKUK EKHUNG DIMAPUR

KANGCHING BüHü UNION DIMAPUR

FELICITATION

FELICITATION

The Akuk Ekhung (Union) Dimapur conveys heartiest Congratulations to the following: 1. Mr. Jerry Patton on being promoted to Additional Director of Horticulture Govt. of Nagaland.

2. Mr. Noben Patton on being Elevated to Kilonser (IM) 3. Mr. Renben Shitiri on being promoted to Inspector (NF&ES) 4. Mrs. Tumchobeni Tsopoe on being promoted to Under Secretary The Ekhung wish all the very best in their endeavor towards a bright purposeful and illustrious career ahead.

(Chenisao Patton) (N.Benthungo Odyuo) Chairman, AED General Secretary, AED

With immense joy and honour, the Kangching Bühü Union Dimapur (KBUD) would like to express our heartfelt congratulations to Smti B Apong on being promoted to Deputy Superintendent of Excise Govt. of Nagaland.

The Union wish and pray that the Almighty God continue to bless you in all your future endeavors.

DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

DIMAPUR – 797112 : NAGALAND

GRATITUDE With great honour and joy, Tsarü Students Union, Chare Tuensang would like to thank Shri. L. Tinglise Sangtam and his family for constructing Tsarü Students’ Guest House cum conference hall building on account of 75th Anniversary Tsarü Students Union celebration from 27-28 December 2021. May God bless your family in the days to come.

Er. O. Thokphen President

(KIKAMEREN SANGTAM) Executive Chairman Tsarü Students’ Union

OTING VILLAGE COUNCIL MON SADAR, Dist. Mon: Nagaland “Justice in Governance”

GRATITUDE The Oting Village Council conveys its heartfelt gratitude to all Organizations, groups and individuals who expressed solidarity and supported us physically, financially and through your prayers during our darkest period on 4th December 2021. We specially would want to mention Konyak Union, Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong, Konyak Students' Union, Deputy Commissioner, Superintendent of Police and Medical Department Mon for the prompt response.

We do not have anything to give in return but can only offer our gratitude and prayers to everyone. May God bless you all.

Longwang Konyak Council Chairman

H. Longau Secretary

FELICITATION The Zeliangrong Catholic Association of Nagaland is proud of the Peren District Youths for the achievement and extends a hearty Congratulation to Miss Kawimaningsiliu for being Crown Miss Nagaland 2021 and the Sub-Title Queens of Hearts who represent Peren District.

ZCAN also applaud Sharon Singson for achieving the sub title of Miss Empowered.

Whishing them more success in their future endeavour. db-451/21

OFFICE OF THE

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20 pilots practised complex flight tasks, it said, which included mid-air refuelling at altitudes ranging from 2,000 to 6,000 metres at speeds of around 600 km/h.

Ukrainian top security official Oleksiy Danilov said on Wednesday 122,000 Russian troops were 200 km (124 miles) away from the border with Ukraine.

Danilov told Reuters last week that Russia would need at least 500,000600,000 soldiers at the border “in order to keep the situation under control in the event of an offensive.”

He also said Russia could increase troop num-

OFFICE OF THE

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Palestinian president calls on Israel to revive stalled peace process RAMALLAH, DEC 22 (IANS): Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas has called on Israel to implement the agreements it signed with Palestine and resume the Middle East peace process, which has been stalled for seven years.

Abbas made the remarks during a meeting with Acting Assistant Secretary of the US State Department’s Bureau of Near Eastern Affairs Yael Lempert in the West Bank city of Ramallah on Tuesday, Xinhua

LONDON, DEC 22 (PTI): The self-isolation period for people who test positive for COVID-19 in England will be cut from 10 days to seven for those who produce two negative lateral flow test (LFT) results on day six and seven since the start of their quarantine, UK Health Secretary Sajid Javid announced on Wednesday.

Javid said the change has been made in consultation with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and is aimed at reducing disruption to frontline services and other businesses. Under the previous rules, people had to self-isolate for 10 full days if they tested positive for coronavirus.

“We want to reduce the disruption to people’s everyday lives caused by the pandemic so today we will be cutting the self-isolation period from 10 days to seven days for those people that take a lateral flow on day six and day seven and the result of both those tests are negative,” he said. “This decision has been informed by the advice of our clinicians at the UKHSA who have looked at this very carefully and they are very comfortable

Ukraine military conducts drills with U.S. missiles near separatist region

China’s Xi endorses Hong Kong’s ‘patriots only’ election BEIJING, DEC 22 (AP): Chinese leader Xi Jinping on Wednesday endorsed Hong Kong’s first legislative elections held under new laws ensuring that only “patriots” who have shown loyalty to Beijing could run as candidates.

Sunday’s elections for the 90-seat Legislative Council were swept by politicians backed by China’s ruling Communist Party.

Just 20 seats were directly elected, and the turnout of 30.2% was the lowest since the British handed Hong Kong over to China in 1997.

All candidates were vetted by a largely pro-Beijing committee before they could be nominated.

Xi told Hong Kong Chief Executive Carrie in Beijing on Wednesday that after the elections, he is certain Hong Kongers will join in “realising the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation”. “The execution of the new election system adheres to the “one country, two systems” principle,” Xi

AT H E N S, D E C 2 2 (IANS): A man lost his life and dozens were missing after a boat carrying unknown number of refugees and migrants sank off the island of Folegandros, Greece’s Coast Guard said on Wednesday.

Twelve persons have been rescued, including seven men, a woman and four minors. The rescue operation was underway to locate the missing, Hellenic Coast Guard spokesperson commander Nikos Kokkalas told Greek national news agency AMNA. The vessel had probably set sail from the nearby Turkish coast and the destination was Italy, Xinhua news agency reported.

Some survivors told authorities that a total of 32 people were on board, while others raised the number to 50, according to an e-mailed official press statement. Their nationalities have not been clarified so far.

Greece has been at the forefront of the refugee and migrant influx since 2015 and hundreds have perished in the Aegean Sea in the past six years.

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at a few meetings, while Ethiopia’s military and government did not respond to detailed requests for comment.

Turkey, which is selling drones to several countries in Europe, Africa and Asia, has dismissed criticism that it plays a destabilising role in Africa and has said it is in touch with all sides in Ethiopia to urge negotiations.

Last week the United Nations agreed to set up an independent investigation into rights abuses in Ethiopia, a move strongly opposed by its government.

sistance there, though there has been no indication of any such imminent action against Turkey.

The U.S. Treasury, which has broad economic sanctions authority under that executive order, declined to comment on whether sanctions could apply to Turkey.

The senior Turkish official said the foreign ministry examined how the drone sales might impact U.S. foreign policy as part of 2022 budget planning.

“The United States has conveyed its discomfort with Turkey’s drone sales ...but Turkey will continue to follow the policies it set in this area,” the person told Reuters.

A second senior Turkish official, from the defence ministry, said Ankara had no intention of meddling in any country’s domestic affairs.

Turkish defence exports to Ethiopia surged to almost $95 million in the first 11 months of 2021, from virtually nothing last year, according to Exporters’ Assembly data.

COVID self-isolation period cut from 10 to 7 days in UK

1 dead, dozens missing as boat sinks off in Greece

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ISTANBUL/ADDIS ABABA, DEC 22 (REUTERS): U.S. authorities have taken issue with Turkey over its sales of armed drones to Ethiopia, where two sources familiar with the matter said there was mounting evidence the government had used the weapons against rebel fighters. Washington has “profound humanitarian concerns” over the sales, which could contravene U.S. restrictions on arms to Addis Ababa, a senior Western official said.

The year-long war between Ethiopia’s government and the leadership of the northern Tigray region, among Africa’s bloodiest conflicts, has killed thousands of civilians and displaced millions.

A State Department spokesman said U.S. Horn of Africa envoy Jeffrey Feltman “raised reports of armed drone use in Ethiopia and the attendant risk of civilian harm” during a visit to Turkey last week.

A senior Turkish official said Washington conveyed its discomfort

9

INTERNATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

(ERNEST SEPHE) President, ZCAN

Ph.D. DEGREE AWARDED Shri Chongtham Roben Singh, S/o Dr. Ch. Rajendra Singh and Ch. (O) Bijaya D e v i o f Pi s h u m t h o n g Oinam Leikai, Imphal West, Manipur has been awarded the Degree of Doctor of P h i l o s o p h y ( P h . D. ) i n Agronomy by the School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, N a g a l a n d U n i v e r s i t y, Medziphema Campus for his thesis entitled “Evaluation of Maize (Zea mays L.) based intercropping systems as influenced by planting geometry and weed management practices under rainfed condition” under the supervision of Dr. L. Tongpang Longkumer, Professor & HoD, Dept. of Agronomy, SASRD, Nagaland University. He has published a number of related papers in National and International journals of repute during his research period. He is presently working as ACTO (Agronomy) in KVK, Dimapur, ICAR, Nagaland Centre.

Best wishes from Chongtham family and friends dp-6114/21

INFOTAINMENT

10

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2021

Early Oscars shortlists out: ‘No Time to Die’, ‘Dune’ lead mentions Winners of Hornbill Hipfest felicitated

Palme.

Her film contains some extreme violence that might have turned off some Academy voters viewing the film on Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences (AMPAS) digital platform. “I had predicted more than a few might not make it through the entire film.”

Home viewing probably hurt this one, as well as Romanian entry

and Berlin Film Festival Golden Bear winner ‘Bad Luck Banging’ or ‘Loony Porn, which opens with a hardcore sex tape for its first 10 minutes.

It would be interesting to see how many voters got past that beginning for the critically praised Berlin winner.

In terms of multiple mentions, which bode well for eventual nominations in other categories as

‘Phekmi Got Talent’

Gifts given to Jacqueline, Nora Fatehi by conman Sukesh likely to be seized by ED

Nora Fatehi

background of Sukesh Chandrashekhar and she was ready to cooperate with us in the process of seizing the gifts given to her by Sukesh,” said the source.

This attachment processing will take place under section 5 of the PMLA. The source confirmed to IANS that they were

Jacqueline Fernandez

about to seize the gifts and other things given to Jacqueline and Nora but they had to file a charge sheet and due to this work got delayed.

“We also arrested Pinky Irani. It kept us busy. Filing a charge sheet, recording statements of new arrests was a time consuming exercise. We had to arrest seven more

persons in the case who are currently lodged in the Tihar Jail. Then we will have to record their testimonies too, so it can take some time,” said the source.

Both the actresses are as of now witnesses in the case and have recorded their testimonies in the 200 crore PMLA case.

When asked why they were not made an accused in the case, the source said that both the actresses were not aware about the criminal background of Sukesh. “ We h ave t o s e e whether the person who receives gifts knows about the money source, if it is a part of proceeds of crime or not. We have found that Jacqueline and Nora were not aware about this,” said the source.

(IANS)

Omicron Now Accounts for 73% of New COVID Cases

I

n record time, the Omicron variant has become the dominant variant in the United States, accounting for 73% of new infections last week, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Monday.

That rate suggests that there were more than 650,000 Omicron infections in the United S t a t e s l a s t we e k , t h e Associated Press reported.

CDC data show nearly a six-fold rise in Omicron’s share of infections in just one week, and it’s even higher in many parts of the country. Omicron accounts for an estimated 90% or more of new infections in the New York area, the Southeast, the industrial Midwest and the Pacific Northwest.

Delta became the dominant variant at the end K Y M C

of June, and it caused more than 99.5% of coronavirus cases as recently as the end of November, CDC figures show.

The new data reflect the kind of growth in Omicron seen in other countries, CDC Director Dr. Rochelle Walensky said Monday.

“These numbers are stark, but they’re not surprising,” she noted.

Dr. Robert Glatter, an emergency room doctor at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City, said the timing of Omicron’s surge is particularly troubling.

“The rapid and exponential spread of Omicron is concerning, especially five days before Christmas, as travel by road and air eclipses even pre-pandemic levels seen in 2019,” Glatter said.

“Omicron is much more

transmissible than Delta, with cases doubling every 2-3 days... Meanwhile, the Delta variant, which had been the dominant strain of the virus in the U.S. [before] last week, has now dropped back to about 27% of cases sequenced.”

“With a lack of rapid tests available in phar macies, and long lines in major U.S. cities, the upcoming holidays represent a potential cauldron of viral spread with the U.S., as hospitals in the Northeast and Midwest str uggle with reduced hospital bed capacity from the ongoing Delta surge,” Glatter added.

“The National Guard has already been dispatched to at least six states, with many more expected in the coming weeks.”

The alarm about Omicron was first sounded

less than a month ago by South Africa and it was designated a “variant of concern” by the World Health Organization on Nov. 26. So far, it’s been detected in about 90 countries, the AP reported.

Early studies suggest the fully vaccinated will need a booster shot for the best chance at preventing Omicron infection, but even without the extra dose vaccination still should offer strong protection against severe illness and death.

“All of us have a date with Omicron,” Dr. Amesh Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security in Baltimore, told the AP. “If you’re going to interact with society, if you’re going to have any type of life, Omicron will be something you encounter, and the best way you can encounter this is to be fully vaccinated.”

Dr. Eric Topol, head of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, told the AP that other countries had seen Omicron’s fast growth, but the U.S. data showed “a remarkable jump in such a short time.”

To p o l a l s o s a i d it’s unclear how much milder Omicron really is compared with other variants. “ T h a t ’s t h e b i g uncertainty now,” Topol said. “We have to count on it being a lot of hospitalizations and a lot [of] severe disease from Omicron.”

Robert Preidt and Robin Foster

H

ornbill International Photo Competition organized by Eastern Art Council with support from Department of Information & Public Relations and Tourism Department was held during the Hornbill Festival 2021.

According to DIPR report, the prize distribution usually happens on the last day of Hornbill Festival but due to the unfortunate incident that happened at Mon, it was postponed.

The prize distribution ceremony was held on December 22. The prizes to

the winners were given away on Wednesday by president BAN (Business Association of Nagas), L. Mongkum Jamir, in Dimapur.

Name of the winners: 1st Longso Yimkhiung (Kiphire) 2nd Inakavi Kasho (Kohima), 3rd Parvej Akhtar (Kolkata) 10 consolation winners: Kenei Chadi (Dimapur), Monalisa Kar (West Bengal), Neikese Samuel Yalie (Kohima), Irangbam Momocha Singh (Manipur), Joynav Dowerah

(Dibrugarh, Assam), Mezizo Swiho (Kohima), Rah (Dimapur), Benrio Humtsoe (Dimapur), Imkong Aier (Medziphema) and Joynav D owe r a h ( D i b r u g a r h , Assam) viewers’ choice.

The judges of t h e c o m p e t i t i o n we r e Merimvu Doulo, Kekhriezhazomiachieo, Ayieno Kechu. The 1st prize winner received Rs. 25,000/, 2nd prize Rs. 20,000/- and 3rd prize Rs. 15,000/-. The 10 consolation prize winners received Rs. 5,000/- each and out of which one was viewers’ choice. (DIPR)

St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lazami Celebrated Golden Jubilee

A

talent competition “Phekmi Got Talent” will take place on December 24 at Phek village. The event is organized by Phek Village Baptist Church and sponsored by MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu.

The winner will win a cash prize of Rs. 25,000 while the 2nd and 3rd position holders will receive Rs. 15,000 and Rs. 10,000 respectively.

The panel of judges will include Imlibenlawati Nienu, Dziithovolii Keyho, Kiiniisahii Vero, Zavekho Vero and Veshe Chizo.

St. Francis of Assisi Church, Lazami celebrated Golden Jubilee of its establishment on 17-12-2021. With the theme: "Christ the Redeemer". Most Rev. James Thopil, Bishop of Kohima Diocese was the main celebrant, co-celebrated with the 1 priest of the parish Rev. Fr. Augustine OFM. cap. In the Eucharistic celebration Bishop empressed upon the community to live the life of Christ. His Lordship also congratulated the parents for offering their children for the service of God's Kingdom of which the community has nurtured 4 priest and 8 nuns and another seminarian is expected to ordain by the end of the year 2022. k-2448/21

35th HAPPY WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

90th BIRTHDAY GREETINGS

23rd DECEMBER 1986 – 2021

“Grey hair is a crown of Glory; it is gained in a Righteous life.”

Proverbs 16:31.

HAPPY 90TH BIRTHDAY to our beloved Father, A Responsible Husband, A caring Father-in-law and a blessing Grandfather. On this special day, we celebrate your existence and we thank our Almighty God for prolonging your life till this day and as you’ve reached another milestone of your life, it is our prayer that this K. YEVIHE CHISHI day bring you everything you desire and may you be filled with joy and laughter as you share this special occasion with your dearest ones. As you embark on new journey of life we pray that our Almighty God will bless you with good health and preserve you to reach more milestones of life ahead and a blessings of happiness and productivity in tenfold. Thank you for being such a wonderful, loving and caring person.

“You are one in a Million.”

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T

he Enforcement Directorate (ED) will soon seize the gifts given to Bollywood actors Jacqueline Fer nandez a n d N o r a Fa t e h i b y multimillionaire conman Sukesh Chandrashekhar.

ED sources said that as few pet animals were also gifted to the actress, in such cases, they attach the property of similar value.

A highly placed source told IANS that Nora Fatehi told them during the questioning ‘that the officials were free to seize the BMW car gifted to her by Sukesh Chandrashekhar’.

The sources also said that a similar case was with Jacqueline, and she too has told the same to the ED officials.

“Jacqueline told us that she didn’t know the

The winners of the Hornbill International Photo Competition (HIPFEST) with officials during a programme held on December 22 in Dimapur. (DIPR)

MR. HOVINEI PUCHO & MRS. NEISA PUCHO Dearest Mom and Dad as you celebrate 35 years of your journey together; we give thanks to GOD for bringing both of you together as one and blessed with countless blessing and a happy family. May God’s Grace always shine upon you as you work for His Glory.

We pray for your long life and good health.

From Loving Children

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FELICITATION

With love and Prayers Wife, Sons, Daughters, In-laws and Grandchildren

SAtAKHAMI UNION DIMAPUR MOTTO: EVEr TOGETHEr AND UPWArD EStD : 1993

FELICItAtION

The Satakhami Union Dimapur with profound joy and gratefulness to Almighty God extends our heartiest congratulations to our President Mr. L. Hevito Zhimomi who has been promoted to the post of Dy. Superintendent of excise.

The Union further believe that his success and promotion to the higher post is an exemplary blessing for those who serves the society tirelessly and with God fearing spirit.

Kawoto Zhimo Vice President

(Mughato K. Swu) General Secretary

Peren District Beauty & Aesthetic Society felicitates Miss Kawimaningsiliu for the wonderful achievement being crown Miss Nagaland 2021 and the Sub title Queen of Hearts representing Peren district and bringing laurel to the district.

PDBAS also lauds Sharon Singson for achieving the sub title of Miss Empowered. Whishing them more success in their future endeavour.

(KUDAHING NZA) General Secretary PDBAS

(KEYININGLE) President PDBAS

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Oscar record for that triple play, reports deadline.com.

Although there weren’t many surprises this morning, for some the most shocking omission will likely be in International Feature, where French entry and Cannes Film Festival Palme d’Or winner ‘Titane’ from Director Julia Ducournau missed the cut after she became only the second woman ever (after Jane Campion) to win the

well, the aforementioned Campion’s ‘The Power of the Dog’ has three, and such big blockbuster titles like ‘Spider Man: No Way Home’ and ‘The Matrix: Resurrections’ are among those with two.

It is a big day for Billie Eilish, who is the subject of a feature documentary that made the cut, as well as co-writer and singer of the shortlisted title song of ‘No Time to Die’.

In the latter category there are some big names competing for one of the five eventual slots, including Brian Wilson, Beyonce, Jay-Z, Sparks, Arianda Grande, Bono, Lin-Manuel Miranda, Jennifer Hudson, Carole King and perennial bridesmaid Diane Warren eligible to grab her 13th nomination in the category for ‘Somehow You Do’ from the little-seen ‘Four Good Days’.

Final nominations will be announced on February 8. The Oscars are scheduled to take place on March 27 at the Dolby Theatre.

(IANS)

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T

he 25th James Bond film, ‘No Time to Die’, made a strong showing at the shortlists released on Tuesday for the 94th Oscars, with mentions in five categories such as Song, Score, Sound, Visual Effects, Make-up and Hairstyling to lead all films.

‘Dune’, with four mentions in the same categories except Song was close behind, reports deadline.com.

The Oscars shortlists cover 10 categories overall, including Documentary Feature; International Film; Animated, Live Action, and Documentary Shorts; Make-up and Hairstyling; Music Score; Original Song; Sound; and Visual Effects.

D e n m a r k ’s ‘ F l e e ’ made the cut for both Documentary Feature and International Film.

It is also eligible for Animated Feature (not a shortlisted categor y) this year, and should it eventually score final nominations in all three categories, it will set an

MAJOR NOMINATIONS YET TO BE RELEASED

K Y M C

Arsenal progress into League Cup semis

L O N D O N, D E C 2 2 (AGENCIES): Eddie Nketiah struck a hat-trick as Arsenal beat League One club Sunderland 5-1 at the Emirates on Tuesday to book a place in the semifinals of the League Cup. Mikel Arteta rotated his side but still fielded a strong enough line-up to ensure his team comfortably progressed to the last four.

The 22-year-old Nketiah, who has not started in the Premier League this season, put the Gunners ahead, against the third-tier club, pouncing from close range after Rob Holding’s header from a corner was parried out by Sunderland keeper Lee Burge.

Nicolas Pepe doubled the lead with a deflected shot after good work from Cedric Soares but Sunderland pulled a goal back with a nice finish from Nathan Broadhead, who lifted the ball over the advancing Bernd Leno.

Nketiah restored the

Arsenal’s Eddie Nketiah in action with Sunderland’s Tom during the League Cup quarter final match at the Emirates Stadium, London. two goal advantage, clipping in a low ball from Nuno Tavares in the 49th minute and then produced a cheeky backheel finish to make it 4-1 after Pepe nutmegged Dener Hume and

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delivered a low cross.

The forward, whose contract at Arsenal runs out in June, has scored 10 goals in nine career appearances in the League Cup. “This competition is

the place I’ve been getting starts. I’ll do my best whenever I’m asked to play,” said Nketiah.

“I’m desperate to play football. All I can do is keep working hard. It’ll

Real Madrid monitoring Liverpool and England defender Joe Gomez

Kiran, Aakarshi win national ranking titles

sort itself out. As long as I play for Arsenal I’ll give my all,” said Nketiah, who has yet to agree any contract extension.

A positive evening for Arteta’s side was completed when 18-year-old substitute Charlie Patino, making his senior debut, converted another low cross from Pepe.

Sunderland, who were relegated from the Premier League in 2017, were cheered on by 5,000 supporters from the North East and manager Lee Johnson said that he was pleased they had spells of good play in the game.

“The bigger picture for us is the learning experience. Now they know the standard. When you feel the quality of the opposition you learn so much more. Arsenal were fantastic,” he said.

In the other three quarter-finals on Wednesday, Tottenham face West Ham United, Liverpool host Leicester City while Chelsea are at Brentford.

Labuschagne displaces Root at the top in ICC Test rankings for batters

DUBAI, DEC 22 (IANS): Australia’s hero in the second Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, Marnus Labuschagne, and Pakistan captain Babar Azam have risen to the top of the ICC Rankings for batters in Tests and T20Is, respectively.

Middle-order batter Labuschagne has climbed to the top of the ICC Test Player Rankings for batters for the very first time after sensational performances in the two matches of the Ashes so far.

With career-best 912 rating points, he has gone past England captain Joe Root (897), who drops to the second spot.

Ranked fourth before the series, Labuschagne rose two spots to No.2 after scoring 74 in Australia’s win in the Brisbane Test. In the second Test at Adelaide, he scored a hundred and fifty (103 and 51) as Australia thrashed England by 275 runs to go

Marnus Labuschagne 2-0 up in the Ashes.

His teammate Mitchell Starc broke into the top10 for Test bowlers after returning figures of 6/80 in the second Test, which included a four-for in the first innings that helped reduce England to 236. He moves up to the ninth spot.

Starc was also quite handy with the bat in both the innings, scoring an unbeaten 39 and 19, which sees him climb a spot in the Test all-rounders’ ranking to No.6.

For England, captain Root attained his careerbest rating in the rankings for all-rounders, rising two spots to No.10 after scoring 86 runs and picking three wickets in the second Test.

In the Player Rankings for T20Is, Pakistan captain Babar Azam reclaimed the top spot in the list for batters after just one week of losing it.

With scores of 0 and 7 in the first two T20Is against the West Indies, Bazar dropped two spots to No.3 in last week’s rankings update. He came roaring back and is now tied at the top of the rankings with England’s Dawid Malan after a brilliant 79 in the final T20I that helped Pakistan complete a clean sweep over West Indies.

His fellow opener Mohammad Rizwan, who has had a tremendous 2021, capped the year by climbing to No.3 in T20I batters’ rankings with career-best ratings of 798.

Sevilla held to a 1-1 draw by much-improved Barca M A D R I D, D E C 2 2 (AGENCIES): Secondplaced Sevilla were held to a 1-1 draw by Barcelona on Tuesday, a result that helped Real Madrid to open a five-point lead at the top of LaLiga.

Playing under heavy rain, a much-improved Barcelona desperately tried to score a second goal after Ronald Araujo drew them level with a header in the 45th minute but they were thwarted by an equally determined Sevilla, who were reduced to 10 men after Jules Kounde was shown a straight red card in the 64th.

Sevilla went ahead after Papu Gomez latched on to a Ivan Rakitic corner kick and fired home a low strike.

Barca are seventh in standings with 28 points from 18 games, 15 points behind leaders Real Madrid.

“I honestly think that today we lost two points.

We played better and deserved to win. I feel that is evident in our improvement,” Barcelona manager Xavi Hernandez told reporters.

“We were unlucky.

They score in a set piece play but we had many more opportunities. The

season as the arrival of Ibrahima Konate from RB Leipzig has increased competition in the centre of the Reds’ defence.

Gomez still has threeand-a-half years left on his contract.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp chose Konate and Joel Matip as his centreback pairing in the absence of Virgil van Dijk during

the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Sunday, with Gomez only being introduced as a last-minute substitute.

Real are known to be looking at central defenders - even though it is widely anticipated their main target is PSG striker Kylian Mbappe - but understand there is no hope of signing Gomez in the January transfer window.

C H E N NA I , D E C 2 2 (PTI): Kerala’s Kiran George and top seed Aakarshi Kashyap of Chattisgarh clinched the men’s and women’s singles titles at the All India senior ranking badminton tournament here on Wednesday.

In the men’s summit clash, Kiran defeated the experienced Subhankar Dey 21-17, 21-12 in 39 minutes while the women’s singles final was also a one-sided affair as Kashyap dominated qualifier Tanya Hemanth of Karnataka 2115 21-12.

National champions and women’s doubles top seeds Shikha Gautam and Ashwini Bhat K got the better of Uttar Pradesh’s Shruti Mishra and Shailja Shukla 21-14, 21-16 while the unseeded combination of Rohan Kapoor and Sanjana Santosh defeated S Sunjith and Gowrikrishna TR 21-18, 21-16 to clinch the mixed doubles title.

In the men’s doubles, Hariharan Amsakarunan and Ruban Kumar R got the better of Ravikrishna P S and Sankarprasad Udaykumar 22-20, 19-21, 21-18.

The overall prize money for the tournament is Rs 10 lakh.

‘NBA has ‘no plans’ to halt season despite COVID surge’

Kapil Dev recalls his experience of lifting the WC in 1983

Man City footballer Mendy Zverev predicts Djokovic, Medvedev charged with another rape and himself to form big three in 2022

Joe Gomez M A D R I D, D E C 2 2 (AGENCIES): Real Madrid are monitoring Liverpool and England defender Joe Gomez.

The 24-year-old missed most of last season with a knee injury and has been hindered this term by calf and groin issues.

Real feel there is a chance Gomez could leave Anfield at the end of the

Adam Silver NEW YORK, DEC 22 (AGENCIES): The National Basketball Association (NBA) has no plans to pause its season despite a surge in COVID-19 cases, league commissioner Adam Silver said.

Seven games have been postponed since last week, with a report on the league’s website saying at least 84 players from 20 teams had entered health and safety protocols as of Tuesday. U.S. media reported the 10 NBA teams playing on Christmas Day have been told the times of their games could change due to COVID-19 reasons and decisions could be made as late as Friday.

Silver told ESPN in an interview the league had “no plans right now” to K Y M C

halt the season. “We have of course looked at all the options, but frankly we are having trouble coming up with what the logic would be behind pausing right now.

“As we look through these cases literally ripping through the country ... I think we’re finding ourselves where we knew we were going to get to over the past several months, and that is this virus will not be eradicated, and we’re going to have to learn to live with it.”

Silver’s comments come a day after the National Hockey League and its players’ union agreed to postpone games due to COVID-19 cases at teams and bring the holiday break forward.

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (IANS): As the sports drama ‘83’ is all set to release on the big screen on Thursday, former Indian cricket captain Kapil Dev recalled the feeling of lifting the World Cup in 1983, in a video shared by the makers.

In the video, Kapil recalls his experience of winning the World Cup in 1983.

He was heard saying in Hindi: “India ke liye khelna ek sapna tha and a bigger dream was to become the Captain of the National team. And I had never imagined lifting the World Cup on the balcony of Lord’s!”

The clip was captioned: “The Haryana Hurricane, @therealkapildev Sir, invites us all to experience the historic saga unfold! 2 Days To 83. #ThisIs83 83 IN CINEMAS ON 24TH DEC, 2021.

Releasing in Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada and Malayalam. Also in 3D.” ‘83’ highlights India winning the 1983 World Cup under the leadership of Kapil Dev, played by Ranveer Singh. The film is all set to release theatrically worldwide on December 23.

Benjamin Mendy MANCHESTER, DEC 22 (AGENCIES): Manchester City footballer Benjamin Mendy has been charged with a further count of rape.

The French international, of Prestbury in Cheshire, is now accused of seven counts of rape and one count of sexual assault relating to five women.

The 27-year-old was charged last week with the latest offence but it was subject to reporting restrictions.

These restrictions were lifted earlier as Mr Mendy appeared at Chester Crown Court for a hearing ahead of his trial.

The latest charge relates to a new complainant and is alleged to have taken place in July this year.

The earlier charges are alleged to have happened

between October 2020 and August 2021.

The footballer, who has been in custody since his arrest in August, appeared alongside his co-defendant Louis Saha Matturie, 40, of Eccles in Greater Manchester.

He is accused of six counts of rape and one count of sexual assault.

Both men were remanded into custody at HMP Altcourse in Liverpool after the 40-minute hearing. Their trial, which was scheduled for January, was also put back to later in the year.

Mr Mendy has played for last season’s Premier League champions Manchester City since 2017, when he joined from Monaco for a reported £52m.

Referee Carlos del Cerro Grande, shows a red card to Sevilla’s Jules Kounde, partially seeing left, during the Spanish La Liga soccer match between Sevilla and Barcelona. (AP/PTI)

result, a draw away against a great team like Sevilla, is not bad.

But it is a point that is not enough for us as we are trying to move up in contention. We let this win slip away from our hands.”

Barcelona dominated the first half, had more ball control and could have scored at least twice in the first 30 minutes.

LO N D O N, D E C 2 2 (AGENCIES): Olympic champion Alexander Zverev is confident a changing of the guard is almost complete in men’s tennis with next year’s big silverware likely to be shared between Novak Djokovic, Daniil Medvedev and himself.

Germany’s Zverev beat Djokovic en route to gold at the Tokyo Olympics and then ended the year by winning the ATP Finals title for the second time.

Djokovic won three of the year’s Grand Slam titles but his old rivals Rafa Nadal and Roger Federer failed to add to their collections with the trio tied on 20 majors each.

World number two Medvedev beat Djokovic in the U.S. Open final while Zverev also reached two Grand Slam semis this year.

Heading into the new season Federer, 40, is still recovering from knee surgery while Nadal, 35, is in the early stages of his comeback from a foot injury.

“I think next year could be very similar to the last six months from this year,” Zverev, named German Sportsman of the Year this week, told Eurosport Ger-

But Sevilla made the most of the single opportunity that came their way in the first half, with Gomez firing home a powerful strike.

Sevilla improved in the second half but then had to switch to damage-limitation mode after Kounde was sent off for a petulant display following a clash with Jordi Alba in

Alexander Zverev many’s Das Gelbe vom Ball podcast. “Before, there used to be always talk about Nadal, Federer and Djokovic -- now the big titles were the Olympics, U.S. Open, Turin (ATP Finals) and Wimbledon, and they were all won

by Medvedev, Djokovic and me. I don’t expect it to be any different next year.”

Zverev ended the year ranked three and believes the number one spot is a viable target.

“I know I’m not far away from it, but for that I also have to win tournaments and Grand Slams,” he said.

T h e o r e t i c a l ly, t h e 24-year-old Zverev could become number one if he wins the Australian Open

the touchline. After being pushed by the Barca defender, Kounde hurled the ball straight into Alba’s face.

“It was a very complicated game and the red card caught us when we were playing our best.

Kounde knows that he made a mistake.” Sevilla manager Julen Lopetegui told reporters.

and Djokovic misses the tournament because of its COVID-19 vaccine stance.

“The situation with Novak and Australia is still a big question mark,” he said.

“Of course, I hope that he will be allowed to play, that’s very clear.

“There are thousands of mathematical calculations, if he doesn’t play Australia and I win the Australian Open, then I’m number one in the world and so on and so forth.

“At the end of the day, now is not the time to think about (being number one), not is the time to prepare as best as you can so you’re physically able to play for it.”

Zverev’s failure to capture a Grand Slam has surprised some, but he is now a consistent threat at the biggest events after initially struggling to show his best at them.

“I’ve become much calmer. I’m also getting older. I’m not 18 or 19 anymore. I understand maybe a bit more things about life and understand that you just have to keep calm in important situations,” he said. “That has had its effect on me this year.”

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India beat Pak 4-3 to win Asian ISL: Kerala Blasters defeat Chennaiyin FC Champions Trophy hockey bronze

VASCO (GOA), DEC 22 (AGENCIES): Kerala Blasters FC recorded an impressive second consecutive win in their 202122 Indian Super League campaign after defeating Chennaiyin FC with a 3-0 scoreline at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Wednesday.

The Yellow Army rise to third place in the points table while handing the Marina Machans their second defeat of the season, which sees them drop to sixth.

Jorge Pereyra Diaz (9’) gave KBFC the lead by scoring his third goal of the campaign prior to Sahal Abdul Samad (38’) doubling the advantage before halftime. Adrian Luna (79’) then scored his first goal of the season to put the result beyond any doubt in the second half.

Jorge Diaz sent his team into an early lead after a lofted through ball found the striker in ample space behind CFC’s backline. His right-footed shot towards the bottom left corner gave no chance to Vishal Kaith to make a save.

Prabhsukhan Gill was called into action just be-

Jerry Lalrinzuala of Chennaiyin FC and Sahal Abdul Samad of Kerala Blasters FC in action during their ISL match at the Tilak Maidan Stadium in Goa. (PTI) fore the half-hour mark who made a brilliant righthanded save to keep away a header from his own defender. Germanpreet Singh had a fabulous opportunity to score the equaliser just before the drinks break but his shot from roughly 12-yards out went wide to the shock of his teammates.

Sahal Abdul Samad then extended the lead by scoring from inside the box after a poor clearance from Kaith handed the ball to KBFC forwards in his own half. Sahal’s initial shot was blocked by Reagan Singh but the midfielder made no mistake with the rebound and calmly placed the ball in the back of the

net.

Vazquez then had the chance to score a third before halftime but he could not beat the goalkeeper from a one-on-one situation.

Salam Singh and Lukasz Gikiewicz were sent as halftime changes from Bozidar Bandovic to influence the game. Lalthathan-

ga Khawlhring became the first player to get booked for a foul in the second half which was less eventful than the first. Despite sustained periods of pressure, CFC did not have a clear scoring opportunity until the second drinks break.

Post the resumption of the match, Adrian Luna opened his account with a powerful right-footed strike following a lack of communication amongst the CFC defenders. The Yellow Army remained in control of the match post the third goal and secured another three points with back-to-back 3-0 wins.

Kerala Blasters (/ topic/kerala-blasters) FC awaits the challenge of Jamshedpur FC in their next game at the Tilak Maidan Stadium on Sunday.

Chennaiyin FC on the other hand will get a week’s rest before their clash against Bengaluru FC at the same venue on Thursday.

THURSDAY’S MATCH Hyderabad FC Vs SC East Bengal Time: 7:30 pm

Indian and Pakistani players vie for ball during their 3rd/4th place hockey match at the Hero Men’s Asian Champions Trophy 2021, in Dhaka. (PTI) DHAKA, DEC 22 (PTI): Olympic bronze medallist India defeated archrivals Pakistan 4-3 in a pulsating third-fourth place play-off match to win the bronze medal at the Asian Champions Trophy men’s hockey tournament here on Wednesday.

India, who were the defending champions along with Pakistan in the last edition of the tournament in Muscat, will return with a

consolation prize after having lost to Japan 3-5 in the semifinals on Tuesday.

India took the lead in the very first minute through vice-captain Harmanpreet Singh before Sumit (45th), Varun Kumar (53rd) and Akashdeep Singh (57th) struck a goal each. Pakistan’s goals were scored by Afraz (10th), Abdul Rana (33rd) and Ahmed Nadeem (57th).

It was India’s second

win over Pakistan in the tournament after having beaten the same opponents 3-1 in the round-robin stages.

Coming into the tournament as hot favourites and having topped the round-robin stage with an unbeaten record, the Indians would be disappointed to return with a bronze.

In the summit clash late on Wednesday, South Korea will play Japan.

Serie A: Bernardeschi inspires Miami Heat tie team 3-point mark (22) in victory Juventus to conquer Cagliari

Federico Bernardeschi celebrates after his side goal.

ROME, DEC 22 (IANS): Federico Bernardeschi took centre stage as his longawaited goal and an assist helped Juventus dominate Cagliari 2-0 in Serie A. Juve entered Allianz stadium on Tuesday night without injured Paulo Dybala and Federico Chiesa with Moise Kean getting

the nod to pair with Alvaro Morata upfront.

The home side was close to breaking the deadlock in the 12th minute but Kean saw his header on Juan Cuadrado’s floated pass rattle the upright, Xinhua reports. The goal eventually came in the 40th minute when Ber-

nardeschi’s cross-shot took a slight deflection, falling kindly into the path of Kean, who followed to head in.

The away side created a couple of chances after the break as Dalbert surprisingly fired wide from a close range while Joao Pedro forced a stunning one-handed save out of Wojciech Szczesny.

Juve punished Cagliari in the 83rd minute through a counter, as Dejan Kulusevski started the move, Bernardeschi collected the ball before sweeping in a left-footed drive from a tight angle.

It is the maiden Serie A goal of the Italian international since July 2020.

With the win, the Bianconeri temporarily moved to fifth place with 34 points, four points behind fourthplaced Atalanta who were held by relegation-battlers Genoa 0-0.

MIAMI, DEC 22 (AGENCIES): Tyler Herro returned from a three-game injury absence and tied for game-high honors with 26 points, leading the Miami Heat to a 125-96 win over the visiting Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night.

The Heat tied a franchise record with 22 3-pointers, shooting 44.9 percent from long distance and 49.5 percent overall.

Duncan Robinson tied his season high with 26 points for the Heat, making 10 of 16 shots from the floor and 6 of 10 from long range. Miami’s Kyle Lowry nearly had a triple-double, finishing with a game-high 12 assists, 11 rebounds and eight points.

Herro, who had been out due to a quad contusion, made 8 of 17 shots, including 5 of 8 from beyond the arc. Heat guard Max Strus, in his third year in the NBA, made his first career start and finished with 18 points.

Indiana was led by

Caris LeVert and Chris Duarte, each with 17 points.

Point guard Malcolm Brogdon, who missed Indiana’s most recent game due to a foot injury, returned but played just eight minutes. He did not return for the second half and finished with one point and two assists. Coach Rick Carlisle was back after a four-game COVID-related absence.

Mavericks 114, Timberwolves 102 Jalen Brunson scored 28 points and dished six assists, and Dallas held on vs. visiting Minnesota.

Dorian Finney-Smith added 19 points, six rebounds and five assists for the Mavericks, who avenged a road loss to the Timberwolves two nights earlier. Dwight Powell had 15 points and Sterling Brown registered 12 points and 11 rebounds.

Karl-Anthony Towns posted team highs of 26 points and 14 rebounds to go with seven assists for the

Miami Heat guard Tyler Herro (14) attempts a layup shot against the Indiana Pacers during the second half.

Minnesota. Malik Beasley Robinson came off the added 22 points for the bench to collect 17 points Timberwolves, whose four- and 14 rebounds for the game winning streak came Knicks, who won for just to an end. the third time in 11 games.

Knicks 105, Pistons 91 Kemba Walker tallied 21 Evan Fournier scored points, eight rebounds and a game-high 22 points and five assists.

Julius Randle and Mitchell The Pistons, who lost Robinson each posted dou- for the 15th time in 16 ble-doubles as New York games, cut a 22-point gap fended off a second-half to five thanks largely to Sarally by visiting Detroit. ben Lee, who came off the Randle had 21 points bench to score 12 of his 16 and 11 rebounds while points in the second half.

Suns 108, Lakers 90 Devin Booker scored 24 points in his second game back from a hamstring injury as visiting Phoenix extended its latest winning streak to four games with a victory over Los Angeles.

Deandre Ayton added 19 points with 11 rebounds and Mikal Bridges scored 14 points for the Suns, who recovered from a slow start to win for the 24th time in their last 26 games. Chris Paul had 11 points and nine assists.

LeBron James scored 34 points for the Lakers, who lost their third consecutive game while working through COVID-19 issues and now have Anthony Davis sidelined due to a knee injury.

Russell Westbrook contributed 22 points and 10 rebounds. James injured his left ankle in the third quarter but remained in the game, though his mobility appeared compromised the rest of the way.

Australian Open confident on Nadal, uncertain on Djokovic

Rafael Nadal MELBOURNE, DEC 22 (REUTERS): Australian Open chief Craig Tiley is confident Rafael Nadal will be at Melbourne Park for next month’s Grand Slam despite testing positive for COVID-19, but he is still uncertain whether Novak Djokovic will be playing.

Nadal caught the novel coronavirus while playing in an exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi last week and said he would make a decision on his future tournaments depending on his “evolution” over the weeks ahead. read more “I’m confident Rafael will be here,” tournament organiser Tiley said of the 20-times Grand Slam champion at Melbourne Park on Wednesday.

“Players that are testing positive now will complete a period of time until they are no longer infec-

Novak Djokovic tious and they will be fine.

If you are going to test positive and you want to play the Australian Open, your timing would be now.”

Tiley reiterated that all players and staff at the Australian Open would be vaccinated or have a medical exemption granted by an independent panel of experts. read more Those requirements have prevented Djokovic, who has declined to disclose whether he is vaccinated, citing privacy, from confirming whether he will bid for a 21st Grand Slam title and a 10th Australian Open crown next month.

Tiley said that as far as he was aware, no players had yet been granted medical exemptions and that it would be up to Djokovic to disclose the grounds on which he gained entry to Australia.

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