24 Dec 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXII No. 22

DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Pak-India ties: Too near yet far apart

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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

Centre’s five-fold strategy to tackle Omicron

NEW DELHI, DEC 23 (IANS): Centre on Thursday advised states and UTs to not let their guard down and maintain their preparedness in fight against Covid pandemic and to follow fivefold strategy in view of the new variant Omicron.

The states have been asked to put in place the local containment measures by the District and local administration when either the test positivity increases beyond 10 per cent or occupancy of oxygenated beds increases beyond 40 per cent.

"Based on the local situation and population characteristics such as density and others and keeping in mind the higher transmissibility of Omicron, States/ UTs can undertake containment measures and impose restrictions even before these thresholds are reached", the Health Ministry has said.

The states have been advised to follow the fivefold strategy of Containment, Testing & Surveillance, Clinical Manage-

Rio, Sarma in Delhi to meet Amit Shah Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, DEC 23 (NPN): A delegation led by chief minister Neiphiu Rio left for Delhi on Thursday to meet Union home minister Amit Shah. Rio, accompanied by deputy chief minister Y. Patton and NPF legislature party leader TR Zeliang left for Delhi via Guwahati by a chartered flight.

As reported, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma was scheduled to arrive Dimapur to pick up Rio and leave for Delhi, as both were called by union home minister.

However, in view of the arms surrender ceremony of DNLA cadres held at Dhansiripar, Karbi Anglong on Thursday, Sarma had to change his plans, sources said. The delegation was expected to return to Dimapur/Guwahati late Thursday night.

Besides the Naga political issue, sources said that the meeting may also deliberate on the border issue between the two states and also the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, particularly against the backdrop of Oting/Mon incidents.

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GOVT’S ADVISE TO STATES & UTS

A worker installs an oxygen cylinder inside a COVID-19 facility at CWG village in view of the Omicron cases, in Delhi, Wednesday. (PTI)

 Be vigilant and monitor case positivity, doubling rate, clusters of new cases across districts.  Consider local curbs/restrictions ahead of upcoming festive season and impose night curfews.  Impose night curfews & ensure strict regulation of large gatherings.  Notify containment zones, buffer zones in case of new Covid-19 clusters.  Ensure 100% coverage of left out first and second dose eligible beneficiaries in an accelerated manner.  Strengthen door-to-door vaccination campaign in states/UTs where vaccination coverage is below the national average.  The Centre has advised the states going in for elections in the near future to exponentially ramp up the Covid-19 vaccination, especially in the low coverage districts to protect the vulnerable population.

ment, Covid Safe Behavior and Vaccination.

On Containment, states have been advised to impose night curfews and ensure strict regulation of large gatherings, especially ahead of the forthcoming festivities. The states need to have keep strict watch on number of Delta and Omicron cases in all districts, and case positivity on a day-on-day and week-on-week basis.

States have also been informed that the existing National Clinical Management Protocol remains unchanged for Omicron. They were advised to increase bed capacity, ensure logistics like ambulances and enforce mechanism for seamless shifting of patients. "Utilise funds sanctioned under Emergency Covid Response Package (ECRP-II) to ensure that the requisite capacity of

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan reviewed the public health preparedness of the states for fighting Covid-19 and said that any restriction must be enforced for minimum of 14 days. As syndromes of Omicron variant closely mimic common cold with a higher rate of transmissibility and doubling time, syndromic approach for Covid containment can be employed, said Bhushan.

health systems is developed at/near hotspots to respond to any emergency", said ministry to the states.

States have been asked to ensure advance engagement and information so that there is no misinformation or panic. The states have also been asked to ensure 100% coverage of left out first and second dose eligible beneficiaries in an accelerated manner.

SPORTS, PAGE 12

1 killed, 6 injured in Ludhiana district court complex blast LUDHIANA, DEC 23 (PTI): A bomb went off in the district court complex here on Thursday, killing one person and injuring six others, prompting the Punjab government to declare a high alert in the state.

Police suspect that the man killed in the blast in the second-floor bathroom was trying to set off the explosive device, or may even have been a suicide bomber.

As forensic teams and specialised agencies were being summoned to the blast site, Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi expressed apprehension that the explosion might have been an attempt to create “anarchy” in the poll-bound state.

The Union Home Ministry has sought a detailed report from the state government as early as possible. It also wanted to be informed about the findings of the initial investigations.

The blast wrecked a wall of the bathroom, shattered window panes

Security personnel at the site after an explosion at the Ludhiana district court complex, Thursday. (PTI

in adjoining rooms and broke windscreens of some cars parked below, triggering panic in the busy court complex. Officials said the five people, including two women, were injured in the explosion were out of danger. CM Channi, accompanied by Deputy Chief

Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu, visited a hospital in Ludhiana to meet the injured.

He also summoned a meeting later in the day in Chandigarh.

The blast comes days after the alleged sacrilege bids – at the Golden Temple in Amritsar and a gurdwara in Kapurthala – followed by the lynching of two men.

Over the past months, there have also been cases of drones being spotted near the Pakistan border, with authorities suspecting that they could have dropped arms or explosives. Channi expressed fear that an attempt was being made to spread anarchy in Punjab ahead of the state assembly polls.

Deputy CM Randhawa, who is also the state's home minister, said some “external forces” could be trying to destabilise Punjab, and alluded to Pakistan.

Punjab has been put on high alert, he said.

Non-cooperation with SFs till demands fulfilled: ENSF Onus on CoI over Oting massacre

DIMAPUR, DEC 23 (NPN): Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has reiterated that it would continue with its non-cooperation with Indian security forces till its demands were met and warned that the Centre would be held fully responsible for any untoward law and order situation that might arise in this connection.

In a memorandum to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, federation president Chingmak Chang and assistant general secretary Kaibo Konyak listed their charter of demands, which included immediate booking of security forces involved in the gruesome killing of 14 innocent civilians and injuring several others at Oting

ENSF delegation with Kiren Rijiju in Delhi. (ENSF)

village in Mon district on December 4 and 5.

They also demanded Rs 1 crore compensation to each of the next of the kin of deceased and Rs 50 lakh each to those injured, besides immediate fulfilling of the commitment of compensation made by chief minister Neiphiu Rio during

the funeral service at Mon on December 6.

Terming Union home minister Amit Shah’s statement in Parliament that “they were signalled to stop but tried to flee” and that the security forces had fired in self-defence as one-sided and in direct contradiction to the report from ground zero and

incorrect, they demanded that Shah should retract his claims at the earliest.

Further, they demanded that the Centre should withdraw the draconian Armed Forces Special Power Act (AFSPA), 1958 from all the North-eastern States.

Drawing the Prime Minister’s attention to the killings in Mon district and seeking his immediate intervention, ENSF leaders claimed that on the fateful evening of December 4, some daily wage earners from Oting village in Mon district were returning home from coal mine in a pick-up truck after a weeklong labour without really knowing what the next moment had in store for them.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, DEC 23 (NPN): With the Naga political solution giving way to the massive outrage against the deaths of 14 innocent civilians in Mon- December 4 massacre at Oting by a unit of the 21 Paras followed by the December 5 killing of a protestor in Mon by Assam rifles- the political situation is in a flux.

The 21 Paras is deemed to be a command unit which is directly under the control and command of the Army’s Easter n Command. Such a unit like the 21 Paras (Special Force) may be deployed in any of the Corps under Eastern Command to un(Cont’d on p-8) dertake any operations. The

21 Paras based at Jorhat (4 Corps) for operations in the North East. It was deployed at Oting (under 3 Corps) in an operation that has become a national issue of violation of human rights as well as put pressure for repeal of the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act. It may be recalled that the army reportedly under the 3 Corps has ordered its Court of Inquiry (CoI) headed by a Major General to inquire into the incident.

However, the army CoI is tasked with a ‘fact finding’ brief and nothing more. Therefore, any expectation that the CoI will deliver justice is far-fetched said sources here.

According to the

sources, the CoI will only collect facts regarding the Oting massacre involving the 21 Paras (a special force unit which is attached with the Eastern Command).

If the CoI is able to ascertain that the facts of the case is serious enough for warrant further action, it will recommend the case to the next level- Summary of Evidence.

The Summary Evidence court will collect all material and oral evidence(s) of the case and if it warrants further action, then the matter will be referred to either of the three high level military courtsSummary Court Martial, General Court Martial and General Court Martial.

(Cont’d on p-8)

Yimkhiungs hold rally demanding district for Shamator M’laya Speaker recognizes merger DIMAPUR, DEC 23 (NPN): Close on the heels of state government notifying the creation of three new districts, Yimkhiung community members from Shamator, Pungro, Chessore, Old-Showuba circles Thursday took out mega rallies demanding the state government to expedite upgradation of Shamator subdivision to district Hqs. According to a report from IA Shamator, the thousands of people gathered at Shamator town public ground under the aegis of Yimkhiung Tribal Council YTC leaders and others during the rally at Shamator.

(YTC) to press for district demand. After the rally, the participants marched to ADC office and submitted representation to district administration. The rally led by YTC president S Throngso and his colleagues was attended by Yimkhiung Akherü Arihako (YAA), Yimkhiung Women Organisation, Shamator Town Public Forum and others.

They said state government had “unconditionally” assured the people of Yimkhiung tribe that Shamator would be upgraded to district. (Cont’d on p-8)

Cong to submit of 12 Cong legislators with TMC report on Mon Correspondent comments received from all killings to Sonia SHILLONG, DEC 23: Meghalaya Assembly Speaker Metbah Lyngdoh on Thursday accorded recognition to the merger of the 12 Congress legislators with the Trinamool Congress, while dismissing a petition of the Congress seeking their disqualification.

“After examining in detail all the 12 petitions filed by the petitioner Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh (Cong legislator) and the

Point No. 2 of Assembly resolution demeaning: RPP DIMAPUR, DEC 23 (NPN): Describing as “demeaning, halfhearted, insensitive, meek and appalling” the point number two of the resolution adopted by the special assembly session on December 20, 2021, the nascent political party in Nagaland— the Rising People's Party (RPP) has alleged that the legislators have “demeaned the memories of the Oting victims”.

Referring to point number two of the resolution, which read “The House calls for an apology from the appropriate authority….”, the RPP president Joel Naga and general secretary Amai Chingkhu, in a press release, urged the MLAs

to “humbly accept” that the particular resolution was not “only demeaning for themselves but crude and insensitive at this juncture.”

Backing state Congress president K Therie’s assertion that people wanted justice not apology, RPP said the talk of apology was misplaced when justice was yet to be delivered and perpetrators yet to be arrested.

Questioning from whom were MLAs seeking apology and who was the “appropriate authority” that the NLA resolution was referring to? RPP urged the MLAs to clarify to the bereaved families of the Oting massacre as to whom they were demanding

an apology from?

“The usage of the term ‘Appropriate authority’ by our leaders seem to convey both fear and selfishness,” stated RPP. Asserting that state assembly represents the voices of an anguished people, RPP said the assembly should be speaking with firmness, strength and dignity at this hour of tragedy.

However, it said that the “uneasiness” of the language adopted by leaders presented the “very disconcerting picture that they chose to protect their chairs and positions over humanity and justice.”

RPP said the state legislators too stand to be condemned if

they cannot speak out against the perpetrators of the Oting massacre or against those who twist the truth in the Indian Parliament.

The party asserted that point number two of the resolution “cancelled out the rest of the points”, adding that the special session of the NLA was, therefore, meaningless.

It maintained that the NLA, by not pursuing judicial enquiry by a sitting judge of the HC/SC, “may have made a monumental mistake.”

Meanwhile, RPP has demanded that the state government make public the interim report of the special investigation team (SIT).

the 12 respondents (TMC legislators). I am satisfied that the merger of the twelve members of the Indian National Congress is valid as provided under paragraph 4 of the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution of India, and does not attract disqualification,” the Speaker ruled.

The Speaker said he came to the decision after examining in detail all twelve petitions filed by the petitioner Dr. Ampareen of the Congress (Cont’d on p-8)

Gov prorogues NLA session DIMAPUR, DEC 23 (NPN): Nagaland Governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, has prorogued the 10th Session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly at the conclusion of its sitting held on December 20.

NLA secretariat, in a notification, stated that the prorogation order was issued by the Governor of Nagaland dated December 21, 2021, in exercise of the powers conferred by Clause (2) (a) of Article 174 of the Constitution of India.

During the one-day special session, the assembly unanimously adopted a five-point resolution demanding that the Centre revoke the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958, from the Northeast, specifically from Nagaland, so as to strengthen the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful settlement to the Naga political issue.

NEW DELHI, DEC 23 (AGENCIES): The Congress delegation, constituted over the Oting/Mon killings, will submit its report to Congress interim president Sonia Gandhi at 4 pm on Thursday.

A firing incident by security personnel had left 14 civilians dead in two separate incidents that occurred earlier this month and also led to the death of security personnel in Mon district in Nagaland.

Following the incident, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had termed the killing of civilians by security forces in Nagaland as a "case of mistaken identity" and said that a special investigation team (SIT) has been formed with direction to submit its report on the unfortunate incident within one month.

The special investigation team is headed by an IGP rank officer including four other police officers to probe into the incident.

On the other hand the Indian Army also ordered a court of inquiry (CoI) headed by a Major General to probe all the circumstances under which the botched operation by the 21 Para (SF) took place on December 4.

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IRCS Dmu branch provides relief to fire victims

Members of the IRCS Dimapur branch and others on Thursday.

DIMAPUR: Indian Red Cross Society (IRCS), Dimapur district branch on Thursday donated various essential items to victims of the fire that broke out at Ura

Villa Colony on Wednesday.

In a press release, IRCS Dimapur district branch informed that 20 bags rice, 200 blankets, 10 tent-cloths, 100 masks and 40 t-shirts were

handed over to the council chairman and the youth.

The team was led by IRCS, DDB vice chairman Ajay Sethi with volunteers and others.

STATE BJP Mkg constructs medical room DIMAPUR: BJP Mokokchung constructed a “medical room” at the Care and Support Children Home (orphanage) at Tsumarshiyong under Mokokchung town on December 10.

Media & IT, BJP Mokokchung district informed that the cabin was funded through its president, Imolemba Jamir and the works were initiated by BJP Mokokchung district.

Speaking at a programme, managing director of Care and Support Society, Imchawati Kichu acknowledged the noble work and said that the home was in dire need of a special cabin called “sick room”.

It may be mentioned that the home was established in 2013 and began functioning from 2016.

The orphanage has 14 children under its care.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

NVCO, KLC perform street play in Kohima DIMAPUR: The Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation (NVCO) in collaboration with students of Kohima Law College (KLC) performed “a street play” on National Food Security Act, 2013 as part of the week-long observance of “National Consumers Day”.

In a press release, NVCO press and media cell informed that the street play was carried out in three phases.

During the first phase, a play on food grains was presented to create awareness while on the second phase, a state level seminar was organised.

During the seminar, the speaker said that the National Food Security Act, 2013 was also called “Right to Food”. The speaker also informed that both above poverty line (APL) and below poverty line (BPL) beneficiaries have been amalgamated

NVCO president Kezhokhoto Savi with students of Kohima Law College after the programme.

under the name of priority household (PHH) as per the Act and the beneficiaries would be provided five kgs of food grains per head.

The households covered under Antyodaya

CVC welcomes creation of Chümoukedima district DIMAPUR: Welcoming the cabinet’s decision on the creation of Chümoukedima district along with Tseminyu and Niuland, the Chümoukedima Village Council (CVC) conveyed its appreciation to the state government.

In a press release CVC chairman Razouvotuo Chatsu and joint secretary Sedevikho Tsükrü said that the “historic decision of the state cabinet” had proven the mettle of the government and by taking a “bold” decision, it had fulfilled the long-felt aspirations and desire of its citizens. “Chümoukedima district has immense potential to

develop into a bustling district, contributing to the growth of Nagaland”, it stated.

In this regard, CVC has appealed to villages, organisations and citizens of Chümoukedima district to extend all possible assistance to the government in setting up its mechanisms so that the administration becomes functional at the earliest.

CVC also urged upon all the communities to help foster unity and goodwill for each other so that the communities could partake and be equal stakeholders in the development and growth of the district.

Anna Yojana (AAY) would be entitled to 35 kgs of food grains per month.

The speaker also informed that beneficiaries would continue to get double in addition to the

regular allocation under NFSA free of cost due to the pandemic.

In the third phase, an interaction session was conducted where beneficiaries shared their grievances.

NEWS IN BRIEF

Police recover unidentified body: Dimapur police have recovered an unidentified dead body of a non-local male around 45-50 years at Dimapur railway track no. 255/1-2 between DMV-RXR end on December 22. The deceased was wearing a black t-shirt, mixed red and blue pump jacket and blue jeans. On completion of legal formalities, the body was shifted to district hospital Dimapur morgue for PM examination. Deceased is suspected to have been knocked down by a running train. Claimant of the deceased have been requested to contact officer-in-charge GRPS, Dimapur at 7085055021.

WSKH to observe silver jubilee: Western Sumi Kukami Hoho has informed that it would be observing its silver jubilee on December 28 at Sumi cultural centre, Vihokhu village (Ghami) with minister, PHED, N. Jacob Zhimomi as chief guest.

NIIT Dimapur informs: NIIT Dimapur has informed that the classes at NIIT Dimapur Centre would remain suspended from December 24-December 26 in view of Christmas celebrations. NIIT Dimapur informed that the classes would resume on December 27.

Further, the NIIT team has extended Christmas greetings to all the citizens of Nagaland.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Minister for higher education & tribal affairs, Temjen Imna Along and others after the inauguration of research library at the directorate of higher education, Kohima on Tuesday.

St Francis Xavier Catholic church inaugurated at Kidima

DIMAPUR: St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Kidima the first established

by Jesuits Mission among Nor th East India was blessed by Most Reverend Dr James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima and formally inaugurated by Reverend Father Raymond D’ Souza SJ, Director of Eden Gardens Children’s Home, Khuzama, under the theme “My house will be called a house of prayer for all nations” (St Mark 11:17) with Bishop as Main Celebrant on December 5.

According to a press

release, Bishop James Thoppil said that the Church was a symbol and closeness to God. He urged upon the people to manifest Christ and to be better witnesses of Christ to the world.

Also speaking at the programme, Fr. Raymond D’Souza recalled 51 years of good news tour in Kidima and informed that the Church was constructed five times neither supervision by engineer nor architecture.

In this regard, he acknowledged various bene-

factors and the Almighty.

Earlier Fr Siby John, Parish Priest delivered the welcome address, Fr Raymond D’ Souza SJ pioneer missionary cut the ribbon of the new Church and declared the door opened.

Fr Tarci Beck SJ former Resident Priest unveiled Church name plate and the Lordship blessed the Church.

The Eucharist celebration felicitation ceremony was followed by special number from the choir among other highlights of the programme.

Born : 24.12.1947 – Died: 21.12.2021

We, the family members of Late Mrs. Akhaikliu Newmai, deeply appreciate and acknowledge the sympathy and gesture of kindness shown to us throughout the period of her illness till her demise.

We also thank everyone who stood by us and supported us morally, physically and financially at her final rites.

It is our humble prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving family members

k-2452/21

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT dp-6119/21

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of his Saints”.

We the family of Lt. Joe Ngamkhuchung convey our sincere gratitude to everyone for your kindness and appreciation to all individuals, organizations, friends, churches and well wishers who stood by us morally, physically and in prayers. As we mourns the loss of our beloved. We are overwhelmed by your continuous love and support during his brief illness and funeral. We also offer our heartfelt thanks and prayers towards our kind neighbors and all those who stood by us through thick and thin.

Our sincere thanks to:  Olive Christian Hospital Dimapur.

Doctors, Nurse and staffs.  Dr. John Khing.  Rev. Fr. K.M. Joseph.  Chinir Nungchim Shungkhur & BAP. (Moyon Organization)  DAPCU Officials Lt. JOE NGAMKHUCHUNG  Atuna Welfare Society.  ANSAM President.

Born on : 22/07/1943 – Died on : 15/12/2021  Anal Tribe Hoho.  CNPO President.  Saint Francis Church Dimapur.  Prodigals Home  Holy Cross Catholic Youth Association  Bade Village Council.

Dimapur.  Zion Welfare Society.  Women and Child Welfare Centre.  Bethesda Youth Welfare Centre.  Dimapur Positive Womens Association  Dr. Burnice Dziivichii. Joint Director (NSACS) (D+WA)  D. Robin. (ADC Longleng)  South Nagas Union of Nagaland State (SNUNS)  Kejanglwa Villace Council.  Rural Development Society.  Holy Cross Women Association Dimapur.  Akimbo Society.  Poumei Hoho Dimapur.  Tangkhul Union Dimapur.  Evangeline Society (Satakha)  Maring Union Dimapur.  Marino House Dimapur.  Cherry Blossoms Society.  Vihaan CSC NNP+  Naga Colony Council.  DNP+ Dimapur  Naga Colony Youth Organization  NEDHIV  GFI Partners NGO’S  Rongmei Welfare Development Society.  Oriental Theological Seminary (OTS).

Words are not enough to express how grateful we are, we convey our sincere gratitude to all. We also deeply regret our inability to mention and thank each and every individual personally, but it is our humble prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Wife, Sons and Family Members dc-1367/21 K Y M C

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Psalms 116:15

LATE B. HENKONG NEKONG (BABY) Born : 01/10/1983 – Died : 02/12/2021

09/12/1985 – 21/12/2021

The family of Late Ayimmeren Jamir, S/o Er. Temjenwati Jamir (Mangmetong) would like to express our sincere gratitude to everyone who has come out to help us with prayers, morally, physically and financially during his brief illness and demise.

We deeply regret our inability to mention each individual by name but we pray for God’s abundant blessings on each one of you. k-2451/21

Loving Parents, siblings and family

We, the bereaved family of Henkong Nekong (Baby) would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual, friends, neighbour, sympathizers and well-wishers who stood by us and shares our grief and pains at the sad demise of our beloved. Our sincere gratitude to : 1. Baptist Church, 6th N.A.P Bn.Tizit- Youth Deptt, Women Deptt, CED Deptt, Mission Board, Type III & IV 2. All Ranks and Files of 6th N.A.P Bn. Tizit.

3. Konyak Community, 6th N.A.P Bn. Tizit.

4. Wakching Area Union, 6th N.A.P Bn. Tizit.

5. Lotha Community,6th N.A.P Bn. Tizit.

6. Ao Senso Telongjem, 7. Tamlu Households, Tizit, 8. Tamlu Union, Mon Town, 9. Tammong Village & Baptist Fellowship, 10. Tamlu Employees' Union, 11. In-laws, 12. Friends Circle, 13. Helonix Club, Mon Town.

It is our deep regret that we are unable to acknowledge everyone personally. However it is our prayers that our Almighty God will bless you all abundantly. dp-6118/21

-Loving family members, wife and relatives K Y M C

STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

Advent Christmas celebrated across Nagaland

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(L) CBI members along with newspaper hawkers of Kohima district at the programme. (C) Officers of the directorate H&FW presenting a special song during the programme. (R) ACRCYF members and others at the advent programme.

DIMAPUR: Calvary Bible Institute (CBI) Kohima organised a pre-Christmascum-Gospel service with newspaper hawkers of Kohima at the old taxi stand on Thursday.

During the prog r a m m e, p a s t o r B RC Keyake Prakash Pradhan shared the Christmas message.

Rana Chetri led the

programme while Gopal Thapa presented a special number.

The programme was attended by around 70 newspaper hawkers.

H&FW: Directorate of Health and Family Welfare observed advent Christmas on December 17 where Dr. Neikhrielie Khimiao delivered speech on “What Christ-

mas Means to me”.

During the programme, officers of directorate H&FW and Pelesa Keyho presented special number and Dr. Visasieu Kire, Director (ME) chaired the program.

ACRCD: Ao Christian Revival Church Dimapur (ACRCD) organised an advent Christmas programme on Thursday,

EKUM condemns Dec 4, 5 killings

DIMAPUR: Eastern Konyak Union, Myanmar (EKUM) has strongly condemned the killing of innocent civilians by armed forces in Mon district on December 4 and 5 and demanded withdrawal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) from Nagaland.

EKUM president SA Khotai and general secretary K Akham Honwang in a press release mourned the death of 14 civilians on behalf of Konyaks of Eastern Myanmar and asked the armed forces to clarify the reason for killing innocent people.

Accusing the armed forces of shooting the daily wage earners without even interrogating them, they said shooting dead unarmed civilians was illegal and an act of cowardice.

Hence, they demanded withdrawal of AFSPA. They also accused Assam Rifles and Indian Army of carrying out attacks on civilians in Konyak villages across the international border in Myanmar several times in the name of carrying out operations against underground groups.

Alleging that Konyaks had been suffering in the hands of Indian armed forces for the past several years, Khotai and Honwang demanded that the culprits responsible for killing

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Is the solution to the Na g a p ro b l e m n ow effectively put on hold ?

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

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innocent should be booked and AFSPA withdrawn from border areas to ensure peace.

They also cited specific instances where villagers allegedly suffered in the hands of Indian Army.

They alleged that Indian Army had nabbed 13 innocent people of Chen Hoyat village in 1982 and kept them at Tuensang for seven months without any charge and one Tahlem had died in the jail.

Similarly, half of the houses were burned down by the soldiers at Chen Hoyat village in 1988 and one Tolong Wangpai was taken to an unknown destination and held captive for nine months without any reason.

Accusing Indian Army of shooting one Puthrei and injuring him at Chen Throilu village in 1980 without any reason, they said one Yavai was also killed at the village on June 24, 1981, while Ayan and Famo were also killed on August 1, 1982. They mentioned that the church and some houses too were burned down by the forces.

Likewise, they said Indian Army had burned down Kamkah and Momkho villages in 1982, besides threatening the villagers, leading to trauma among them.

hosted by the Ao Christian Revival Church Dimapur youth fellowship.

In a press release, ACRCYF general secretary informed that the programme was based on a play, “What Child is this?”.

Speaking at the prog ramme, Asen Semou who was also the compere exhorted the congregation

that Jesus was the gift to humans and the true Christmas was spending time worshipping Christ and building a relationship with Him. Highlights of the programme included song competition, play and others presentations.

Orgns convey Christmas greets N a ga H o h o : T h e

DIMAPUR: The Naga Scholars’ Association (NSA) organised a virtual panel discussion on the theme “repeal APFSA: perspective from Northeast India and beyond” on December 11.

A press release from the NSA executive council informed that associate professor, Oriental Theological Seminary, Rev. Dr. Ellen Konyak Jamir who is also a member of the Forum for Naga Reconciliation (FNR) in her brief description of the Oting massacre termed it as “reliving past traumas” for Nagas.

She said that since it had occurred “within the geopolitical grand narrative of Nagalim”, it garnered international attention and solidarity, however, she expressed grave concern over the possibility of turning ordinary grief into complicated grief in the aftermath of such traumatic events.

This concern was stated in view of Nagaland as a state which she said was ill-equipped to provide emotional and mental care to a large number of individuals.

Academician, journalist, author and International Director of the Common-

wealth Human Rights Initiative (CHRI), professor Sanjoy Hazarika in his talk was appalled that Nagaland still did not have a state Human Rights Commission, taking cognizance that the Act was implemented five years before it was even recognised as a state.

In this regard, he said that the need for the state government to set up the commission was crucial.

Executive director, Human Rights Alert, Babloo Loitongbam pointed out that this incident was “not an isolated incident” but a recurring incident taking place in the Northeast.

He made a strong suggestion of forging an alliance among the North Eastern region who had shared experiences of living under AFSPA for half a century.

Cautioning that peace was in jeopardy if Northeast India did not wake up to fight against the racialization of Indian politics, founderdirector of Manipur Women Gun Survivors Network & Global Alliance, Binalakshmi Nepram questioned why if the Act was carried out under the auspices of law and order, the army was allowed to op-

erate within civilian spaces.

Nepram said that AFSPA was critical since the Northeast was one of the most militarised regions in the world and further urged the people to elect leaders who have the courage to speak up for their people.

The discussion further addressed questions on what was insidious in the text of the law and how the Indian judicial system itself had dealt with the law.

In the light of the ongoing process to the demand to revoke AFSPA, the Oting incident has highlighted the need to prosecute the soldiers responsible for the killings of civilians under the Indian law system, Loitongbam stated.

Contextualizing AFSPA from historical perspective, professor Hazarika gave a brief overview of the act.

He said that the Act, as argued by a member from Manipur, was a “lawless law” that would “never bring peace and justice to the hills or anywhere else in Nagaland”.

Nepram drew attention to the significance of political securitization of the Northeast region and how it had often been termed as anti-national.

Peletkie Students’ Union holds 46th convention cum general election

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B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

82% 13% 5%

NEXT POLL

Q: Will Christmas and

New Year be dampened by the threat from Omicron virus?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST DECEMBER 24

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sun

25 12

Hazy sun

20 8

Guwahati Nice with sunshine

24 10

Aizawl Imphal

Mostly sunny and nice

21 6

Itanagar Mostly sunny and pleasant

21 10

Shillong Sunny to partly cloudy

15 4

A passing afternoon shower

17 5

Dimapur Mostly sunny and delightful

23 9

Kohima

Sunny to partly cloudy

20 7

Tuensang Mostly sunny and cool

12 2

Mkg

Mostly sunny

17 9

Zunheboto Mostly sunny

16 5

Wokha

K Y M C

(L-R) Asungbe N. Hau and Hiarwetlang Kenn speaking at 46th PSU convention and general election held at Peletkie Village on December 21 and 22.

DIMAPUR: Peletkie Students’ Union (PSU) held its 46th convention and general election on December 21 and 22 at Peletkie Village under Peren district with advocate Asungbe N. Hau as speaker.

A press release from PSU informed that the Asungbe N. Hau spoke on the motto of the union “Yi Rai gong nie”.

He stressed on the importance of the wisdom of God and not educational heights alone.

Asungbe pointed out

forget in the true spirit of Christ this Christmas.

Further, Naga Hoho hoped that this season would bring love, joy, hope and peace into every hearts and homes and that the people would celebrate Christmas in its true spirit.

PDSCA: Conveying warm Christmas greetings to all, the Phek District Seniors Citizen Association

(PDSCA) appealed to all the believers to be hospitable and have faith unlike the people of Bethlehem.

In a message, Phek District Seniors Citizen Association general secretary, Vekhapu Rhakho urged upon all to prepare to celebrate the birthday of Christ and receive abundant blessings this Christmas.

Virtual lecture on NSA holds virtual panel discussion on AFSPA crisis communication

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A

Naga Hoho has conveyed warm Christmas greetings to all the Naga people across the Naga homeland.

In a message, Naga Hoho president, H.K Zhimomi said that Christmas was a time of sharing the love with each other and rejoicing in the birth of Christ.

He therefore urged upon all to forgive and

that the people of Lekie and Jalukie were brothers historically and that Peletkie as the elder one should take the lead.

The program was compered by Zeliang Students’ Union treasurer, Idosile Miliang, invocation was said by Bamsina Chamlak while PSU president, Paulamlungbe delivered presidential address.

During the closing ceremony, chairperson of Lekie Mtei Nko, Hiarwetlang Kenn who was the speaker, reflected on the

past struggles of PSU and its initiation.

He lauded the contribution rendered by the student community to host the 46th general convention and encouraged each individual to continue their contribution.

He pointed out that our student community should not just study for education but study with a purpose to shine for the community.

The closing ceremony was compered by Izaipungle, invocation was said

by Lekie Baptist Church, Sunday school superintendent Ilanggongbe Miliang.

During the general convention-cum-general election, a new team of office bearers was elected for the tenure 2021-24.

The new team would be led by Pauziedibe Kenn as president and Kensamteing Ramlia as general secretary.

The program also conducted a blessing hour for the new PSU executive members by Pastor Lekie Baptist Church, Peusibe Kenn.

By reaffirming the United Nation charter, she asserted, “When there is power and wrongful power…if our stomachs are kicked, if our dignities are hurt, there will be resistance.”

Loitongbam encouraged the participants to keep the dialogue and engagement with the cause alive as the centre would act “only when the political imperatives are clear”. It is thus a decisive time for civil societies, scholars, activists and every thinking population to act and demand for the removal of AFSPA, he said.

Rev. Dr. Jamir emphasised on the state’s relative tranquillity during the last few years and how the attempt to put things right had been interrupted by this ill-fated incident.

As a symbolic tribute to the fourteen murdered civilians, she read out their names to the audience.

Emeritus Professor, Washington University, professor Pimomo, who chaired the session, also urged upon the North East people to be united and to begin an informed conversation across the board on the pressing issue at hand.

for media

Correspondent KOHIMA: Dr. Anubhuti Yadav, head of department of new media and information technology, Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC), New Delhi, organised a virtual lecture to emphasise on the role of the media in crisis communication on Thursday.

Dr Anubhuti gave a presentation on strategies for damage control situations, fact checking of images and news while citing several examples and handling of misinformation during such scenarios.

The webinar was organised with a view to spread awareness among the media and press fraternity as they were accountable for influencing and shaping the public opinion while also raising important issues.

She said that the internet had radically changed the way people communicated and connected with each other.

Dr Anubhuti, however, pointed out that it had been used to target people, radicalise them into specific belief systems and divisive ways of seeing the world and become an instrument for dissemination of false and inflammatory messages and values that did not promote well-tempered dialogue.

Earlier, director general of meteorology, Dr. M Mohapatra also delivered lecture on IMD scenario while scientist, Dr. SC Bhan delivered the welcome address.

ZYF (N) terminates member for withdrawing RTI DIMAPUR: Zeliangrong Youth Front Nagaland (ZYF-N) executives at an emergency meeting held on December 22, 2021 unanimously decided to terminate its general secretary Mathiusin Pamei “from all primary membership and leadership of the organisation” for allegedly withdrawing RTI pertaining to land compensation under package (2) of National Highway 129A “without consulting the executives of ZYF (N)” ZYF (N) through its media cell claimed that it has discovered after thorough investigation that its general secretary was offered an amount of Rs. 2 lakh to withdraw the RTI, which was submitted to the office of the commissioner Nagaland.

ZYF (N) said its general secretary’s action was in contravention to the working system of the organisation, adding he had “failed to give any reasonable explanation to support his misconduct”.

It also alleged that he “intentionally ignored the calls of the executives when called for amicable solution”.

In this regard, the organisation said disciplinary action against its general secretary has been initiated for “defaming the good image of the organisation”.

K Y M C

4

Cattle Preservation Bill Passed In Assam Assembly

GUWAHATI, DEC 23 (AGENCIES): Guwahati: The Assam assembly today passed amendments to its Cattle Preservation Act, which was passed only four months back. The amendments bring two major changes to the Act, including allowing interdistrict movement of cattle except in border districts.

The Cattle Preservation (Amendment) Bill was passed on Thursday during the ongoing session of the Assam legislative assembly.

One of the amendments allows the appropriate court to order for sale of seized vehicles or conveyance, including boats, vessels, etc., except cattle, through a public auction, after being produced before the court during any inquiry or trial.

Another amendment allows inter-district movement of cattle, except for the border districts.

While speaking on the issue, Chief Minister Dr. Himanta Biswa Sarma said, “We are looking to an end to cow slaughter in the state”.

CM Sarma assured that there will be no restriction

on cattle rearing for farming purposes.

“We are not putting restrictions on cattle rearing for farming purposes. We are tr ying to stop the smuggling of cattle to the districts alongside the Bangladesh border,” Sarma said. He added that there will be no Bills regarding buffaloes.

Speaking further on the issue, CM Sarma said that those involved in illegal cattle trade and supply will now invite punishments.

The police will be free to seize their vehicles and auction them off.

Sarma also mentioned that the state will aim to increase its milk production.

“It turns out that a lot of people are busy with

beef, and not milk. We are aiming to control the killing of cattle,” he said.

“Today’s amendment is not inter-state but rather it is intra-state,” he added.

This August, the Assam Cattle Preservation Bill, 2021 was passed to regulate the slaughter, consumption, and transportation of cattle.

Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma had tabled the Bill in the House on July 12.

After the passing of the Cattle Bill, 2021, the gover nment had faced criticism due to strict provisions of the Bill.

The Assam government has passed the Bill again today after changing some provisions from the earlier Bill.

NORTHEAST NRL partners with Assam Institute of Management G U WA H A T I , D E C 23 (PTI): Numaligarh Refinery Ltd (NRL) on T h u r s d ay s a i d i t h a s signed a memorandum of understanding with Assam Institute of Management for industr y-academia collaboration in various domains.

The agreement was signed between NRL’s Senior Chief General Manager (Cor porate Affairs) Nikunja Borthakur and AIM’s Director in Charge Dr Sanjib Raj on Wednesday in the presence of senior officials of both the organisations.

The objective of the MoU is to strengthen industry-academia linkage to develop a relationship to promote mutual interest, sharing of knowledge and information, a statement issued by NRL said.

The petroleum company will provide facilities to students of the management institute to undergo inter nship training, jointly develop industry-relevant research projects and organise seminars, workshops and special talks by experts of the industry, it added.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

Case filed for torching ‘smuggled’ goods in Mizoram AIZAWL, DEC 23 (PTI): A police case was lodged against Champhai’s district magistrate Maria CT Zuali on the basis of a complaint filed by a trader after she torched areca nuts allegedly smuggled via Myanmar, officials said on Thursday.

The police case led to a furore in the state with opposition parties hitting out at the government.

In her complaint, areca nut trader Lalhruaitluangi alleged that the district magistrate along with other officials intercepted three trucks at Kelkang village near the Myanmar border on December 18.

The district officials unloaded 150 bags of areca nuts from the three Aizawlbound trucks and torched them on the spot, it said.

Official sources said five trucks had escaped the interception by the authorities that night, following which the district magistrate acted.

The complaint said that the district magistrate also snatched the mobile phones of the drivers and their keys.

Lalhruaitluangi demanded action against the district magistrate for allegedly torching the

goods without verifying whether they were of foreign origin, besides snatching the mobile phones and keys.

The complaint was filed at Champhai police station, which registered a case under sections IPC sections 435 (mischief by fire or explosive substance with intent to cause damage), 427 (mischief causing damage to the amount of fifty rupees) and 341 (wrongful restrain).

Police said the matter is under investigation.

The district magistrate, however, said that she was acting as per the law.

She said that the a r e c a nu t b a g s we r e unloaded to check if other contrabands were concealed inside them.

Dr ugs were concealed inside areca nuts bags on several occasions by transporters, she claimed.

The opposition parties, including the Congress and ZPM, hit out at the MNF government in the state over the incident, alleging that it was encouraging smugglers to move freely across the border and even giving them the courage to challenge the authorities.

Senior Congress MLA Zodintluanga

Ralte said he feared that Mizoram would soon turn into Colombia and Mexico where drug smugglers not only “have a free hand” but also “control” the government.

ZPM working president K Sapdanga said the Champhai district magistrate had earlier issued prohibitory orders against transportation of smuggled areca nuts.

An official told PTI that smuggling of areca nuts and other contraband items from Southeast Asian countries, especially Myanmar, has been a menace for the state.

According to Customs, 1,108.97 metric tons of areca nuts worth around Rs 35.84 crore smuggled from Myanmar were seized in Mizoram this year till November.

Seventy-nine cases were also registered in connection with smuggling of areca nuts during the period, a senior Customs official said.

The Customs has been making massive efforts to curb illegal imports despite its manpower crunch, he said.

Local growers maintain that the illegal imports affect their

business.

In 2019, the Centre had directed the chief secretaries of Manipur and Mizoram to stop illegal cross-border trade, following which Champhai district magistrate Zuali issued an order, banning smuggling or import of illegal items from Southeast Asian countries.

R e c e n t l y, w e l l known social activist Vanramchhuangi wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking the Centre’s intervention to stop smuggling of dried areca nuts from Southeast Asian countries through Champhai and Lawngtlai districts in Mizoram that shares a border with Myanmar.

Va n r a m c h h u a n g i alleged that the Mizoram government gives ‘Place of Origin’ credentials to dried areca nuts smuggled through the IndiaMyanmar border from various Southeast Asian countries.

The “contraband” is then categorised under GST heading 0802 and levied 5 per cent GST, she claimed. She alleged that smugglers use at least 40 routes in Champhai alone to transport their goods.

67 DNLA militants surrender in Assam Over 1.10 lakh declared foreigners in Assam GUWAHATI, DEC 23 (IANS): A total of 67 cadres of the banned Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) militant outfit surrendered to the Assam government on Thursday and deposited a large cache of arms and ammunition, officials said.

The DNLA militants l a i d d ow n t h e i r a r m s and ammunition before Additional Director General of Police, Special Branch, Hiren Nath and Karbi A n g l o n g Au t o n o m o u s District Council Chief E x e c u t i ve M e m b e r, Tuliram Ronghang during a ceremony held at Dhansiripar in Karbi Anglong district.

Assam Chief Minister Himanata Biswa Sarma welcoming the extremists into the mainstream, tweeted: “Committing themselves to the dream of Hon PM & Hon HM of progressive and peaceful Assam, I am glad to share that 67 cadres of DNLA laid down weapons today

G U WA H A T I , D E C 23 (AGENCIES): The Foreigners Tribunals (FTs) has declared over one lakh people as illegal foreigners in Assam as on October 31, 2021, Atul Bora informed the Assembly o n T h u r s d ay, r e p o r t s The Sentinel Assam. He apprised the Assembly of the same during the ongoing winter session of the Assam Assembly.

Opposition Parties (LoP) Debabrata Saikia.

As per the the Foreigners Act, 1946 and the Foreigners (Tribunals) Order, 1964, all Foreigners Tribunals in Assam were c o n s t i t u t e d . N o t a b ly, nearly two million people were left out of the final list of NRC published on August 31, 2019 as part of an exercise to check illegal immigration.

Rape accused shot in leg as he tried to flee custody GUWAHATI, DEC 23 (PTI): A The cadres laid down their arms in front of Additional Director General of Police, 50-year-old man, held on charges of Hiren Nath, and Karbi Anglong’s Chief Executive Member (CEM), Tuliram Ronghang. raping three minor girls, was shot at a t D h a n s i r i p a r, K a r b i surrendered on November carried out extortion and when he allegedly attempted to flee 13. abduction activities in Dima police custody in Assam’s Morigaon Anglong”.

DNLA leaders Ithika Hasao and the adjoining district on Thursday.

The DNLA extremists He was arrested on Wednesday, have deposited two AK 47 Diphusa and Musrang Karbi Anglong districts. rifles, nine pistols, nine Dimasa said that soon 50 The Dima Hasao district, two days after family members of the locally made improvised more cadres of the outfit formerly North Cachar girls filed complaints against him.

According to a local police g u n s , a n d o v e r 3 0 0 would surrender in Cachar District, one of Assam’s district. three hill districts, was officer, the complainants have cartridges.

The DNLA, which was earlier a hotbed of militant claimed that the accused raped the The DNLA had announced a ceasefire in formed in 2018 to demand a activities, but in the recent three girls, all below 10 years of September and then 46 sovereign and independent years, has not seen any age, on several occasions, with the cadres of the group had Dimasa nation, reportedly major extremist violence. latest incident having been recorded

Anjaw district in Arunachal to soon have digital connectivity: CM ITANAGAR, DEC 23 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh C h i e f M i n i s t e r Pe m a K h a n d u o n T h u r s d ay assured the people of remote Anjaw district that digital connectivity would soon be provided in the region.

Speaking at a p u b l i c f u n c t i o n h e r e, after concluding his twoday tour to the district, Khandu acknowledged the significance of mobile connectivity in the present times, while endorsing requests for the same by public leaders and villagers alike, a statement by the chief minister’s office said.

“I understand the need of digital connectivity in today’s world, especially in an area where building roads is a time-taking task. When I visit this place next time, I will bring along with digital connectivity,” Khandu said before leaving Hawai, the headquarters of Anjaw district which shares its borders with Tibet.

He noted that the people of Anjaw are a “hardworking” lot, and they can benefit much from the Internet, which provides access to various marketing platforms across the globe.

He assured the border district its fair share of 4G towers from the 980 sanctioned by the Centre.

“Tender for installing

“After 1971, at least 1, 10, 794 were found to have entered the state.

Altogether 328 foreigners have been handed over to Bangladesh between October 13, 2013 and December 15 this year.

Out of them 320 were accused as foreigners while eight were declared foreigners,” Assam Accord Atul Bora Implementation Minister Atul Bora, in a written reply to a question by Leader of

Pema Khandu 4G towers has been bagged

by Airtel. The company will soon start work on the ground,” Khandu stated.

Asser ting that his government would take measures to develop the district, the chief minister further said that a special scheme has been recently launched that aims to develop border hamlets into “model villages”, replete with all necessary facilities.

“The scheme will be implemented on a larger scale in the coming years.

As of now, we have selected only three villages for the scheme. You may be pleased to know that all three villages -- Kaho, Musai and Kibithoo -- are in Anjaw district,” he pointed out.

Khandu, who travelled by car from Hayuliang t o H aw a i , e x p r e s s e d satisfaction over the progress of the road construction work by NHIDCL. The CM, however,

voiced concern over the slow pace of work on the Tidding-Hayuliang portion of the trans-Ar unachal Highway.

“I have been informed of some issues regarding compensation for land acquisition. I will personally monitor the situation and all issues will be resolved soon,” Khandu asserted.

He further said that work for building a doublelane road from Hawai to Kibithoo will be undertaken by the Border Road Organization (BRO), while appealing to people to not bring “any unnecessary hurdle” in its way.

“Road connectivity along with digital connectivity can change the very face of Anjaw a n d e m p owe r p e o p l e, both economically and physically,” he underlined.

Khandu, during the day, inaugurated a newly constructed school, a g o ve r n m e n t o f f i c e, a c h i l d r e n’s p a r k a n d a memorial of former chief minister Kalikho Pul, who hailed from Hawai.

He also visited the under-construction Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya (JNV) in the district.

On Wednesday, he had inaugurated an office building and a guest house at Hayuliang.

Arunachal logs 1 COVID case ITANAGAR, DEC 23 (PTI): One more person tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, taking the state’s caseload to 55,324, a senior health official said here on Thursday.

A total of 55,023 people have recovered from the disease so far, including one on Wednesday, the official said.

Ar unachal Pradesh now has 21 active cases, while the COVID-19 death toll remained unchanged at 280, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said.

T h e r e c ove r y r a t e among coronavirus patients stood at 99.45 per cent, he said.

The Capital Complex region, comprising Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa areas, has the highest number of active cases at 16, followed by two in West Kameng, and one each in Namsai, Lohit and East Siang districts.

The state has thus far tested over 12,03,690 samples for COVID-19, including 211 on Wednesday, Jampa said, adding, the positivity rate stood at 0.47 per cent.

State Immunisation Officer Dr Dimong Padung said that 14,53,101 people have been inoculated so far, including 1,439 on Wednesday.

on Sunday.

The officer also said that the accused, on being interrogated, admitted to have raped a fourth girl, too.

He claimed to have retained pieces of the fourth girl’s clothes at his residence.

The police, in their bid to gather evidence, was taking the accused to his residence early on Thursday when he attempted to flee custody, the officer said.

He was shot in the leg by the police.

The accused is undergoing treatment at Gauhati Medical College Hospital, the officer added.

Taking to Twitter, Special Director General of Police G P Singh said rape of any kind is “abominable and deserves strongest lawful action. Well done @Morigaon Police”.

Altogether 32 people have been killed and at least 57 injured in police action since the BJP government, led

by Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, assumed office in May this year.

44 children among 241 new COVID cases in Mizoram

AIZAWL, DEC 23 (PTI): Mizoram’s COVID-19 tally rose to 1,40,143 on Thursday a s 2 4 1 m o r e p e o p l e, including 44 children, tested positive for the infection, an official statement said.

The coronavirus death toll of the northeastern state remained unchanged at 535 as no fresh fatality was registered, the statement issued by the state information and public relations department said.

The single-day positivity rate was 7.86 per cent as the fresh cases were detected from 3,066 samples, it said.

Aizawl district reported the highest number of new cases at 88, followed by Mamit (51) and Kolasib (33), it said.

Mizoram now has 1,847 active cases, while 1 , 3 7 , 7 6 1 p e o p l e h ave recovered from the disease so far, including 238 in the last 24 hours.

T h e r e c ove r y r a t e a m o n g t h e C OV I D - 1 9 patients stood at 98.30 per cent, while the mortality rate was at 0.38 per cent.

The state has thus far tested over 14.92 lakh samples for COVID-19.

State Immunisation Officer Dr Lalzawmi said that more than 7.29 lakh people have been inoculated to date, of whom 5.87 lakh have been fully vaccinated.

At least 139 people have returned to Mizoram from various countries since the Omicron strain was first detected in South

Africa in November, another statement said.

During a COVID-19 review meeting chaired

by Health Minister Dr R Lalthangliana on Wednesday, it was pointed out that 139 returnees from abroad underwent Rapid Antigen Test upon their arrival at Lengpui airport, and two of them, who had returned from Australia and Singapore, tested positive for COVID-19, it said.

The two infected returnees were admitted to Zoram Medical College (ZMC) and their samples sent to Kolkata for genomic sequencing and the results are expected by next week, it said.

The remaining returnees were placed under

quarantine as per protocol, the statement said.

During the meeting, it was mentioned that a trial run for a genomic sequencing laboratory at ZMC has been already conducted and the test results sent to National Institute of Virology (NIV) in Pune.

Genomic sequencing will be done at ZMC once official permission is obtained, it said.

Dr Pachuau Lalmalsawma, state nodal officer for Integrated Disease Sur veillance Programme (IDSP) and official spokesperson on C OV I D - 1 9 , s a i d t h a t Mizoram registered an average of 197 COVID-19 cases per day between December 1 and 21.

Tripura University to introduce foreign language courses

AGARTALA, DEC 23 (IANS): The Tripura University, a central varsity, is keen to introduce diploma courses in Japanese, Korean, Nepali and Manipuri Languages from the next academic session, officials said on Thursday.

Joint Registrar M. M. Reang said that the academic council of the University recently decided to start one-year diploma courses in Japanese, Korean, Nepali and Manipuri languages and to open Post-Graduate Departments and Diploma Courses on National M. M. Reang Security Studies, Social Work and Manipuri dance. the University Grants Commission “After getting the approval of and the Union Education Ministry,

the new courses and Departments would start,” Reang told IANS. At present the Tripura University teaches diploma and degree courses in tribal “Kokborok” language.

He said that currently six Bangladeshi students are studying in the central university, set up in 2007.

The Joint Registrar said that Bangladesh High Commissioner in India Muhammad Imran and Agartala-based Assistant High Commissioner Muhammad Zubaid Hussain on Wednesday interacted with Tripura University ViceChancellor Prof Ganga Prasad Prasain and other senior officials of the university.

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

Modi launches 27 projects in Varanasi VARANASI (UP), DEC 23 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday inaugurated or laid the foundation stones of 27 development projects worth Rs 2,095 crore in his Varanasi parliamentary constituency ahead of the Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.

This is Modi’s second visit to the holy city within 10 days.

After arriving here in the morning Thursday, he laid the foundation stone of the ‘Banas Dairy Sankul’ at the Uttar Pradesh State Industrial Development Authority Food Park, Karkhiyaon.

Spread across 30 acres, the dairy will be built at a cost of about Rs 475 crore and would process about 5 lakh litre milk per day, according to officials.

This will strengthen the rural economy and help the farmers of the region by creating new opportunities for them, they said.

The prime minister also digitally transferred a bonus of about Rs 35 crore to the bank accounts of more than 1.7 lakh milk producers associated with the Banas Dairy. He also laid the foundation stone for a biogas-based electricity

Narendra Modi receives a memento from UP CM Yogi Adityanath at Karkhianv. (PTI) generation plant for a Milk Producers’ Cooperative Union plant in Varanasi’s Ramnagar.

Modi also launched a portal and a logo dedicated to the Conformity Assessment Scheme of milk products developed by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) with the help of the National Dairy Development Board (NDDB).

The unified logo, featuring both the BIS logo and the NDDB quality mark, will simplify the certification process for the dairy sec-

tor and reassure the public about dairy product quality.

In another effort to reduce the number of land ownership issues at the grassroots level, the prime minister virtually distributed the rural residential rights record, “Gharauni”, under the Swamitva scheme of the Union Ministry of Panchayati Raj to over 20 lakh residents of the state.

The prime minister also inaugurated multiple urban development projects, including six for the redevelopment of Old Kashi wards,

a parking-and-surface park at Beniabag, beautification of two ponds, a sewage treatment plant in Ramna village and the provisioning of advanced surveillance cameras at 720 locations under the Smart City Mission.

Projects in the education sector inaugurated by the prime minister include the Union Education Ministry’s Inter University Centre for Teachers Education, built at a cost of around Rs 107 crore, and a teachers’ education centre at the Central Institute of Higher Tibetan Studies, built at a cost of over Rs 7 crore.

Further, residential flats and staff quarters at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU) and the ITI, Karaundi were also inaugurated by the prime minister.

He also inaugurated a project comprising a doctors’ hostel, a nurses’ hostel and a shelter home, built at Rs 130 crore, at the Mahamana Pandit Madan Mohan Malviya Cancer Centre, a 50-bed Integrated Ayush Hospital at Bhadrasi.

The prime minister laid the foundation stone of the Rs 49 crore Government Homeopathic Medical College in Pindra tehsil under the Ayush Mission.

In the road sector, Modi laid the foundation stone for widening four-lane roads to six lanes for Prayagraj and Bhadohi. This will improve the connectivity of Varanasi and will be a step towards resolving the problem of the city’s traffic congestion.

To give a fillip to the tourism potential of the holy city, the prime minister inaugurated the first phase of the tourism development project related to the Shri Guru Ravidas Ji Temple, Seer Govardhan, Varanasi.

Other projects inaugurated by the prime minister include a speed breeding facility at the International Rice Research Institute, the South Asia Regional Centre, Varanasi, a regional reference standards laboratory in Payakpur village and an advocate building in Pindra tehsil.

The prime minister was here December 13 too when he inaugurated the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor.

He had also attended the conclave of chief ministers the next day. The prime Minister inaugurated the All India Mayors’ Conference held here on December 17 via video conferencing in the pilgrim city.

5 Trouble in U’khand ‘Anti-national forces trying Congress; leaders to spread anarchy in Punjab’ called to Delhi earlier sacrilege attempts

NEW DELHI, DEC 23 (IANS): After the Congress Campaign committee chief in Uttarakhand Harish Rawat targetted leaders for not giving him a free hand in the party affairs, the Congress is now trying to resolve issues amicably.

Sources said that the state leaders have been called to Delhi on Thursday and possibly a meeting would be held at Rahul Gandhi’s residence in a day or two in which Rawat will also be present.

State President Ganesh Gondiyal will meet Devendra Yadav, the state in-charge to apprise him about the affairs of the party.

Sources said that Harish Rawat is upset over the ticket distribution and that he wants more say in the party affairs. The Congress, which is going for the collective leadership into the polls, has not declared Rawat as the Chief Ministerial candidate, which is the prime demand of his supporters.

In a series of tweets in Hindi on Wednesday, Rawat said: “It’s time to rest, it has been enough.

Charanjit Singh Channi LUDHIANA/CHANDIGARH, DEC 23 (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Charanjit Singh Channi on Thursday said as the Assembly polls are drawing near, some anti-national forces are trying spread anarchy in the state.

Channi said this after a bomb blast in the Ludhiana district courts complex left one person dead and five injured. The CM also expressed apprehension that the person who died in the blast might be operating the bomb.

Talking to reporters in Chandigarh, the CM said, “As elections are nearing, some anti-national and anti-state forces are trying to commit such disgusting acts and for this the government is alert and people should also be alert.” Channi said

were made but they did not succeed.

Now, this blast has been carried out, the CM said.

Channi, Deputy Chief Minister Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa and state minister Bharat Bhushan Ashu also visited a hospital in Ludhiana and enquired about the health of those injured in the blast.

Channi told reporters in Ludhiana, prima facie, it appears that the person who died in the incident was operating the bomb.

Five people were injured in this incident and they are out of danger, the CM said terming the blast as an “unfortunate incident”.

He expressed fear that an attempt is being made to “spread anarchy” in Punjab, ahead of the state Assembly polls. “I want to make it clear that peace will be maintained at all costs,” he said.

“Our police are capable of maintaining law and order,” he said.

“But which agencies were trying to disturb Punjab’s peace will become clear as investigations are on,” he said, adding that those responsible will be dealt with sternly.

TN govt grants one month parole to Rajiv Man held in Bengaluru for threatening Aaditya Thackeray Gandhi assassination convict Nalini

Nalini ( middle) walks out of jail after she was granted 1 month parole.

C H E N NA I , D E C 2 3 (IANS): The Tamil Nadu government on Thursday granted one-month parole to Nalini Sriharan, one of the seven convicts in the assassination case of former Prime Minister, Rajiv Gandhi.

The parole came after repeated requests from her ailing mother Padma.

State Special Public Prosecutor, Hassan Mohammed Jinnah informed the Madras High Court

on Thursday that the state government has granted one month ordinary parole to Nalini who was lodged in Vellore Special Prison for Women.

His response came as Padma’s petition for parole of her daughter came up before a bench of Justices P.N. Prakash and R. Hemalatha. Recording the submission of the Special Public Prosecutor, the division bench closed the petition

‘Learn from Lord Ram’: Arvind Kejriwal tells Goa BJP Minister

Arvind Kejriwal PA N A J I , D E C 2 3 (IANS): Delhi Chief Minister and Aam Aadmi Party national convener Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday invoked Lord Ram and his devotion to his father to slam a ruling BJP Minister in Goa, Vishwajit Rane, who has warned his father and former CM Pratapsingh Rane of defeat in the upcoming 2022 state Assembly polls.

“BJP Minister Vishwajit Rane has announced that he will contest elections against his father Pratapsingh Rane. He has announced that he will defeat his father in the elections. What is this happening in Goa? What is happening? Such is his craze for power that he has forgotten his father?”

Kejriwal said in a video message on Thursday.

“We are Hindus, who worship Lord Ram. Ram

on his father’s direction left politics, suffered 14 year vanvas.

This BJP MInister who calls himself a Hindu Vishwajit Rane has dared to say he will defeat his father! What kind of a government is this in Goa,” Kejriwal also said.

On December 21, Health Minister Vishwajit Rane had warned his 83-year-old father Pratapsingh against contesting from the latter’s bastion of Poriem Assembly constituency in North Goa, asking him to retire gracefully considering his advanced age.

While Rane is a BJP MLA from the adjoining Valpoi Assembly constituency, his father, a Congress MLA has been undefeated from the Poriem assembly constituency for the last 50 years.

Vishwajit Rane’s attack on his father came on a day when the latter had announced his candidature for the Poriem seat on a Congress ticket.

Viswajit, who incidentally was elected on a Congress ticket in the 2017 state Assembly polls before joining the BJP the same year, also said that he would take on his father in Poriem and win the election by a margin of at least 10,000 votes.

of Padma, according to her lawyer, M. Radhakrishnan.

Nalini will be staying at a rented accommodation at Satuvachery in Vellore under tight police security with her mother Padma, her sister Kalyani and her brother Bakianathan just like she did while she got parole in 2019.

The Tamil Nadu cabinet had in 2018 recommended the release of Nalini and her fellow convicts but the Governor did not clear the file. She and other convicts in Rajiv Gandhi assassination case have filed a petition in Madras High Court to release them without the consent of the Governor and it is also pending before the court.

Nalini, along with her husband Sriharan, who is a Sri Lankan national, has been under imprisonment three weeks after the assassination of Rajiv Gandhi on May 21, 1991, at Sriperumbudur.

Rahul Gandhi not a Hindu: Union minister BALLIA (UP), DEC 23 (PTI): Targeting Rahul Gandhi over his recent remarks on Hindu and Hindutva, Union minister A Narayanaswamy has said the Congress leader is not a Hindu and makes such remarks whenever elections near.

In remarks over the past few days, Gandhi has repeatedly sought to highlight the difference between Hindu and Hindutva and described Hindu as tolerant and Hindutva as power-seeking. “Whenever the election comes he (Rahul Gandhi) speaks like this only, but he is not a Hindu,” the minister told reporters on the sidelines of a social empowerment camp organised in Phephna area of Ballia district in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. Assembly polls in Uttar Pradesh and some other states are due early next year. Dismissing Gandhi’s attack on the government over incidents of lynching, the Union Minister of State for Social Justice and Empowerment said there is no such thing and the former Congress president does not know what is happening in the country. “Before 2014, the word ‘lynching’ was practically unheard of. #ThankYouModiJi,” Rahul Gandhi tweeted on Tuesday, days after two cases of lynching in the Congress-ruled Punjab.

MUMBAI, DEC 23 (PTI): Mumbai Police have arrested a man from Bengaluru for allegedly threatening Maharashtra cabinet minister Aaditya Thackeray, following which the state government on Thursday announced that an SIT would be set up to probe the incidents of threat issued to legislators and others, and a policy would be framed to deal with such cases.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly, Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip Walse Patil said the man, identified as Jaisingh Rajput, who threatened Thackeray, was apprehended in Karnataka by the Mumbai crime branch’s cyber team and brought to Mumbai.

A police official earlier said that Rajput had allegedly called Aaditya Thackeray on December 8, but the latter did not receive the call. After that the accused had sent threatening text messages to the minister.

Aaditya Thackeray, the

son of Maharashtra Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray, holds the Environment and Tourism portfolios.

During the investigation, the cyber police traced the caller’s mobile number to Bengaluru in neighbouring Karnataka.

Accordingly, a team was sent to Bengaluru, where the accused person was arrested, the official said. He was later produced before a court which sent him in police custody.

The accused was a fan of late actor Sushant Singh Rajput, the official said.

Addressing the Lower House of the state legislature later in the day, Walse Patil said, “Members (of the legislative assembly) put forth different complaints.

Be it a member of the legislature or a common man, their security is very important. A Special Investigation Team (SIT) will be formed to probe complaints and threats and a policy will be formed to deal with this.”

Firhad Hakim named next mayor of Kolkata

Firhad Hakim KOLKATA, DEC 23 (PTI): The Trinamool Congress on Thursday named minister Firhad Hakim as the next mayor of Kolkata after a meeting of the newly-elected councillors of the city civic body.

Hakim, who won the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) election from ward 82, is the former mayor of the city and was appointed the civic body’s administrator after the earlier board’s term expired in 2020 but elections could not be held due to the pandemic.

Hakim, who is also an MLA from the Kolkata Port assembly segment, holds the Transport and

Housing portfolios in the state Cabinet “I want to thank Mamata Banerjee for giving me this opportunity to serve the people of Kolkata again. I have been appointed as the leader of the party and after taking oath as mayor, I will work towards implementing the manifesto,” Hakim, the first Muslim mayor of the city, said. He became the mayor of Kolkata in December 2018 after Sovan Chatterjee’s abrupt exit.

South Kolkata Lok Sabha MP Mala Roy, reelected as councillor from ward 88, was named the chairperson of the KMC after the meeting, held at Maharashtra Niwas here.

She was chairperson of the civic body in the earlier term as well.

Kashipur-Belgachia MLA Atin Ghosh, who became the councillor from ward 11, was again appointed the deputy mayor of the civic body.

All the 134 newlyelected councillors of the 144-ward KMC were present in the meeting.

The BJP won three wards, while the Left Front and Congress won two each in the elections held on Sunday. Three Independent candidates also won the elections.

The results were declared on Tuesday.

Aaditya Thackeray The issue was raised

by Shiv Sena MLA Sunil Prabhu, who sought to link the case to Karnataka, a BJP-ruled state. Prabhu said activists Govind Pansare, Narendra Dabholkar, writer M M Kalburgi, journalist Gauri Lankesh were killed and their killings had Karnataka connection.

The BJP is ruling in Karnataka and the accused are from the state, he said, adding that the one who threatened Thackeray was also arrested from that state, and wondered whether this

is part of a “larger conspiracy”.

“The House needs to know about this,” he said.

Prabhu was joined by NCP minister Nawab Malik in saying that a minister receiving threats is a very serious issue. Malik also talked about the Sushant Singh Rajput case and claimed that the actor’s girlfriend was “wrongly framed” in a drugs case.

Malik said he also received many threats through Twitter. He said Sanatan Sanstha, a right-wing Hindu

organisation, was behind the killings of Pansare, Kalburgi, Pansare and Dabholkar.

The NCP leader also demanded formation of an SIT headed by an IPS officer to probe the incidents like threats to ministers and MLAs. Devendra Fadnavis, the Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, said he condemns the incident of Thackeray receiving threats, and accused Malik of trivialising a serious issue by politicising it.

He said in two cases (of killings of activists), the accused were from Maharashtra, while Kalburgi and Lankesh were killed in Karnataka and two accused in the case were also arrested in Maharashtra.

Fadnavis sought to know that if Sanatan Sanstha was involved in any of these cases, then why has not the state government taken any action in the last two years. He also demanded a high-level probe into this matter.

Kangana appears before Mumbai Police in case related to post on farmers

Kangana Ranaut appears before the Mumbai Police in connection with an FIR registered against her for a social media post on farmers’ protest. (PTI) MUMBAI, DEC 23 (PTI): Actor Kangana Ranaut appeared before the Mumbai Police on Thursday in connection with an FIR registered against her for a social media post that allegedly linked farmers’ protests to a separatist group, her lawyer said.

Ranaut reached the Khar police station around 11 am. An FIR was registered there against her last month following a complaint by a Sikh organisation. Her lawyer Rizwan Sidiquee said she reached the police station to record her statement.

The police earlier this month issued a notice to her

for questioning.

Her counsel had told the Bombay High Court that she would appear before the Khar police on December 22. However, on Wednesday, her lawyer sought another date for appearance.

The city police had earlier told the HC that they would not arrest Ranaut till January 25, 2022 over her social media post that allegedly linked farmers’ protests to a separatist group.

The police had made the statement after the high court said the issue involved the larger question of Ranaut’s fundamental right to free speech and that the court would have to grant

her some ad-interim relief.

Ranaut had approached the HC, seeking that the FIR registered against her at Khar police station be quashed.

The FIR was registered against Ranaut following a complaint made by some members of a Sikh body that claimed the actor, through her Instagram post, had portrayed the farmers’ protest on Delhi borders as a Khalistani movement.

The police registered the case against Ranaut on charges of deliberately hurting the community’s religious sentiments, under Section 295-A of the Indian Penal Code.

6

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post VOL. XXXII NO. 22 DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

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A joyous occasion

hristmas is a season for celebration and it is a global festival with a universal appeal.

For the second consecutive time since 2020, Christmas spirit could be dampened by the threat of the new mutated coronavirus called Omicron. The celebrations will be much dampened in the western world where rising Omicron cases has had several countries on red alert and others like Germany, UK and New Zealand under strictest curbs to prevent further spread. The coronavirus pandemic is not over and could be present for a few years more. This will possibly mean that even New Year will be celebrated under the shadows of fear of omicron. Despite all the fears, the spirit of Christmas has not been totally dampened. As people await to welcome Christmas, for Christians, it provides the best opportunity to bring all communities together in sharing food or giving gifts. Sharing is part of caring and compassion and this is perhaps the best message to the world.

For most Christians, or 2.5 billion of the world’s nearly 7 billion people, celebrating Christmas on December 25 is an occasion to welcome the birth of Jesus Christ. There is no Christmas message in the bible since the birth of Christ was itself the message that was foretold centuries before the birth about the messiah who would reconcile between God and man as the peacemaker and mediator. The birth of Jesus Christ signifies God’s love for mankind. Christ came as a sacrifice for peace between God and man.

He came not to condemn the world but to show of God’s enduring love for mankind and to offer Himself as salvation offering . Christmas is a reminder that God’s plan for the redemption of the world is already fulfilled in Christ. That is why Christians believe and celebrate the birth or Jesus Christ. His birth is celebrated as the birth of the prince of peace. Humans long for peace among nations, peace within our own nation, peace within families, and, of course, peace with one another. In a psychology-driven age it’s the latter - peace within ourselves- that’s the pre-eminent felt need. Almost universally, shoppers will pack the high streets, gift-hunting for their friends and loved ones. Young children especially will look forward to receiving gifts from Santa Claus, that benevolent, bigger-than-life father figure who supposedly visits them once a year with his reindeer. Perhaps one word that best describes Christmas is ‘giving’-when people present gifts to each other or when the annual festivity brings out the yearning among many to feel sympathy for the poor and needy. People of Nagaland long for guaranteed peace and an end to conflicts and perhaps a deeper understanding of the Christmas will enlighten believers that they are indeed to be the harbingers of peace within their families, homes and society in order to reflect this because the true meaning of Christmas is not about man loving man-or, if one were confused, human loving human. The true meaning of Christmas is about God loving man. Christ’s gift is not material that can be seen but spiritual that can only be experienced.

That is what should be understood when it is said that the occasion is to welcome the birth of Christ.

DailyDevotion Sharing in the Atonement

God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ… —Galatians 6:14

The gospel of Jesus Christ always forces a decision of our will. Have I accepted God’s verdict on sin as judged on the Cross of Christ? Do I have even the slightest interest in the death of Jesus? Do I want to be identified with His death— to be completely dead to all interest in sin, worldliness, and self? Do I long to be so closely identified with Jesus that I am of no value for anything except Him and His purposes? The great privilege of discipleship is that I can commit myself under the banner of His Cross, and that means death to sin. You must get alone with Jesus and either decide to tell Him that you do not want sin to die out in you, or that at any cost you want to be identified with His death.

When you act in confident faith in what our Lord did on the cross, a supernatural identification with His death takes place immediately. And you will come to know through a higher knowledge that your old life was “crucified with Him” (Romans 6:6). The proof that your old life is dead, having been “crucified with Christ” (Galatians 2:20), is the amazing ease with which the life of God in you now enables you to obey the voice of Jesus Christ.

Every once in a while our Lord gives us a glimpse of what we would be like if it were not for Him. This is a confirmation of what He said— “… without Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). That is why the underlying foundation of Christianity is personal, passionate devotion to the Lord Jesus.

We mistake the joy of our first introduction into God’s kingdom as His purpose for getting us there.

Yet God’s purpose in getting us into His kingdom is that we may realize all that identification with Jesus Christ means.

Quotes

Wonder is the feeling of the philosopher, and philosophy begins in wonder. ~ Plato

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

Post-mortem

The cross of Christ: the unsung religious monument

T

he cross of Christ among us can be compared with the four Ms of an organizational life. An organization begins from some insights of a Man (sic), it becomes a Movement when some likeminded fellows join it. It then functions like a Machine when each functionary works like an automatic routine without life and without much consciousness of the purpose. It finally becomes a Monument, lamented upon by the visitors how it was active and productive.

The cross of Christ which was picked up by Jesus gathered followers, continues to move people globally remains monumental relic today. This happens in Nagaland too. Though it was picked up enthusiastically the cross remains in the archive of people’s lives and not expressed through daily living.

When someone reads that the cross of Christ among us is unsung the simple minded reader may be taken aback exclaiming, “Of course we sing of the Cross so much besides wearing it as ornament!”

The person may add, “ I not only sing of it or wear it but am ready to be crucified if the anti-Christ comes and asks me whether I choose death, or living by denouncing Christ”.

Adding the sense of Naga

S

humor, the speaker adds.

“However, I wish the rapture comes before I face such an extreme test”. We forget that bearing cross means living it out, not just believing in it or wearing it, not just hoisting it on top of every high place! We see some many crosses on the high places of Nagaland also. We say our land is for Christ but why not also for the Cross of Christ?

When we say Nagaland belongs to Christ we postulate the Nagas are cross bearers complying with the invitation of Christ to take up our crosses and follow him. Everyday should be lived in such a way that we share some amount of the pain, suffering and loss Christ faced. Every thought, speech and action should be in line with the way Christ responded to the environment through his impulse, words and action.

When a true cross bearer like Dietrich Bonh e o f f e r, t h e G e r m a n Theologian maintained, ”Salvation is free but discipleship is costly” many people would choose the first phrase (salvation, that is free) rather than the second (discipleship, that is cross bearing).We yearn for salvation but wish away the life of discipleship. We forget that salvation leads to rigorous life of discipleship, not imposed by Christ

tate-owned firms i.e. Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) were founded during 196070 when India’s needs and national priorities were different in her economy. Also 14 banks were nationalized in 1969 followed by 6 in 1980 that contributed the success story of India’s self-sufficiency in food grains products and promoted Financial Inclusion since 2005 by RBI. Those policies were perhaps right 50-60 years back. Does it need improvement in today’s changed circumstances?

Many opined that the focus is to reform pubic money to put its best use. But there are Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs) that are loss making and survive only on support by taxpayers’ money. The money which is the right of the poor, right of youth is spent on these PSEs carrying burdensome on the economy.

With the trend of privatisation across the world, India had to introduce privatisation amid hue and cry from political and social groups as public demands more for qualitative and fast service for which PSUs are unable to provide as India’s infrastructure is simply not enough to facilitate.

While Jio went with their 5G trials, BSNL is still planning to launch 4G network services now.

Following Economic Liberation and Infrastructure based Development, India is facing fiscal deficit and rising cost of expenditure to the Government. To help raise the necessary capital, government started privatizing PSUs for accelerating technological progress.

However, major disinvestment of 12 PSUs took place during NDA by Vajpayee Gov-

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but as our expression of gratitude, living out the fact of our lives in Christ.

Many of our people are simple thinkers, lovers of what is rewarding and lucrative. We want to have what is good and pleasing even in matters of faith and spirituality.

If it can be bought or procured through the shortest means we would have asked Christ to favor us by such approach, or directly ask Christ to assure us seats at his right and left hands like James and John did (Mk.10:35-40). Matthew tells us that it was their mother who went to Jesus to book seats for her sons (Mt.20:20ff).By the way these two disciples had also asked Christ if they would be permitted to burn down the Samaritan villages on the simple reason the Samaritans refused to listen to Christ. (Lk.9:54).

Jesus Christ replied to these two brothers who wanted to book status in heaven that the Father alone will allocate such positions.

On being asked by Jesus if they could drink the cup he drank these two brothers had replied, “We are able”. By this promise they entered the way of the cross culminating their lives of discipleship by martyrdom . Jesus did not chose holy men first. He chose those who could be called “satan” (Mk.8:33,

ti Peter) and those who could be called “sons of thunder”(Mk.3:17, to James and John) and molded them in such a way that they voluntarily became martyrs for him and the gospel. There lies the beauty of a leader’s character.

Some of our people very surely claim confirmed seats in heaven.

Such attitude (or theology) alienates us from being true cross bearers on earth because we already got what we wish. We are called to be cross bearers on earth which will lead us to crown bearers if we deserve when the Chief Shepherd appears (1 Pet.5:4; 2 Tim.4:6-8; Phil.3:12-14).

However, we would preempt the Crown and make it a prominent decoration on our garments (I say this with due respect to those who wear the crown befitting its meaning). What if Christ, on his return finds us all wearing the crown already (wedding crowns excused).We cannot help ourselves with everything that is promised by God. Promises are still at the discretion of the Giver.

God the giver knows who among the cross bearers deserve which rank or portfolio. We need to sit down and count how many of our titles and status are self claimed ones and if they are befitting humble

followers of Christ.

Why Christianity appears to fail in Nagaland?

Because we want Salvation but not discipleship or cross bearing followers.

Christianity without the cross is like a car without wheels, it will not work.

The cross is not to be venerated or hoisted to make it visible but borne in spirit by every follower of Christ.

The cross is not to be used for achieving personal ambition like the emperor Constantine did. It is the means of constructing the kingdom of God on earth, the kingdom of our Lord Jesus Christ. A State like Nagaland, and for that matter any country can shine only if the citizens are cross bearing citizens and not crown thirsty citizens.

When Christmas comes we think Jesus Christ brought the stars, the Santa, the crackers (which is lately Christianized) the night carnivals, thus only those merry making items.

Jesus brought the cross to be the only means of pleasing God. How can a person, a village, or a State shine without making the cross triumph by the way the citizens bear the cross?

Cross bearing is not necessarily a capital sacrifice. It may be reflected in the way a person is true to a neighbor, forgiving an opponent, being patient in proving

Privatization vs Disinvestment

ernment between 1999 and 2004 such as Modern Foods, Maruti Udyog, BALCO, CMC, Hindustan Teleprinter, Hindustan Zinc, IPCL, Jessop and Co, Lagan Jute Machinery, Paradeep Phosphates and VSNL. Govt’s stake sold out one after another. The UPA led

by Manmohan Singh had not done any privatisation in its 10year rule. But PM Modi is looking forward to carry the legacy of Vajpayee. ONGC-HPCL deal was done in 2014. But Covid-19 crisis threw the entire economy into disarray. In order to wasteful administrative costs with the impact of health expenditure, government started privatizing, merging or consolidating PSUs. The Government now has plans to privatize 40+ PSUs, where they will retain a bare minimum presence for strategic sectors. FM has made strongest pitch for disinvestment of lossmaking PSUs to modernize and monetize in the Union Budget saying several loss-making PSUs are supported by taxpayers which otherwise should have gone into welfare schemes in areas like water, sanitation, education and healthcare. Government justified it by saying huge losses from Air India, BSNL and MTNL for the cost of tax payers’ money.

Should government own and run enterprises when private sector brings in investment, global best practices, top-quality managers, changes in management and modernization? The largest disinvestment drive ever by the NDA is set to sell its entire stake from BPCL, Shipping Corporation of India, Container Corporation of India, HLL Lifecare in coming

days. Also 6 still plants including Neelachal Ispat Nigam, Durgapur Steel Plant, Salem Steel Plant and Rashtriya Ispat Nigam are listed.

The government sector has a lot of under-utilised and unutilised assets in oil and gas and power that needed huge investment.

Government now wants its banks to be scaled up or bigger like SBI to meet the aspirational needs of the country by reducing the number of Public Sector Banks (PSBs). NITI Aayog recommends names of 2 PSU banks such as IOB and Central Bank to be privatized along with United India Insurance Company Limited in the current fiscal as part of the disinvestment process.

Also they are eying IDBI and LIC to seek reforms for ensuring public funds efficiently. 111 lakh crore national infrastructure pipelines is planned to pull the economy out of the pandemicinduced slump to meet its commitments. The easiest path it has chosen for disinvestment of PSUs. Air India successful deal to TATA for 18,000 Crore has signaled Modi Government to go ahead further.

9 lakhs of bank employees have been protesting against the incoming Banking Amendments Bill 2021 that enabled Government to privatize PSBs. This move will bring down the minimum government holding in the PSBs from 51% to 26%. Privatization of PSBs is going to be a part of the disinvestment drive to earn Rs. 1.75 lakh crore for the government. Privatization process will lead to many other nationalized banks in the future, rather than just 2 banks now. Privatisation

may create monopoly while the interests of workers and welfare are raised by unions. The bottomline is different what government is saying about PSBs. Banks have to be privatized to ensure better efficiency whereas PSBs are doing well and earning substantial profit despite NPAs. The reasons for the rise in NPAs are laid with macroeconomic factors. When the economy was booming, business confidence was buoyant. The growth stagnated after the global financial crisis 2008 and the repayment capacity of borrowers declined, where banking sectors and the corporates are reeling under financial stress. Also crony capitalism has caused high NPAs in India.

Further high profile fraudsters managed high magnitude frauds in the recent past. After all the issues of huge NPAs lied for big corporate borrowers only that dragged banks into crisis.

Government policies of waiving agriculture loans in cases of floods, droughts and natural calamities burden of NPAs of all PSBs. Interestingly marginal farmers and small entrepreneurs pay their loans in due time but corporates are defaulters.

RBI has asked banks to do provisioning, buffers and raise capital. Under provisioning, banks have to set aside funds to a prescribed percentage of their bad assets. They have written off a massive loans amount double than the capital infused by the government. Bank recapitalization bonds are issued to increase the capital infusion into banks to maintain capital adequacy

The Price of Justice!

hould there be a price takes its shape and form, Justice with the thought of pelled to ponder then -why is for Justice? If there is, and without which the very what people have to through the price of Justice so high? what does it cost? Or nature of society, of social just to have justice rightly Why is it buyable, making is it free? Despite the papers order and human existence served. To think of, it is it only be for the rich? This and rhetorics that proudly altogether, will only be cha- already a high price to pay has to be put to stop, and the declare Justice as free and otic and devastated. to go through all the proce- voice of the people must be an inherent right, many pays That, we believe, is why dures to have a judge judge given its due stature. On the for justice, and some, even Justice is put on a pedestal by your case. What is worse is part of the people, it would with their lives. This has to every social entity all around to not be heard and neither be best to reason with the be put to stop and Justice the world. However, what listened to in spite of the fact administration than resort made free. is in practice, especially in that the world stands witness to protests and violence, and It is at best nonsensical relation to the government to your case. Whose fault the disruption of daily activiif justice would have a price, and the people, seems often then it is that you are right ties. On the other hand, the for justice essentially means otherwise, in a manner that but you cannot be right? government too must always the complete absence of any- the idea of Justice is often Who should be accountable remember that ours is not an thing unjust or of anything obliterated and the common and answerable when justice autocratic state, and neither inequitable. Furthermore, if people are demanded to pay is denied? Who will plead is it entitled to act at will Justice should have a price, a price for which is naturally the case for the poor and the without the due and prior it will obliterate the funda- theirs -the price of Justice. unheard when justice has a consent of the people. mental essence of Human I was enkindled to price that high?

For the government, Rights by which the society come to think of the price of One may often be com- the people are the essence Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this

one’s right, being charitable and friendly in the midst of animosity and self seeking. When we think of cross bearing life as capital punishment we take it to be catastrophic and forget this simple Christly character as negligible.

The characteristic of the cross bearing lives include truthfulness, peaceloving, forgiving, humility, sacrifice, honesty, vicarious living, and above all dying for Christ when situation calls for. May one of the packets of Christmas gift contain these virtues to make Christmas meaningful. It is not to belittle the joy Christmas brings.

Rather, it is to go beyond the traditional expectation of Christmas season toward the real meaning of Christmas. Jesus comes to announce that real joy results only by bearing the cross. Such joy is incomparable with any joy the world can afford. Such a blissful state of life is partly described by Paul in Philippians chapter two.

This is the story of how Christ, the new creation of humanity went through life as a model for all humans.

Christ is born to the sinful world as a model setter for the redeemed world we live in today.

Merry Christmas!

Rev. Dr. Ezamo Murry Model Village, Dimapur

ratio. SARFAESI Act is another avenue of NPA resolution to empower banks to sell off the pledged collateral while facing difficult and time consuming civil courts. Now bad loans have been resolved through Insolvency and Bankruptcy codes with DRTs and NCLT at enormous loss to the banks. Now gross NPA of PSBs have declined as a result of government strategy of recognition, resolution, recapitalization and reforms at the cost of operating profit thereby drowns bank’s net profits after provisioning.

Government implements various Yojnas for the under privileged section of the society through PSBs only. PSBs are the lifeline of the Indian economy and government should nourish them for their sustainability. PSBs provide equality of opportunities to access financial services including banking, loan, equity and insurance products. China began to reform state owned enterprise a decade ago before India, but most of their banks are state owned and top 4 commercial banks are among the largest banks in the world. India has only one i.e.

SBI (55) entry in top 100. Mergers of banks or privatisation are not the only tool for economic growth. The government should recapitalize weak banks for survival or government continue its shareholding of more than 50% through disinvestment instead of privatisation (less than 50% or nil stake) initiative of week PSBs. Time will tell whether government made the right decision on banking sectors.

Kamal Baruah Guwahati

of its existence, and if that is in any case denied and the people become victims of the government than being masters of the government, then there is no democratic government but a few autocrats who must be brought down.

For the people too, it is fundamental that they come to realise their roles and power in a democracy.

Notable is the fact that democracy is beautiful because it gives everyone a place in the system. It is, therefore, implicit that it is not just a mere matter of choice, but obligatory for the government to listen to the people newspaper nor that of the

and to listen to justice and see that it is rightly served.

Justice should be free and no price should be demanded to be paid for it.

Bandhs and blockades and rallies and violence should not be the answer and never be made to be. And in any case, if justice is not served and the people are victimised, then it is the administration that should take the blame. With it, every rightthinking citizen must take the responsibility to fight against injustice beyond the caste and creed divide, for freedom and justice are our birthrights.

Janghaolun Haokip Editor in any manner.

7

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

K’taka Cong chief vows to repeal K’taka Assembly passes Anti-Conversion Bill anti-conversion law if voted to power

BENGALURU, DEC 23 (AGENCIES): Facing stiff opposition from the Congress and the Janata Dal (Secular), the ruling BJP in Karnataka today took up for discussion The Karnataka Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021, commonly referred to as the anti-conversion Bill. The assembly passed the bill by voice vote amid loud opposition, reports NDTV. J. C. Madhu Swamy, Minister for Law in the state, denies allegations that the government’s intent with the contentious new bill was to victimise the Christian community.

The minister claimed the bill was brought in to protect all religions from illegal conversions, and also suggested that the state has data to support its claims.

“This bill is framed to protect all religions. This is not about the majority or minority community. If anyone wants to convert to another religion, it has to be voluntary and he has to give

Karnataka assembly proceedings image tweeted by CM Basavaraj Bommai.

application to the district collector and get himself converted,” the minister told NDTV. Any forcible conversion from any community will be punishable, he added.

Amid fierce debate in the state assembly, the law minister pointed out that the bill was initiated by the Congress under Siddaramaiah, former chief minister of the state.

Siddaramaiah, leader of the opposition in the state assembly, argued today that “nobody has converted for allurement”.

Countering claims of a growing Christian population in the state, he pointed to Census figures from 2001 and 2011. The state had 83.86% Hindus, 12.3% Muslims and 1.91% Christians in 2001 and 84% Hindus, 12.92% Muslims and 1.87% Christians in 2011 according to official data, he said. “Where is the question of declining Hindu population? The Christian population has declined,” the former chief minister added.

On what prompted drafting this now highly

contentious bill, Swamy says it’s based on data and is for public protection.

“We are bringing the bill because all these provisions are envisaged in the Constitution, but there is no punishment. It says that it is an offence. It is an illegal activity,” he said, suggesting that the bill merely gives the state power to prosecute on what is already classified as illegal in the Constitution.

The bill has been criticised for harsh penalties for violating the proposed law, which includes a jail term of three to five years and a fine of Rs 25,000 in the case of people from general categories, and a jail term of three to 10 years and a fine of Rs 50,000 for those converting minors, women or persons from SC/ST communities. “It depends on the degree of the offence. If you voluntarily convert, there is no punishment and you are free to convert. What we require is for everyone to follow the procedure to convert,

the state law minister said.

Responding to attacks from the opposition that the bill is communal and politically motivated, Mr Swamy said it was a “wrong assumption”.

“We are not targeting any community here. There are conversions from Islam to Christianity, Christianity to some other religion and nowadays, we also have Hindu organisations converting Christians to Hinduism. So, we are not targeting any religion,” he said.

Suggesting that people from Schedule Castes and Scheduled Tribes are vulnerable to forced conversion, Basavaraj Bommai, chief minister of the state argued in the assembly that the SC and ST population needed “extra protection cover”.

“Is it wrong for us to penalise those who are taking advantage of the illiteracy of women and trying to convert them with allurement?” he said today.

BELAGAVI (KARNATAKA), DEC 23 (IANS): Karnataka State Congress president D.K. Shivakumar on Thursday said that the proposed anti-conversion lawwill be repealed in 2023, after the party comes to power in the state.

“I am telling you on record, including Anti-conversion bill, the law prohibiting cow slaughter will also be repealed,” he said.

Shivakumar further stated that the BJP is under an illusion that they are in majority.

They have forgotten that while taking oath, they had pledged that they will not work for a single community, but will work for the whole society, he said.

Hindu farmers are in trouble after banning the cow slaughter in the state, he opined.

“People think, Muslims are affected by the banning of cow slaughter.

But, the reality is Hindu

D.K. Shivakumar

farmers used to sell aged, unwanted cows and make some money. They were paid Rs 30,000 to Rs 40,000 per cow. Now, they are in a difficult situation. No compensation is given to them,” Shivakumar explained.

“As a President of the Congress party, I am telling you all these laws will be repealed when the Congress comes to power in the upcoming 2023 Assembly elections. This Anti-conversion law will affect the investments in the state. How can you invite investors by passing and implementing such laws,” he questioned.

Shivakumar underlined that the Anti-conversion law will be opposed by the Congress party in Assembly and the bill will be defeated in the council, where the BJP does not have a majority.

Meanwhile, Shobha Karandlaje, Union Minister for State for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare questioned why Congress is opposing Anti-conversion law in the state. “What is on your mind? Conversions should not happen in society. Let Hindus, Christians and Muslims practise their religions freely without any fears. Congress is indulging in vote bank politics. Conversions are made through ‘Love jihad’, this should not happen, he said.

Former Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy said that the JD(S) opposes Anticonversion law. He said, instead, backwards and poor people’s hands should be strengthened.

Christian shrine ‘vandalised’ in K’taka BJP leaders grabbing land in Ayodhya; UP Govt orders probe arrests have been made so far,” G.K. Mithun Kumar, Superintendent of Police, Chikkaballapur told ThePrint Thursday.

The local police have registered cases under the Indian Penal Code (IPC) sections 153-A (promoting enmity), 295 (defiling place of worship), 427 (mischief causing damage), among others.

A shrine in Susai Palya village, which houses a statue of St Antony, was allegedly pelted with stones.

BENGALURU, DEC 23 (AGENCIES): A Christian shrine was allegedly vandalised in Chikkaballapur Thursday. The incident came on the same day as the Karnataka legislature debated the anti-conversion bill tabled by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, which is currently facing protests in the state, reports The Print.

A shrine in Susai Palya village, which houses a statue of St Antony, was allegedly pelted with stones in the wee hours of Thursday.

The Chikkaballapur police have filed an FIR against ‘unknown’ persons based on the complaint of a resident.

The ‘vandalised’ shrine stands next to a three-foot chapel on a boulder. The Christian shrine is located near a Hindu temple.

“We have spoken to people from both communities. There is no communal anger or flare-ups since both communities agree that it was the handiwork of some miscreants. An FIR has been filed and investigations are underway. No

Protests in Karnataka

The incident comes at a time when the Christian community in Karnataka has been alleging that attacks on members and places of worship have increased ever since the government proposed an anti-conversion bill.

Kar nataka’s Home Minister Araga Jnanendra Tuesday introduced The Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021 to regulate and penalise religious conversions in the state. The state is witnessing protests against the bill deeming it a tool to harass minorities.

LU C K N OW / N E W DELHI, DEC 23 (PTI): The Uttar Pradesh government has ordered a probe into reports of relatives of BJP leaders and government officials allegedly “usurping” land near the upcoming Ram Temple in Ayodhya.

A news report has claimed that MLAs, mayors, relatives of the commissioner, SDM and DIG bought land in Ayodhya after the Supreme Court announced the verdict in the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, clearing the way for construction of the Ram temple.

Uttar Pradesh Additional Chief Secretary, Information, Navneet Sehgal told PTI on Wednesday that “Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered the revenue department to probe the matter thoroughly,” Congress leaders have attacked the government on the matter with Rahul Gandhi charging that

“Hindutva robs under the guise of religion”.

“Hindu follows the path of truth. Hindutva robs under the guise of religion,” he had said in a tweet in Hindi, tagging the news report.

Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun Kharge also sought to raise the issue in the House on Wednesday.

Congress general secretary and chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala termed it a “land scam”, charging there is an “open loot of land inside Ayodhya city by people connected to the BJP”.

“Respected Modiji, when will you open your mouth on this open loot?

The Congress party, the people of the country and Ram Bhakts are asking these questions. Is this not treason? Is it anything less than treason? The BJP is now running the business of ‘Andher Nagri, Chaupat Raja’ in Ayodhya,” he had alleged.

UP govt probe into Ayodhya land ‘scam’ an eyewash, SC should intervene: Priyanka

Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra Thursday dismissed as an eyewash the probe ordered by the Uttar Pradesh government into the Ayodhya land “scam” and urged the Supreme Court to intervene.

She said that by indulging in “corruption” BJP leaders and officials have hurt the faith of people who donated for the construction of the Ram Temple.

Addressing a press conference here, she said the Supreme Court should take suo motu cognisance of the matter as the Ram Temple in Ayodhya is being built following its order.

Vadra also questioned the “silence” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath over the alleged corruption by

temple trust members, BJP leaders and officials in buying land for the temple.

B J P l e a d e r s h ave “sold the sentiments, faith and religion” by indulging in “loot” and “misuse” of donations received for the Ram Temple, she charged.

T h e R a m Te m p l e Trust’s money is being “misused to benefit” BJP, RSS and trust members, she alleged, adding land belonging to Dalits which is not allowed to be sold is also being ““usurped” and illegally bought by officials and their relatives.

She alleged the misuse of Rs 30 crore worth of Trust’s money donated by the poor and common people. She also shared the details of purported registered land deeds related to the Ram temple in Ayodhya.

“The prime minister and the chief minister are

trying to save those who have indulged in theft of donations for the Ram Temple. As per the registered land deeds, there is a 1300 percent rise in land price within five minutes. The massive corruption in Trust money is very clear,” she alleged.

“There is wholesale corruption happening.”

A news report has claimed that MLAs, mayors, relatives of the commissioner, SDM and DIG bought land in Ayodhya after the Supreme Court announced the verdict in the Ramjanmabhoomi-Babri Masjid dispute, clearing the way for construction of the Ram temple.

The state government has ordered a probe into the matter.

But Vadra dismissed the probe ordered by the BJP government.

Killers of BJP functionary identified: Kerela Police Ramp up Covid vaccination: Centre to poll-bound states

ALAPPUZHA (KER), DEC 23 (PTI): All the 12 accused, suspected to have been directly involved in the recent murder of BJP functionary Ranjith Sreenivas here, have been identified but they have managed to escape from Kerala, police said on Thursday while the arrest of another person was recorded in the murder of SDPI’s K S Shan for allegedly providing logistic support to the killers.

Special police teams were deployed to track down the absconding culprits and the probe has been extended outside the state, ADGP (Law and Order) Vijay Sakhare told reporters here.

The senior IPS officer, who heads the Special Investigation Team probing the back to back murder cases of Sreenivas and Shan, however, said they have got relevant information regarding the conspiracy in both cases but could not divulge the details as it would adversely impact the investigation.

“All the 12 accused, directly involved in the murder of Sreenivas, have been identified. But, none of them are in the state now. We are chasing them.

They will land in police custody soon,” he said.

It is sure that the killers had received external support to go into hiding and

Two minor girls test Omicron positive in Odisha; case tally 4 BHUBANESWAR, DEC 23 (IANS): Two minor girls in Odisha have tested Omicron positive, taking the total number of Omicron cases in the state to 4, officials said here on Thursday.

The two minor girls from one family tested Omicron positive following genome sequencing conducted by the Institute of Life Sciences (ILS), Bhubaneswar.

One is 11 years old while the other is 15 years old, said Director for Public Health, Niranjan Mishra.

Both along with their parents had returned from Nigeria on December 13, and were in isolation as per the norms, he said, adding, “They are asymptomatic, undergoing treatment in a hospital in Bhubaneswar and their health condition is

stable.”n The parents of the siblings have tested negative. Contact tracing of the new cases has been done, informed Mishra.

Earlier, two Omicron cases were detected in the state. While one person had returned from Nigeria, another had returned from Qatar. Director, Health Service, Bijay Mohapatra said that the state government has expedited surveillance and increased testing. All the district administrations have been directed to ramp up testing and vaccination drive, he stated.

Meanwhile, Odisha recorded 155 new Covid cases from 17 districts and one death in the last 24 hours, pushing the active cases to 1,784 and the death toll to 8,448.

the police were examining the details, he said.

Asked about the SDPI’s allegations against frequent police searches in the houses of party activists and sympathisers, he said raids would continue in the suspected hideouts of the accused as it was important to nab the culprits.

“We have to maintain that the law and order situation is not broken down.

For that, raids are important,” he said.

An ambulance, suspected to have been used by the culprits involved in the Shan murder case, was seized by the police and its scientific and forensic examination would be car-

ried out soon. “It is a cat and mouse game now.

Every accused is in hiding but we will nab them at any cost,” the senior officer added.

Shan, the state secretary of SDPI, was killed by a gang on Saturday night while he was on his way 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.

Five SDPI sympathisers have been arrested in connection with the murder of Sreenivas so far while the arrest of three persons have been recorded in Shan’s killing, according to police.

NEW DELHI, DEC 23 (PTI): The Centre on Thursday advised states slated to hold Assembly polls in the next few months to ramp up Covid vaccination exponentially to protect the vulnerable population given the steady rise in cases of the Omicron variant of coronavirus in India.

Pockets with low vaccination coverage and those with low COVID-19 exposure may be more vulnerable to the new Omicron variant, it said and urged states to accord special attention to ramp up inoculation in these pockets.

According to a statement from the Union Health Ministry, states and Union

territories have been advised to be vigilant and monitor case positivity, doubling rate and cluster of new cases and consider imposing curbs and restrictions at the local level ahead of Christmas and New Year.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan, reviewing the public health preparedness of states for fighting COVID-19 and the Omicron variant along with the progress of vaccination virtually, advised states to not let their guard down and maintain their preparedness for fighting the pandemic.

He reiterated that local containment measures are to be put in place when either the test positivity in-

Fresh row erupts over demand to rename Hyderabad

HYDERABAD, DEC 23 (IANS): A fresh row has erupted over the demand for renaming Hyderabad as ‘Bhagyanagar’ after a Central minister said that there should be no objection to the move.

Union Minister of State for Railways, Raosaheb Danve, said on Wednesday that there should be no objection to rechristening Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar.

He justified the demand after the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) referred Hyderabad as Bhagyanagar while announcing a three-day meeting here in the first week of January 2022. The meeting is planned to review the working of affiliated organisations and preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections scheduled to take place in five states early next

Asaduddin Owaisi

year. “The Samanvay Baithak (coordination meeting) of the chief functionaries of various organisations inspired by the RSS working in different areas of social life will be held from January 5-7 at Bhagyanagar, Telangana,” the RSS had tweeted on December 21.

The tweet reignited the debate on the demand to rename Hyderabad. Several BJP leaders defended the de-

mand and pointed out that they have been using Bhagyanagar for a long time.

Ru l i n g Te l a n g a n a Rashtra Samithi (TRS) leaders alleged that the BJP wants to do divisive politics by demanding the change of name of Hyderabad.

“Hyderabad has Ganga Jamuni Tehzeeb, but BJP wants to disturb this by raking up such issues,” said TRS leader K. Krishan.

He alleged that the BJP is not bothered about development and only talks of changing the name of cities, dress or eating habits to do politics.

He recalled that BJP had also raised the demand during the elections to Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) last year.

While campaigning for GHMC polls, Uttar Pradesh

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had called for changing the name of Hyderabad.

“Some people were asking me if Hyderabad can be renamed as Bhagyanagar.

I said why not. I told them that we renamed Faizabad as Ayodhya and Allahabad as Prayagraj after the BJP came to power in Uttar Pradesh. Then why can’t Hyderabad be renamed as Bhagyanagar,” Yogi had asked.

The All India Majlise-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), a key political force in Hyderabad, is strongly opposed to the demand.

AIMIM chief and Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi has said that the entire generation of those who want to rename Hyderabad will end, but even then the city’s name will not change.

creases beyond 10 per cent or occupancy of oxygenated beds increases beyond 40 per cent, the statement said.

“However, based on the local situation and population characteristics such as density, and keeping in mind the higher transmissibility of Omicron, states and UTs can undertake containment measures and impose restrictions even before these thresholds are reached,” Bhushan underlined.

Any restriction must be enforced for a minimum of 14 days, the states were advised.

As symptoms of infection caused by the Omicron variant closely mimic common cold with a higher

rate of transmissibility and doubling time, a syndromic approach for Covid containment can be employed, the health secretary said.

About vaccinations, the states were advised to ensure 100 per cent coverage of left out first and second dose eligible beneficiaries in an accelerated manner and give special focus to those districts where the first and second dose coverage is less than the national average.

States going in for elections in the next few months need to exponentially ramp up vaccination, especially in the low coverage districts to protect the vulnerable population, Bhushan stressed in the meeting.

SALT CHRISTIAN COLLEGE DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

WANTED 1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

M.A. (Economics) NET. M.A. (Education) NET. M.A. (History) NET. M.Sc (Maths) NET. M.Sc (Physics, Chemistry, Botany, Zoology, Life Science or Bioscience) M.Ed, NET. 6. M.A. or M.Sc, M.Ed, PHd. Contact No. 9436022894 or 8787553329 Director Salt Christian College (SCC) dp-6115/21 IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT AND SESSIONS JUDGE KOHIMA : NAGALAND NOTICE

NOTICE INVITING OTHER CLAIMENTS TO REPRESENTATION TO COME FORWARD (UNDER PART-X SECTION 373 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925)

Succession Case No 515 of 2021

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate of Late Anna Pienyü @ Anna @ Anna Vilasatuonuo Pienyü had filed by : Shri Marco Sachü, H/o Lt. Anna Pienyü @ Anna @ Anna Vilasatuonuo Pienyü, R/o D Khel Colony Kohima Village, Kohima, Nagaland. To draw/operate/ close/transfer: 1. Bank account no. 20187752572 of the State Bank of India, Chedema Branch, Kohima., 2.(i) Service benefits of the deceased such as (ii) Family pension (iii) GIS, LEAVE ENCASHMENT, GRATUATY, PENSION, GPF, (iv) to draw/ operate/close the above mentioned bank account who expired on 04.12.2021.

Notice is hereby given that any person having interests in the administration of the estate of this said deceased may he/she so desire appear in this Court within 30 (thirty) days from the date of publication of notice.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this 20th day of Dec. 2021.

Principal District and Session Judge Kohima: Nagaland. k-2453/21

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

BUSINESS/STATE

‘Govt working to bring changes in GST Act’

NEW DELHI, DEC 23 (PTI): The government is working to bring changes in the GST Act and other public platforms so that companies can utilise data to grow big in size and scale, Jayant Sinha, Chairperson, Parliament Standing Committee on Finance, said on Thursday. “Public platforms such as UPI and Aadhaar are very important platforms. Even then, for us to leapfrog, we have to do more in terms of public platforms,” Sinha said while speaking at the Assocham e-summit on ‘Non-Banking Finance Companies & Infrastructure Financing: Transforming the Financial Lending Landscape’.

When the Factoring Bill came to the Standing Committee on Finance, the gover nment was opening up factoring to more non-banking financial companies and enabling more NBFCs to participate

in that.

“But even as we were doing that we were not addressing some important platform and data related issues. That is why we suggested that anything that is on GST as an invoice should automatically be gone to TReDS as well. Then it can be used on TReDS to finance receivables and so on.

“So, that was the recommendation of the c o m m i t t e e, a n d I a m ver y happy to tell you it was accepted by the government,” Sinha said.

However, he said, a ny c ha nge will need statutory backing through legislation, as the GSTN (GST Network) does not enable the usage of data within GSTN for any other purpose.

So, there is a need to change not only the central GST Act but all the state GSTN Acts to enable GSTN

Jayant Sinha invoices to automatically get on to TReDS or other platforms, he added.

TReDS is a platform that facilitates discounting of invoices for MSMEs from cor porate buyers through multiple financiers.

He said GST is fast becoming the commercial backbone of this country, and the government is doing all the necessary changes that will be required to support the businesses.

For India to leapfrog and become a globally competitive economy of the

size of $10 trillion, public platforms, as well as private innovation, need to work in tandem, he said.

While making public platforms frictionless is 10 per cent of the story, 90 per cent of the story lies with the private players and businesses to innovate.

“So, those are the kind of things we are working on right now, and there is a report that we will be putting out on strengthening credit flow to MSMEs, and we would welcome input from NBFCs on that...

“Private sector innovation is required on top of these public p l a t f o r m s. T h e g o o d news today is that there is ample capital available.

Because of the great exits and tremendous capital that we have in the market right now, there is plenty of capital available to support high-quality businesses,” Sinha said.

Non-cooperation with SFs till demands fulfilled: ENSF

(From p-1) For, unexpectedly and to their utter surprise, the security forces fired at the vehicle in which they were travelling without any signal and killed 13 innocent coal miners and subsequently killed one protester at Mon town the next day, they added. Chingmak and Kaibo said the targeting and killing of the innocent labourers

were pre-planned and the security forces massacred them under the garb of AFSPA. Therefore, in the light of the above, they said Eastern Nagaland People’s Organisation (ENPO) adopted a public resolution at Longleng on December 14 resolving not to cooperate with the India security forces. They insisted that their demands should be met at the earliest.

Onus on CoI over Oting massacre

(From p-1) These stages of the trials under Army act is expected to be cumbersome but perhaps not as long as civil courts. Sources said if the case(s)are eventually deemed serious offences, then the Army cannot prevent civil courts from holding trial if it involved either of the offences such as (1) rape (2) murder (3) homicide.

However, the sources said none of the accused in cases can be suspended or arrested during the course of the trial unless there is sufficient ground to believe that their continuance was prejudicial to the trial or that they will tamper with evidence(s).

M’laya Speaker recognizes merger of 12 Cong...

(From p-1) and the comments received from all the twelve TMC legislators.

Noting that the merger of the 12 congress legislators with TMC was valid, Metbah, also dismissed the petition filed by the Congress.

“I don’t find any merit in the submissions (Congress petition)….and therefore the same is hereby dismissed,” he added. Some of the top Congress legislators including its CLP leader and former chief minister, Mukul Sangma, former Speaker of the Assembly, Charles Pyngrope and were among others who merged with the TMC. Reacting to Speaker’s recognising the merger of the 12 rebel Congress legislators, Dr. Ampareen said, “I respect his order. I will not pursue this petition forward because our campaign will take priority in 2022. On this the State Congress President (Vincent Pala) will decide and we await his decision on the matter.”

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

Yimkhiungs hold rally demanding district for Shamator (From p-1) They also said Yimkhiung tribe was the second largest in terms of population and territory in eastern Nagaland, but have been divided into four different districts and seven assembly constituencies. Therefore, YTC has demanded a “united and immediate district” for the people of Yimkhiung at the earliest.

It may be mentioned that the cabinet on December 18, 2021, approved creation of three new districts-Tseminyu, Chümoukedima and Niuland. It was reported that the cabinet, in principle, had also approved granting district status to Shamator. However, it was learnt that creation of a separate district (Shamator) would be made possible only if different tribes inhabiting the sub-division agreed on the matter.

Shiv Sena union to FM: Block LIC IPO till IDBI Bank imbroglio rectified PUNE (MAHA RASHTRA), DEC 23 (IANS): Making a plea for ordinary policy holders, the Shiv Sena’s Bhartiya Kamgar Sena (BKS) on Thursday called upon Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman “ n o t t o m ove a h e a d with the LIC IPO” till the IDBI Bank Ltd’s recently exposed issues are completely rectified.

In a letter to Sitharaman, the BKS General Secretar y Dr R a g h u n a t h Ku c h i k – accorded a Minister of State rank – has drawn her attention to the “IDBI blunder” about one of its alleged wilful defaulters, a diamantaire group, Sanghavi Exports International Pvt Ltd. He said that in a span of 72 hours, the IDBI Bank Ltd came out with 3 different amounts of

alleged wilful default of loans by the diamantaire group which has created confusion for the Reserve Bank of India, the IDBI Bank’s account holders and also the LIC whose IPO is soon to come.

“Please ask the concerned authorities and RBI officials to do a proper investigation in the interest of the common man, crores of account holders and LIC policy holders, Central government and LIC involvement (as) upcoming IPO on board are at stake,” pointed out Dr Kuchik, who is Chairman, Maharashtra Minimum Wages Board.

“We certainly do not wish to have a repetition of the Nirav Modi and Mehul Choksi case (that) happened with the Punjab National Bank a couple of years back,” the BKS leader cautioned

Sitharaman.

He cited how the IDBI Bank Ltd had given out three figures of outstanding loan dues from the diamantaire group – which was first highlighted

by IANS (Dec 20).

“Once again, I request you to look into the matter on priority and instruct the authorities not to move ahead with the LIC IPO unless this IDBI Bank issue is completely rectified as per the RBI policy,” Dr Kuchik said.

The BKS missive came hours after the powerful All India Bank Officers Association ( A I B OA ) G e n e r a l Secretary S Nagarajan wrote to the RBI Governor how bank officers are “seriously disturbed” over the recent revelations, as the Centre and LIC own 97 per cent of the IDBI Bank Ltd.

Amway bets big on India to drive global growth: Global CEO Pant KOHIMA, DEC 23 (NPN): Amway which has continued its growth trajectory in India powered by its nutrition and wellness portfolio along with its thriving community of entrepreneurs is now set for the next-level transformation, further building on the growth strategy charted out by global CEO Milind Pant. Aligned with the focus on unleashing entrepreneurship and creating long term value in the health and wellness category, Amway has earmarked a global investment of over USD 300 million through 2024 to boost innovation andscience, digital technology, and entrepreneurship.

Among the 100 plus markets that Amway operates in, India is one of the key growth markets.

Further, India is among the top three preferred investment destinations for Amway with a focus on digital, manufacturing automation, innovation, and nutrition segment. Known for its quality health and wellness products and unparalleled business opportunities, Amway has established a strong foothold in India over the last two decades

No. 10135 Yesterday’s solution No. 10134

No. 4757 Yesterday’s solution No. 4756

No. 3781 Yesterday’s solution No. 3780

of its operations in the market.The leading entrepreneur-led health and wellness had announced an investment of over $20 million (INR 170 crores) to boost research and development, manufacturing automation, innovation & science and strengthen digital capabilities in India.

A m w ay G l o b a l C E O, Milind Pant said, “Amway’s global growth trajector y is focused on health and wellness and entrepreneurship. Today, entrepreneurship is being democratized like never before. And, at Amway, as an entrepreneur-led social idea, our vision is to unleash the next generation of entrepreneurs with our all-inclusive business opportunity, making it 10x easier for them to acquire and retain a community of engaged consumers. Amway is for everyone! We have made significant strides towards driving entrepreneurship, especially among women and young millennials, through various initiatives like Nari Shakti and AmYoung to help them power their passion and create successful

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business ventures, thereby turning them into Passionpreneurs”.

A recent report by McKinsey stated India will be required to create 150 million jobs by 2030 to fast-track growth and meet expectation of the aspiring workforce. This clearly is an opportunity for an entrepreneurled company like Amway which has immense potential to generate self-employment opportunities.

Currently, with more than 550,000 direct sellers and retailers, Amway is poised to make a formidable impact bycreating alternative employment opportunities, and thus contribute towards the economic and entrepreneurial progress of India.

“A recent consumer survey indicated that 85% of Indians are making a positive change to improve their current health status which clearly underlines the tremendous market potential for the nutrition category in the country.India is one of the potential markets to drive work in digital innovation and research to meet Amway’s global business needs, ,”he added.

As a global leader in the

health and nutrition space,Amway is eyeing a global contribution of 65% from the nutrition category to drive business growth by 2024. Also, with the growing spirit of entrepreneurship in the country, direct Selling today plays a significant role in fueling the rise of the gig economy and for Amway, this will be a key area of investment to build and offer a value proposition to these home entrepreneurs. The move to entrepreneurship is being further fueled by the rise in the passion economy, as people are increasingly turning their passions into businesses using social platforms and technology.

The global CEO of Amway, Milind Pant, took charge of the overall leadership of the company in 2019. As the first non-family CEO in Amway, Pant joined a select league of Indians to head large global firms. Under his leadership, Amway continues to build a disruptive enterprise that is customer-centric, agile, and future-oriented.He also serves as the vice-chair on the U.S-India Business Council Global Board of Directors.

No confidence in govt’s ability to fathom new crypto order: Ex Fin Secy Garg NEW DELHI, DEC 2 3 ( I A N S Wi t h t h e government once again failing to table the (muchexpected) Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Currency Bill, 2021, in the Winter Session of Parliament, former Finance Secretary Subhash Chandra Garg said on Thursday that he had no confidence in the ability of government to figure out the complexities of this new crypto phenomenon.

“I expressed serious doubts when the government had expressed its intent to present the bill, about the introduction of the crypto-assets/currencies bill in the Winter Session of Parliament. I am, therefore, not surprised to see the present situation where there is zero clarity over what is the Bill,” Garg told IANS. This was the second time that the Crypto Bill 2021 was listed on the Parliament’s agenda but did not see the light of the day. It was also deferred during the Budget Session of Parliament in February this year.

Garg, a pioneer in formulating policies around crypto, headed the interministerial committee (IMC) that drafted the cryptocurrency bill entitled “Banning of Cryptocurrency and Regulation of Official Digital Cur rency Bill, 2019”.

According to him, the government has been buffeted by two forces in this matter. First, “the Reser ve Bank of India (RBI), believing that cryptotechnology and businesses

Subhash Chandra Garg are only in the currency business, has been constantly hammering the government to ban the crypto-currencies and statutorily empower RBI to issue digital banknotes,” said Garg.

“The crypto-currency exchanges, applying the force from the other side, want the government to treat crypto-currencies as assets and statutorily create a regulatory mechanism for

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8

Pak-India ties: Too near yet far apart

Biden says to run for prez in 2024 if in good health

been reached in every country by September, he added.

As vaccine supply continues to improve, WHO projections have shown that it should be sufficient to vaccinate the entire global adult population and to give boosters to high-risk populations by the first quarter of 2022, but only later in 2022 will supply be sufficient for extensive use of boosters in all adults. Also on Wednesday, WHO Strategic Advisory Group of Experts on Immunization issued an interim statement on booster doses.

Although SAGE confirmed that vaccine effectiveness against severe Covid decreased by about 8% over a period of six months in all age groups, particularly in adults above 50 years, it still remained cautious on booster programs.

WASHINGTON, DEC 23 (IANS): US President Joe Biden has said that he will run for reelection in 2024 if he is in good health at the time.

“Yes,” he said when asked by host David Muir if he plans to r un for reelection, in an interview aired Wednesday on ABC’s World News Tonight, reported Xinhua news agency.

“But look, I’m a great respecter of fate. Fate has intervened in my life many, many times. If I’m in the health I’m in now, if I’m in good health, then in fact, I would run again,” he said.

Muir asked Biden whether he still wants to run if his opponent turns out to be former President Donald Trump again.

GENEVA, DEC 23 (IANS): Blanket vaccine booster programs are likely to prolong the Covid-19 pandemic rather than ending it, as a result of unequal distribution of vaccines between rich and poor countries, the head of the World Health Organization (WHO) has warned.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told a news briefing that “diverting supply to countries already having high levels of vaccination coverage” will give the virus “more opportunity to spread and mutate”, Xinhua news agency reported.

WHO has previously called on countries to reach a target of vaccinating 40 percent of their populations by the end of the year, but only half of WHO member states have been able to make

Tedros A Ghebreyesus

it, which has largely been a result of the global inequity of vaccine distribution, according to Tedros.

While some countries are now rolling out blanket vaccine booster programs, three in four health workers in Africa still remain unvaccinated by the end of 2021, a year since the first vaccines were administered, he said.

If those vaccines had been distributed equitably, the 40 percent target could have

Rescue operation takes place after a landslide at a jade mine in the Hpakant area of Kachin State, Myanmar.

Xinhua news agency re- es at the scene, the landslide ported. left over 80 people missing “According to witness- and the rescue operation is

US Spl Coordinator will contribute towards improving situation in Tibet: Dalai Lama

DHARAMSALA, DEC 23 (IANS): Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama has written to Uzra Zeya to congratulate her on being appointed the US’ Special Coordinator for Tibetan Issues.

He expressed the hope that she will be able to contribute significantly towards improving the situation of the Tibetan people.

“As I have had the opportunity to express to successive American leaders,” he wrote in the letter, “a continued and consistent American support has been a source of great encouragement to Tibetans in our peaceful struggle for freedom and dignity. Although I have handed over political authority to an elected Tibetan leadership, I remain concerned about

Dalai Lama

the survival of the Tibetan identity, our distinctive culture and heritage and the protection of Tibet’s fragile natural environment. I am pleased to see that in your first remarks, you mentioned that these will be your priorities.

“As you are aware, there has been widespread international interest in and support for the peaceful struggle of the Tibetan people, whose rich culture of non-violence and compassion has so much potential to contribute to the

world. I remain confident that in the long term, the power of truth will prevail.

“I look forward to meeting you and exchanging views on issues that can benefit from your support and initiatives. I am sure you will be in close contact with our elected Tibetan leadership.”

His Holiness stated that he is encouraged to see that in addition to co-ordinating Tibetan issues, concern for democracy is also part of Zeya’s portfolio and that the US recently held a democracy summit.

He concluded, “I firmly believe the United States can play a leadership role in promoting awareness of the fundamental values of democracy, freedom, and human rights.”

being carried out,” U Kyaw Min, an official of a village administration office, said.

The police said on Wednesday that there is no data about the exact number of missing jade scavengers.

Many locals make their living by jade scavenging in the region and most of the landslides are caused by partial collapse of tailing heaps and dams.

A major fatal landslide occurred at a jade mining site in Hpakant township in July last year, which left 174 people dead and 54 injured.

UN General Assembly president tests positive for Covid-19

SEOUL, DEC 23 (AP): South Korea set a new record for COVID-19 deaths on Thursday as officials war ned that the highly transmissible omicron variant could soon become the dominant strain. In recent weeks, South Korea has been grappling with soaring infections and deaths after it significantly relaxed restrictions in early November as part of efforts to return to pre-pandemic normalcy.

The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency said a record 109 people died in the last 24hour period, raising the country’s total number of pandemic fatalities to 5,015.

It said the number of patients in serious or critical conditions also hit a fresh high of 1,083.

The agency said that additional 6,919 people have tested positive for the coronavirus, bringing the na-

tional caseload to 589,978.

It said authorities have also confirmed 12 more cases of the omicron variant, pushing the total to 246.

The delta variant is currently accounting for a vast majority of the newly reported cases in South Korea, but that could change soon.

Senior health official Lee Sang-won said earlier this week that it’s possible the omicron variant would become the dominant strain in South Korea within one or two months. Jaehun Jung, a professor at Gachon University College of Medicine in South Korea, also said that “a meaningful (level) of infections caused by omicron could occur in our country in February or March.”

Alarmed by recordbreaking surges of new infections and deaths, South Korea on Saturday restored its toughest distancing rules, such as a four-person cap on

the University of Edinburgh and other experts in Scotland, based on a small sample of 15 people in hospital, also concluded a two-thirds reduction in the risk of COVID-19 hospitalisation when compared to Delta.

Dr Jim McMenamin, the national COVID-19 incident director for Public Health Scotland, said the findings were “a qualified good news story”, but that it was “important we don’t get ahead of ourselves”. He said a “smaller proportion of a much greater number of cases” could still mean a “substantial” number of people may experience severe COVID-19 infections which could lead to hospitalisation.

KUKI STUDENTS’ ORGANISATION, NAGALAND H.Q. AHTHIBUNG TOWN, PEREN: NAGALAND Govt. Regd. No. H/Rs-5417 Motto : “Astra Castra, Numen Lumen” E-mail : nagalandkso1966@gmail.com . #8732840172 #8731963043 # 8787446447

Ref. No : KSON/Gen-29/2021

PRESS FELICITATION

Date : 23-12-21

The Kuki Students’ Organisation Nagaland with utmost pride and pleasure would like to congratulate these individuals for their achievements and merits in their respective fields.

1. Mr. Thanggoumang Hangsing of Molvom Village, on his promotion to Manager from Asst. Manager (R.B.I).

2. Mr. Nelson Singsit of Old Chalkot Village on his promotion to Inspector from Sub-Inspector (C.R.P.F) 3. Dr. Neipihoi, of Sailhem Village on being conferred Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in the Department of Chemical Science on the thesis, ”Chemical profiling and biological properties of the traditional medicinal plants (Cronin caudatus Gloseler and Eurya acuminata DC) used by the Kuki community of Manipur and Nagaland”, at CSIR-North East Institute of Science and Technology, Jorhat, India.

The Organisation further wishes them all the success and good health in their respective careers ahead.

k-2454/21

(KAMMINLEN) Secretary, Media Cell, KSON

FELICITATION

WE, XEKUTO MURU TUCCU LAGHA, takes this immense pleasure in congratulating Ms. NIUTOLI TUCCU, daughter of Mr. Shikavi Tuccu and Mrs. Kheshevi Tuccu of THAHEKHU VILLAGE, who successfully cleared PGDRP (Post Graduate Diploma in Rehabilitation Psychology, RCI LICENSE Psychologist degree) from the esteemed Pt. Ravishankar Shukla University Raipur Chhattisgarh, and brought great honour by not being the lone student to be selected for the course from North East India but also emerging out as university TOPPER, and secondly, for obtaining a membership under AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION. We wish more success and prosperity in your future endeavors.

Dp-6116/21

private gatherings and a 9 p.m. curfew on restaurants and cafes. The surge has threatened to overwhelm hospitals and was straining the country’s health care.

Health Minister Kwon Deok-cheol said Wednesday that South Korea is at “a critical juncture” as the danger of its medical sys-

tem reaching limits grows.

He said breakthrough infections and transmissions among unvaccinated people are responsible for a rising number of critically-ill patients, which he said is much higher than the government had earlier expected when it eased distancing curbs at the start of November.

OFFICE OF

THE LOCHOMI SERVICE UNION ZUNHEBOTO : NAGALAND

FELICITATION

With immense pleasure and honour, we the Lochomi Service Union extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri Tohuka Jakha, S/o Lt. Sukhavi Jakha on his promotion to the post of Dy. Supdt of excise.

The LSU further wishes greater success in his future endeavours.

Y. Yehevi Swu Chairman, LSU

Kiyelu Zhimo G/Secy., LSU

OFFICE OF THE

UNITY VILLAGE SUMI STUDENTS' UNION

OFFICE OF THE

Abdulla Shahid

UNITED NATIONS, DEC 23 (IANS): Abdulla Shahid, president of the 76th session of the UN General Assembly, said Wednesday that he has tested positive for Covid and is selfisolating. “I have tested positive for Covid-19 today. I am isolating at home with mild symptoms,” Xinhua news agency reported quoting Shahid’s tweet.

“I was privileged to have been fully vaccinated including a booster. My prayers are with the millions suffering from Covid and the billions without access to vaccine! I Stand for #VaccineEquity,” read the tweet.

at home lockdown during the first COVID wave in March 2020.

“However, this appears to be offset by the reduced efficacy of vaccines against infection with the Omicron variant,” he cautioned.

The “high transmissibility” of Omicron could lead to health services facing “increasing demand” if cases grow at the rate seen recently, the scientist said after the UK recorded over 100,000 daily COVID infections on Wednesday.

The sample for the Imperial College study, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, included 56,000 Omicron cases and 269,000 Delta cases.

Another research by

S Korea marks deadliest day as omicron looms

3 bodies retrieved after landslide in Myanmar

YA N G O N, D E C 2 3 (IANS): Three bodies had been recovered as of Thursday morning after a landslide hit Myanmar’s Kachin state on Wednesday, according to a statement of the Fire Services Department.

All three recovered bodies were identified as males, the statement said.

Due to the collapse of tailings from a height of 60 metres, the miners were swept into a lake at a jade mining site in Thar Yar Kone village in Hpakant township at around 4 a.m. local time on Wednesday,

L O N D O N, D E C 2 3 (PTI): Two studies based on real-world COVID-19 UK data on Thursday reported that the Omicron variant is less severe than the Delta variant, with fewer infected people requiring hospitalisation.

Research by Imperial College London found that people with PCRconfirmed Omicron are 40 to 45 per cent less likely to spend a night or more in hospital compared with the Delta variant.

Those with Omicron after a previous infection are 50 to 60 per cent less likely to be hospitalised, compared with those with no previous infection.

However, the risk of hospitalisation is higher for those who are unvaccinated, according to the study.

“Our analysis shows evidence of a moderate reduction in the risk of hospitalisation associated with the Omicron variant compared with the Delta variant,” said Imperial’s Professor Neil Ferguson, who is the scientist associated with the UK’s first complete stay

k-2450/21

Blanket vaccine booster programs may prolong Covid-19 pandemic: WHO chief

ceasefire agreement of 2003 on the LoC was not an exception. Soon it was followed by reports, insinuating that the two sides were engaged in a secret diplomacy in some shady haunt of the Arabian deserts (the so-called talks reportedly being held in the UAE).

No official statement was issued about the status of talks but ties remain frozen.

Weeks later in March, Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa said that it was time for India and Pakistan to “bury the past and move forward”.

In his address to firstever Islamabad Security Dialogue, participated by ‘Who’s Who’ of Pakistan’s security establishment, Gen

Qureshi was unhappy with the decision. Consequently, it was withdrawn as quickly as it was announced.

Months later in November, Pakistan silently allowed India to use its airspace for direct flights between Kashmir and the UAE, but its fate was not different from the previous positive steps. The move was scuttled after a week when Islamabad withdrew the permission. No reason was given why the flights were allowed, and why they were discontinued.

The event in Afghanistan served as a major diversion as the Taliban took over Kabul in August, giving a big boost to Pakistan vis-a-vis India’s stakes in Afghanistan.

In the wake of the change in regime in Afghanistan, Islamabad’s entire attention has been riveted on Kabul and it has been pulling all strings to give time to the Taliban to adjust to the new situation to earn global recognition of its interim government, which includes at least 14 Cabinet members blacklisted by the UN.

Omicron less severe than Delta variant, UK studies find

Best wishes, XEKUTO MURU TUCCU LAGHA

5th MILE, NAGALAND

FELICITATION The Unity Village Sumi Students' Union would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to : 1. Shri. P. James Swu on being promoted from SDO Civil to Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) 2. Mr. Mughato A Aye on being elected as the President of Highway Area Sumi Students' Union (HASSU).

The Union wholeheartedly wishes both of them the very best in all their future endeavors.

H Enok Sema President

K Puloto Chophi General Secretary

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Dp-6121/21

Bajwa said that “stable Indo-Pak relation is a key to unlock the untapped potential of South and Central Asia by ensuring connectivity between East and West Asia” but also mentioned that Kashmir was the main stumbling block in normalisation of bilateral ties.

Previously Pakistan had conditioned the start of talks with India if it reversed the August, 2019 steps in Kashmir, but Gen Bajwa lowered the bar by saying that India should create a conducive environment.

The powerful army, which has ruled Pakistan for more than half of its 70 plus years of existence, has hitherto wielded considerable power in the matters of

security and foreign policy.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, who had taken a hardline stance since India abolished the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in 2019, also reduced his rhetoric by saying that good relations with neighbours were paramount for national security.

“We will not be able to take full advantage of our geo-strategic location until we have regional peace, until our relations with our neighbours and our trade ties do not improve,” he said in the address to the same event.

On March 31, Pakistan almost surprised India when its Economic Coordination Committee (ECC), a top decision-making body, lifted a ban on the import of sugar and cotton from India. Finance Minister Hammad Azhar had announced the big decision.

Apparently, the permission for import was given without taking all stakeholders on board, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sources in the ministry said that foreign minister Shah Mahmood

ISLAMABAD, DEC 23 (PTI): When Pakistan and India agreed to restore peace along the highly volatile Line of Control (LoC) in February 2021, it appeared that they were again ready to take a turn on the bumpy road of animosity and mistrust. The ensuing months, however, showed that it was yet another mirage.

The story of PakistanIndia relations is a tale of the proverbial ‘one step forward, two steps backward’.

So far, almost every positive development in terms of the bilateral ties has been overtaken by innate hostility that is often driven by popular sentiments.

In a surprise announcement on February 25, India and Pakistan said that they have agreed to strictly observe all agreements on ceasefire along the LoC. India and Pakistan signed a ceasefire agreement in 2003, but it has hardly been followed in letter and spirit over the past several years with more violations than observance of the pact.

The restoration of the

9

INTERNATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

The Dynami Entertainment Group extends its heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals, partners and sponsors for their contributions towards the first edition of Global Mister Nagaland 2021.

1. Global Model India Organization, Pune.

2. National People’s Party (NPP).

3. Livingstone Foundation International.

4. Dr. Andrew Ahoto, Chairman, Livingstone Foundation International and President NPP (N).

5. Shri. K Kathi Chishi, Secretary and MD TOKA MPCS Limited.

6. Shri. Kyupise Sangtam, PRO to Minister Geology and Mining, NSMDC, Soil & Water Conservation.

7. Shri. Amar Shamu Sonawane, International Beauty Pageant Director and President Global Model India Org. 8. Shri. Suraj Kumar, Mister Asia 2020.

9. iWELLNESS, Healthcare Partner.

10. BODYCRAFT, Fitness Partner.

11. YETEKINIBI, Merchandise Partner.

12. NAGAMI, Beauty and Styling Partner.

13. Wurocraft, Official Graphic Designer.

14. Miss. Benwang Zeliang, Official Designer.

15. Shri. Issac and Team of Livingstone Foundation International.

16. Smt. Imlibenla Wati Nienu.

17. Smt. Ani Yepthomi, Director LFI as Finale Judge.

18. Smt. Jemimah Chophy, Advocate as Finale Judge.

19. Miss. Khaheli Chophy, FBB Colours Femina Miss India Nagaland 2017 as Finale Judge.

20. Miss. Ruopfuzhano Whiso, FBB Colours Femina Miss India Nagaland 2018 as Host.

21. JPollnd Putlang, Guest Artist.

22. Tokhuli Yepthomi, Guest Artist.

23. Limeka A Ayemi, Guest Artist.

24. Lokendra Singh, Official Choreographer.

25. Deputy Commissioner, Dimapur.

26. Special Invitees.

27. Donors and Well Wishers.

28. Volunteers.

We regret the inability to mention all individuals who have extended their support towards the event.

Db-454/21

INFOTAINMENT

10

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

Critics Choice Awards ceremony ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai’ bags four Gold Comedy Awards postponed over Omicron concerns C

T

he Critics Choice Association has announced that it has postponed its in-person awards gala amid rising concerns regarding Covid and the Omicron variant.

The winners were set to be revealed by hosts Taye Diggs and Nicole Byer on Sunday, January 9.

The ceremony will still broadcast live in person on The CW and TBS at some point, but it will no longer happen on that date as originally planned, reports variety.com.

“After thoughtful consideration and candid conversations with our partners at The CW and TBS, we have collectively come to the conclusion that the prudent and responsible decision at this point is to postpone the 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards, originally slated for January 9, 2022,” the organisation said in a statement.

“We are in regular communication with LA County Public Health officials, and we are currently working diligently to find a new date during the upcoming awards season in which to host our annual gala in-person with everyone’s safety and health

remaining our top priority.

“We will be sharing additional details with our friends and colleagues throughout the entertainment industry as soon as we can.”

The decision is an about-face from earlier this week, when the Critics Choice Association said it would proceed as an inperson ceremony on January 9 at the Fairmont Century Plaza hotel with strict Covid protocols in place as cases continue to surge in the nation.

“The Critics Choice

Association is working with LA County Public Health Officials and a premiere Covid Compliance service, and at this time, we are currently still planning to host an in-person 27th Annual Critics Choice Awards, following the strictest and safest protocols, including mandatory proof of vaccination, negative PCR tests 48 hours in advance, proper social distancing and masking requirements,” the org said in a statement on Monday. “We will continue to carefully monitor the situation as events progress.”

Last year, the Critics Choice Awards unfolded as a hybrid show with both in-person and virtual appearances. Host Taye Diggs and some of the presenters broadcast from a stage in Los Angeles, while nominees appeared remotely from various locations around the world.

The Critics Choice Awards is considered a major precursor to the Academy Awards and one of the first major film awards shows of the new year.

The Palm Springs Film Awards has also cancelled its upcoming ceremony for January 6 due to concerns over rising Covid-19 cases.

Kenneth Branagh’s ‘Belfast’ and Steven Spielberg’s ‘West Side Story’ led the field for this year’s crop of nominations for the Critics Choice Awards.

‘West Side Story’ landed nods for best picture and best director, while Ariana Debose and Rita Moreno nabbed nominations for best supporting actress and newcomer Rachel Zegler is up for best young actor or actress.

‘West Side Story’ also landed nominations for its

ensemble and nods for its screenplay, costume design, production design, editing and cinematography.

‘Belfast’ also has eleven nominations, with nods in picture, original screenplay, director, cinematography, editing and two supporting actor slots for Jamie Dornan and Ciar in Hinds.

‘Dune’ and ‘The Power of the Dog’ picked up ten nominations each. ‘Licorice Pizza’ and ‘Nightmare Alley’ collected eight nominations apiece, while ‘King Richard’ and ‘Don’t Look Up’, earned six nominations. In Critics Choice TV nominations, the third season of HBO’s aSuccession’ led all contenders with eight nods. Other top nominees included another HBO program, ‘Mare of Easttown’ -- which is still competing in the limited series field since a potential second season has not yet been announced.

‘Mare’ and Paramount Plus’ ‘Evil’, the drama from Robert and Michelle King that previously ran on CBSscored five nominations each.

HBO leads the network pack with 20 nominations, ahead of rival Netflix (which scored 18). (IANS)

omedy show ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai’ has bagged four Gold Comedy Awards across various categories during the awards night in Mumbai.

‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai’ won the Best Comedy Show, while Aasif Sheikh (Vibhuti Narayan Mishra), and Shubhangi Atre (Angoori Bhabi) won the Best Actor and Best Actress awards, and Yogesh Tripathi (Daroga Happu Singh) won Best Supporting Actor.

On receiving the Best Actor award, Aasif Sheikh said: “I am grateful and delighted for this recognition. It truly means a lot.

It feels great to see how the character of Vibhuti has etched a special place in the audience’s heart and continues to be their absolute favourite. Vibhuti is nothing without the team behind him.”

Winning the Best Actress award, Shubhangi Atre shared: “Nothing is as great as getting recognised for your hard work. I am thankful to the makers and the whole team for making Angoori a beloved character. Such achievements motivate us as ar-

tistes to work harder and continue on our efforts to do something different and entertain people.”

Expressing his excitement on receiving the Best Supporting Actor award, Yogesh Tripathi added: “This award is an hon-

our and a privilege for an iconic show like ‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai’. I thank our producers, Sanjay Ji and Binaiferr Ji for this, the cast and crew and my beloved fans.”

‘Bhabiji Ghar Par Hai’ airs on &TV. (IANS)

Zhimomi is Global Britney Spears teases new music and Robbie Williams and Guy Chambers Tonoto Mister Nagaland 2021 blasts her family over conservatorship are working on a new musical

T

Robbie Williams

R

obbie Williams and Guy Chambers are working on a new musical together.

The 58-year-old songwriter - who has collaborated with Robbie numerous times and has also written for the likes of Kylie Minogue and Anastacia - revealed that he is working on another stage project with the ex-Take That singer which he hopes will premiere in 2023.

He told The Daily Mirror newspaper: “I’m working on another musical with Rob, as we did ‘The Boy in the Dress’ which was

Guy Chambers on in Stratford. It’ll take about two years to come out though, as things take a long time, as you need to get the team together.

Guy did not go into further detail about the project, but teased that it will be a “departure” from Robbie’s usual style.

News of the musical comes just weeks after Guy revealed he had once penned a song with Britney Spears, but it was quickly shelved by her record company and is unlikely to come out any time soon.

He said: “I wrote a song with Britney that’s

never come out called ‘Sacred’. In the many Britney fan communities it’s their holy grail, but they’ve never heard it, they’ve only heard about it. She said ‘f***’ in it.

This was in about 2006, her imperial phase, when she was huge. She was trying to rebel from the cleaner side of Britney, I suppose, and I should have said no, but I didn’t, I let her do what she wanted.”

“I actually asked her lawyer recently if they could put it out, but they said no.

One day it will come out I’m sure, but it won’t be tomorrow. (Contactmusic)

onoto Zhimomi emerged as the winner of the first edition of Global Mister Nagaland (GMN) 2021 which concluded on December 21 at Livingstone Foundation International School campus, Dimapur.

The first ruuners-up was bagged by Theyika K Zhimomi while the second runner-up was adjudged to Mutten Hangba. In the subtitles category, Tonoto Zhimomi as Mr. Congeniality, Karma Molem as Mr. Physique, Aloka N Zhimomi as Mr. Popular, Ichiziube Chamlak as Best Walk, Raj Rana as Mr. Talented, Mutten Hangba as Mr. Multimedia and Tonoto Zhimomi as Best Ethnic Wear.

The event was graced by secretary and MD of TOKA MPCS Limited, K Kathi Chishi as the chief guest, PRO to minister Geology and Mining, NSMDC, Soil and Water Conservation, Kyupise Sangtam as guest of honor and president NPP Nagaland, Dr. Andrew Ahoto as special guest.

T h e eve n i n g wa s blessed with an invocation by associate pastor of Soul Harvest Ministry, Maithon Newmai. The show was

partly collaborated with Global Model India and National People’s Party.

Founder and president of Global Model India Org, Amar Shamu Sonawane and Mr. Asia 2020, Suraj Kumar were special guest juries. Panel of judges included Ani Yepthomi, Jemimah Chophy and Khaheli Chophy.

J Po l l n d P u t l a n g , Tokhuli Yepthomi and Limeka A Ayemi were guest artistes for the evening, official designer for the finale was Benwang Zeliang. The show was hosted by FBB Colours Femina Miss India Nagaland 2018 Ruopfuzhano Whiso.

The open air show was marked by music, dance and cultural display which also attracted a good number of audiences and many renowned Naga personalities attended to witnessed the event.

It may be mentioned that Global Mister Nagaland is a male pageantry competition that will be held annually.

The winners of the competition will represent Nagaland to Mr India and various other national and international male pageantry competition and shows.

B

ritney Spears has teased that new music is on the way. The 40-year-old singer - who regained control of her assets after an LA court freed her from a thirteen-year conservatorship which was governed by her family has not released any music since 2016 but revealed on Instagram that a new song is on the cards.

She told her 36m followers: “Pssss new song in the works ... I’m gonna let you know what I mean.”

No fur ther details about the song were given, but the message was posted alongside a video of the ‘...Baby One More Time’ hitmaker riffing whilst posing in a mirror.

The star - whose father Jamie, as part of the conservatorship, had control of her multi-million dollar fortune - later went on to blast her family for the way they treated her, claiming that now is the time to “be [her] own cheerleader.”

She wrote: “I just realized this today guys … after what my family tried to do to me three years ago … I needed to be my own cheerleader. God knows they weren’t. No … I’m not auditioning for anything.

NASA in 2021: From Mars landing to launch of next-gen space telescope

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espite facing several delays due to the Covid-19 pandemic in the last year, NASA had its busiest year of development yet in 2021.

The US space agency in 2021 made history on Mars, continued to make progress on its Artemis plans for the Moon, tested new technologies for a supersonic aircraft, finalised launch preparations for the next-generation space telescope, and much more -- all while safely operating under the shadow of the pandemic.

“At NASA, we turn science fiction into science fact, and we do it daily. From continuing to launch astronauts to the International Space Station (ISS) from American soil to landing the Perseverance rover on Mars and logging the first flight on another planet, 2021 was a banner year for the world’s premier space agency and all of humanity,” NASA Administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement.

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“Next year, NASA will accomplish more daring feats with new discoveries and technological advancements, especially as our Artemis I mission paves the way for future crewed missions to the Moon -- and beyond,” Nelson added.

Among the many science accomplishments for the year, NASA continued preparations to launch the James Webb Space Telescope on December 25 from

French Guiana, successfully landed the Perseverance rover on the surface of Mars, and piloted the Ingenuity Mars Helicopter -- the first powered, controlled flight on another planet.

Webb is the agency’s final launch this year, and was preceded by several other scientific missions launches, including the cosmic X-ray studying Imaging X-ray Polarimetry Explorer (IXPE), the asteroid-studying Lucy

spacecraft, the world’s first planetary defense test mission - the Double Asteroid Redirection Test (DART) and two CubeSat missions.

NASA welcomed back to Earth the first two sets of commercial crew astronauts to complete expedition missions aboard the ISS and launched Crew-3 to the orbiting laboratory. During the Crew-2 mission, astronauts spent a US record-setting 199 days in orbit, surpassing

the 168 days set by Crew-1 mission earlier this year.

This was the 21st continuous year of human presence aboard the ISS, and the busiest yet, the space agency said.

The agency also advanced plans to explore more of the Moon through Artemis, pledging to send the first woman and first person of colour to the lunar surface. To pave the way for future lunar missions with crew, NASA completed stacking of its Space Launch System (SLS) rocket, with its Orion spacecraft for the Artemis I mission.

Artemis I -- an uncrewed flight test of NASA’s powerful SLS rocket and Orion spacecraft -- will travel around the Moon in March or April 2022.

In addition, NASA also picked SpaceX to continue the development and demonstration of the first commercial human lunar lander.

This year, the BidenHar ris Administration

tapped NASA to join the White House Climate Task Force. The agency also released a climate action plan aimed at averting mission impacts due to climate change.

NASA launched the Sustainable Flight National Partnership, teaming up with industry, academia, and other government agencies to achieve net-zero carbon emissions from aviation by 2050. NASA also continues to validate unique airframe design technologies that will one day allow future supersonic planes to fly quietly.

In 2021, NASA took action to roll out aviation technology to more airports to help save time for passengers, pushing the boundaries of making aeronautics more green and more efficient.

The space agency also advanced technology for exploration, with new concepts that can drive exploration of the Moon, Mars, and beyond - and benefit people here on Earth.

(IANS)

Britney Spears I’m reminding myself and the world of who I am. Yes … I will be my own cheerleader, why? I’m here to remind my white “classy” family that I haven’t forgotten what they did to me nor will I ever forget.”

Britney’s confident assertions come just days after it was alleged that dad Jamie asked her to continue paying his legal fees despite the termination of the conservatorship.

Documents obtained

by People magazine stated: “Prompt payment on account of Jamie’s attorneys’ fees is necessary to ensure the Conservatorship can

be wound up quickly and efficiently to allow Britney to take control of her life as she and Jamie desire.”

However, lawyers acting on behalf of the ‘Toxic’ singer were quick to slam the request as “meritless.”

B r i t n e y ’s l aw ye r, Mathew Rosengart, said in statement : “Mr. Spears reaped many millions of dollars from Britney as a conservator, while paying his lawyers millions more, all from Britney’s work and hard-earned money. Under the circumstances, his petition is not only legally meritless, it is an abomination.” (Contactmusic)

WhatsApp testing new interface for voice calls

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fter implementing some improvements for WhatsApp calls, Meta-owned WhatsApp is now reportedly working on a new interface for voice calls. As per a report by WABetaInfo, a screenshot shows that WhatsApp is redesigning the interface for a future update in order to make it more compact and modern, organising the available space. The new redesign will look nice especially while placing group voice calls.

“Even if the screenshot was taken on WhatsApp for iOS, WhatsApp is planning the same redesign for a future update of WhatsApp beta for Android as well,” the report said. Recently, WhatsApp rolled out a new ‘Voice Message Preview’ feature for Indian users. The company said it will now allow users to preview their voice messages on WhatsApp before they send them.

(IANS) Dear Obu (G.B Mapuchuba Ao)

Grey hair is a crown of splendour, it is attained in the way of righteousness.

Turning 80 is one of the biggest milestones, Obu, we can’t help but congratulate you & wish you all the happiness that your kind & loving heart can contain. We will forever be proud of you.

“Happy 80th Birthday Obu” With Love & Prayers From all your Grandchildren

k-2446/21

K Y M C

Chelsea, Liverpool, Spurs in League Cup semis

Brentford’s Bryan Mbeumo in action with Chelsea’s Mateo Kovacic.

keeper Caoimhin Kelleher then saved Ryan Bertrand’s effort, his second save of the shoot-out, before Jota converted to win it for Liverpool.

Antonio Conte’s Tottenham, runners-up to Manchester City last season, made it through to the semis with a 2-1 home win against West Ham United -- all the goals arriving in a five-minute spell in the first half.

Steven Bergwijn slotted in from Pierre-Emile

Hojbjerg’s cut back for his first goal of the season but West Ham levelled through Jarrod Bowen’s well-taken goal.

Bergwijn then set up Lucas Moura for the winner.

Arsenal beat third-tier Sunderland on Tuesday.

“It’s good for Tottenham to reach the semifinals of this competition,” Conte, who has changed the mood at Tottenham since taking over, said.

“You can see the

names of these teams that have reached the semifinals -- Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal with us -- so every side wants to try to lift this trophy. Now I’m seeing in England to win a trophy is very difficult.”

Considering the strain on their respective squads, the night’s ties offered full value for the fans.

Chelsea made eight changes to the side that drew 0-0 with Wolverhampton Wanderers at the weekend with manager

USA stun Ireland by 26 runs in first T20I LAUDERHILL (USA), DEC 23 (IANS): Former Mumbai and India Under-19 player Saurabh Netravalkar, pacer Ali Khan and left-arm spinner Nisarg Patel claimed two wickets apiece as the United States of America defeated Ireland by 26 runs in the first T20I of their three-match series here.

This is the United States’ first win against a Testplaying nation.

The USA rode on half-centuries by Gajanand Singh (65) and Sushant Modani (5) to post 188/6 on electing to bat first at th3e Central Broward Regional Park Stadium Turf Ground, Lauderhill on Wednesday. The bowlers then got into the act as Netravalkar, Ali Khan and Patel picked two wickets each for 26, 30, and 27 runs respectively as Ireland were restricted to 162/6 in 20 overs.

Monank Patel’s United States of America side

USA players take runs during the T20I match.

is off to a winning start in their T20I series against Ireland following a stunning fightback led by the lower middle-order.

Electing to bat first after winning the toss, USA’s innings got off to a stuttering start when Monank (2) was caught behind off the second ball of the innings.

He was the first of Barry McCarthy’s four victims (4/30) for the day, with the seamer doing much of the damage in the Powerplay.

McCarthy bowled Xavier Marshall (4) in his next

over and dismissed Ryan Scott (8) in his third, while Simi Singh (1/27) contributed with the dismissal of Ritwik Behera (0).

It was from here that the USA fought back with Sushant Modani (50) and Player of the Match Gajanand Singh (65) putting on a 110-run stand that took the hosts to 126/5 when Singh fell to Ben White (1/36). It was a destructive innings from Singh, who belted five sixes and three fours in his 42-ball stay.

Icardi salvages a point for 10-man PSG

Marty Kain then picked up where Singh had left off, smashing an unbeaten 39 off 15 to propel the hosts to a big total.

Ireland’s chase hit an early roadblock as captain Andy Balbirnie fell for four to Ali Khan (2/30), but Paul Stirling put them on course with a quickfire 31 off 15 before perishing in the fifth over to Saurabh Netravalkar (2/26).

Despite an unbeaten 57 from Lorcan Tucker, the USA managed to keep Ireland’s batters under control from there, with each of Khan, Netravalkar, and Nisarg Patel (2/27) taking two wickets apiece.

Brief scores: USA 188/6 in 20 overs (Gajanad Singh 65, Sushant Modani 50; Barry McCarthy 4/30) bt Ireland 162/6 in 20 overs (Lorcan Tucker 57 not out, Paul Stirling 31; Saurabh Netravalkar 2/36, Ali Khan 2/30, Nisarg Patel 2/27) by 26 runs.

Indian batting line-up good enough to tackle South African pacers: Pujara

Tuchel handing debuts to academy players Harvey Vale, Jude Soonsup-Bell and Xavier Simons.

Tuchel did later introduce regulars Jorginho, Reece James, Christian Pulisic, Mason Mount and N’Golo Kante off the bench and it proved decisive for Chelsea.

It was a cross from the right from James that Jansson sliced into his own goal and Jorginho then tucked away a trademark spot kick.

Liverpool made 10 changes to the side that started the 2-2 draw with Tottenham on Sunday with only Tyler Morton remaining.

A n d w h e n Va r dy scored twice inside the opening 13 minutes it seemed Juergen Klopp’s side were on the way out.

But Minamino sent the tie to penalties with a superbly-taken goal and stand-in keeper Kelleher proved the hero with two saves to break Leicester’s hearts.

The semi-finals are scheduled for two legs in January, although Klopp says in the current circumstances he would prefer just one game.

CENTURION, DEC 23 (PTI): Middle-order batter Cheteshwar Pujara says the current India batting lineup is experienced enough to tackle lateral movement on pace-friendly tracks in South Africa and he has no doubt that the team led by Virat Kohli will deliver in the Rainbow nation.

Pujara said the recent overseas success has made India a confident unit and that will reflect in the threeTest series, beginning Sunday.

“When you are a visiting team, you know that there is pace and bounce and there is lateral movement and to face the fast bowlers is always a big challenge when you go out of India,” Pujara said in a video posted by BCCI on its twitter handle.

“This team has learnt that and this is a much more balanced batting line-up and I think we will be able to tackle that and with our preparation I am very confident we will put up a good show.”

Pujara also felt that the experience of having played in South Africa will also stand them in good stead. “...most of the (Indian) players have played in South

Barcelona agree deal to sign Torres from Man City: BBC

Hockey rankings: Indian men to finish 2021 in third spot, women drop to ninth

BARCELONA, DEC 23 (AGENCIES): Barcelona have agreed a deal to sign Spanish forward Ferran Torres from Premier League champions Manchester City for a fee of around 55 million euros ($62 million), multiple British media outlets reported.

Both Sky Sports and the BBC reported Barca would pay City a further 10 million euros in add-ons for the 21-year-old Spanish international.

The deal comes despite severe financial difficulties at the club.

They had to let club great Lionel Messi leave in the summer due to “financial and structural obstacles” and have debts of more than 1.35 billion euros. Their attacking options were weakened further with the retirement of striker Sergio Aguero last week due to a heart condition.

LAUSANNE, DEC 23 (PTI): Olympic bronze winning Indian men’s hockey team will end the year in third spot, its highest-ever, as per the International Hockey Federation (FIH) rankings released on Thursday.

The Manpreet Singhled Indian team won the bronze in Tokyo Games earlier this year to end a 41-year medal wait for the country. India, who finished third in the justconcluded Asian Champions Trophy in Dhaka, will end the year with 2296.038 points behind Olympic champions Belgium and toppers Australia.

Australia have leapfrogged Belgium in the latest chart following the Red Lions’ recent FIH Hockey Pro League draw and defeat at the hands of the Netherlands.

Australia will close the

Cheteshwar Pujara

Africa in the past, it is an experienced side and it terms of preparation, we know what is expected from us.

“Most of the teams play well in their home conditions and it’s the same with the South African team. They have one of the best bowling line-ups and facing one of the best fast bowlers has always been challenging,” said the 33-year-old from Rajkot.

India had retained the Border-Gavaskar trophy after beating Australia 2-1 in the four-match series early in the year.

Virat Kohli’s men also claimed a 2-1 victory in the five-Test rubber in England

year with 2642.25 points, just 10 points ahead of FIH Hockey Pro League and Olympic champions Belgium, who have 2632.12.

Netherlands (2234.33) and Germany (2038.71) are placed in fourth and

before the fifth Test was cancelled due to COVID-19.

“Having done well in England and Australia will make a big difference in this squad’s confidence and self belief that we can win overseas, we can win in any conditions,” Pujara said.

“And with our bowling and batting line-up, I am very confident that we have the capacity to win a series in South Africa.”

Pujara has lacked consistency since 2020 with his last century coming in January 2019 in Australia.

In the last 10 innings, he has scored two fifties but couldn’t convert them to big scores.

fifth positions respectively. The top ten is completed by England (6th - 1990.62), Argentina (7th - 1826.11), New Zealand (8th - 1598.24), Spain (9th - 1532.33) and Malaysia (10th - 1427.18).

db-453/21

L O N D O N, D E C 2 3 (AGENCIES): A muchchanged Chelsea side featuring three teenaged debutants beat Brentford 2-0 on Wednesday to reach the League Cup semi-finals where they will face London rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

An own goal 10 minutes from time by Pontus Jansson broke the deadlock at Brentford before a Jorginho penalty sealed victory for Thomas Tuchel’s COVID-hit side.

In a thriller at Anfield, a weakened Liverpool side came back from the brink to beat Leicester City on penalties after a 3-3 draw, setting up a semi-final against Arsenal.

Jamie Vardy’s early double gave Leicester a 2-0 lead and James Maddison’s rocket shot made it 3-1 after Alex OxladeChamberlain had pulled a goal back.

But Diogo Jota struck in the 68th minute before Takumi Minamino levelled in the sixth minute of stoppage time.

Minamino then spurned a chance to send Liverpool through in the ensuing penalty shootout as he blazed his effort over the bar. But Liverpool

11

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Lorient’s Thomas Monconduit celebrates scoring their first goal with teammates.

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penalty eight minutes into injury time.

Stade Rennais are fourth on 31 points after a 2-1 defeat at Monaco.

Elsewhere, Montpellier consolidated their fifth place with a convincing 4-1 home victory against midtable Angers and champions Lille moved up to eighth when Jonathan David’s late goal gave them a 3-2 victory at Girondins de Bordeaux.

The game between Clermont and Racing Strasbourg was postponed because of foggy conditions.

At Lorient’s Moustoir stadium, PSG were not only without the injured Neymar, but they also had to cope with the suspensions of Kylian Mbappe and Marco Verratti and

they lacked inspiration.

Lorient’s Thomas Monconduit opened the scoring against PSG with a superb, slightly-deflected strike that went into the top corner five minutes from the interval.

While Lionel Messi had a couple of chances after the break, the visitors had their first shot on target in the 81st minute when the Argentine forward’s strike was parried by Paul Nardi.

Ramos, who had replaced Nuno Mendes at halftime, was then sent off with five minutes left after picking up two yellow cards on a night to forget for the capital side until Icardi headed home from Achraf Hakimi’s cross two minutes into injury time.

Born : 03.06.1963 – Died : 12.12.2021

Therefore you too grief now; but we will see you again, and your heart will rejoice, no one will take your joy away from you" John 16:22

We, the bereaved family of Lt. Vetsosao (Asa) Rtd (Sr. Store Officer, HG, CD & SDRF) would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individuals friend, neighbours and well wishers who has supported us physically, spiritually, financially with unconditional love and support during his prolong illness till his last breathed on the 12-12-2021. Your kind gesture and prayers are sincerely appreciated and will forever be remembered and cherished in our hearts.

We special thanks to : Dr. Manong & Dialysis Unit Staff, Zion Hospital.

Dr. K. Hesso Metro Hospital.

Shri. H Tovihoto Ayemi MLA & Advisor Dept of Power, G.O.N. Shri. Chotisuh Sazo MLA 18 A/C. Home Guards, Civil Defence & SDRF, Nagaland Chozuba Village, Phek Western Chakhesang Hoho, Dimapur Walford Area Council, Dimapur Walford Area Women Wing, Dimapur Chakhesang Colony, Walford, Dimapur Pentecostal Mission Church, Purana Bazar, Dimapur Chakhesang Baptist Church, Diphupar B' Chozubami Welfare Union, Dimapur Chozubami Prayer Fellowship, Dimapur We sincerely regret our inability to thanks each and every one personally but it is our ardent prayer to Almighty God that you be richly blessed.

Loving Wife, Sons, Daughters, In-laws, Relatives & Grandchildren.

dp-6120/21

PARIS, DEC 22 (REUTERS): Mauro Icardi’s stoppage-time strike helped 10-man Paris St Germain salvage a fortunate 1-1 draw at lowly Lorient in a dismal performance by the Ligue 1 leaders on Wednesday.

Mauricio Pochettino’s side, who had Sergio Ramos sent off, have 46 points from 19 games with Nice in second place 13 points behind after a 2-1 comeback win at home against RC Lens.

Third-placed Olympique de Marseille, who have a game in hand, trail Nice on goal difference after being caught cold at the Velodrome in a 1-1 draw against Stade de Reims, Dimitri Payet salvaging a point with a

Born : 13/07/1960 – Died : 19/12/2021 We the family members of Late Mr. Zaleo Lohe would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual who stood and supported us physically, financially and spiritually during the prolonged illness and demise of our beloved father.

We also extended our special thanks to the following : 1) Chakhesang Baptist Church 9) Chozuba Area Welfare East Dimapur.

Union, Dimapur.

2) Yoruba Welfare Union, 10) Pfutseromi in-laws.

Dimapur 11) Eden Hospital Dimapur.

3) VDB Yoruba.

12) Eden Hospital Fellowship 4) Yoruba Village.

Dimapur.

5) Baptist Church Yoruba.

13) Naharbari Community Forum.

6) Call of God Ministry, Kohima.

14) Naharbari Youth Association.

7) Lisükro Welfare Society, 15) Sumi Riders Dimapur.

Dimapur.

16) Chakhesang Riders 8) Western Chakhesang Youth Dimapur.

Organisation.

17) Yakuza Riders Dimapur.

We are unable to thank each and everyone personally but we humbly pray to our Almighty God to bless you all abundantly.

From, Loving wife, children and relatives dC-1368/21 K Y M C

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2021

Suspended NDTL gets back WADA La Liga: Real Madrid beat Athletic Bilbao 2-1 recognition: Sports Minister reveals

BILBAO (SPAIN), DEC 23 (IANS): Karim Benzema scored two goals as Real Madrid ended the year 2021 with a superb away win over Athletic Bilbao, closing out the year with a 15-match unbeaten run.

Real flew out of the blocks San Mamés and that resulted in three swift goals inside the first 10 minutes -two for the visitors and one for the hosts. Toni Kroos fired off a warning shot in the opening minute but it was the next move of the match that yielded the first goal. The German’s onetouch lay-off was perfect for Benzema, who effortlessly whipped the ball into the far corner from the edge of the box.

The league leaders knew one was not enough and wasted no time in doubling their lead. Ernesto Valverde won the ball back in the centre of the field and laid the ball for Eden Hazard. The ball flicked off a defender and fell

Athletic Bilbao’s Julen Agirrezabala in action with Real Madrid’s Karim Benzema.

to Benzema, the Frenchman making no mistake as he swept it past goalkeeper Julen Agirrezabala to complete his double in the seventh minute. That spurred the hosts into life and their first shot on goal ended up in the back of the net. Oihan Sancet scored

a beautiful goal, his longrange effort flying in off the post leaving Thibaut Courtois with no chance.

The game suddenly opened up and Carlo Ancelotti’s side had the chance to increase their lead in an end-to-end spell on the half-hour mark. Hazard cut

in from the right, making his way into the penalty area, and pulled the ball back for Benzema before De Marcos nicked it from him just when it looked like a goal was on the cards.

Real looked to maintain possession, keep control and dictate the tempo of

the match, while Athletic continued to play their trademark high pressing football throughout the second half. On the hour mark, Williams came close to netting the equaliser but his shot flashed into the side-netting.

Roared on by their fans, the Red and Whites pressed forward and forced Real to defend with everything they had. Ancelotti’s side managed that with Vinicius Jr delivering a remarkable performance.

Tiredness set in but the intensity didn’t drop in the final 15 minutes, as Hazard had the chance to score from a counter-attack, linking up well with Benzema and Vini Jr. in the 80th minute, but his left-footed effort was kept out by the home keeper.

Ancelotti freshened things up by bringing on Mariano Díaz, Luka Jovic, and Peter González, who kept up the tempo and helped Real claim three points from the match.

NEW DELHI, DEC 23 (PTI): Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Thursday said that the World Anti-Doping Agency has restored the accreditation of the National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL), which was suspended in 2019 because of its failure to meet global standards.

The NDTL is based in the national capital.

“National Dope Testing Laboratory (NDTL) regains the World AntiDoping Agency (WADA) accreditation,” Thakur posted on his official Twitter page.

“Restoration of accreditation is a boost to India’s efforts to achieve the highest global standards of excellence in sport. This is the result of untiring efforts

by GOI (Government of India),” he added.

India is currently third in the WADA’s global list of dope violators led by Russia.

Anurag Thakur

The suspension had prohibited the NDTL from carrying out any anti-doping activities, including all analysis of urine and blood samples.

The WADA first suspended NDTL in August 2019 for a period of six months and extended the de-recognition period after its inspections showed that non-conformities still existed.

The laboratory’s nonconformities pertained to the International Standard for Laboratories (ISL) identified during a WADA site visit, including the isotope

ratio mass spectrometry — the analytical technique of choice for confirmation of prohibited substances.

During the suspension period, urine samples collected by National AntiDoping Agency (NADA) were being sent primarily to the WADA-accredited lab in Doha. The process had made the anti-doping programme very expensive for the country because of the significant cost involved in sending samples abroad. The COVID-19 pandemic has also contributed in slowing down the anti-doping activities in India with NADA admitting to have collected a lesser volume of samples.

After outstanding non-conformities were not addressed to WADA’s satisfaction, its Laboratory Expert Group (LabEG) recommended the initiation of further disciplinary proceedings against NDTL in January this year.

Organising 2022 Australian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s triple-double lifts Thunder Open ‘10 times’ harder, says Tiley S Y D N E Y, D E C 2 3 (AGENCIES): Australian Open boss Craig Tiley feels organising the 2022 edition of the Grand Slam has been “10 times” more difficult than this year’s edition as the highly infectious Omicron variant of COVID-19 takes hold Down Under.

Tiley and his team put in a Herculean effort to stage the tournament safely in February when Australia still had its borders closed, spending a fortune on biosecurity measures to reassure the local community.

Twelve months on and things have not got any easier for Tennis Australia with Omicron spreading through the country just as the first players are set to arrive for warm-up events ahead of the Melbourne Park tournament.

“2022 has been 10 times harder than 2021,” Tiley said. “It was a walk in the park in comparison to this one.

“2021 was hard but it hasn’t been easy. So many variables. It’s something

Craig Tiley

new, but you wake up in the morning with your team and you just hope they hang in there.”

While 1,000 players and staff who arrived from abroad were put into a two-week quarantine for the 2021 edition, the 3,300 coming for next year’s tournament will be free to roam the city once they have returned a negative PCR test.

Everybody in the Melbourne Park precinct in January will need to be vaccinated or hold a medical exemption granted by the Australian health authorities.

That in itself will present a challenge to manage but full crowds will offer Tennis Australia the

chance to recoup some of the A$100 million ($72.2 million) they lost in the 15 months around the 2021 tournament.

Tiley still expected some participants to test positive for the virus but confirmed that, unlike last year, close contacts will have to isolate only until they return a negative test.

“If they are sharing a room with someone, or they’re in the same apartment and someone in that group tests positive, everyone in that room or that apartment has to isolate for seven days,” Tiley added.

“So the advice we’ve given the players, it’s a simple one, ‘get your own room’.”

Tiley was confident the organisers will be able to efficiently manage the health protocols and the tournament will start without any delay on Jan. 17.

“In 2021 we were about protecting the community from the players which were coming from environments that were ravaged with the virus that we didn’t have,” Tiley said.

OKLAHOMA, DEC 23 (AGENCIES): Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s second career triple-double -- 27 points, 12 assists and 11 rebounds -- led the host Oklahoma City Thunder to a 108-94 win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday.

The Thunder have won three consecutive games, while the Nuggets had won three of their previous four games.

Oklahoma City led for much of the game and stretched its lead to 23 early in the fourth quarter before Denver made a push with its reserves. The Nuggets ripped off a 20-6 run to cut the deficit to single digits with less than five minutes left.

Darius Bazley added 17 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for Oklahoma City, while Luguentz Dort had 15 points. Nikola Jokic led the Nuggets with 13 points.

Magic 104, Hawks 98 Rookie Franz Wagner scored in double figures for the 27th time in his 32 games, netting 25 points to lead visiting Orlando over Atlanta.

Gary Harris added 17

Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) react after scoring against the Denver Nuggets.

points and Robin Lopez had 10 points and 11 assists for Orlando, and BJ Johnson came off the bench to score a career-high 14. It is the first time the Magic have won back-to-back games all season. Orlando broke a five-game losing streak against Atlanta and handed the Hawks their seventh straight home loss.

Both teams were missing players because of COVID-19 health and safety protocols. The Hawks were

without leading scorer Trae Young and leading rebounder Clint Capela, as well as Danilo Gallinari, Kevin Huerter, Timothe Luwawu-Cabarrot and Lou Williams. The Magic were minus Mo Bamba, Ignas Brazdeikis, R.J. Hampton, E’Twaun Moore, Mychal Mulder, Terrence Ross and Moritz Wagner.

Bucks 126, Rockets 106 Khris Middleton eclipsed 20 points for the

Sindhu’s journey to greatness, Srikanth’s resurgence, Sen’s emergence NEW DELHI, DEC 23 (PTI): PV Sindhu’s legend grew with a second Olympic medal, Kidambi Srikanth regained his touch with a historic World championship silver and Lakshya Sen continued to dazzle but the listless performance in team events was a significant low for Indian badminton in a topsy-turvy year.

The COVID-19 pandemic expectedly disrupted the international calender with many events either cancelled or rescheduled but Indian shuttlers grabbed the opportunities even though a title win eluded them.

If Rio Olympics silvermedallist Sindhu led from the front with a bronze medal at Tokyo and a silver at the season-ending World Tour Final, Srikanth and Lakshya dished out a yearend special, scooping a silver and bronze respectively at the World Championships.

It was a moment to rejoice as for the first time, two Indian men returned with medals from one edition of the World Championships, a feat that was earlier achieved by Sindhu and Saina Nehwal in women’s singles at the 2017 Glasgow event.

However, neither Sindhu nor Srikanth or Lakshya, who had reached the finals at Dutch Open, could go

Kidambi Srikanth, PV Sindhu and Lakshya Sen

the full distance as India’s title draught continued. The fact that BWF decided to squeeze nine tournaments into 12 weeks after the resumption of the international circuit also didn’t help things as many players were left injured.

Sindhu, the 2019 World champion, was subdued at the Thailand leg at the beginning of the year but she soon reached the final at Swiss Open in March before coronavirus forced the suspension of three Olympic qualifiers.

Already assured of a place at the Tokyo Games, Sindhu then sealed her

place among the greatest when she added a bronze to the Rio silver medal at the biggest multi-sport extravaganza.

She then took a twomonth break and hit a consistent run after her return, registering three semifinal finishes at French Open, Indonesia Masters and Indonesia Open.

Sindhu then sizzled at the season-ending World Tour Finals, which ended with a silver medal.

The final finish raised hopes of a successful defence of her world championship gold but it was not to be as Sindhu returned

empty handed from the prestigious event for the first time since 2017.

While Sindhu’s season ended with a quarterfinal finish in Huelva, Srikanth and Lakshya more then made up for the disappointment.

Since claiming four titles in five finals in 2017, Srikanth had struggled with fitness and form and the lowest point came when he failed to secure the Tokyo berth due to a mix of injuries and cancellation of qualifiers.

However, the 28-yearold from Guntur shook off the disappointment and

slowly found his groove with two semifinal finishes at Hylo Open and Indonesia Masters before an explosive performance at the World Championships.

Srikanth dished out one superlative win after another to enter his first final since the 2019 India Open and in the process, became the first man to earn India a silver at the World Championships.

If Srikanth travelled from despair to ecstacy within a few months, the 20-year-old Lakshya charmed with his youthful exuberance as he continued his fine run from 2019 when he had won five titles before COVID-19 somewhat halted his progress.

The youngster from Almora scripted a final finish at the Dutch Open, made it to the semifinals at Hylo and then reached the knockout stage at World Tour Finals on debut.

Lakshya then sizzled with a bronze at the World Championships, thus joining his mentor Prakash Padukone and B Sai Praneeth.

Struggling with a gastroesophageal reflux disease and then post COVID afteraffects, HS Prannoy also finished things on a high with a quarterfinal finish in Spain. It was also a decent year for men’s doubles

pair of Chirag Shetty and Satwiksairaj Rankireddy as they reached the semifinals at Toyota Thailand Open, Swiss Open and Indonesia Open before injury to the latter took a toll.

The duo also won two of the three matches against higher-ranked opponents at Tokyo Olympics but missed out of the quarterfinal after it was decided on the basis of the number of games won and lost.

Plagued by injuries, London Olympics bronzemedallist Saina, however, endured a tough year as she failed to qualify for the Tokyo Olympics and also was forced to pull out of the World Championship for the first time in her career.

The former world no.1 returned to the circuit at Uber Cup but it was cut short due to multiple injuries, including a groin issue.

While the singles players did well, India cut a sorry figure at team events -Sudirman Cup and Thomas and Uber Cup Finals. With star players missing, India made an early exit from the Sudirman Cup after winning just one match out of three.

The men’s team and women’s teams produced a slightly better show at Thomas and Uber Cup Final, finishing at the quarterfinal stage.

eighth time in his last nine games as host Milwaukee scored 101 points over the final three quarters in taking down Houston.

Middleton had missed the last three games with a hyperextended left knee but was strong in his return, posting 23 points on 7-of17 shooting to help snap a two-game losing skid.

Jrue Holiday paced the Bucks with 24 points and 10 assists, and DeMarcus Cousins and Jordan Nwora each chipped in 18 points.

Christian Wood led Houston with 20 points and 11 rebounds on 6-of-13 shooting. Eric Gordon had 12 points, six assists and three rebounds, and Kenyon Martin Jr. accounted for 12 points, six assists and five rebounds off the bench.

Celtics 111, Cavaliers 101 Jaylen Brown led all scorers with 34 points, Robert Williams III added 21 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists and Boston ran past visiting Cleveland.

Jayson Tatum added 18 points and nine rebounds while Romeo Langford totaled 11 points and nine boards for the

Celtics, who won for the third time in five games.

Darius Garland scored 28 points to lead the Cavaliers. Kevin Love contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds and Cedi Osman scored 13 for Cleveland, which had won a seasonhigh six straight games.

Clippers 105, Kings 89 Los Angeles continued its mastery of Sacramento in the California capital, riding Eric Bledsoe’s 19 points to its 16th win in its last 17 games there.

Pa u l G e o r ge a n d Serge Ibaka chipped in with 17 points apiece for the Clippers, who were coming off three consecutive losses. Bledsoe also had team highs in rebounds (eight) and assists (seven), and George contributed six assists and five steals.

Tyrese Haliburton finished with game highs of 22 points and 13 assists for the Kings, who lost despite outscoring the visitors 36-21 on 3-pointers. Sacramento was without De’Aaron Fox, Marvin Bagley III, Damion Mitchell and four others due to COVID issues.

Serie A: Dumfries’s winner helps Inter prevail over Torino

Inter Milan’s Denzel Dumfries celebrates scoring their first goal.

ROME, DEC 23 (IANS): Defending champions Inter Milan finished their 2021 campaign with a Serie A victory, as Denzel Dumfries’ strike sealed a 1-0 win over Torino.

Inter had secured their position as the Winter Champion before Wednesday’s game, and they went into San Siro without the suspended Nicolo Barella.

Arturo Vidal got his first domestic start this season.

The Nerazzurri had a more aggressive start and broke the deadlock in the 30th minute when Edin Dzeko squared Marcelo Brozovic’s dummy and allowed an unmarked Dumfries to drill home, reports Xinhua.

The home side still had the scoring opportunity but Alexis Sanchez saw his attempt graze the post.

With the win, Inter entered the winter break with 46 points, four points clear of AC Milan, who won away at Empoli 4-2.

Elsewhere, Napoli were stunned by Spezia 1-0, Juan Jesus scoring an own-goal in the first half, while the Partenopei saw their two goals after the break ruled out.

A l s o o n We d n e s day, Roma were held by Sampdoria 1-1, Lazio beat Venezia 3-1 away, Bologna hammered Sassuolo 3-0, Hellas Verona shared the spoils with Fiorentina at 1-1.

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