27 Jan 2022

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXII No. 51

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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India displays military might on Republic Day

(L) President RN Kovind, PM Narendra Modi and Defence minister Rajnath Singh at the 73rd Republic Day Celebrations (top) 17 Jaguar aircrafts fly in ‘Amrit’ formation and ‘Akash’ missile system on display.

Russia threatens retaliation if Ukraine demands not met INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

Rio spells state govt priorities in Republic Day speech Correspondent

KOHIMA, JAN 26 (NPN): Nagaland celebrated the 73rd Republic Day on January 26 with the main event at the New Secretariat Plaza here, where state chief minister Neiphiu Rio addressed the gathering after unfurling the national flag and taking the salute presented by various contingents at the march past.

In his speech, chief minister Neiphiu Rio highlighted measures taken by his government towards creation of new districts, Naga political issue, quest for justice for victims of Oting and Mon killings and repeal of AFSPA. On creation of new districts, the chief minister said all four districts recently created were to “ensure good governance”. He said Tseminyu district (December 20,2021) was to fulfil the long-standing aspiration and desire of Rengma people for their own district. The chief minister also said Niuland and Chümoukedima districts (both created on December 20,2021) were to give the right historical perspective in

(L-R) Neiphiu Rio taking the Rashtriya salute as IRB Mahila contingent march past the dais. (DIPR/NP)

resolving the issue regarding the headquarters of erstwhile Dimapur district.

On Shamator district (January 20,2022), he said it was a culmination of efforts made by the Yimkhiung and Tikhir people to resolve their decades-old dispute amicably with recognition of Tikhir as a separate tribe.

On the issue of demands for creation of new districts, the chief minister said his government was not going to divide a single tribe district to create another, in keeping with the government’s motto of unity.

While terming the killings of 14 innocent civilians and injuries to many others at Oting-Tiru and Mon on December 4 and 5, 2021 as

“unfortunate”, Rio said his government has taken every measure to ease the pain of the families of the deceased including the injured.

He said the Special Investigation Team (SIT) instituted to probe the incidents, had made good progress while the army’s Court of Inquiry (CoI) had also completed its inquiry at fast pace. Rio said the incident once again brought to focus against the potential misuse of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) in the State as also echoed by the public outcry against its continuation.

The chief minister said the state cabinet had decided to take up immediate repeal of AFSPA 1958, with

the government of India and subsequently Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) at its Special Session on December 20, 2021, passed a resolution for repeal of the act from the State.

Rio said the main reason why the AFSPA was imposed in Nagaland was due to Naga insurgency in the 1950s. However, he said after ceasefire with various Naga Political Groups (NPGs) since the last two and a half decades, the law and order situation has improved and that during the period, negotiations were ongoing between the NPGs and the government of India to chalk out a final solution.

Further, he said negotiations among the main stakehold-

ers was held in a cordial atmosphere and good understanding for each other’s position and concerns, crucial for overcoming all the differences to arrive at a consensus.

He also reiterated that all legislators under NLA have come together to form an opposition-less government in order to convey the message for an honourable, inclusive and acceptable solution to the negotiating parties. Rio said the partyless government under UDA will continue to facilitate for and be hopeful of an early solution.

The chief minister also said the overall law and order situation in the State for the past year had remained peaceful due to commitment and efforts of the District Administrations, State Police and other Security Agencies to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and for maintaining law and order situation in the State.

On the covid pandemic, Rio said it was still not over yet as the third wave has already begun in many parts of India.

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (PTI): India displayed its military might and vibrant cultural heritage on Rajpath on Wednesday with the grandest flypast with 75 aircraft to mark the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ celebrations being the highlight of the 73rd Republic Day Parade, which was drastically scaled down in view of the Covid pandemic.

Showcased at the parade were the Centurion tank, PT-76 tank, 75/24 Pack howitzer and OT-62 TOPAZ armoured personnel carrier that played a major role in the defeat of Pakistan in the 1971 war.

India in 2021 celebrated the Swarnim Vijay Varsh (Golden victory year) to commemorate the country's win over Pakistan in the 1971 war that led to the creation of Bangladesh.

The mechanised columns of the Army showed one PT-76 tank, one Centurion tank, two MBT Arjun MK-I tanks, one OT-62 TOPAZ armoured personnel carrier,

one BMP-I infantry fighting vehicle and two BMP-II infantry fighting vehicles.

The ceremony began with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the nation in paying homage to the martyrs by laying a wreath at the National War Memorial, a monument to the soldiers who have made supreme sacrifice for the country. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and the three service chiefs were present at the solemn ceremony.

Prime Minister ditched his traditional turban look on Republic Day this year and wore a traditional cap from Uttarakhand with an image of the brahmakamal, the state flower, and also sported a stole from Manipur.

A m i d C OV I D - 1 9 , there was no foreign chief guest at the parade for the second consecutive year.

However, Swachhagrah, frontline workers, auto rickshaw drivers, construction workers and labourers who prepared the majestic tableaus were among special

Gov, CM, DyCM greet on Bishu fest

CS flags off equipment for mini soil testing labs Day & night temp to remain below normal: NSDMA

DIMAPUR, JAN 26 (NPN): Nagaland chief secretary J Alam flagged off equipment for block level mini soil testing laboratories at a function held at Secretariat Plaza here on Wednesday. He also inaugurated Static Soil Testing Laboratory (STL), Fertiliser Quality Control Laboratory (FQCL) and Bio Organic Quality Control Laboratory (BOQCL) have also been set up at the Department of Soil & Water Conservation (DSWC) office here.

The Soil Health Management (SHM) scheme is (Cont’d on p-8) a flagship scheme of the

DIMAPUR, JAN 26 (NPN): N agaland governor Prof. Jagdish Mukhi, chief minister Neiphiu Rio and deputy chief minister Y Patton have extended greetings to the Kachari community on the occasion of Bishu festival. In his message, Prof.

Mukhi said that the postharvest festival fosters love, reconciliation and courtesy and a time when the rich cultural and spiritual practices are in full display.

CM: Neiphiu Rio in a tweet greeted the Kachari community.

This is it!

guests invited this year to the parade, which started at 10:30 am, half-an-hour later than usual for better visibility.

Commanded by Lt Gen Vijay Kumar Mishra, with Maj Gen Alok Kacker as the second-in-command, the parade began with President Ram Nath Kovind taking the salute. The national flag was unfurled followed by the national anthem, synchronised with a 21-gun salute. Horse-mounted soldiers of the Indian Army's 61 Cavalry Regiment, the only active horsed cavalry unit in the world currently, was the first marching contingent at the parade.

The parade saw the launch of 'Shaheedon Ko Shat Shat Naman' programme by the National Cadet Corps and a display of ten scrolls each of 75 metres prepared during the 'Kala Kumbh' event besides installation of 10 large LED screens for a better viewing experience of spectators.

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73rd Republic Day celebrated in Dimapur Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JAN 26 (NPN): Dimapur district joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 73rd Republic Day at Dimapur District Sports Complex (DDSC) here on Wednesday with minister, planning & coordination, land revenue, and parliamentary affairs, Neiba Kronu, unfurling the tricolour flag.

Delivering the Republic Day speech, Kronu urged the people to take a pledge on Republic Day to re-dedicate themselves to ensure that the fruits of development reached everyone and every (Cont’d on p-7) nook and corner of the State.

Central government monitored directly by the Prime Minister’s office.

Speaking on the occasion, Alam said the inauguration of three laboratories was a milestone for the State in general and DSWC in particular. He remarked that soil health was a technical issue, while pointing out that 60% of the State’s total population was directly dependent on agri-allied sector, for which the department had a huge responsibility.

He urged the gathering to take care of the facilities provided by the Government. On the occasion, a

brief technical report was shared by SHM State nodal officer K Khekiho Shohe.

He claimed that the department till date had established 14 STLs covering all districts and one at S&WC Training and Research Centre under the scheme.

SWC and geology mining secretary K Labanthung Lotha presided over the function, while Nagaland GIS & Remote Sensing Cell project director Mhathung Kithan presented “Vision Statement for Digital Agriculture”. Vote of thanks was given by SWC director K Zhekheto Awomi.

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Stating that the state has achieved a lot over the decades, the minister called upon all the citizens to “unitedly” make Nagaland a more developed and progressive State.

Kronu lauded the interventions made by Agricul-

KOHIMA, JAN 26 (NPN): Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) on Wednesday informed that both day and night temperatures in Nagaland is expected to remain below normal until first week of February, while minimum temperatures in Kohima would remain between 40C and 60C and maximum would be 160C to 170C until January 29. Thereafter, there would be a gradual increase, NSDMA joint CEO Johnny Ruangmei said in its weather update (January 25 till February 28).

It may be noted that the

ture and allied departments in the agriculture value chain to improve returns for farmers and assisting them in the midst of the pandemic. He said that Nagaland State Agriculture Marketing Board (NSAMB) has till date purchased and

Grid Corporation of India Ltd (PGCIL) has increased D I M A P U R , J A N 2 6 the transformer capacity of (NPN): As part of ‘Azadi the Gas Insulated SubstaKa Amrit Mahotsav’, Power tion (GIS) in Dimapur from Staff Reporter

existing 200 MVA to 420 MVA. PGCIL informed that the 220/132kV GIS substation upgradation was dedicated to the nation as

part of the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. With this, the system will strengthen the power transmission network of the State in particular and other North Eastern states in general, PGCIL stated.

Kuda Village Council (KVC) chairman Vikie Nagi inaugurated the new capacity in the presence of PGCIL chief manager Adarsh Singh, GIS senior deputy general manager (DGM) Dhiren Gam Pupu and SDO (Trans) Rokobeituo Iralu at a short programme.

Speaking on the oc-

Covishield, Covaxin likely to get cheaper

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (AGENCIES): The price of Covishield and Covaxin, the Covid vaccines which are expected to soon get regular market approval from India’s drug regulator, is likely to be capped at Rs 275 per dose plus an additional service charge of Rs 150, official sources said.

National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority has been directed to start working towards capping the price to make the vaccines affordable, officials said.

As of now, Covaxin is priced at Rs 1,200 per dose while Covishield costs Rs (Cont’d on p-8) 780 in private facilities.

January 27 & 28, after which the weather will clear up.

Stating that significant weather activity was not expected until end of February, NSDMA predicted that day temperatures would start increasing post February 10 and days would become comfortable/sunny. But, morning and night would remain cold over hilly regions, especially Kohima, Phek and Tuensang, and cool over plain areas such as Dimapur.

The present weather Snow draped tree in Dzükou Valley. (Pics: Ape Ritse) condition was due to cytemperature in Kohima had ou Valley. NSDMA also clonic circulation over Bandrastically dipped following predicted scattered rains in gladesh and western distursnowfall in areas like Dzük- many parts of Nagaland till bances remnant.

PGCIL substation capacity upgraded to 420 MVA in Dimapur

(L) PGCIL officials along with KVC chairman. (R) The newly commissioned gas insulated substation. (NP)

“When it comes to covid we get vaccines but when it comes to hunger, we get no food.”

Kronu taking the Rashtriya salute from the marching contingent . (NP)

sold more that 210 MT of organic vegetables from all the districts. The board has also exported 5.12 MT of horticulture products outside Nagaland during 2021.

He said that Organic AC Market has helped farmers of the state to increase the shelf life of the products and also fetching premium prices form them.

Informing that the department soil and water conservation has set up static soil testing laboratories in 11 districts, the minister said that installation of mini laboratories in 74 blocks was being launched on the occasion.

(Cont’d on p-8)

casion, Vikie Nagi lauded PGCIL for its contribution towards improving the State’s power sector.

Obser ving that the State had various limitations and had to depend on other States for power, he remarked that Power Grid was doing a commendable job in distribution of power throughout the country. He said that Nagaland was also getting its share though it might not be sufficient to meet the actual power requirement during the peak hours.

(Cont’d on p-8)

State logs 130 fresh Covid cases DIMAPUR, JAN 26 (NPN): Nagaland on Wednesday recorded 130 fresh Covid-19 positive cases while no deaths were reported during the day.

Of the fresh cases, 96 were from Dimapur, 18 in Kohima, 10 in Mokokchung, three in Kiphire and one each in Longleng, Mon and Wokha, taking the total caseload to 33948.

Meanwhile, a total of 14,04698 had been inoculated against Covid-19 till January 26 out of which 7,95861 received their first dose and 6,08837 second dose.

Further, a total of 10557 got their booster shot and 42,894 teenagers received the first dose of Covaxin.

PTI: I n d i a l o g ge d 2,85,914 new Covid-19 infections, taking the total tally of cases to 4,00,85,116, the Health Ministry said on Wednesday.

The death toll climbed to 4,91,127 with 665 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. The active cases have decreased to 22,23,018 and comprise 5.55 per cent of the total infections. The daily positivity rate was recorded at 16.16 per cent.

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2

CM, Pangnyu get Covid booster dose

Neiphiu Rio and Pangnyu Phom receiving booster dose.

Correspondent KO H I M A , JA N 2 6 (NPN): In an effort to accelerate Covid vaccination drive and encourage people to take the jab, some legislators and government officials led by chief minister, Neiphiu Rio received the precautionary Covid-19 booster dose.

Interacting with the media after receiving the booster jab, Rio said he was aware and as guided by the Health department since there was no medicine against the virus, the only preventive measure was to

get vaccinated.

While urging people above 60 years of age to come forward and take the booster dose, Rio said he was 72 years old now and was eligible and had therefore taken it. To those people who not even taken the first done of the vaccine, Rio urged them not to be misled by the propaganda and hearsay.

“When I can take the vaccine and remain safe, you also could do the same thing. Nothing has happened to me, infact, I am safe from Covid-19 so far,” Rio said. He thanked God,

the scientists and the health workers. Besides taking the vaccine, Rio urged the citizens to religiously follow the laid down SOPs given by the health department which includes hygiene, wearing of masks and staying away from crowds in order to prevent getting infected with the virus.

In Zunheboto, Pangnyu Phom inspected the District Hospital Zunheboto (DHZ) and also received the precautionary dose (COVID booster) along with Deputy Commissioner (DC) ZunhebotoPeter Lichamo.

STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

Longtong village celebrates 118th foundation day DIMAPUR: Longtong (Atuphu) Sema Naga village celebrated its 118th (1904-2022) foundation day on January 25 at Margherita sub-Division, Assam.

A press release by chairman, Longtong Village Council, ShitoiSema and GB Longtong Village Kaseto Sema stated minister of education, welfare plain tribes and backward classes gover nment of Assam Dr.Ranuj Pegu, Agriculture Production Commissioner government of Nagaland, Y. Kikheto Sema, MLA-cum advisor tourism, IPR and printing Government of Arunachal Pradesh, Laisam Simai and retired director health and family welfare, Dr.Hotokhu Chishi were chief guest, special guest and guests of honour respectively.

On the occasion, Dr Ranuj Pegu congratulated the people of Longtong Sema Naga village for completing 118 years of its existence. He also narrated his personal affinity with the Naga people.

Stating that Assam government has specific law which protects the land and rights of the mi-

Officials from Assam and Nagaland at Longtong village foundation day. nority people in the state, Dr. Ranuj encouraged the Sema Naga villages in the area to be optimistic to any apprehension that prevails for they are in safe hands.

Special guest, Kikheto Sema spoke in length about the Nagas and the Sümis as fierce warriors. He urged the Longtong village in particular, and the remaining

five villages in general, to retrospect back to 118 years where their forefathers had the resilience to set up.

Kikheto urged the villagers to be thankful to the pioneers who established these villages even before India became a country and Assam was a State.

G u e s t o f h o n o u r, Laisam Simai, stated that

the Tangsa people had blood relation with the Nagas and they would gladly yield to their aid if need arises.

Also speaking at the event, Dr.Hotokhu Chishi read out the three points memorandum and submitted to Dr.Ranuj Pegu.

E a r l i e r, We s t e r n Sümi Baptist Akuku-

houKüqhakulu (WSBAK) Rev. Pughoto Aye dedicated the foundation stone which was unveiled by the chief guest.

The celebration was attended by members from WSBAK, Sumi Hoho, WSKH, WSYF, student leaders and hosts of other Sumi leaders from different fields.

Awards conferred on 73rd R-Day Viswema observes 39th Tragopan Club day DIMAPUR: On the occasion of Republic Day celebration, President’s Police Medal (PPM) for distinguished Service, Police Medal (PM) for meritorious Service and other awards were conferred with distinguished service awards.

PPM for distinguished Service was conferred to Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Rothihu Tetso and Police Medal (PM) for meritorious service to AIGP (OPS), Rankathung Vikram.

Governor’s Commendation Certificate: Bendangtemsu, Forest Range Officer Kiphire; Imtimeren, NPS, Addl.

S.P. Mokokchung; S.I. Aren, Retired Agriculture Inspector, Longkhum Village; Neitho-o Kuotsu, Jt. Director, Directorate of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources; Thrioli R. Abraham, ASI, INT (SB), Kiphire; Isilong Hau, UBC, DEF, Kohima; Khonthungo Lotha, Deputy Secretary, Health & Family Welfare; T. Leimnon Konyak, Section Officer, Agriculture Deptt. Nagaland Civil Sectt; Menuokholie Kire, Jt. Director & State Project Director (RUSA), Directorate of Higher Education, Nagaland; Meyasashi, Dy. Director, Directorate of Horticulture, Nagaland; Rendemo Shitio, Asst. Manager (Response & Communication) NSDMA;

Er. Medoseho Sothu, Sr. Computer Programmer, PIMS, P&AR Department; Hoinneineng Singson, Asst. Planning Officer, Planning & Coordination Department; P. Pathon, LDA, District Election Office, Mon and Kuthran Yimkhiung, Driver Transport Department, Special Pool.

Governor’s gold medal: Vineet Kumar, IAS, ADC, Naginimora, Mon; Manoj Kumar A, IPS, S.P (Crime), PHQ; Vishika Achumi, ABSI, In-charge, SOT, Dimapur and Dr Anungla Aier, Chairman, Anthropological Society of Nagaland.

Best performing hospitals under AB-PMJAY: The government also handed over the best performing hospitals award under AB-PMJAY for the year 2021 to four hospitals. The winners were: District Hospital Mon under District Hospital category; Community Health Centre, Noklak under Community Health Centre category; Primary Health Centre, Mopong, Mon under Primary Health Centre category and House of Hope, Tuensang under Private Hospital category.

State Level Clean India Award: Kohima (first position), Peren (second) and Wokha (third).

National Tourism Day: Vezo Swüro felicitated DIMAPUR: India Tourism Guwahati in collaboration with Pier Tours Kohima organized a felicitation program for Vezo Swüro of Chesezu village on January 25 to mark the National Tourism Day. In a press note, Pier Tours proprietor Kejaroko Pieru said that Vezo was an associate of Netaji and INA during the battle of Kohima in 1944 when they camped at Chesezu village.

He personally assisted Netaji and his people by taking them around Chesezu and nearby places. Pieru said that the warrior village of Chesezu where Netaji camped is believed to be one of the places, where he was last seen. Short speeches were delivered by Village Council chairman Mulu-

KO H I M A , JA N 2 6 (NPN): Viswema village observed its 39th Tragopan Club day on January 26 at Rachii Panchayat Hall, Viswema.

Speaking on the occasion, Puzashe Lcho recalled how the club started without any funds and after 39 years of its formation has built a good relationship amongst the villagers.

He said that the club took initiative in promoting indigenous games such as Pcheda and Torii and organised sanitation day by keeping the village clean.

He therefore encouraged the Club to continue with their activities and suggested sporting activities be

Puzashe Lcho delivering his speech on Tragopan club. included in their calendar. who highlighted on the Secretary report was activities taken up by the provided by Vitho Neikha, club. It was followed by

of our beloved

LAtE W tHUNGJANBEMO tsANGLAO Died: 27.01.2021

11.09.1949 – 17.12.2021 We, the bereaved family of Lt. Menyihol Pusa, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual who supported and stood by us physically, financially and spiritually during his brief illness and demise.

We deeply regret our inability to personally acknowledge each and every individual for the love and concern shown towards us. It’s our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Wife, Children & Family Members k-158/22

First Death Anniversary of

Sad are the hearts that loves you, Silent are the tears that fall.

You did so many things for us Your heart was kind and true And we could always count on you.

Our lives go on without you But nothing is the same We have to hide our heartache.

Living without you is the hardest part of all.

But with the Love in our hearts You walk with us forever.

A VIRTUE MOTHER

We Miss You

Vezo Swüro (C) being felicitated on the occasion. nuyi Khesoh, Kejaroko Pier, vice president of Nagaland Tourism Association and proprietor of Pier Tours, and Muleyi Khesoh on behalf of Vezo’s family. Earlier, the program was chaired by Vesezo Ringa, invocation by Thupushoyi Swüro pastor CBC, keynote address by Nozuta Swuro, ex-MLA. Special numbers were

db-66/22

presented by Kuthoveyi Nyekha & Povezo Nyekha and Vekutalu and friend.

Vote of thanks was pronounced by Vetacho Nienu chairman CONHAT. The programme was attended by village leaders, family members and well-wishers. The programme ended with a grand Sükrünye Feast.

DIMAPUR, JAN 26 (NPN): Western Yimkhiung Hoho (WYH) has extended its appreciation to chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y Patton, ministers, High Powered Committee (HPC), officials and 14 tribal leaders for their role in fulfilling the long-cherished aspiration of the people of Shamator sub-division to have full-fledged district.

The hoho in a press release said Yimkhiung community would always remember with a sense of gratitude the State government’s January 20 announcement of Shamator as the State’s 16th district.

WYH also lauded Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) for displaying enough maturity and commitment in handling the four

decade-old issue in Shamator sub-division.

Further, the hoho appreciated the noble and sagacious gesture of ShamatorChessore legislator S Keoshu Yimkhiung for willingly playing the role of a facilitator between two tribal bodies and eventually bringing them on board and creating a consensus between them, thereby paving the way for creation of Shamator as the 16th district of Nagaland. The release stated that the timely intervention and judicious handling of the issue by the MLA helped in maintaining the congenial atmosphere in the area and reposed people’s faith on the UDA government. The hoho also extended its best wishes to the MLA on his future assignments, the release added.

Your loving Wife, Sons, Daughters, Grandchildren, In-laws & Relatives.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the bereaved family of Late SHEKHOZOYI VADEO would like to extend our profound gratitude to each and every individual and organizations who stood by us physically, morally and financially at the sudden demise of our beloved on 21st January 2022.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. Doctors, nurses and staff of District Hospital Dimapur and Referral Hospital (CIHSR) Dimapur.

2. Shri Azheto Zhimomi, MLA III Dimapur 3.

3. Shri David Mero, Kilo Kilonser, NSCN(IM).

4. Ketsapo Welfare Union, Dimapur.

5. Bade Village Council.

6. Bade Baptist Church.

7. Bade Youth.

8. OTS Bade.

9. Sand Stockist & Supplier Union Chumukedima.

10. Sand & Sand Gravel Union, Dhansiri Valley.

11. Ketsapo Womens' Group, Dimapur.

12. Westside School Kiyeto.

13. AG Higher Secondary School Dimapur.

14. Shri Neitho, Shri Neikho & Shri Ismail Ali. 15. Shri Abel Turing & family.

Even though we are unable to thank everyone individually, it's our humblest prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving wife, children and relatives

dp-387/22

HSS), HSSLC -Choshenn Kweho (Mezhur HSS) and under graduate category- Obinu Pusa (Japfu Christian College). A cash award of Rs. 2000 each was handed over to all of them.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1st DEAtH ANNIVERsARY

WYH lauds UDA govt for Shamator district

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handing and taking over by the new team of office bearers for the term 202123. This year the club also gave away the academic awards (highest aggregate mark) in HSLC to Nokerhenu Neikha (Mezhur

Correspondent

k-157/22

LATE MRS. CHINKHOVEI SINGSON 01.04.1926 – 27.01.2021 We call you, 'Mother', People call you, 'MOTHER OF GREAT VIRTUE'; God granted you a long healthy life – Lived for humanity; Last Christmas - a great pang, Leaving us to your heavenly abode. Pray for us.

Loving Children & Grandchildren

2 nd DEATH ANNIVERSARY

LATE YANPANTHUNG NGULLIE 27-01-2020

"Till memory fades and life depart You will live forever in our hearts" Two years have passed since you left us for your abode Yet you live on in our memories.

Remembering you fondly on this day you bid us farewell We love you and we miss you.. k-142/22

Loving Wife, Sons, Daughters, In-laws, Grandchildren and Relatives.

K Y M C

STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

73rd Republic Day celebrated across Nagaland

3

Jacob Zhimomi at Niuland

Kashiho Sangtam at Shamator

R Khing at Tseminyu

Azheto at Chumoukedima

S Pangnyu Phom at Zunheboto

Dr.Chumben Murry at Wokha

Temjen Imna at Longleng

T.Yangseo Sangtam at Kiphire

Sharingain at Mokokchung

Tongpang Ozukum at Noklak

Kuzholuzo Nienu at Phek

Toyang Chang at Tuensang

Imnatiba at Peren

R-Day celebration in Mon

Celebration in Mon peaceful; 4 new districts celebrate first Republic Day DIMAPUR: Nagaland joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 73rd Republic Day, Wednesday.

The day marks the adoption of the constitution of India and the transition of the country to a republic on January 26, 1950.

Despite appeals made

by Konyak civil society organisations (CSOs) to abstain from participating in Republic Day celebrations, the occasion was observed across Mon district peacefully, while four newly created districts namely Chumoukedima, Niuland, Shamator and Tseminyu also celebrated first Republic Day at its respective district headquarters.

MON: Repor ts of peaceful conclusion of the occasion were received from ADCs in Aboi, Tizit, Tobu and Naginimora, and SDO (C) of Wakching, Chen, Angjangyang, Monyakshu and Phomching, stated a DIPR report.

Demanding justice on the

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Is the USA able to check China’s threat on the Asia-Pacific region ?

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

A B C

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A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

25% 67% 8%

NEXT POLL

Q: Is the WHO right in

advising against taking Omicron for granted?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST JANUARY 27

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sunshine

24 15

Aizawl

A morning shower or two

Guwahati Mostly sunny and nice Imphal

A moring shower

Itanagar A shower in the morning

16 9 23 11 19 9 17 10

Shillong

An a.m. shower; partly sunny

13 5

Kohima

A couple of morning showers

13 7

Dimapur A morning shower; some sun

20 11

Mkg

Cooler; a few morning showers 17 7

Tuensang Cooler with a shower or two Wokha

A few morning showers

Zunheboto Partly sunny with a shower

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9

3

14 9 13 5

December 4 and 5 incidents in Mon, the Konyak civil society organisations (CSOs) had earlier decided to completely boycott the Republic Day celebrations but with “special request” by the state government it allowed unfurling of the national flag at government offices.

However, the CSOs have urged its citizens to abstain from the celebrations.

In the district headquarter, the occasion was observed at local ground, Mon Town. The programme began with unfurling of national flag and inspection of parade

by Deputy Commissioner Mon, Thavaseelan K. The Republic Day Speech was read out by the DC followed by march past by the contingents.

Shamator: Shamator celebrated its first Republic Day as a district with minister soil and water conservation, geology and mining, V. Kashiho Sangtam as the chief guest.

According to DIPR report, Kashiho unfurled the national flag, took salute and inspected the parade contingents. The celebration was marked by colourful cultural display by Lunsoberü Cultural Society and Mungtsüwung Cultural Troupe.

Tseminyu: Tseminyu celebrated its first Republic Day as district at Rengam Sports Association Ground, Tseminyu with advisor, animal husbandry and veterinary services and women resources development, R Khing as the chief guest.

A press release by Deputy Commissioner (DC) Tseminyu, Dr.Zasekuolie Chusi stated that the chief guest unfurled the national flag, took Rashtriya salute from three parade contingents and delivered the Republic Day speech.

The highlights of the event included cultural presentation by Tseminyu Tsipwen cultural troupe and Tesophenyu village, special song by Andrew Thong.

The chief guest also inaugurated 15 stalls set up by various departments and self help groups.

Niuland: Niuland celebrated its first Republic Day as a district at Niuland public ground with minister PHED, Jacob Zhimomi as the special guest. According to DIPR report, Zhimomi unfurled the national flag, inspected the parade and took salute from the parade contingents. The special guest also inaugurated the exhibition stalls.

Chumoukedima:

Chumoukedima celebrated its first Republic day as a district at Chumoukedima Town Public Ground, with MLA Azheto as the special guest.

According to DIPR report, the special guest unfurled the national flag, inspected the parade and took salute from the parade contingents.

Delivering the Republic Day speech, Azheto said that Nagaland has been capably marching shoulder to shoulder with all the other states and contributing in strengthening the nation in every manner and helping achieve all the developmental goals that was set.

Reminding the gathering on the prevailing pandemic situation, the special guest advised them to adhere to Covid 19 appropriate behaviours and stressed on the need for mandatory wearing of masks in public places and following SOPs aimed for preventing the spread of COVID-19.

On the occasion, Azheto also highlighted on the activities and achievements of various departments.

Zunheboto: Zunheboto district celebrated 73rd Republic Day at Zunheboto Local Ground with minister Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) S Pangnyu Phom as the chief guest at Zunheboto Local Ground. According to DIPR report, the minister unfurled the national flag, took salute, inspected the parade contingents and read out the Republic Day speech.

Longleng: In Longleng, 73rd Republic Day was celebrated with minister for higher education & tribal affairs, Temjen Imna Along as the special guest at local ground, Longleng.

According to DIPR report, the special guest unfurled the national flag, inspected the ceremonial parade, took the national salute from three parade contingents and read out the Republic Day speech.

The highlights of the celebration were inauguration and inspection of exhibition stalls, inauguration of District Static Soil Testing Laboratory at the office of District Soil Conservation Officer, Longleng by the minister. Later,Imna also visited Yingli College and interacted with the faculty members.

Kiphire: Kiphire district celebrated 73rd Republic Day wherein MLA, T.Yangseo Sangtam unfurled the national flag and took salute. On the day, tobacco free educational institutions award and COVID-19 vaccination

campaign award were also held.

The celebration was abstained by public but was attended by government officials. Meanwhile, the MLA also inaugurated the soil testing laboratory at District Soil Conservation Office, Kiphire.

To mark the celebration, stalls for exhibition cum sale were also set up under the initiative of Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Zunheboto which was inaugurated by the chief guest. Altogether seven departments from agri and allied participated in exhibition which was followed by free distribution of seeds, organic manures etc.

Mokokchung:73rd Republic Day was celebrated the Imkongmeren Sports Complex, Mokokchung with Nagaland Legislative Assembly (NLA) Speaker Sharingain Longkumer as the chief guest.

The speaker unfurled the national flag and delivered the Republic Day speech.

The parade contingents consisted of 2nd NAP Alichen, DEF Mokokchung, home guards and ex-servicemen with the band party from 2ndNAP. The programme was followed by entertainment events including cultural events where Mokokchung District martial arts association, Gorkha Union Mokokchung and Wadir Cultural club Ungma performed. The chief guest also inaugurated seven exhibition stalls set up by agri and allied departments.

(Correspondent) Noklak: Minister, PWD (Housing & Mechanical), Tongpang Ozukum unfurled the national flag at Noklak HQ on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day celebration at Noklak.

According to DIPR report, Tongpang received the rastriya salute from parade contingents and delivered the Republic Day speech. Later, he paid a visit to undergoing construction of Roads & Bridges office at Noklak town.

Phek: Phek district headquarter celebrated the 73rd Republic Day with Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu, MLA, as the special guest.

According to DIPR report, Azo unfurled the national flag and took rashtriya salute, inspected the parade contingents, delivered the Republic Day speech and also facilitated local champions under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, Phek. He also inaugurated exhibition stalls put up by various departments.

Tuensang: Tuensang

District celebrated the 73rd Republic Day at Parade ground Tuensang with Toyang Chang, MLA as the special guest of the occasion.

According to DIPR report, the special guest unfurled the national flag and took the rashtriya salute.

Five contingents participated in the parade ceremony and district Commendation awards were awarded to seven individuals.

Peren: In Peren, the Republic Day was celebrated at Deputy Commissioner’s Office Complex with advisor, industries and commerce, labour & employment, skill development and entrepreneurship Imnatiba as the special guest.

According to DIPR report, the special guest unfurled the national flag and took rashtriya salute from the parade contingents followed by the speech and march past.

The advisor also inaugurated the District Soil Testing Laboratory (STL) in the presence of Deputy Commissioner Peren, Sentiwapang Aier and other dignitaries at District Soil and Water Conservation Office (DSCO) Jalukie, Peren.

Wokha: Wokha district celebrated the 73rd Republic Day at Wokha Local ground with MLA, Dr.Chumben Murry as the special guest.

According to DIPR report, the special guest delivered the Republic Day address and handed over the District Level Commendation awards to government officials and NGOs in recognition of their outstanding service.

He later inaugurated the stalls set up by various departments and self-help groups. The MLA also inaugurated the District Soil Testing Laboratory at District Soil Conservation Office, Wokha.

Kohima: The evening programme of the 73rd Republic Day celebration was held at Secretariat Plaza Kohima, with Home Commissioner, Abhijit Sinha as the chief guest.

Raj Bhavan: 73rdRepublic Day was celebrated at Raj Bhavan Kohima with unfurling the national flag and taking salute by commissioner and secretary to Governor, T. MhabemoYanthan.

Mangkolemba: The 73rd Republic Day was celebrated at Public Ground Mangkolemba. After unfurling the national flag and rashtriya salute, additional deputy commissioner Mangkolemba, Dharam Raj delivered the Republic

Day speech. The function was attended by all heads of offices and public.

Naginimora: The 73rd Republic Day was celebrated at the ADC office premises wherein ADC Naginimora, Vineet Kumar unfurled the national flag and delivered the Republic Day speech and took salute from 6 NAP ‘A’ Coy. Satakha: Satakha town celebrated the 73rdRepublic Day at ADC compound with ADC Satakha L. KiusumongTikhir as special guest. The programme started with unfurling of national flag by the special guest, national anthem followed by Republic Day speech.

Changtongya: Changtongya Town celebrated 73rd Republic Day at SDO (C) Office complex with SDO (C) Changtongya Town, Rorheu Peseyie as the chief guest. At the programme, Peseyie unfurled the national flag, took the salute and read out the Republic Day speech.

Tuli: Republic Day was celebrated at Tuli ADC’s office complex wherein ADC Tuli, Shaying Sheu unfurled the national flag, took rashtriya salute and read out the Republic Day message.

Heads of Offices, GBs and Watsu Talen attended the programme.

Pfutsero: The 73rd Republic Day was celebrated at Pfutsero with Additional Deputy Commissioner, Japhet Woch as the special guest. On arrival, ADC unfurled the national flag, took the rashtriya salute and read out the Republic Day speech. As part of the celebration, the government departments helped the differently abled persons in Pfutsero town.

Chozuba: The Republic Day was celebrated at Chozuba town with ADC, Theodore Yanthan as the special guest. He unfurled the national flag and took rashtriya salute from the 5th NAP Chetheba. He also highlighted the various achievements, undertakings and challenges of the state government while reading out the Republic Day speech. All the Heads of Offices and public leaders attended the program.

Longkhim: Longkhim Sub-Division celebrated the 73rd Republic Day at ADC’s office Longkhim Town wherein ADC Longkhim, Chuba Temjen unfurled the national flag and took the rashtriya salute from Nagaland Police Cadre and read out the Republic Day speech. The function was attended by heads of offices and staff

from all the government departments.

Pughoboto: Pughoboto sub-division celebrated the 73rd Republic Day with all the officers incharge and staff of the offices at the ADC office.

ADC Pughoboto, Thungchanbemo unfurled the national flag and took the rashtriya salute from the 8th NAP and DEF police personnel. The ADC also inaugurated the stalls set up by PATC and ATMA Ghathashi Block, Agriculture department.

Tizit:73rd Republic Day was celebrated at ADC Office complex Tizit wherein ADC Tizit, Pakon Phom unfurled the national flag followed by rendering of the national anthem and delivery of the Republic Day speech. All the heads of offices and staff attended the celebration while maintaining SOP during the function.

Thonoknyu: Thon o k n y u S u b - D iv i s i o n celebrated the Republic Day with unfurling of the National Flag by SDO (Civil), Longdiba L Sangtam. Nagaland Police, 12th IR, VGs and DBs attended the function.

Meluri: Meluri Subdivision celebrated 73rd Republic Day at the ADC office complex wherein ADC Meluri, K Fürhesie Nyuwi unfurled the national flag and took rashtriya salute. The program was attended by government employees & public leaders.

Medziphema: Republic Day was celebrated at ADC Office Complex, Medziphema Sub-Division wherein ADC Medziphema, Imsongmeren unfurled the national flag and took the rashtriya salute and delivered the Republic Day Speech. The celebration was attended by the heads of the Offices, staff and the public.

Jakhama: The 73rd Republic Day was observed at Jakhama Sub-Division by hoisting the national flag in all the government offices.

Bhandari: Bhandari sub division celebrated the 73rd Republic Day wherein Additional Deputy Commissioner, Bhandari, Tiameren Chang unfurled the national flag, delivered the Republic day speech and took the rashtriya salute from the 7th NAP parade contingent.

Chen: Chen Hq. celebrated 73rd Republic Day at Mini SDO (Civil) complex at Chen Town wherein SDO (Civil) Chen, Relise Sangtam unfurled the national flag and took rashtriya salute from NVG Chen Town. All the Heads

of Offices and staff attended the celebration.

Pungro: 73rd Republic Day was celebrated at ADC’s Office Pungro wherein Extra Assistant Commissioner, Pungro, Nuhuta Tunyi unfurled the national flag at ADC’s Office Pungro and took the rashtriya salute. Traditional/folk song was presented

by YBA Pungro.

Tobu: The 73rd Republic Day celebration was observed at Tobu HQ wherein EAC Tobu, Tsidi unfurled the national flag, took rashtriya salute from DEF Tobu and read out the Republic Day speech.

Aboi: Aboi Town celebrated Republic Day at ADC’s Official Residence, Aboi Town wherein ADC Aboi, Chumlamo Humtsoe unfurled the national flag, took rashtriya salute and read out the Republic Day speech. Government employees from Aboi participated in the celebration.

National flag was hoisted in all the government offices.

Aghunato: Aghunato sub-division celebrated the 73rd Republic Day at Additional Deputy Commissioner’s (ADC) office compound wherein Extra Assistant Commissioner, Aghunato, Mhashumi T Ezung unfurled the national flag, took the rashtriya salute and delivered the Republic Day speech.

The function was attended by government officials, public leaders, GBs, DBs and NGOs. Chiephobozou: Chiephobozou Sub-Division celebrated the 73rd Republic Day at ADC’s Office premises wherein ADC Chiephobozou, Vekhoyi Chakhesang unfurled the national flag, took the rashtriya salute and read out the Republic Day speech.

PVHSS: Pranab Vidyapith Higher Secondary School (PVHSS) celebrated 73rd Republic Day at its school premises wherein the principal, Monoj Bhattacharjee unfurled the national flag. Special song was presented by the teachers and vice principal, A. K. Roy delivered a key note address.

Matri Foundation & DMC: Matri Foundation in collaboration with Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) celebrated Republic Day by organising Swacch Bharat Abhiyan at District Hospital Dimapur.

MM BJP Nagaland: Minority Morcha BJP Nagaland celebrated Republic Day with unfurling of national flag and singing national anthem. The morcha also held its state office bearers meeting.

K Y M C

4

NORTHEAST

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, JANAURY 27, 2022

Republic Day celebrated across Northeast

Assam Gov Prof. Jagdish Mukhi receives the guard of Manipur CM Biren Singh speaking on the occasion of 73rd Brig Dr. B D Mishra (Retd) at the Republic celebration in Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma at the R-Day function in Republic Day in Imphal on Wednesday.

Itanagar.

Shillong. honour at Veterinary College ground in Guwahati.(PTI)

Missing Arunachal boy: Rijiju says PLA responded positively NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (PTI): A hotline was exchanged on Wednesday between the Indian Army and China’s People’s Liberation Army which responded positively, indicating handing over of the missing youth from Arunachal Pradesh, Law Minister Kiren Rijiju said.

The PLA suggested a place of release, the minister said.

“They are likely to intimate date and time soon.

Delay attributed to bad weather conditions on their side,” he wrote on Twitter.

On Tuesday, Rijiju had said that India had shared details of the missing Arunachal Pradesh teenager with the PLA to corroborate the identity of the youth in their custody.

“Hotline exchanged on Republic Day by Indian Army with Chinese PLA. PLA responded positively indicating handing over of our national and suggested a place of release,” he said

on Wednesday.

“To assist Chinese side in corroborating the identity, personal details and photo of the individual has been shared with the Chinese side by the Indian Army.

Response from the Chinese side is awaited,” Rijiju had said in a statement put out on Koo app.

According to the statement by Rijiju, 19-year-old Miram Taron of Jido Village in Upper Siang District of Arunachal Pradesh was found missing on January 18. “Some people reported that Chinese PLA had taken him into their custody, it said. Rijiju said that since the individual was missing from an area close to the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the Indian Army immediately approached the Chinese side on January 19, asking for assistance in tracing and return of the individual, in case he had strayed into the Chinese territory or PLA has taken him in their custody.

Sangma said that his government of late has successfully mobilised Rs 7,500 crore from external agencies compared to Rs 2,500 crore in 2018. “The funds from the external agencies utilised in different projects in tourism, water catchment area, road construction, integrated transport system, early childhood development programme,” he said adding that the state government has obtained over Rs 1,300 crore from NABARD under certain schemes and programmes.

Sangma, expressing his disappointment over the previous government, said some block offices had been functioning for 30 years in “shabby conditions”.

“Police stations were not renovated in the past many years and lower primary schools have no proper doors and windows, sufficient chairs and tables. Rs 220 crore-worth schemes were undertaken for the improvement of 40 blocks and many police stations,” he said, adding health centres and school infrastructures are also being improved.

The Chief Minister said that around 3.5 lakh women are currently associated with 38,000 Self Help Groups (SHGs), against 30,000 women involved in SHGs in 2018.

Sangma said the government has acquired 800 acres of land in New Shillong Township to decongest the old city by setting up a new administrative city there. Rs 300 crore from World Bank would be utilised for skill development and employment generation of the youths in a comprehensive manner, the Chief Minister said. “The government has given priority to promote entrepreneurship as 50,000 youths are entering the market every year. The government has adopted a youth policy,” he said. Sangma also said that once there was no flight from Shillong and now, seven flights are being operated with Shillong to different cities and over 300 passengers are arriving everyday.

Citizens have responsibility to build strong Manipur: Mnp CM Manipur joined the rest of the country in celebrating the 73rd Republic Day of India on Wednesday amid tightened security measures in view of the boycott and general strike calls given by the rebel groups.

Despite normal life brought to grinding halt due to the rebel-sponsored general strikes and total shutdowns given separately, no untoward incident was reported during the day.

The state level celebration was held in Imphal’s Kangla with Manipur Governor La Ganesan unfurling the national flag and taking salutes from different march-past contingents.

The celebration began with the Governor inspecting the guard of honour accorded by a contingent of 6th battalion Manipur Rifles (MR) commanded by deputy commandant of 2nd battalion Manipur Rifles N Suraj Singh.

Later, the Governor unfurled the national tricolor flag amidst playing of the national anthem. He then took salute from the 21 march-past contingents including four band contingents commanded by commandant of 9th Indian Reserve (Mahila) Battalion Kh Sarma Devi. The Governor also decorated officers and personnel of Manipur police with the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service, Police Medal for Meritorious Service and Union Home Minister’s Medal for Excellence in Police Training.

The celebration was also attended by state chief minister N Biren Singh, ministers, MLAs, high ranking officials, among others.

After attaining Independence on August 15, 1947, the Indian Constitution came into force on this day in 1950, he reminded.

With the rights guaranteed by the Constitution, all Indian citizens were able to enjoy being dutiful and responsible citizens of the country. And for this, the day the Constitution came

into being was celebrated as the Republic Day of the country, he said ““Independent and Republic India has become a major power in the world today,” he said.

(Correspondent) Shun bandh culture for a progressive Arunachal Pradesh: Governor Ar unachal Pradesh Gover nor Brig Dr B D Mishra (Retd) on Wednesday called upon the people of the state to shun ‘bandh culture’, saying that it causes immense sufferings to the common man, the poor, the daily wage earners, housewives and school-going children.

Unfurling the National tri-colour at Indira Gandi Park here on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day, the governor pointed out that most of the frequent bandh calls by organizations are misplaced and caused great suffering to the common people. “Most of the times, the bandh calls, unfortunately, have turned violent and public property, bought from our people’s money, worth crores of rupees, have been destroyed.

Our administration, now has resolved to handle these bandhs firmly and no unlawful activity will be allowed and the people indulging in unlawful activity will be brought to book,” he said.

Exhorting the people to follow Covid Appropriate Behaviour, Mishra informed that despite the country continuously fighting the pandemic in the last two years, the state government meticulously managed the situation. “For Corona and its latest mutation ‘Omicron’, our state government has set up adequate numbers of Covid wards, oxygen plants, ICU units and more than 1000 oxygen beds and sufficient number of oxygen generation plants,” he disclosed, adding that additional 77 ICU beds, 10 pediatric care units and 17 modern district hospitals are also under construction.

The gover nor also complimented the state’s healthcare workers for their contribution towards pandemic care and cure. On

increasing instances of drug menace in the state, the governor informed that the state government has made a five year plan for the drug de-addiction amongst the youth and steps are being taken to control the cultivation, distribution and use of addictive items. On the decades-old inter-state boundary dispute with Assam, Mishra said that the state government is making sincere efforts to resolve the long pending issue.

Mishra added that the Greenfield airport at Hollongi, near here, the first in the state, will be ready by August 15, this year while, flights from Guwahati to Pasighat and Guwahati to Tezu would also be functional using ATR-72 aircraft.

He said, under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Yojana, the state government is giving an annual grant of Rs 6000 to every landholder farmer in three installments and so far a total of 98,206 farmers have been registered in the programme.

“In order to double the income of the farmers, our government has run “AtmaNirbhar Krishi Yojana” and “Atma Nirbhar Horticulture Yojana”. These programmes will help our farmers to increase their production.

Under the Oil Palm Production Scheme of the Centre, our government is taking forward the programme in the interest of our farmers,” he added. In the education sector, the governor informed that the government has declared year 2021-22 as the Education Year. “In the preceding year, education performance grading of our state has improved and gone up from 570 grade in 2018-19 to 698 grade in 2019-2020. This year, our government, due to zero enrolment in various schools, has closed 400 such schools.

We are also planning for opening inter-village schools in every district and modern schools, with modern education facilities, in each of the 60 legislative assembly constituencies,” he said.

Mishra added that to impart education in mother tongue, the education department

M’laya tableau honours cooperative societies, SHGs has not just increased the income levels of artisans in the state, but also revived a craft that was once almost lost.

The Lakadong turmeric, renowned for its

high curcumin content, also attained its global fame due to the efforts of the cooperative societies and self-help groups, promoted by enterprising women of Jaintia Hills region of Meghalaya.

Office Of the

NiulaNd area GB’s assOciatiON NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (PTI): Meghalaya’s tableau showcased bamboo and cane handicrafts as well as Lakadong turmeric to honour women-led cooperative societies and self-help groups which revived the popularity and demand of these products with their relentless efforts.

While the front part of the tableau depicting a woman weaving a bamboo basket and several bamboo and cane products of Meghalaya, the rear portion of the tableau depicted the traditional farming and processing of Lakadong turmeric.

The north eastern state is renowned for its cane and

bamboo craftswomen.

However, there was a time when the demand for Meghalaya’s cane and bamboo products had declined, and almost led to the demise of the craft due to the availability of cheaper mass-produced plastic alternatives.

Determined to revive the craft, women across several villages in Meghalaya came together to form cooperative societies and selfhelp groups for the revival of the cane and bamboo products.

Women-led cooperative societies and self-help groups today cater to the demand for these products from across the globe. This

h.Q. NiulaNd, dimapur, NaGalaNd

ackNOwledGemeNt The undersigned, on behalf of Niuland Area GB’s Association and the people of Niuland area would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the Honourable Chief Minister, inno Neiphiu rio and inno Jacob Zhimomi, Hon’ble Minister PHED, Govt of Nagaland for the creation of Niuland district.

You have indeed fulfilled the long felt need and aspiration of our people.

May you be assured that the office of the Niuland Area GB’s Association and the people of Niuland shall extend every help and co-operation to the government and shall strive and work towards promoting a fast growing district.

God bless your leadership.

Tokishe P Jimomi President Niuland Area GB’s Association DP-385/22

has made available books in Nyishi, Wancho, Galo, Tagin, Kaman, Taraon, Idu and Tangsa dialects.

Tripura governor pays tribute to freedom fighters Tr i p u r a G ove r n o r Satyadeo Narain Arya on Wednesday called upon the people of the state to pay tribute to the freedom fighters and the constitution makers, who worked for the development of the country despite facing several difficulties.

Unfurling the Tri-colour at the Assam Rifles Ground here on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day, he hailed the state government for its selfless work to make Tripura a model state.

“I also appreciate the work undertaken by the state government to make Tripura a model state. This government gives priority to three Ns – Niyat (Intention) Niti (policy) and Niyam (rule),” he said.

The governor also said that the state government has taken an onerous task of putting an end to drug menace. Agartala Smart City is one of those selected under mission-100 of the Union government for modernisation initiatives, he noted.

Mizoram police firmly combating smuggling of arms, illicit drugs: Guv Mizoram Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati on Wednesday said the police have been tirelessly combating the smuggling of arms, illicit drugs and narcotic substances, and last year, illegal drugs and narcotics valued at Rs 51.56 crore were seized.

The Governor, after hoisting the National Flag on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day at Assam Rifles Ground in Aizawl, said the state government is concerned over the menace of illegal drugs trades and drug abuse.

He said that the Excise and Narcotics Department continued to make all-out efforts to control this menace and 1,804 persons were arrested under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985.

The police also seized 39 arms and 4,307 ammunition and 16 cases were registered in this regard last year, the Governor said.

Saying that sustainable progress has been made under Agriculture Department through implementation of various centrally-sponsored schemes during 2021-22, the Governor said that the National Food Security Mission-Oil Palm scheme has been revamped and is being implemented in seven districts -- Aizawl, Kolasib, Mamit, Serchhip, Lunglei, Lawngtlai and Siaha.

Potential area of 6,730 hectares has been developed for Oil Palm cultivation, involving 10,843 farmers from 197 villages of Mizoram.

Sikkim has been doing well on all paramters: Governor Sikkim Gover nor Ganga Prasad unfurled the National Flag at the Manan Kendra here on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day function, reports East Mojo.

Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang, other ministers and senior officials attended the function.

Speaking at the function the governor lauded the progress made by the state in all sectors.

He said that the border state will receive a further boost in its development aspirations once it gets connected with the railway network soon.

The governor said that it was a matter of great satisfaction that Sikkim which has been doing well on parameters like law and order and cleanliness for years has been recognised by the NITI Aayog and other national-level institutions.

Earlier, the chief minister in his message, extended greetings and felicitations to the people of Sikkim on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day celebrations.

The Republic Day celebrations were held at Manan Kendra instead of the regular venue at Palzor Stadium due to the prevalence of the Covid pandemic and only a limited number of people were invited to attend the function this year.

Office Of the

Viswema GaZetted Officers' krOthO Viswema : NaGalaNd

FELICITATION The Viswema Gazetted Officers' Krotho (VGOK) is honoured and privileged to congratulate er. medoseho sothu, Sr. Computer Programmer, PIMS, P&AR Department, on being awarded the Governor's Commendation Certificate on the occasion of Republic Day 2022.

The VGOK extends their best wishes for continued success.

Sd/polan John President, VGOK

Neisekho chaya General Secy., VGOK

k-156/22

district of the state and the fifth in BTR,” he said.

Mukhi said that 7,35,792 houses under the Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana – Gramin (PMAYG) were sanctioned to Assam against the target of 7,68,600 and 4,52,064 houses have been completed so far. Mukhi said that Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd (APDCL) has completed electrification of all revenue villages of the state and has provided electricity connection to all eligible households in such villages under Deen Dayal Upadhyay Gram Jyoti Yojana (DDUGJY) and Saubhagya schemes.

“APDCL is undertaking a phase-wise installation of smart meters. A total of 1.75 lakh smart meters have been installed in Guwahati and Dibrugarh, and a process is underway to bring all 64 lakh consumers under smart meters by 2025,” he said.

Meghalaya to be one of India’s top 10 states in 10 yrs: CM Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday said that his government is determined to make the state as one of the top 10 states in India, adding a “solid foundation” has been laid to achieve the ambitious mission.

The Chief Minister said that 38 lakh people of Meghalaya would go forward along with the people of the other northeastern states and showcase to the world a common market like the European Union.

“Meghalaya in the next 10 years would turn one of the top 10 states in the country and a solid foundation has been laid for the purpose,” Sangma said while unfurling the National Flag on the occasion of the Republic Day here at the Polo Ground.

With the support of the external agencies, properly implementing various projects and centrally sponsored schemes in an efficient manner has led to investment of Rs 14,000 crore in the state in the past few years, he pointed out.

Office Of the

Western chakhesang YOuth OrganisatiOn h.Q : Dimapur

Felicitation The Western Chakhesang Youth Organisation (WCYO) takes immense pride in congratulating shri. rothihu tetseo, Commissioner of Police, Dimapur for being conferred and awarded the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service on the occasion of 75th Republic Day Celebration 2022.

The WCYO further wishes him success in all his future endeavours.

Sd/ Sd/Likalo Letro Surhota Yhobu President, WCYO General Secy., WCYO

DP-389/22

NORTHEAST, JAN 26 ( PTI/IANS/ CORRESPONDENT): Along with the rest of the country, the 8 states of the Northeast celebrated Republic Day amid COVID restrictions. Governors of the Northeast states highlighted the achievements of their respective states on the occasion.

Over 4,100 people arrested for drug, cattle smuggling in 2021: Assam Gov Over 3,600 people have been arrested for drug trafficking, and 520 for cattle smuggling in Assam in 2021, Governor Jagdish Mukhi said on Wednesday.

He also announced the creation of Tamulpur district from Baksa in the Bodoland Territorial Region (BTR).

Mukhi said that 98.35 per cent of border fencing along the India-Bangladesh international border in Assam has been completed.

Hoisting the National Flag on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day, during which parade contingents raised the ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’ slogan for the first time, Mukhi said that the Assam government is committed to fighting crimes in all forms.

“A total of 64.16 kg of heroin, 18,590.74 kg of ganja, 69.33 kg of opium, 31,64,726 banned tablets and 1,55,851 bottles of cough syrup along with Rs 2.35 crore in cash have been seized, and 2,152 cases under NDPS Act registered against 3,543 people in 2021,” he said.

Mukhi said that the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) is developing ‘Drugs Free Assam’ mobile application through which anyone can provide information about drugs to the police.

He said that 7,109 bovine animals have been rescued from 184 vehicles transporting them, and 520 people booked in 685 cases from January to October last year.

“You will be happy to know that the government has decided to upgrade the Tamulpur sub-division to a district. It will be the 35th

R-Day celebrated across India amid Covid surge

India’s main battle tanks MBT Arjun Mark 1 on display at the Rajpath during the 73rd Republic Day Parade, in New Delhi, Wednesday. (PTI)

be launched to provide financial aid to the first two daughters of labourers for their education and employment.

The main Republic Day celebration in Odisha was sans public participation, Puducherry decided there would be no ‘at home reception’ at the Raj Nivas, West Bengal held a short programme on the Red Road in the heart of Kolkata, while in Tamil Nadu, the

Parade on Marina Beachfront lasted 28 minutes.

The observance of the day, when the Constitution of India came into effect in 1950, was, however, not without any gaffe.

Kerala Minister Ahamed Devarkovil at Kasaragod unfurled the Tricolour upside down, triggering a row with the BJP accusing him of disrespecting the national flag and demanding his resignation.

Internal rift in Congress surfaces on Azad Padma award

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (IANS): The internal rift in the Congress party has surfaced again after party’s senior lea der G hula m Nabi Azad was conferred Padma Bhushan award while the G-23 leaders are in congratulatory note to the former Rajya Sabha leader of opposition, there has been no reaction from the party compelling Kapil Sibal to criticise over silence.

Deputy leader of Congress in the Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma tweeted, “Heartiest congratulations to Ghulam Nabi ji for well deserved recognition of his lifelong enriching contribution to public service and Parliamentary democracy.”

M a n i s h Te w a r i , MP, too wished him. “I congratulate Ghulam Nabi Azad on being conferred the Padma Bhushan for his public Service. It is a well deserved recognition.”

Raj Babbar also congratulated him, “Congratulations @ ghulamnazad Sahab! You’re like an elder brother and your impeccable public life & commitment to Gandhian ideals have always been an inspiration. The #PadmaBhushan is an ideal recognition of 5 decades of your meticulous service to the nation.”

Ghulam Nabi Azad

Incidentally all the three leaders -- Sharma, Babbar, Tewari and Kapil Sibal are part of the group that wrote letter to Sonia Gandhi for an effective leadership and demanded party reforms. However, the silence in the Congress setup indicates that party is unhappy over the new development.

Though there has been no official reaction from Azad except thank you messages to tweets, he did tweet when news circulated that he has changed his Tw i t t e r b i o, “ S o m e mischievous propaganda being circulated by some people to create confusion.

Nothing has been removed or added to my twitter profile. The profile is as it was earlier.”

The Congress seems divided on the Padma Bhushan award conferred to its leader Ghulam Nabi

Covishield, Covaxin likely to be capped at Rs 275 after approval

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (PTI): The price of Covishield and Covaxin, the Covid vaccines which are expected to soon get regular market approval from India’s drug regulator, is likely to be capped at Rs 275 per dose plus an additional service charge of Rs 150, official sources said.

According to them, the National Pharmaceutical Pricing Authority (NPPA) has been directed to start working towards capping the price to make the vaccines affordable.

As of now, Covaxin is priced at Rs 1,200 per dose while Covishield costs Rs 780 in private facilities.

The prices include Rs 150 service charge. Both the vaccines are only authorised for emergency use in the country.

A Subject Expert Committee on COVID-19 of the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation on January 19 recommended

granting regular market approval to Covid vaccines Covishield and Covaxin for use in the adult population subject to certain conditions.

“The NPPA has been asked to work towards capping the price of the vaccines. The price is likely to be capped at Rs 275 per dose along with an additional service charge of Rs 150,” an official source said.

Prakash Kumar Singh, the director (government and regulatory affairs) at Serum Institue of India, had submitted an application to the Drugs Controller General of India on October 25 seeking regular market approval for its Covishiled vaccine.

A couple of weeks ago, V Krishna Mohan, the whole-time director at Bharat Biotech, submitted complete information on the chemistry, manufacturing and controls, along with the pre-clinical and clinical data while seeking regular market authorisation for Covaxin.

Covaxin and Covishield were granted Emergency Use Authorisation (EUA) on January 3 last year.

Azad. Party leader Kapil Sibal has come in open support of Azad after cryptic tweets by Jairam Ramesh.

Sibal tweeted, “Ghulam Nabi Azad conferred Padam Bhushan, Congratulations bhaijan, Ironic that the Congress doesn’t need his services when the nation recognises his contributions to public life”.

A f t e r t h e announcement of Padma awards, Jairam Ramesh taking a cue from the rejection by West bengal for mer Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya, took a dig at his party colleague Ghulam Nabi Azad, who has also been awa r d e d t h e Pa d m a Bhushan.

Ramesh tweeted on Bhattacharya’s refusal to accept the award: “Right thing to do. He wants to be Azad not Ghulam.”

The comment was indirectly aimed at his party colleague Ghulam Nabi Azad, who was conferred the Padma Bhushan in the field of Public Affairs.

Azad is also a former Union minister and till recently, he was the Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. Azad was one of the first in the Congress to stoke the leadership issue in the party.

Later, the minister told reporters that there was no lapse on his side as he had just hoisted the flag when the officials handed him the rope. He said officials have been asked to conduct an inquiry and stringent steps would be taken against those responsible for the lapse.

In Jammu and Kashmir, the national flag was hoisted atop the historic Clock tower in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk, 30 years after

Not invited to R-Day parade: Adhikari KOLKATA, JAN 26 (PTI): Leader of Opposition S u ve n d u A d h i k a r i o n Wednesday claimed that he was not invited to the Re p u b l i c D ay p a r a d e here as Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her government was “yet to reconcile to her election defeat against him in Nandigram”.

Talking to reporters on the sidelines of another programme, Adhikari said Banerjee tried to “avenge her humiliating assembly poll defeat” by dropping his name from the list of invitees for the Red Road parade. “She is yet to reconcile to her defeat against me. There could be a remedy to cancer but not to revengeful mindset and jealousy. The CM must have forgotten that not inviting the leader of opposition was against the protocol,” the Nandigram MLA, who was once a part of the Mamata Banerjee cabinet, said.

Adhikari pointed out that last year, months ahead of the assembly polls, then leader of opposition Abdul Mannan was an invitee to the Republic Day parade.

Transport Minister and Kolkata Municipal Corporation Mayor Firhad Hakim, when approached, said he had no information about the matter.

veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi did it for the first time.

Internet services on mobile devices were suspended in Kashmir as a precautionary measure, officials said. However, mobile phone services and internet on fixed lines remained unaffected.

In West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee urged the people to take a pledge to protect the basic structure of the Constitution.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, unfurling the Tricolour at Indore, stressed eradicating alcoholism from the society but stressed that total prohibition cannot be achieved by any government just by banning liquor sale.

Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday joined the country in celebrating the 73rd Republic Day with a large number of school children and security personnel taking out an impressive parade in the state capital to mark the day.

Virat, elite horse of prez’s guard, retires

Prime Minister Modi with Virat.

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (PTI): Virat, the President’s Bodyguard Commandant’s black horse, retired from his years long service after the 73rd Republic Day parade on Wednesday.

Virat was the mount of President’s Bodyguard

Commandant Colonel Anup Tiwary and took part 13 times in Republic Day parades. President Ram Nath Kovind, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Defence Minister Rajnath Singh patted and bid farewell to the magnificent

horse after the parade.

Virat was awarded the Chief of the Army Staff Commendation on the eve of Army Day on January 15.

Virat is the first horse to receive the commendation for exceptional service and abilities.

Three from West Bengal reject Padma awards

Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (AGENCIES): All three people from Bengal on the BJP-led government’s honour list have refused the Padma awards -- a situation deeply embarrassing in a state where the BJP suffered a stunning electoral defeat last year. Former Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee -- an arch critic of the party and Prime Minister Narendra Modi -- was the first to decline yesterday. Since then, two eminent artistes from the state, tabla maestro Pandit Anindya Chatterjee and eminent vocalist Sandhya Mukhopadhyay, have said they too, have turned down the awards.

S a n d h y a Mukhopadhyay, the 90-yearold who has a singing career spanning eight decades, refused a Padma Shri --

Sandhya Mukhopadhyay

the fourth highest civilian honour -- saying it suits a junior artiste and not someone of her stature.

M s M u k h e r j e e ’s daughter Soumi Sengupta said when the call on the award came from Delhi, her mother told the senior official that she felt “insulted” at her being offered the award at her age.

“Padma Shri is more deserving for a junior artiste, not ‘Gitasree’ Sandhya Mukhopadhyay. Her family and all the lovers of her songs feel,” Ms Sengupta said. One of the finest vocalists of Bengal, Sandhya Mukhopadhyay received the “Banga Bibhushan”, West Bengal’s highest civilian award, in 2011 - the year it was instituted by chief minister Mamata Banerjee, and a National Film Award for Best Female Playback

Republic Day: Tricolour hoisted in Srinagar’s Lal Chowk after 30 years

Pandit Anindya Chatterjee

Singer in 1970.

Pandit Anindya Chatterjee who accompanied maestros like Pandit Ravi Shankar, Ustad Amjad Ali Khan and Ustad Ali Akbar Khan, also said he had signalled his negative when he received the phone call from Delhi seeking his consent.

“However I politely declined. I said thank you but I am not ready to receive Padma Shri at this phase of my career. I have passed that phase,” said the eminent percussionist, who received the Sangeet Natak Akademi award in 2002, reported news agency Press Trust of India.

A disciple of Pandit Jnan Prakash Ghosh, he has performed at the Rastrapati Bhavan in the past and was the youngest tabla player to perform in the British

Parliament’s House of Commons in 1989.

Yesterday, Buddhadeb Bhattacharjee, who was confer red the Padma Bhushan, the third highest civilian award, promptly issued a statement declining it. “ I d o n’ t k n ow anything about the Padma Bhushan. No one has told me anything about it. If indeed they have given me the Padma Bhushan, then I reject it,” read the statement issued in Bengali. Under the protocol, the awardees are mandatorily informed about the award in advance and the list is announced only after they accept.

In Mr Bhattacharjee’s case, home ministry officials explained the flub saying the call was received by his wife, who had thanked the Home Secretary for the award.

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NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (PTI): The 73rd Republic Day was celebrated across India on Wednesday, albeit scaled down because of Covid curbs, with many chief ministers making pledges such as eradication of unemployment in Haryana in two years and five-day week working system for Chhattisgarh government staffers.

Governors and chief ministers extended their greetings to the people on the occasion and called upon them to reaffirm the pledge to uphold the ideals enshrined in the Constitution.

Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced that below poverty line families will get a subsidy of Rs 25 per litre for up to 10 litres of petrol per month from Wednesday while his Haryana counterpart Manohar Lal Khattar pledged to eliminate unemployment in his state in the next two years.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said a scheme will

5

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

DREAMCATCHER COACHING & TRAINING INSTITUTE (DCCTI) Ghanta Ghar at Lal Chowk area wears a deserted look during the 73rd Republic Day in Srinagar, Wednesday. (PTI)

SRINAGAR, JAN 26 (PTI): National flag was hoisted atop the historic Clock tower in city’s Lal Chowk on Wednesday, 30 years after veteran BJP leader Murli Manohar Joshi did it for the first time.

Social activists Sajid Yousuf Shah and Sahil Bashir Bhat along with dozens of supporters had organized the flag hoisting ceremony at Clock Tower, locally known as Ghanta Ghar, to mark the Republic

Day. The activist used a hydraulic crane elevator to install the national flag on top of the clock tower amidst rendition of the national anthem.

Young players from Kashmir Mar tial Ar ts Academy also participated in the function.

The participants danced to patriotic songs as hundreds of Police and paramilitary personnel stood guard around the clock tower.

Senior BJP leader had hoisted the national flag at Lal Chowk in 1992 at the peak of militancy in the valley.

Elsewhere in the city, thousands of tricolors donned the landscape of several public parks including Pratap Park and Iqbal Park to mark the Republic Day. This is for the first time that the national flag in such large numbers have been installed in the city.

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6

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

VOL. XXXII NO. 51 DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

I

Chilling thoughts

ndia has been battling spike in extreme weather events from heavy rainfall leading to floods to summers causing heatwaves and currently, to cold winds pushing temperature way down below average normal. Since September and October last year, the country recorded the highest number of cases of extreme weather events during the last five years due to the late withdrawal of the southwest monsoon and higher-than-normal low-pressure systems. Across the world, the frequency and intensity of both heat waves and cold waves have increased in the last few years. It continues to be the coldest winter ever in India in several decades with the mercury plummeting below 6° C in several cities where the level used to be around 10º C. Presently, all indications point to the new forecast of a much colder winter ahead. According to meteorologists, the chilling weather is due to the La Nina weather pattern.

The La Nina weather pattern causes frigid winters in the northern hemisphere. It is likely to hound parts of India with extremely cold winters that will lead to a major dip in temperature across north India in January, February 2022. Episodes of La Nina typically last nine to 12 months, but can sometimes last for years. Such events occur every two to seven years, on average, but they don’t occur on a regular schedule. The National Ocean Service says that episodes of La Nina typically last nine to 12 months but can sometimes stretch for years. The last La Nina episode was experienced from August 2020 to April 2021. As per the reports, temperatures have already dropped to sub-zero in some parts of the Himachal Pradesh such as Lahaul-Spiti and Kinnaur and in nearby north east, Nagaland’s two peaks- Mount Japfü and Mount Saramati- were snow capped during the past days on account of freezing temperatures that hovered below. Experts have raised concerns over the continuous warming of the seas which is leading to an overhaul of the system felt across India. This winter, the national capital Delhi witnessed eight days in January (until January 25) when the maximum temperature remained below 16 degrees, with the lowest maximum temperature recorded at 12.2 degrees Celsius on Tuesday (January 25). Delhi has been witnessing the wettest January in 122 years. The national capital’s monthly rainfall recorded at the Safdarjung (88.2 mm) and Palam (110 mm) stations are already 72 per cent and 99 per cent above normal respectively. Other states and Union Territories with large surpluses of rainfall during this month include Uttarakhand (102.3 mm), Chandigarh (207.7 mm), Himachal Pradesh (170 mm), Jammu and Kashmir (165.8 mm), and Punjab (104.6 mm).Winters in western and northern India have become colder in recent years, which experts say is due to climate change and rapid urbanization. The contribution by the rapid rise in the number of vehicles each year has only compounded the problems of global warming along with rise in refrigerators and air conditioners. Nagaland, like most of the states, need to take a very serious look at pollution of the environment by vehicle emissions.

The contributory factors on abnormal weather patterns are varies and many. It is therefore important to make citizens aware of their roles and once this is achieved, perhaps even choice of environmental friendly products would become a necessity.

DailyDevotion Look Again and Consecrate If God so clothes the grass of the field…, will He not much more clothe you…? —Matthew 6:30 A simple statement of Jesus is always a puzzle to us because we will not be simple. How can we maintain the simplicity of Jesus so that we may understand Him? By receiving His Spirit, recognizing and relying on Him, and obeying Him as He brings us the truth of His Word, life will become amazingly simple. Jesus asks us to consider that “if God so clothes the grass of the field…” how “much more” will He clothe you, if you keep your relationship right with Him? Every time we lose ground in our fellowship with God, it is because we have disrespectfully thought that we knew better than Jesus Christ.

We have allowed “the cares of this world” to enter in (Matthew 13:22), while forgetting the “much more” of our heavenly Father.

“Look at the birds of the air…” (Matthew 6:26).

Their function is to obey the instincts God placed within them, and God watches over them. Jesus said that if you have the right relationship with Him and will obey His Spirit within you, then God will care for your “feathers” too.

“Consider the lilies of the field…” (Matthew 6:28).

They grow where they are planted. Many of us refuse to grow where God plants us. Therefore, we don’t take root anywhere. Jesus said if we would obey the life of God within us, He would look after all other things. Did Jesus Christ lie to us? Are we experiencing the “much more” He promised? If we are not, it is because we are not obeying the life God has given us and have cluttered our minds with confusing thoughts and worries. How much time have we wasted asking God senseless questions while we should be absolutely free to concentrate on our service to Him? Consecration is the act of continually separating myself from everything except that which God has appointed me to do. It is not a one-time experience but an ongoing process. Am I continually separating myself and looking to God every day of my life?

Quotes

If life were predictable it would cease to be life, and be without flavor. ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

W

Priority of Generation Foundation

e all want the success and progress of the upcoming generations. Every generation has a legacy and principle to pass on to the succeeding people who are our children in schools and youth in colleges today. The welfare of the next people is the heartbeat of the parents, leaders of social and human institutions, teachers, spiritual preachers, and lead-people of every profession.

The kind of the foundation for a generation is crucially important because it is a matter of decency or anarchy of humanity along the way of human journey.

The need of our society today is a strong moral principle that must govern our social systems individually and collectively. And this principle originates from the source of our Creator who loves us with His principle of truth. The fate and condition of the next era begins now at the threshold of how we lay a stable foundation for the new generation to escalate their ladder of aspiration. What we are doing and imparting today is the foundation of the next batch of people. The Bible reminds us that ‘a man shall reap what he sows’ (Galatians 6:7).

The upcoming people shall inherit what the present age is establishing.

It means ‘the quality, legacy, human value, morality and truth the following generations will continue from the passing generation’.

(From previous issue...)

They appeal villagers to donate rations through the appointed GBs and D.B (Dobashi). The appointed GB’s also gave their best by taking them around surveying different areas risking their lives. In fact, the whole villagers in one way or the other contributed towards the cause of India Freedom by volunteering as porter; transferring heavy loads of INA goods to different locations by both men and women, while some engaged in building their camps. Not only did the villagers unsparingly gave away their choicest vegetables, domesticated animals and paddy as ration to INA but also travelled from village to village on foot in search of rations for them.

Probably, Netaji found the villagers very simple, honest, charming and hospitable and camped in the village for a week. He also made first outpost camp at thohunyi cetu just above the village opposite to the Suthozu British IB (Inspection Bungalow), a strategic place overseeing Kohima and many surrounding villages. However, the British got the information and bombed that camp after more than week possibly making it one of the first camp bombed in Nagaland. According to eyes witnesses Mr Poswuyi Swuro, Mr Poseyi Swuro, Mr Kuveso Sapu, Mr Pulesu Sapu, Mr Chekrolhu Swuro, Mr Veyesa Swuro, Mr Muleyi Swuro, Mr Thupukha Sapuh, Mr Khruveyi Swuro of Ruzazho village, while they stayed in the village, a kind of layer where Bose stayed in the Centre guarded by good physical with short hairs of only INA’s some are wearing Punjabi turbans, the next circle by the INA and captured India soldiers in the British service brought at Jessami and third last outer layers exclusively by the Japanese troops. They also shared that; their food and eating habits were different for INA with hands and Japanese with chopstick.

From a distance, a village might not sound a big deal compared to the many battles and struggles INA fought.

However delving deeper into the strategies Netaji had come with, it makes so much more sense and significant. Bose intentionally came through this village being the shortest route with friendly hill slops and considering the location it became one of the most strategic place for his team to camp, which could have led him to appoint the local villagers into his government to work alongside to control the people. It is pertinent to mention that, before World War II, many Nagas became closely associated with the British and were already working with them. Many Naga villages were not co-operating with INA alias (Japanese) as they were forceful in their action towards the people by ordering, demanding and taking their things against their will. Hence Bose who being a

The kind of Foundation Let us guess one that can be the foundation of our younger people, posterity and even souls yet to be born. Can we think of threat at gunpoint, transitory influence of money, dreaming theory of political ideologies, invention of science and technology, religious fanaticism and mysticism, and blaming game? Any foundation without the principle of moral truth will erode and sink as the Lord Jesus warned us (Matthew 7:24, 25). But the truth will set us free (John 8:32, 36) from slavery and distortion of fraud and deception. The truth is the truth without lying. Let the world rotate on the orbit of truth.

Nothing is truer than our connection and relationship with one who created us. The prophet Jeremiah said that ‘God knew us even before we are born (Jeremiah 1:5), as clay in the hand of the potter, we are in the hand of God (1:6), and that He has the layout of our welfare and master-plan of our lives (Jer 29:11).

With God, life visions are achievable and possible (Matthew 6:33; John 15:5). The need of the generation now and hereafter is the practice of truth that unites people to produce wholesomeness of peace and success, and integrity.

Characteristics of Truth Truth means mathematically 10=10, not less, not more. God created us to operate our lives and

human world with the law of ‘Yes’ or ‘No’ which is truth. It means accuracy and not a fraud or hypothesis. Truth can be neither killed nor destroyed. Truth cannot be either hidden or intimidated. Truth will germinate and resurrect like the Sun appearing next morning. Truth begets fidelity and integrity. It is evidenced by a life of transcending value of honesty, faithfulness, and loyalty, sense of responsibility, dependability, compassion, and trustworthiness.

False cannot manipulate truth as light is different from darkness. The best weapon of nation is the practice of truth.

Beauty of Truth Truth is the character of God. Truth of God’s creation cannot be averted with hypothetic theory such as big bang, evolution, relativism, and speculative myth and guessed legends. The Bible tells us that God created universe and humans. Sin or disobedience causes wickedness that corrupts the truth. Human history proves that truth is the key that operated human existence and affairs.

For example, wickedness brought universal flood and fire upon Sodom and Gomorra. Imagine how the condition of our world would have been without the principle of truth and honesty! But how beautiful our world can be with practice of telling and doing truth, and upholding morality and godliness! It is the key to

reconciliation, peace and harmony.

It is beautiful because it fights off fraud and lies. Truth has no fear. It has no enemy. It is the centrality of trustworthiness.

Reflection of Truth Truth is the fundamental foundation of our society which must begin at homes, schools, social and governing systems. Truth is evidenced by the thought of one heart, words of one mouth and action of the same person authenticated by a busy hand. The future of our generation all depends upon what example we show today in their belief system, learning process and practical direction they must head toward. They are the people who will continue to procreate families and operate society, run governments and churches, and manage human affairs. A strong foundation of truth will last endlessly with fruits of quality.

Building of the Foundation Practice of Truth should be the principle of the aspiring and promising teeming children and youth today that will bring secured and stable succeeding generations. The truth is the reflection of our relationship with the Creator that generates the practice of honesty, habit of hard-work, thriving self-reliance and self-employment with global scope, peace loving, and promoting social integrity and civic maturity. These fundamental qualities must be imparted by families, from

Our Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose

highly educated leader would have been aware of the situation well in advance and the hospitable gesture he received from the Ruzazho village would have made him stay to build relationship and trust to further their support for their noble cause as their ambassadors. His strategy worked well as appointed GB’s, and DB’s (Translator, Administration) played a major role in taking them around to different locations for setting of their camps and propagating his vision to liberate India from British raj convincing neighbouring villages. It became even more evident as they would go to various villages to collect their rations for the INA. As written by many authors, one of the major factors faced by their alias (the Japanese) and even INA was shortage of Ration and when they came to the village it was told that they did not have enough rations with them. Thereby the villagers played a major role in collecting and storing their ration for the onward journey to Kohima.

Ruzazho also stands at the strategic place with British Bungalow surrounded from the East at Chepoketa, West at Suthozu just above the village and Dzulha on the North side. This village had bounded by hills and fighters flying low in difficult. Hence, had the Ruzazho people decided not to cooperate with the INA at this juncture, the story of INA’s attempt at liberating India from the clutches of the British upon entering Naga Hills from Burma would have taken a different route with British outposts in close proximity.

The villagers contributed immensely towards INA’s fight for India’s freedom physically, morally and providing enough rations for them to move forward to Kohima battle for her independence. Though he may have lost the war he won the hearts of the people by sowing the seeds of love and earned respect from them for which he is remembered with great esteem to the present day.

According to British narrative, Gordon Graham commanding a company of the 1st Battalion The Queen’s Own Cameron Highlanders (1 QOCH) in his memoir book P.53, ‘the trees are all young on the Garrison Hill’ mentioned that, Bose himself was reported to have been present at Kigwema few miles away from Kohima during the battle.

Few prominent personalities like Mr Purcho Resu of Thenyizu village, Mr N.Theyo of Thenyizu village ( both are now no more with us). It is also to metion that Rev.Viketuo Yhoshu of Kigwema village, Rev Zhowhuyi of Chesezu, Mr Hutsonyi Chuzho of Phesachodu village, Mr Nerunyo Puro of Kikruma Mr Vezo swuro of Chesezu village etc are living witness given their naratives.

It is sad that Bose and INA lost the battle nonetheless he gave the courage to the many Indians to be free from British. The impact was

so great that it challenged the minds of the Indians and the momentums grew even stronger gaining more attention in the later years after war. Many historians and writers commented that violent confrontations broke out everywhere challenging the British hence riots and rallies filled the nation by the masses in support of INA. This also led to major conflicts among the British army where British Indian army started ignoring the order from British superiors resulting the outbreaks of mutiny in major cities like Madras (Chennai), Pune, Jabalpur and Mumbai. British became helpless day by day, as the uniting Indians both within the army and public grew nationwide in support of INA vision, passion and courage to be free men and women from the British Raj. It shook the strong foundation of the British raj which in the later period of time they had to wisely exited India by given Freedom knowing the condition that they could not contain the forces that has already been stirred in the hearts of the people by the great leader Subhas. It became not only a speculation of reasons for British leaving India but a confirmed reason from the word of Atlee, the British Prime Minister who reflecting the factors that guided the British decision to relinquish the Raj in India soil, the effects of the INA and Bose’s activities on the British Indian Army and the Bombay Mutiny as being the most important.

As soon as the INA cross the border of Burma and India Pact was signed between Japanese and Provisional government of Azad Hind. It was clearly stated any part of the India territory or conquest or otherwise by the Japanese arm will be hand over to the INA for the purpose of forming part of the territory and to be administered by them. Accordingly, Subhas Chandra Bose had appointed D.B’s and GB’s at Ruzazho village in Phek district in Nagaland and there is no other village that had administered by them in India.

Subhas Chandra Bose issued special order of the day on August 14, 1944……. In accordance with this decision, our troops have withdrawn to a more favourable defensive position. We shall now utilize the period in full in completing our preparation, so that with the advent of better weather, we may be in a position to resume our offensive. As we have been successful in defeating our enemy one, our faith in our final victory and complete annihilation of Anglo American forces has grown tenfold.

As soon as all our preparation are complete, we shall launch a mightily offensives against our enemies once again. With the superior fighting qualities, dauntless courage and unshakable devotion to duty of our officers and men, victory shall surely be ours. INA official record and few officers those who wrote their stories didn’t mentions village names accept Kohima and some altitudes

points where they stayed in Nagaland. The reason behind may be possibly for the INA tactical strategy to keep village names undisclosed in Naga Hills for its second offensive.

There may be various reasons as to why the detailed information regarding Bose and INA were not written as it should be because of less research work done or proper in-depth research done before by researchers from outside states and mostly information’s fed to us were from the victors point of view. The lack in research work could have various reasons like due to the sensitivity of the area with ILP (Inner line permit) issue for entry into the state, restricted area permit for scholars not taking much interest on such matter or it could be the fear psychosis on the insurgent problem which at ground zero could be much friendlier for research work. It could be also that, for so long many might have not felt the importance of INA’s contribution to the national freedom movement.

Due to all these factors, although there are various sources that speak of Bose and INA’s presence in the Naga Hills during the war there is not much said on the activity from April to May 1944. Even in the chronology of INA’s record these period is missing with regard to Bose and INA’s activity, which could be for various reasons and should get scholars attention into it. This research is done to keep history in record as an eye opener for more research work.

Not only from eyewitnesses accounts, but also other writers and Bose close associates even mentioned about their presence like, “the people of Naga, Kuki, and Chin races in habiting in Assam frontiers were very sympathise and co-operated whole heartedly with the INA. They gave the very useful information to them after postponements of operation they were to be severely persecuted by British Government.” Col. Laxmi Segal of Rani Jhansi Regiment when interacted categorically mentioned that Netaji always mention the help given by Nagaland people not only in porter but given them food and shelter as well and that Netaji love them so much.

There are no records of Netaji administering any village prior to Ruzazho village hence, as per the present research, this is the first Administered village by INA and Subhas Chandra Bose after reaching Naga Hills with powers given to the villagers as DB and GB’s for administration.

Many renowned scholars are on the same page that, there is no doubt on Ruzazho being the first Administered village in Nagaland with hundreds of eyewitnesses claiming the same. During ICHR sponsored two day National Seminar at Ruzazho village, Dr Purabi Roy ICHR Member along with many eminent scholars made a resolution incognito by declaring this village as the first Azad Hind govern-

schools, and society in impacting and teaching process.

Laying the foundation for the forthcoming generation, the basic and underlying principle will be Knowing the Creator of our lives (Ecclesiastes 12:1), Teaching and training our children when they are young and teachable (Proverbs 22:6), and Doing good work to evidence the precept of God (Matthew 5:16). It is a timely collective responsibility. It is in your court.

History proves that strong nations are those that established and laid their foundation on the principle of truth. On the other hand, nations that experimented speculative philosophies and doctrines faced foundational and generational loss and disasters. The Israel history reveals that internal wars, division, brevity of the kings, and national captivity were the result of their disobedience to God. The Bible reminds us of God’s pleasure assuring, “Blessed is the nation whose God is the Lord, the people He chose for His inheritance” (Psalms 33:12; 144:15).

It is high time for a land and a nation like Nagaland with Bible believers in majority and Christians in leadership to concretize and prioritize the foundation and vision of the succeeding generation on Truth.

God bless one and all!

Rev. Dr. Phuveyi Dozo

ment administered village in India in the presence of Shri P.B Acharya the Governor of Nagaland and Arunachal and Shri Tathagata Roy Governor of Tripura who were the chief guest and guest of honour in the seminar.

Mr.R.N Ravi the former Hon’ble Governor Nagaland also visited Ruzazho Village and paid tributes to Netaji by visiting the house where Netaji stayed for nine days. He personally meets Mr Poswuyi Swuro DB and salutes him.

He has seen the allocated site by the village council and assures the villagers that the INA Memorial and Museum will be take up and one by one works will reach this village.

The long due is very necessary to develop. Mention also may be made here that Netaji had planned to mobilize the resources and attack again, for which they might have strategized to keep the villages or routes as a secret. Here it can’t be ruled out that Bose might have the same route in mind for attacking again, hence all these villages and areas he travelled must have been kept a secret.

Last but not the least, for so long we have been fed with the history from the lens of the victors however, we can’t accept just one side of the story as the absolute history hence we must re-write our history which is the truth and not just a history from a colonial mindset. It is also important to hear what Manwati Arya, Secreatry Women department of Azad Hind provisional government has said through her interview that, the contribution of Nagaland people still remains unknown to people, it is not widely known to the people, so I feel that its great necessity to give due credit

to the Nagaland people and contribution of India freedom and also to keep Netaji history alive in written and in monument. With this let’s hope that young minds and intellectuals will come forward to further the research work in this area in order to bring forth what has been kept silent intentionally or unintentionally for the benefit of our Nation. After all we can’t just brush aside INA and Bose contribution towards India Independence.

On the occasion marking 126 birth anniversary, Our Prime Minister indelible contribution make the people of our nation won the long overdue indebtedness to Subhas Chandra Bose to be place his statue inside the canopy of King George at the India Gate Delhi. The Netaji Subhas Memorial Development office Nagaland absolutely thrilled for fulfilling one of our participation demand from 2004-2022 to the government of India along with other likeminded state and national organisations. We are very grateful and many hearty thanks the honourable Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi.

T h e I n d i a Fr e e d o m Fighters (INA) Children’s Welfare Nagaland extent our hearty thanks to ho’ble PM Narendra Modi for making the government order to start republic day celebration from 23 January every year and putting Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose Statue at the King George canopy at India gate Delhi.

On this auspicious day we salute Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose. Jai hind !

(Concluded) Vevotso Sapu, Convenor, India Freedom Fighter (INA) Children’s Welfare in Nagaland

Reader’s Post

An appeal to the Honourable Chief Minister of Nagaland

Sir,

For the past three decades I/We have served the Government of Nagaland .And it pains me to see that I along with so many former employees of Government of Nagaland have been left feeling neglected when it comes to accessing our pension funds. We the individuals who retired during the emergence of COVID 19 were very unfortunate that our pension payments have been put on hold till date. Considering the covid SOPs we obliged with the fact that the processing of our pension documents were to be put on hold. We the pensioners cooperated keeping in mind with pandemic that has obliterated and limited every institution vis a vis reallocation of funds to medical needs of the public, shortage of staffs etc. However this prolonged wait feels like ignorance and negligence. For instance ,among the 100s of pensioners some of us were given out the order for disbursement of pension benefits as on 13/12/2020 but there is no new update till date. This pandemic is an uncertain long battle for each individual and society at large. No one knows when it shall end but given the financial crisis so many of us going through, as pensioners, it’s a constant struggle to meet our daily needs with no access to our pension funds. Some of us are sole bread earners who has mouths to feed, to pay for our children’s education, Loans to be cleared and medical treatments being put on hold. It is our aggrieved plea that the pandemic should no longer be the reason for the delay in disbursing of pension funds. I would like to request the aggrieved pensioners to come forward in appealing for our rights to the Government.

Ch.Chiba, Seitheke Basa New Village

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

Train set on fire by agitators in Bihar’s Gaya Railway suspends NTPC, Level 1 exams after protests by aspirants

New Delhi-bound Shramjeevi Express train on fire in Bihar’s Gaya.

PATNA/NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (IANS/PTI): The ongoing protest by job aspirants and students on Wednesday turned violent when a large number of agitators set several coaches of New Delhi-bound Shramjeevi Express train on fire in Bihar’s Gaya.

As a large number of protesters were protesting in Patna, Arrah and Buxar, the Rajgir-New Delhi Shramjeevi express train was diverted towards Gaya to go to Deen Dayal Upadhyay (Mugal Sarai) and then further towards New Delhi.

A large number of protesters, holding Tricolours assembled on the track in the Patna-Gaya railway section in the morning. When the Shramjeevi Express arrived, they initially pelted stones and then set some coaches on fire.

Aditya Kumar, the Senior Superintendent of Police, Gaya confirmed the incident.

“The students pelted stones on the train and set it on fire. We are making efforts to identify the agitators on the basis of video evidence we have,” Kumar said. “We have appealed to the agitating students on loudspeakers to stay calm.

The RRB has constituted a committee to address the issue,” he said.

Besides Gaya, a large number of students also assembled in Sasaram, Bhabhua road, Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur, Buxar, Arrah, Patna, Vaishali and other places as well. In Madhubani, the police administration opened fire on the agitators. Three persons were reportedly injured in the firing.

In Dalsinghsarai rail-

way station in Samastipur, the students have removed connecting plates of the tracks and put railway lines on it. The students and the job aspirants were protesting against the fresh notification of the Indian Railways wherein it has finalised two examinations.

The agitators said that there was only one examination in the earlier notification in 2019, now RRB has issued a fresh notification as well and given a provision of two examinations. The officials have also been allegedly involved in irregularities with candidates having 50 marks being passed in the examination while many candidates having 80 to 85 marks have failed. Demonstration of students in Bihar continues for the third day, fire broke out in the bogie of a standing train.

Rio spells state govt priorities in Republic Day speech (From p-1) Further, he disclosed that the state Health and Family Welfare department has been ramping up its infrastructure over the last year which included completion of 1,281 oxygen beds and 163 ICU beds including 97 ventilators.

Every district had been provided with at least one PSA oxygen generator plant.

He also said the government had also completed construction of a 200 bedded acute care hospital at CISHR and made it operational in record time. Similarly, he said an additional 50-bedded fully equipped ward had been established at District Hospital Dimapur while the police department had also operationalised a fully equipped 100 bedded hospital at Police Referral Hospital, Chümoukedima.

He urged every person above 15 years of age in the State to take the vaccine at the same time follow all the Covid-19 Appropriate Behaviours. The chief minister also said that as part of its Community Outreach Program, State Police had launched a mobile application “Call Your Cop” which would allow citizens to get in touch with police personnel on duty in an easier manner.

He pointed out that the seizure of 290 gold bars weighing 48.14 Kg and worth over Rs 22.78 crores was the single biggest seizure of smuggled bullion in the State.

He said in its effort towards e-governance and ensuring better monitoring and quality of implementation of ILP regime, the state government launched the online ILP module for

all the categories of ILP on December 16, 2021.

Rio highlighted that department of School Education had commenced implementation of the National Education Policy 2020 in a phased manner and had made appreciable progress.

Meanwhile, in an unusual incident during the Republic Day celebration at New Secretariat Plaza, a police personnel on static security below the podium was seen going down and collapsed on the ground.

The incident happened just as the chief minister Neiphiu Rio was reading out his Republic Day speech behind the walled podium.

Some attendees were seen walking to find out what happened and later helped the personnel being taken for medical aid.

Railways has decided to suspend its Non Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) and Level 1 tests after violent protests by job aspirants over the selection process of its recruitment exams, a spokesperson for the national transporter said on Wednesday. It has also formed a high level committee to examine the grievances of those who have passed the exams under different railway recruitment boards (RRBs) and those who have failed the same.

After listening to both the parties, the committee will submit a report to the railway ministry, he said.

“A high power committee has been formed to look into the concerns and doubts raised by candidates in regard to results of 1st Stage Computer Based Test (CBT) of Centralized Employment Notification (CEN) 01/2019 of Non Technical Popular Categories (NTPC) issued by Railway Recruitment Boards (RRBs) on 14-15th January 2022,” the railways said. The committee will examine the results of 1st Stage CBT of centralised employees notice issued in 2019 (CEN 01/2019) for NTPC and methodology used for shortlisting candidates for second stage CBT without effecting existing shortlisted candidates and the introduction of second stage CBT in CEN RRC 01/2019.

The candidates can lodge their concerns and suggestions to the committee at rrbcommittee@railnet.gov.in, the railways has said. All chairpersons of RRBs have also been directed to receive the grievances of candidates through their existing channels, compile these grievances and send the same to the committee.

Candidates have been given three weeks time up to February 16 to submit their concerns and the committee after examining these concerns will submit their recommendations by March 4, 2022.

“In view of above, the 2nd Stage CBT of CEN 01/2019 (NTPC) beginning 15th February 2022 and 1st Stage CBT of CEN RRC 01/2019 beginning 23rd February stands postponed,” the railways said. The committee members include Deepak Peter, chairperson, Principal Executive Director (Industrial Relations), Railway Board; Rajiv Gandhi, Member Secretary Executive Director Establishment (RRB), Railway Board; Aditya Kumar, Member, Chief Personnel Officer (Administration), Western Railway; Jagdish Alagar, Member Chairperson RRB/Chennai; Mukesh Gupta, Member Chairperson RRB/Bhopal.

Gov, CM, DyCM greet on Bishu fest (From p-1) “May the post-harvest festival of thanksgiving bring blessings of good health, happiness and peace in everyone’s life. I wish you all a safe and a happy celebration,” Rio tweeted.

Dy.CM: In his message, Y. Patton said “festivals are celebrated to remind ourselves of the great legacy left behind by our ancestors.” On behalf of the state BJP legislators, Patton extended Bishu greetings and hoped that the festival would foster greater friendship and goodwill among the people.

Congress working president questions Rawat’s candidature

DEHRADUN, JAN 26 (PTI): Uttarakhand Congress working president Ranjit Rawat has expressed displeasure of the candidature of former CM Harish Rawat from Nainital’s Ramnagar, a seat from where he was hopeful of getting the party ticket.

In a purported video that surfaced on social media, Ranjit Rawat is seen questioning the party’s move while demanding that Harish Rawat’s candidature be withdrawn.

‘K’taka losing its pluralistic identity’: Academics to govt

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (AGENCIES): On Republic Day, a group of scientists, academics, lawyers and other civil society members from Karnataka have written an open letter to chief minister Basavaraj Bommai as well as the state’s legislators expressing concerns about the state’s “deteriorating governance and the frequent violence against religious minorities”.

According to The Print, a report jointly filed by several civil society rights organisations in November last year had found that at least 71 instances of communal violence were re-

ported in the state.

It is in this context that prominent civil society members such as historian and author Ramachandra Guha, advocate Flavia Agnes, professor Janaki Nair and 37 other academics, scientists, artists and beyond have written the open letter.

The letter said that, over the past few months, Karnataka has witnessed, “..the brutal killings of youths, rampant ‘hate speeches’, public threats and disruptions of worship by religious minorities, ‘honour killings’, ‘moral policing’, misogynistic statements by legislators and incidents of hostile and

violent encounters between various religious groups”.

Moreover, the letter notes that these disturbing trends have been facilitated by “callous and unconstitutional statements made by legislators” as well as the state machinery’s failure to “reign in fringe anti-social groups”.

The letter went on to stress that Karnataka’s cultural history “celebrates the plurality of cultures and religious tolerance” which the recent trends go against. The signatories also mention Karnataka’s political history, saying that the once-progressive state had “facilitated social har-

mony of a plural society and initiated model welfare programs for all sections of the population.”

“We note with both sadness and alarm that these traditions of tolerance and shared well-being are being torn asunder,” the letter reads, before mentioning two contentious legislations recently passed by the assembly, namely the ‘Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill, 2020’ (referred to in the letter as the “cow protection” bill) and the ‘Karnataka Protection of Right to Freedom of Religion Bill, 2021’ (the anti-conversion Act).

“Will you let someone else (Harish Rawat) reap the harvest of a barren land which you made fertile,” he is seen asking party workers in the video.

“Someone who wants to be made the party’s face for the polls, claiming people would vote in his name, would have had no problem contesting from any other seat,” he said.

Terming the party’s decision “wrong”, he asks the party high command to withdraw it.

(From p-1) The contingents of security forces were followed by tableaux from states that showcased India’s cultural diversity, with themes ranging from the freedom struggle to biodiversity.

A team of women daredevils from the BSF got the adrenaline rushing as they performed gravity-defying motorcycle stunts on Rajpath during the parade.

The ‘Seema Bhawani’ motorcycle team received applause and appreciation from the spectators, including several Union ministers and other dignitaries many of whom gave the women troupe a standing ovation.

The parade then saw the largest ever aerial display with 75 aircraft taking part in the majestic flypast highlighting India’s military power. This year, viewers could also see the cockpit of the aircraft on the screens at the parade venue as well as during the broadcast.

The parade ended on an emotional note as Virat, the President’s Bodyguard Commandant’s black horse, retired from his years long service after the 73rd Republic Day parade on Wednesday. President Kovind, Prime Minister Modi and Defence Minister Singh patted and bid farewell to the magnificent horse after the parade.

AYODHYA (UP), JAN 26 (PTI): With the Samajwadi Party nominating old hand Pawan Pandey on the Ayodhya seat, all eyes are on the BJP which is yet to name its candidate for the high-profile constituency after buzz on Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath stopped with the party fielding him from the Gorakhpur Urban seat.

The BSP and Congress are also yet to come out with the names of their candidates but people here see the poll as a direct fight between the SP and the BJP. A k h i l e s h Ya d av ’s party on Tuesday night declared the candidature of former MLA Pandey on the seat A promising youth leader from Lucknow University, Pandey had won the seat in 2012 but lost in 2017. He was also a minister in the Akhilesh Yadav

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hope that with the upgradation of the substation, power supply would be more stable now and overall power scenario would improve throughout the State.

Briefing about the formation of Kuda village, he assured to extend cooperation and support PGCIL on behalf of the village.

Informing the gathering about the project, Singh said Power Grid Dimapur air insulated substation (AIS) was constructed in 1994 and its capacity increased in subsequent years. He claimed that Power Grid, a Maharatna Central public sector undertaking (CPSU) under Ministry of Power, had suc-

25-year-old 220/132Kv Dimapur AIS to new technology of GIS with additional 2x160 MVA, 220/132Kv ICT under North-eastern Re g i o n S t r e n g t h e n i n g Scheme VIII, increasing transformer capacity to reduce maintenance and increase reliability and quality of power.

Short speeches were also delivered by Pupu and Iralu. The programme was chaired by junior engineer D Nakhro; KPS Rathore (NERPSIP Dimapur POWERGRID) highlighted about the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav celebrations while vote of thanks was delivered by engineer Anup Kumar Roy.

73rd Republic Day celebrated...

(From p-1) He also maintained that the state government had been consistently promoting tourism in the state for its contribution to the local economy. Further, Kronu spoke on the state government’s effort to promote entrepreneurship and provide easier access to finance at cheaper rates through banks by implementing SARFAESI Act in the state. He said the state government had passed the Act only after ensuring rights of the people guaranteed under Article 371 A. The minister highlighted various initiatives and achievements of the state government. After the speech, the minister inspected the march past contingents led by parade commander, ACP Ninoto I Zhumomi, parade 2 i/c ABI, Solo Kath RHQ Dimapur and took salute from four parade contingents. Earlier, Commissioner of Police, Dimapur, Rhotihu Tetseo, conducted parade review. On the occasion, special number was presented by Nungshiyanger Imsong and Aien. Later, minister inaugurated exhibition stalls opened by District Rural Development Authority.

SP picks nominee for Ayodhya polls, other parties ponder over candidates

P.O Chozuba, Phek, District: Nagaland (An initiative of Yorübami Thinker’s Forum)

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The poor working people of the country are always committed to making the Constitution meaningful but the government must be serious and dedicated towards reducing the huge gap between the poor and rich by removing increasing poverty, unemployment and inflation.” The former UP chief minister asked as to why the great objectives of justice, liberty and humanitarianism of the Constitution have remained unfulfilled even after 72 years of the Indian Constitution.

India displays PGCIL substation capacity military might on upgraded to 420 MVA in Dimapur p-1) cessfully upgraded and comRepublic Day (FromNagi expressed the missioned the more-than-

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Core objectives of Constitution remain unfulfilled: Mayawati

LUCKNOW JAN 26 (PTI): BSP president Mayawati on Wednesday greeted people on Republic Day, and said there was a need to introspect as to why justice and liberty, which were the core objectives of the Constitution, have remained unfulfilled. The BSP supremo also asked the government to be serious about reducing the huge gap between the poor and rich.

In a tweet in Hindi, she said, “Hearty congratulations and best wishes to all Indians on Republic Day.

7

NATIONAL/STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

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Pawan Pandey

government.

Even as the SP has come out with the name of its candidate, BJP supporters are still guessing whether it will be sitting MLA Ved Prakash Gupta or someone else.

Like in the past, Ayodhya is being used as a springboard by all major parties to launch its election campaign this time too.

Suraj Kumar of Nayaghat says, “There is resentment against the incumbent MLA as he could

not fulfil the aspirations of the people. If the BJP changes its candidate, it will be to its advantage”.

“A lot of work has been done here due to which land was acquired and for development work, demolition also took place.

When there is development, some structures are to be razed,” he noted.

When asked about the resentment prevailing among the traders, Ayodhya Vyapar Mandal President Nand Kumar Gupta, said the widening of road from Saadatganj to Ayodhya Ghat requires demolition of shops.

“These shops are on properties of Raja (Ayodhya) or temples. The shopkeepers here will not be getting any compensation. It’s a matter of their livelihood as they are here for the past three-four generations,” Gupta said.

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billion, registering a growth of 16.38 per cent over $2.57 bn in December 2020.

With record exports already achieved during the first three quarters of the current financial year, the sector has already surpassed $26.02 bn exports registered during the last FY (202021) and is likely to better the previous high of $35.89 bn scaled during the FY (2019-20).

The gems and jewellery sector made up 9.6 per cent share of India’s entire exports basket during the period (April-December 2021), accounting for the third largest commodity share, after engineering goods and petroleum products.

No. 10164 Yesterday’s solution No. 10163

No. 4786 Yesterday’s solution No. 4785

No. 3810 Yesterday’s solution No. 3809

ACROSS 3 Roof edges (5) 8 Nectar (5) 10 Oak fruit (5) 11 Roll (3) 12 Thick (5) 13 Referee (7) 15 Cove (5) 18 Man’s name (3) 19 Drowsy (6) 21 Woman’s name (7) 22 Suffering (4) 23 Church recess (4) 24 Hark (7) 26 Slanting type (6) 29 Brown (3) 31 Italian port (5) 32 Replies (7) 34 Drink (5) 35 Still (3) 36 Book of maps (5) 37 Ague (5) 38 Fruit (5) DOWN 1 Snake (5) 2 Deer meat (7) 4 Assert (4) 5 Simply (6) 6 Location (5) 7 Crawl (5) 9 Gist (3) 12 Fiendish (7) 14 Pitch (3) 16 Jumps (5) 17 Sorts (5) 19 Break (7) 20 Small twig (5) 21 Sofa (5) 23 Irritated (7) 24 Communicate (6) 25 Consume (3) 27 Trials (5) 28 Provincial (5) 30 Complete (5) 32 Perform again (4) 33 Revolution (3)

Air India likely to be handed over to Tata group on Thursday

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (PTI): The Indian government is likely to hand over Air India to the Tata Group on Thursday, nearly 69 years after it was taken from the conglomerate, officials said on Wednesday. After a competitive bidding process, the government had on October 8 last year sold Air India to Talace Private Limited - a subsidiary of the Tata Group’s holding company - for Rs 18,000 crore.

Meanwhile, two airline pilot unions - Indian Pilots’ Guild (IPG) and Indian Commercial Pilots’ Association (ICPA) - on Monday warned Air India’s CMD Vikram Dev Dutt of legal action as “multiple deductions and recoveries have been projected” on the dues owed to pilots. “This recovery exercise is entirely illegal, and we demand that this anomaly is rectified and the amount due is repaid with immediate effect,” the letter sent by the two

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airline. On October 25, the Centre signed the share purchase agreement (SPA) for this deal. Officials said on Wednesday that the airline will most likely be handed over to the conglomerate on Thursday as all the formalities are close to completion.

As a part of the deal, the Tata group will also be handed over Air India Express and a 50 percent stake in ground handling arm Air India SATS. Tatas had on October 8 beat the Rs 15,100-crore offer by a consortium led by SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh and the reserve price of Rs 12,906 crore set by the government for the sale of its 100 percent stake in the loss-making carrier.

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NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (IANS): India’s exports of gems and jewellery shot up by a whopping 71 per cent during the first three quarters (April-December) of the current financial year, over the same period of the previous year.

The sector clocked $28.9 billion exports as compared to $16.9 billion during the same period in 2020. Compared to the same period before the Covid pandemic struck, the gems and jewellery sector registered a growth of 3 per cent over $28 billion achieved in April-December 2019.

In December 2021 alone, India exported gems and jewellery worth $2.99

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Crossword

This is part of a raft of suggestions submitted by the IBA with the DFS ahead of the Budget for 2022-23, Financial Express reported.

Similarly, the IBA has sought clarity as to who is liable to pay the GST on the sale of repossessed assets — banks or the defaulters — especially where the defaulters are registered under the GST framework.

The banks’ body has also suggested that the government raise the amount of deductions in respect of provision for bad and doubtful debts made by rural branches from the current 10% of average advances under 36(1) (VIIA) of the Income Tax Act, 1961.

fourth Budget on February 1, 2022. The ‘halwa ceremony’ was usually held 10 days prior to the Union Budget. Last year, it was the first time since the presentation of independent India’s first Budget on November 26, 1947, that the documents containing income and expenditure statement of the Union government along with the finance bill, detailing new taxes and other measures for the new financial year, were not physically printed.

Also, for convenience, the finance ministry had in 2021 launched the ‘Union Budget Mobile App’ for hassle-free access of Budget documents by Members of Parliament (MPs) and the general public.

As part of the ritual, ‘halwa’ was prepared in a big ‘kadhai’ (large frying pot) and served to the entire staff involved in the Budget making the exercise of the ministry.

The significance of the event is that after the sweet dish is served, a large number of officials and support staff who are directly associated with the Budget making are required to stay in the ministry and remain cut off from their families till the presentation of the Budget in the Lok Sabha.

They are not even allowed to contact their near and dear ones through phone or any other form of communication, including e-mail.

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and the banks. Since most disputes relating to banks involve huge amount of money, they shouldn’t be treated on a par with less important ones, the IBA has argued.

As for GST notices, the IBA has informed the department of financial services (DFS) that while a June 2019 Central GST circular has amply clarified that such additional interests won’t attract GST, authorities are still issuing notices to banks in this regard. So, it has urged the government to tweak the norms appropriately and provide necessary explanatory notes so that banks are not subject to such notices in future.

being given a go-by, sources said, citing the prevailing pandemic.

However, a small group of staffers will undergo mandatory quarantine for the compilation of the digital Budget documents.

The Budget documents usually include the finance minister’s speech in Parliament, highlights, annual financial statement, finance bill containing tax proposals, memorandum explaining the provisions in financial bill, and macroeconomic framework statement.

They also include the medium-term fiscal policy cum fiscal policy strategy statement, outcome framework for schemes, customs notification, implementation of previous Budget announcements, receipt budget, expenditure budget and statement of budget estimates.

The documents are so bulky that a cotton bag used to be provided with each set to carry them.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, who in her maiden Budget presentation in 2019 shunned the long-standing practice of carrying the speech and Budget document in a briefcase in favour of a ‘bahi-khata’ holding the papers, used a handheld tablet to read her speech on the last occasion on February 1, 2021. She came to Parliament carrying the gadget inside the redcoloured ‘bahi-khata’ cloth.

She will present her

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NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (AGENCIES): Concerned about goods and services tax (GST) notices, banks have approached the finance ministry to ensure that the GST doesn’t apply to the levy of penal interest imposed on the customer in case of a default, or delay in repayment and non-compliance of loan conditions, sources told FE. S i m i l a r l y, b a n k s , through the Indian Banks’ Association (IBA), have urged the government to set up special dispute resolution mechanism, along the lines of the Committee on Disputes, with strict timelines for the completion of appeal process to cut litigations between the tax department

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Banks seek relief from GST notices, 71% jump in India’s gems and jewellery exports special disputes mechanism

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (PTI): India’s annual Budget will go green this year too, cutting down on the vast printing of documents that was associated with the presentation of tax proposals and financial statement of Asia’s third largest economy.

The Budget documents will be available mostly digitally, with only a handful of physical copies, officials said.

The printing of several hundred copies of the voluminous Budget documents was such an elaborate exercise that printing staff had to be quarantined inside the printing press in the basement of North Block -- the seat of the finance ministry -- for at least a couple of weeks.

This quarantine and the beginning of the printing would begin with a traditional ‘Halwa ceremony’ attended by finance minister, deputy finance ministers and senior officials in the ministry.

Since coming to power, the Modi government has curtailed printing of the Budget copies -- initially cutting copies distributed to journalists and outside analysts and then reducing those provided to Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha MPs citing outbreak of the pandemic.

This year, the outbreak of the highly infectious Omicron variant has brought more curbs.

As a result, the symbolic halwa ceremony is

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Madhya Pradesh 14 per cent.

Inclusion of natural gas under GST is required to provide uniform taxation and to encourage free trade of it across the country without any tax anomalies.

“This is one of the key prerequisites for the development of gas exchange in the country,” it said.

FIPI said non-inclusion of basic petroleum products such as crude oil, natural gas, petrol, diesel and ATF under the newly introduced GST regime is affecting the sector adversely.

“Presently, industry is paying GST on procurement of plant machinery and services and is unable to get the input tax credit as the final product is not

eration of electric energy for public distribution is exempt from custom duty subject to certain conditions. However, other important sectors like fertiliser, LPG, CNG and petrochemicals bear the burden of effective custom duty of 2.75 per cent.

“The custom duty increases the landed cost of imported LNG for domestic and industrial consumers.

Since the domestic production of natural gas is not enough to cater the increasing demand, import of LNG at large scale is required to augment supply of natural gas for priority sectors such as fertiliser, CNG, piped natural gas, LPG etc,” it said.

FIPI said the imported LNG has to be re-gasified and converted into natural gas (known as RLNG - regasified liquefied natural gas) for transportation and consumption in India. The activity of regasification of LNG presently attracts a high GST of 18 per cent.

“The levy of GST at a higher rate of 18 per cent on the regasification of LNG increases the landed cost of imported LNG for domestic industrial consumers.

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in the country’s primary energy basket to 15 per cent by 2030, from 6.2 per cent currently. Greater use of natural gas will cut fuel cost as well as bring down carbon emissions, helping the nation meet its COP-26 commitments.

“Non-inclusion of natural gas under the GST regime is having adverse impact on natural gas prices due to stranding of taxes in the hands of gas producers/suppliers and is also impacting natural gas-based industries due to stranding of legacy taxes paid on it,” FIPI said.

VAT rate on natural gas is very high in some states -- Andhra Pradesh levies 24.5 per cent tax, Uttar Pradesh 14.5 per cent, Gujarat 15 per cent and

included under GST. This is leading to immense pressure on the industry, which, in turn, is straining the entire economy,” it said.

It sought earliest inclusion of petroleum products such as crude oil, natural gas, petrol, diesel and ATF under the GST regime.

The industry body also sought lowering of import duty on LNG to make it competitive with polluting liquid fuel.

Liquefied natural gas (LNG) is a clean fuel and mainly used in the fertilizer and power sector. Recognising the shortage of gas in the country, the government has encouraged import of LNG. Presently, import of LNG attracts customs duty of 2.5 per cent plus SWS cess of 10 per cent.

“However, the basic customs duty levied on import of crude oil is only Rs 1 per tonne. Since LNG falls in the same logical category as crude oil, they must have the same level of taxation as applied to crude oil,” it said, seeking exemption from levy of customs duty on import of LNG. Import of LNG for exclusive consumption in gen-

India’s annual Budget again goes green, cuts down on printing to bare minimum

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Bring natural gas under GST: Industry

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (PTI): The government should bring natural gas under the Goods and Services Tax (GST) regime to realise Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for a gas-based economy and raising the share of the environment-friendly fuel in India’s energy basket, an industry body that represents the likes of Reliance Industries as well state-owned firms, has said.

Natural gas is currently outside the ambit of GST, and existing legacy taxes -- central excise duty, state VAT, central sales tax -continue to be applicable on the fuel.

In its pre-Budget memorandum to the finance ministry, Federation of Indian Petroleum Industry (FIPI), which boasts of members from across the oil and gas spectrum, also demanded rationalization of GST on transportation of natural gas through pipeline as well as on re-gasification of imported LNG to help bring down cost of the environment friendly fuel.

The Prime Minister has set a target of raising the share of natural gas

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, JANAURY 27, 2022

BUSINESS

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8

INTERNATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

Russia threatens retaliation if Ukraine demands not met MOSCOW, JAN 26 (AP): Russia warned on Wednesday it would quickly take “retaliatory measures” if the US and its allies reject its security demands and continue their “aggressive” policies, ratcheting up pressure on the West amid concerns that Moscow is planning to invade Ukraine.

Russia has repeatedly denied it has any such designs, but the United States and its NATO allies are worried because Russia has massed an estimated 100,000 troops near Ukraine’s border and launched a series of war games in the region.

At the heart of the standoff are questions about Ukraine’s future: Russia has demanded guarantees that NATO will never admit the country and other ex-Soviet nations as members and that the alliance will roll back troop deployments in other former Soviet bloc countries.

Some of these, like the membership pledge, are nonstarters for NATO, creating a seemingly intractable stalemate that many fear can only end in a war.

Speaking to lawmakers

The Russian navy’s missile cruiser Marshal Ustinov sails off for an exercise in the Arctic. (AP/PTI)

Wednesday, Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said he and other top officials will advise President Vladimir Putin on the next steps after receiving written replies from the United States to the demands.

Those answers are expected this week — even though the US and its allies have already made clear they will reject the top Russian demands.

“If the West continues its aggressive course, Moscow will take the necessary retaliatory measures,” he said.

While Russia is currently waiting for the American reply, Lavrov indicated it wouldn’t wait forever: “We won’t allow our pro-

posals to be drowned in endless discussions,” he said.

Asked by lawmakers if Russia could expand military cooperation with Cuba, Venezuela and Nicaragua, Lavrov responded that Moscow has close ties with those countries. Earlier this month, Lavrov’s deputy pointedly refused to rule out the deployment of Russian military assets to Cuba and Venezuela — far closer to the US than Ukraine — if Moscow’s security demands aren’t met.

NATO said this week it was bolstering its deterrence in the Baltic Sea region and the US ordered 8,500 troops on higher alert for potential deployment to Europe.

Western nations have also

sent planeloads of weapons to help Ukraine strengthen its defenses.

Amid the escalating tensions, Ukrainian officials have sought to calm nerves.

Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba said Wednesday that while the concentration of Russian troops near Ukraine poses a threat, “their number is now insufficient for a large-scale offensive.”

“They are still missing some key military elements and systems to mount a big, full-scale offensive,” Kuleba told reporters.

As others have, he noted that causing alarm could be an end in itself.

Russia, he said, hopes to destabilize Ukraine by “spreading panic, raising pressure on Ukraine’s financial system and launching cyberattacks.” “President Putin would be happy to see that plan succeed so that he doesn’t even need to turn to military force to put Ukraine in a vulnerable position,” he said.

His comments were latest from Ukrainian officials who have sought to reassure their citizens.

Speaking late Tuesday in

the second televised speech to the nation in as many days, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine was “strong enough to keep everything under control and derail any attempts at destabilisation.”

Several rounds of highstakes diplomacy have failed to yield any breakthroughs in the standoff, but another attempt was going forward Wednesday.

Presidential advisers from Russia, Ukraine, France and Germany are set to meet in Paris to discuss ways to revive a stalled peace agreement for eastern Ukraine.

In 2014, following the ouster of a Kremlin-friendly president in Kyiv, Moscow annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Peninsula and threw its weight behind a separatist insurgency in the country’s eastern industrial heartland.

Fighting between Ukrainian forces and Russia-backed rebels has killed over 14,000 people, and efforts to reach a settlement have stalled.

Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that Moscow expects a “good frank” talk at the Paris

meeting. In addition to the military moves, the US and its allies have threatened sanctions like never before if Moscow sends its troops into Ukraine, but they have given few details, saying it’s best to keep Putin guessing.

On Tuesday, US President Joe Biden told reporters that Putin “continues to build forces along Ukraine’s border,” and an attack “would be the largest invasion since World War II. It would change the world.”

He warned that there would be serious economic consequences for Putin, including personal sanctions, in the event of an invasion. Asked to comment on Biden’s statement, Peskov pointed out that the Russian president and other top officials don’t have assets in the West but reaffirmed that such US sanctions would be “politically destructive” for bilateral ties.

Britain is also promising sanctions, and Foreign Secretary Liz Truss has urged European nations to do more to support Ukraine.

The UK has sent antitank weapons to Ukraine, though it has ruled out sending combat troops.

9 AK-47 being home delivered like pizza in Pakistan

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (IANS): Getting a revolver delivered to a home in Pakistan is as easy as ordering a pizza.

A person can choose their preferred weapon on social media, make a phone call to the dealer, agree upon a price and a few days later, a courier will knock on their door, Samaa TV reported. This delivery service is available across Pakistan.

One might think that this network might be operating in shadow or under several layers of secrecy.

But, in this case, there are Facebook pages and WhatsApp groups to sift through a catalogue of weapons.

A Pak citizen who got weapons delivered to his

home told Samaa TV that his weapon was shipped from Dara Adamkhel in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa to Karachi. It cost him Rs 38,000.

The person, who wished to remain anonymous, said that he was not asked for a licence before the delivery. The entire deal was done over the phone.

“I sent Rs 10,000 as advance through Easy Paisa and the remaining amount of Rs 28,000 was paid after checking the weapon,” he said, as per the report.

The cheapest delivery is in Karachi. There are two separate networks: the first is weapons dealers, the second is those who deliver it.

UK PM Johnson ‘welcomes’ police Imran Khan govt most corrupt B’desh keen to work with India in building probe as partygate report due in Pakistan’s history: Maryam peaceful and prosperous region: Hasina

Office as well as some other Whitehall departments that may have constituted potential breaches of the COVID regulations,” Johnson said in a parliamentary statement on Tuesday.

“That process has quite properly involved sharing information continuously with the Metropolitan Police, so I welcome the Met’s decision to conduct its own investigation because I believe this will help to give the public the clarity it needs and help to draw a line under matters,” he said. A Downing Street spokesperson reiterated that the UK prime minister did

India slams Pakistan at UN Says perpetrators of 26/11 attacks enjoy its patronage U N I T E D NAT I O N S, JAN 26 (PTI): Perpetrators of the heinous 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks continue to enjoy Pakistan’s patronage, India has told the UN Security Council, saying that most terrorist attacks around the world have their origin, in some form or the other, in that country.

India strongly hit back at Pakistan after Islamabad’s envoy to the UN Munir Akram raked up the issue of Jammu and Kashmir during an UNSC Open Debate on ‘Protection of civilians in armed conflict: Wars in cities - protection of civilians in urban settings’ on Tuesday.

“Member States are well aware that Pakistan has an established history of harbouring, aiding and actively supporting terrorists. This is a country which has been globally recognised as a sponsor of terrorism and holds the ignoble record of hosting the largest number of terrorists proscribed by the UN Security Council,” Counsellor in India’s Permanent Mission to the UN R. Madhu Sudan said. “So much so that most terrorist

R. Madhu Sudan

attacks around the world today have their origin, in some form or the other, in Pakistan,” he said. His statement came days after a siege at a synagogue in Texas, US, that ended with the killing of British hostage taker of Pakistani heritage, Malik Faisal Akram.

Madhu Sudan said he is constrained to take the UNSC floor again, after India’s envoy T S Tirumurti had delivered the national statement at the debate, only because the Representative of Pakistan “chose to sully this august Council through his Pavlovian and frivolous remarks against my country. While his statement deserves our collective contempt, it is important for me to set the record straight.”

He said even as the Council is discussing protection of civilians at the meeting, the biggest threat to civilians comes from terrorists.

“As we mentioned ear-

lier, the perpetrators of the heinous terror attack in Mumbai in 2008 continue to enjoy patronage of the state which he represents,” Madhu Sudan said, referring to the Pakistani envoy.

Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) is the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai terror attacks. Saeed has been serving jail sentence at the Kot Lakhpat Jail, Lahore in Pakistan for his conviction in terror financing cases.

In his remarks earlier in the debate, Tirumurti said any debate on protection of civilians in urban areas would be incomplete without taking into account the carnage wrought by terrorist forces, especially those backed by State actors.

“The dastardly terrorist attacks in Mumbai in 2008 which resulted in the killing of 166 innocent civilians of 15 nationalities is still a ghastly reminder to the entire international community. In recent memory, the Mumbai terror attacks epitomise the sheer scale and scope of urban warfare that we had to mount against jihadi terrorists, when our police personnel had to put their lives on the line to secure the city’s safety,” Tirumurti said.

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (IANS): Pakistan Opposition politicians have called the corruption index report “a charge sheet against PM Imran Khan” and calling upon him to resign, Dawn reported.

Leader of the Opposition in the Pak National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif said the PTI govt “has broken all records of corruption in the last 20 years.

Among the Asia-Pacific region, Pakistan has unfortunately been ranked as the 5th most corrupt country.”

He tweeted that under his brother Nawaz’s rule, corruption had decreased despite massive development projects being undertaken.

This, Sharif said, was down to “transparency, good governance and legal reforms”, adding that corruption was rampant under Imran Khan even though he had not carried out any major development works.

PML-N vice president

Maryam Nawaz

Maryam Nawaz declared the Imran Khan government “the most corrupt government in Pakistans history”, claiming that every sector had witnessed a decline during his reign.

Punjab Assembly opposition leader Hamza Shehbaz said that Imran Khan’s anti-corruption slogans were merely a front for targeting the opposition after coming to power, while the party’s information secretar y Marriyum Aurangzeb asked the premier to address the nation and answer their questions over the latest TI report.

AppreciAtion We , t h e G r a n d c h i l d r e n ( P v ü a t s o ’ s ) o f Lt. Nyimthungo Kikon congratulate Shri. Rendemo Shitio for being awarded the Governor's Commendation Certificate in recognition of innovative and resourceful role in the design and development of software.

Sincere congratulations on your hard-earned success. Words can’t express how proud we are.

Good luck and tons of best wishes to you in many days to come and may our good Lord continue to bless you in whatever you do. This is our heartiest wish for you. dP-390/22

APPRECIATION The Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) 58 Shamator-Chessore Assembly Constituency extends its sincere appreciation to the Hon’ble Chief Minister Mr. Neiphiu Rio and his cabinet colleagues, for heeding to the voice of the Yimkhiung people and for having fulfilled the much desired aspiration and dream of the Shamator-Sub division.

History has been created when the Government of Nagaland under the dynamic leadership of Mr. Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister declared Shamator as the 16th district of Nagaland. The people of Shamator district shall always remember this deed and the NDPP party of 58 Shamator-Chessore A/C in particular shall always rededicate and work for the upliftment of the Party in the spirit of facta non verba, as has been proved to us today, by deeds not by words.

The Party highly appreciates Mr. S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, Hon’ble MLA of bringing the two Tribal Councils to the negotiating table and eventually leading to the creation of Shamator district. The NDPP Party further reaffirms our strong support and cooperation towards our MLA and believes that the Party will only grow stronger under his leadership. The Party truly accolades the role of Mr. S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, Hon’ble MLA, for his visionary act and wisdom which brought solution to the four decades issue in the region.

Long live NDPP-facta non verba (Y. TOKIU) (TSUKHUMONG) President General Secretary NDPP 58 Shamator-Chessore AC NDPP 58 Shamator-Chessore AC

DHAKA, JAN 26 (PTI): Bangladesh is keen to work with India towards realising the shared vision of building a peaceful and prosperous region, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina said on Wednesday as she extended greetings to her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi and the people of India on the country’s 73rd Republic Day. In a letter written to Modi, Hasina said the year 2021 was a “historic one” for the Bangladesh-India relationship, marked by celebrations of “epochal” events and engagements at the highest levels.

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Bangladesh and on my own behalf, I extend the warmest wishes and heartiest felicitations to you and the People of India on the auspicious occasion of the Republic Day of India,” she said. Hasina

Sheikh Hasina

said the unique ties of close friendship, cooperation and trust between the two countries have flourished and grown from strength to strength in recent years.

Many new frontiers of cooperation alongside all traditional areas have been identified, particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic, she said.

“We look forward to working with India in the next fifty years and beyond, towards realising the shared vision of building a peaceful and prosperous region,” she said.

Hasina said she “ t h a n k f u l ly ” r e c a l l e d

Modi’s visit to Dhaka in March last year to join the celebrations of the golden jubilee of Bangladesh’s independence, the birth centenary of Father of the Nation Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman and 50 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between Bangladesh and India.

“Your gracious presence on these occasions had added extra enthusiasm to the celebrations and allowed us to further consolidate our excellent bilateral relations, which so happily exist between our two countries,” she wrote in the letter.

Hasina said she recalled with gratitude the support rendered by the government and the people of India during Bangladesh’s Liberation War in 1971 and said this set the foundation of “our unique relationship.”

OFFICE OF THE

TIKHIR TRIBAL COUNCIL

HQ. KIUSAM TOWN, P.O. & DISTRICT KIPHIRE PIN-798611: Nagaland

GRATITUDE The Tikhir Tribal Council extends heartfelt gratitude to Shri. Neiphiu Rio, Hon'ble Chief Minister of Nagaland and the UDF Government for recognition of Tikhir as a separate tribe of Nagaland and also for upgrading Shamator HQ to District status on 19/01/22. This major decision by Government of the day has restored the dignity of Tikhir Tribe and has left an indelible mark in the journey of Tikhir people search for identity and truth. Words are inadequate to express our profound gratitude to everyone who stood by us and extended every possible physical, moral, spiritual and financial support during our tumultuous 40 years march for justice.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. Shri. G. Kaito Aye, Hon'ble Minister of Agriculture & Cooperation, GoN. 2. Shri. V. Kashiho Sangtam, Hon'ble Minister of Soil & Water Conservation, GoN. 3. All Cabinet Ministers of NLA. 4. Shri. T. Yangseo Sangtam, Hon'ble MLA 60 A/C. 5. Shri. S. Keoshu Yimkhiung, Hon'ble MLA 58 A/C. 6. The Chief Secretary, Nagaland and the State bureaucracy.

7. Shri. K.D Vizo ITS, Principal Secretary to Hon'ble Chief Minister, Nagaland.

8. Shri. Abhijit Sinha IAS, Home Commissioner, Nagaland.

9 Shri. Rovilatuo Mor IAS, Commissioner Nagaland.

10. Shri. K.T Vilie, Convener, 14 Tribal Hohos.

11. Smti. Banuo Z Jamir IAS, Chief Secretary (Rtd), Chairman, Study Committee.

12. All Members of Study Committee.

13. Shri. R. Iralu, Sr. Advocate, Kohima, Nagaland.

14. Eastern Nagaland Legislatures' Union.

15. Eastern Nagaland Peoples Organisation.

16. All the Prayer Warriors/churches across the State.

17. All friends & well-wishers of Tikhir tribe who stood by us throughout our struggle.

(W. Tothong Philip) General Secretary, Tikhir Tribal Council

(Topan K Tikhir) President, Tikhir Tribal Council

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Boris Johnson

not believe he had broken the law. Any breaches of coronavirus lockdown rules carry a fixed penalty notice, or a fine, rather than a legal process of a trial. Therefore, the publication of the Gray report is not seen as risking legal prejudice. Johnson has previously promised to make the report public as soon as possible after he receives it and to make a statement to the Commons.

The Opposition Labour and Scottish National Party (SNP) have asked the government for assurances they will get advance notice on the report’s publication to be able to fully scrutinise it. “The whole of the report should be published in full – both the findings and the workings. The worry is that there’s so little trust in the British government at the moment from most of the public, that if there are too many redactions people will say this is a cover-up,” Labour member of parliament Chris Bryant told the BBC.

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LONDON, JAN 26 (PTI): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he welcomes the Scotland Yard investigation into the so-called “partygate” scandal of alleged lockdown breaches at 10 Downing Street and other government offices during 2020-2021.

There was an earlier expectation that the police probe could delay the internal Cabinet Office inquiry being conducted by top civil servant Sue Gray, but ministers indicated on Wednesday that the report is ready for release soon. The focus has now turned to whether the findings will be released in full, a decision to be made

by Downing Street, and if it will be ahead of the crucial Prime Minister’s Questions (PMQs) session in the House of Commons scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. “A few weeks ago I commissioned an independent inquiry into a series of events in Downing Street, in the Cabinet

INFOTAINMENT

10

R-Day: CM inaugurates exhibition stalls

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agaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the exhibition stalls on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day celebration at the Secretariat Plaza, Kohima on January 26.

Altogether 16 stalls were set up by various state government departments.

Rio, accompanied by his wife Kaisa Rio and other dignitaries visited all the stalls and interacted with the officials present.

Agri department had put up on display various farming equipments and seeds for the benefit of far mers across the State. Land Resources Department showcased the departments’ activities and also gave the visitors different taste of Nagaland grown coffee.

Information on fish farming, feeds and other related activities were on display at the Fisheries & A q u a t i c Re s o u r c e s department.

Animal Husbandry & Veterinar y Ser vices de par tment displayed products by Milk

Chief minister, Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister, Y. Patton and colleagues inspecting the exhibition stall of Science & Technology Department on Republic Day. (DIPR)

Cooperative of Nagaland (MILKCON), and poultry products reared and feeds m a nu f a c t u r e d b y t h e Department.

Horticulture d e p a r t m e n t ex h i b i t e d various indigenous horti products of the State.

The unit is also planning to start an essential oil manufacturing unit at Piphema village very soon.

Department of Sericulture stall exhibited silk shawls, mekhela and textiles produced from

cocoons of lar vae of mulberry silkworm fed in castor plant.

Nagaland State Rural Livelihood Mission under the Rural Development department displayed products such as cushion cover, table runner, table mat, bags, baby diaper and sanitary napkin manufactured by Community Learning & Business Resource Centre (CLBRC).

Information & Public Relations department set

up a photo exhibition based on activities related to Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav under taken in all the districts of Nagaland.

The Department of Industries & Commerce, Information & Technology, Science & Technology, Nagaland Legal Services A u t h o r i t y, H e a l t h & Family Welfare, Soil & Water Conservation also set up their respective stalls highlighting their departmental activities and programmes.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

Prayers for Lata Mangeshkar in Ayodhya

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aints in Ayodhya have performed the “Mahamrityunjay jaap” and a ‘hawan’ for singer Lata Mangeshkar who has bene hospitalised after testing Covid-19 p o s i t i ve. Ja g a d g u r u Paramhans Achar ya Maharaj, who participated in the holy ritual conducted for Mangeshkar said that he also wishes that Prime Minister Narendra Modi visit the 92-year-old singer, who is currently in ICU. “We have performed a ‘Mahamrityunjay jaap’ for the better health of singer Lata Mangeshkar. I would request PM Narendra Modi to meet her,” said Jagadgur u Paramhans Acharya Maharaj.

T h e s i n ge r t e s t e d positive for coronavirus with mild symptoms a n d wa s a d m i t t e d t o the ICU of the Breach Candy Hospital in south Mumbai on January 8.

The Mangeshkar family, through the official account of the singer, once again asked people to not indulge in spreading ‘disturbing rumours’ about her health condition.

(IANS)

Singer Elton John tests positive for Covid

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Angami women folk in traditional attire presenting Angami folk song on the occasion of the 73rd Republic Day celebration at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza, Kohima.(DIPR)

‘Pebbles’ wins Best Film award at 20th Dhaka International Film Festival

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i r e c t o r P. S .

VinothRaj’s ‘Koozhangal’ (better known as ‘Pebbles’), which was India’s official entry to the Oscars this year, has won the award for the Best Film at the 20th Dhaka International Film Festival.

The Indian High Commission in Bangladesh, through its official Twitter handle, expressed its happiness, saying, “Thank you, DIFF for the excellent show! Delighted that ‘Koozhangal’ (‘Pebbles’) has won the

best film award at Dhaka International Film Festival!

Congratulations to Team ‘Koozhangal’.”

D i r e c t o r Vi g n e s h S h iva n , w h o, a l o n g with actress Nayanthara produced the film, also expressed happiness at the honour.

Quoting the Indian High Commission’s tweet, Vi g n e s h S h iva n s a i d , “Thank you so much for the honour. “ The film, which emerged as the winner of the prestigious Tiger Award at the International Film

Festival of Rotterdam, tells the story of an alcoholic who, along with his son, goes in search of his wife, who has fled from their home. (IANS)

egendary English singer Elton John has been forced to cancel two upcoming shows in Dallas, Texas, after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

A statement read: “It is with great regret that the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour dates in Dallas set for Tuesday, January 25 and Wednesday, January 26 must be postponed due to Elton recently testing positive for COVID-19.

“Fortunately, Elton is fully vaccinated and boosted, and is experiencing only mild symptoms. Fans should hold on to their tickets as they will be honoured at the rescheduled dates to be announced soon.”

The ‘Rocket Man’ hitmaker intends to return to the stage once he’s recovered from the virus.

The statement continued: “Elton and the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour look forward to returning to the stage shortly.”

The char t-topping icon only recently returned to touring after a lengthy hiatus, reports femaleifrst. co.uk.

Speaking during a gig in New Orleans, Elton

Cultural day-cum-Sühkrühnyie celebrated at Phüsachodü village

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he 20th cultural daycum-Sühkrühnyie of the Phüsachodümi Yo u t h S o c i e t y w a s celebrated at Phüsachodü village, Phek on January 25 with advisor to chief minister of Nagaland, Abu Metha as the special guest.

Speaking at the programme, Metha called upon the gathering to use technology for transparency and strengthen the foundation of education.

He also urged the youth to use social media responsibly. He stressed on meritocracy so that the society can move forward, adding that students will work harder. Citing the example of Chekrovolu Swüro, he said the youth are doing well despite the limited resources.

Metha said that tourism is one of the biggest industries and stressed on popularizing “Experiential Tourism” to strengthen the State’s economy. On ‘Phüsachodü Village Walk’, he hoped that it will bring the village not only in the Nagaland

told the crowd: “Wow, we haven’t played a show since the 6th of March 2020.

This is a new experience for us, I’ve never had this amount of time off in my life ... playing music, well at least since I was 17 years of age.

“I have a fact for you, you have been holding on to these tickets for 745 days. And I can’t thank you enough for being so patient. We live in funny times but we’re gonna have a great time.”

The pop legend has previously appeared in a COVID-19 vaccine advert for the NHS in the UK. Elton appeared alongside Sir Michael Caine in the video, as they tried to encourage the public to get their vaccination.

In the light-hearted advert, Elton described the virus as a “wretched disease”.

(IANS)

tourism map but beyond.

Honour guest of the event, advisor TaFMA, Theja Meru, urged the youth to aim high and work hard. He asked them to be organised and have a sense of competition in all their activities. He encouraged the gathering to connect well with the outside world to bring the world at the doorsteps. “We cannot be left behind, but must emerge as winners”, Meru stated.

Speaking as an honour guest, director of Tourism, Ajanuo Belho, encouraged the gathering to keep alive and preserve the rich and unique identity of the Nagas. She stated that with the launch of the village

walk, it will promote rural tourism.

Dr. Chotisüh Sazo, MLA, said that with tourists coming into the village, the youth can make use of the opportunity by engaging in various tourist related activities.

He stated that the idea was to showcase the traditional village life and attract tourists through rural ecotourism activities. He also maintained that with the launch of the village walk, employment opportunities will be generated and the rural economy will also improve.

The event also holds various competitions such as traditional folk songs and dances.

Either remove my music or Joe Rogan podcast: Neil Young tells Spotify

N Elton John

Abu Metha speaking during the 20th cultural day-cumSühkrühnyie of the Phüsachodümi Youth Society. (DIPR)

e i l Yo u n g h a s threatened to pull his music from the Spotify (SPOT.N) streaming service in protest of its relationship with podcaster Joe Rogan, who the prolific singer-songwriter accuses of spreading misinformation about COVID-19, according to media reports on Tuesday.

Young, who survived polio as a child, briefly posted a letter on his website addressed to his manager and his record label, Warner Music Group (WMG.O), demanding that Spotify no longer carry his music. The letter was later deleted.

“I want you to let Spotify know immediately TODAY that I want all my music off their platform. ... They can have Rogan or Young. Not both,” Young wrote in the letter, according to the Wall Street Journal.

“I am doing this because Spotify is spreading fake information about va c c i n e s - p o t e n t i a l ly causing death to those who believe the disinformation being spread by them,” the newspaper quoted Young,

76, as writing.

Ro g a n , 5 4 , i s t h e host of “The Joe Rogan Experience,” the top-rated podcast on Spotify, which has exclusive rights to the program.

As of Tuesday, Young’s music, including such songs as “Heart Of Gold,” “Rocking In The Free World” and “Old Man,” was still available on the service, as was Rogan’s podcast.

S p o t i f y, W a r n e r Music Group and “The Joe Rogan Experience” did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

A representative for Young could not be reached.

Rogan, who began his career as a stand-up comedian, has long stirred controversy with his views on the pandemic, government mandates and vaccines to control the spread of the coronavirus.

He has questioned the need for COVID-19 vaccines on his show and said he used ivermectin, an anti-parasite drug that has no proven benefit against COVID. In the letter, Young

Neil Young

singled out one episode in which a Rogan guest was pushing debunked anti vaccination theories, the Journal reported.

Young’s letter noted that Rogan’s podcast draws 11 million listeners each episode and highlighted that Spotify lacks a misinformation policy, the newspaper said.

Spotify began carrying Rogan’s podcast in September as part of its efforts to transform itself into the Netflix of audio. Rogan maintains full creative control over the show.

(Reuters)

E

ntertainment company Disney has responded to criticism of its forthcoming live action adaptation of ‘Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs’ made by ‘Game of Thrones’ star Peter Dinklage.

Dinklage said the remake of the 1937 animated film, based on a story from the Brothers Grimm, was “backward”, reports bbc.com.

Disney said it was going to “avoid reinforcing stereotypes from the original animated film”.

Dinklage had said D i s n e y s h o u l d h av e reassessed the project.

“I was a little taken aback by [the fact] they were very proud to cast a Latina actress as Snow White,” he told podcaster K Y M C

dp-386/22

Peter Dinklage

Marc Maron.

“But you’re still telling the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs”.

Dinklage has a form of dwarfism called achondroplasia.

“You’re progressive in one way but you’re still making that backward story of seven dwarves living in the cave,” he continued.

“They were so proud of that, and all love and respect to the actress and the people who thought they were doing the right thing but I’m just like, ‘What are you doing?’”

In a statement, Disney said the live action remake will be an updated version of the original 1937 film.

“We are taking a different approach with these seven characters and have been consulting with members of the dwarfism community,” it said in a statement.

“We look forward to sharing more as the film heads into production after a lengthy development period.”

Oscar-nominated producer Marc Platt, who also worked on Disney’s live-action rendition of ‘The Little Mermaid’, is set to produce the film. (IANS)

dc-59/22

Disney responds to Peter Dinklage’s criticism of ‘Snow White’ remake

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

IPL auction: U-19 stars set to attract good bids

Brazil motivated for ‘demanding’ World Cup qualifiers: Casemiro

Tyagi (2020) and many others have made it big for India or have become IPL stars over the years after taking part in different editions of the Under 19-World Cup. Likewise, the IPL 2022 auction will also change the lives of many youngsters and the cash-rich league will provide them a chance to showcase their talent in front of the world.

In this listicle, we talk about five Indian Under-19 players who can get hefty deals during the auction on February 12 and 13.

1. Har noor Singh: Harnoor is one of the most promising talents from this year’s India U-19 side.

He is the key batsman of

the side and has produced some brilliant knocks in the recently-played friendlies and in the U-19 World Cup as well.

In India’s second match of the ongoing U-19 World Cup, he was their highest run scorer with an 88-run knock. Harnoor will definitely be one of the young batters out there that the IPL teams can bid for.

2. Angkrish Raghuvanshi: Opener Angkrish is a very dependable batsman. He scored 79 in the match against Ireland and followed it with a daddy hundred (144 off 120) against Uganda. So, he will definitely be one of most sought-after names in the auction.

3. Raj Bawa: He is an allrounder and probably best suited for the IPL format. He can bowl 3-4 overs at ease and is a good batsman as well. He played a sensational knock (162 off 108) against Uganda in addition to his 42 off 64 against Ireland and four big wickets with the ball against South Africa.

Franchises who need a young all-rounder will definitely bid for Bawa in the auction and the youngster can get a hefty deal.

4. Yash Dhull: He is the captain of the India U-19 and is suited for all the formats. He is equally

good as Harnoor Singh and has enormous potential.

His knock against South Africa (82 off 100) was very impressive. Unfortunately he tested positive for COVID-19 and missed the next few matches.

However, he has already shown his capability and can attract a number of franchises in IPL 2022’s mega auction. Moreover, India’s U-19 captains have always been sold for big bucks in the last few seasons of IPL. 5. Vicky Ostwal: He is the best bowler in the current India U-19 squad and he showed that with his fabulous spell of 5/28 against South Africa. He could become the highest wicket taker of the 2022 U-19 World Cup and that would be a great addition to his already brilliant resume.

Good Indian spinners, who have a bit of mystery as well, are a rare commodity, so Ostwal will definitely get a good deal in the IPL auction.

Apart from the above mentioned five Indian cricketers, there are many other youngsters from different countries in the ongoing Under-19 World Cup who are doing well for their respective countries and franchise and scouts are also keeping an eye on them before the auction.

Hamilton will return to seek record eighth F1 title, says Jenson Button

Santosh Trophy football tourney postponed

2nd late G. Rio U-1 9: Kohima and Dimapur win

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (IANS): Over the years, India’s Under-19 cricketers have got good money in IPL auctions and it will be no different this time as well when the paddle goes up on February 12 and 13.

The impressive performance of Indian colts in the ongoing Under-19 World Cup in the Caribbean will not only help them in making it into the senior national team, but it will also serve as a pathway to quick fame and potential big money via the cash-rich league.

The current generation, which has grown up watching the IPL, will definitely keep one eye on the auction and another on the Under-19 World Cup. However, it wasn’t always the case. In 2008, then U-19 skipper Virat Kohli and his teammate Ravindra Jadeja made it to the Royal Challengers Bangalore and Rajasthan Royals, respectively via the draft system. They were not available for the player auctions, and naturally, the money was limited.

Over the years, the rules changed and Indian colts were allowed to participate in the auctions and since then they got good money and their lives changed forever.

These U-19 cricketers

File photo of India’s Under-19 cricket team. may or may not deliver from the very first season but franchises see them as long-term investment prospects. This year’s auction is also likely to be the last IPL mega auction so owners/ officials would want to buy these raw talents at comparatively lesser amount and get fruitful results from them in future.

Virat Kohli, Ravindra Jadeja (2008), KL Rahul, Mayank Agarwal (2010), Unmukt Chand, Hanuma Vihari (2012), Kuldeep Yadav, Shreyas Iyer, Sanju Samson (2014), Ishan Kishan, Rishabh Pant, Washington Sundar (2016), Prithvi Shaw, Shubman Gill (2018) Ravi Bishnoi, Yashasvi Jaiswal, Kartik

NEW DELHI, JAN 26 (PTI): The National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy, which was scheduled to be held at Malappuram in Kerala from February 20 to March 6, was on Wednesday postponed till further notice due to rise in COVID-19 cases.

The All India Football Federation said it will review the circumstances next month before announcing the new schedule.

“The AIFF has communicated to participating state associations that in wake of rise in COVID-19 positive cases, and after consultation with the Government of Kerala, the competition schedule for the Hero National Football Championship for the Santosh Trophy has been deferred,” the federation said in a release.

“A review of the circumstances will be undertaken in the third week of February to decide on new dates and the new schedule.”

D I M A P U R , JA N 2 6 (NPN): Kohima and Dimapur have won their respective matches during the second day of the ongoing second edition of late G. Rio memorial U-1 9 (boys) inter district cricket tournament of January 26 at Nagaland Cricket Stadium and Sovima Cricket Ground respectively.

In the match between Kohima and Zunheboto, Kohima beat Zunheboto and won the match by 150 runs. Zunheboto after having won the toss invited Kohima to bat first. Half centuries from Zipa Pohena (67 runs) and Peter (56 runs) took Kohima to a decent total before they were bundled out for 182 in 41.5 overs.

For Zunheboto, Kito L Achumi and Sonu Kumar picked 3 wickets each.

In the run-chase, Zunheboto struggled from the very first over and none of their batsmen could score a double figure as they were bowled out for 32 in just 10.4 overs.

For Kohima, Samuel Zaputou took 4 wickets while Jenithung S Ezung scalped 3 wickets.

Dhoni is one of the sharpest cricket minds I have encountered: Chappell

IOC says it talked to China’s Peng Shuai last week

Jenson Button LO N D O N, JA N 2 6 (IANS): Formula One driver Jenson Button has backed his old McLaren team-mate, Lewis Hamilton to continue racing and eventually clinch a record-breaking eighth world title despite his ongoing silence following the controversial end to the 2021 world championship.

Button added that the seven-time champion Hamilton will return to seek his record eight F1 titles.

Hamilton has been conspicuous by his absence from social media since the debacle in the desert but

A D E L A I D E , JA N 2 6 (IANS): For mer India head coach Greg Chappell heaped praise on MS Dhoni, saying the ex-captain of the national side was one of the sharpest cricket brains he had ever encountered.

He added that Dhoni played the game on various pitches early on, which resulted in him developing decision-making and strategic skills, setting him apart from his peers.

“The Indian subcontinent still has many towns where coaching facilities are rare and youngsters play in streets and on vacant land without the interference of formal coaching. This is where many of their current stars have learned the game,” wrote Chappell in his column for ESPNCricinfo on Wednesday.

Taking Dhoni as an example of learning batting naturally, Chappell remarked, “MS Dhoni, with whom I worked in India, is a good example of a batter who developed his talK Y M C

Button does not believe the 37-year-old will retire yet especially being tied with Michael Schumacher on seven world championships.

“I haven’t got a clue but I do know I was the only person to interview Lewis after the last race,” said Button in an interview for ITV’s Good Morning Britain. “I really do hope he will be racing. I think he will be racing. He wants to win that eighth title and be the most decorated Formula 1 driver in F1 history. And he will do that, I really do think so.”

However, Hamilton

hasn’t spoken publicly since he was interviewed by Button ahead of the podium ceremony at the seasonending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Button, who was promoting his television series, admitted the Abu Dhabi race was a controversial end to the 2021 season. “(It was) a controversial end to the season but I really do think you have to look at the season as a whole. Formula 1 is in an amazing place, two fantastic drivers going at it every weekend. I think everyone’s excited about the new season, the new regulations, and it’s all about the development of these cars through the year,” said Button who drove alongside Hamilton at McLaren from 2010 to 2012.

Hamilton and Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff refused to attend the FIA’s post-season prize giving as the team was outraged by F1 race director Michael Masi’s decision to break with convention in his handling of the last-lap restart of the final round.

MS Dhoni

Greg Chappell

ent and learned to play in this fashion. By competing against more experienced individuals on a variety of surfaces early in his development, Dhoni developed the decision-making and strategic skills that have set him apart from many of his peers. His is one of the sharpest cricket minds I have encountered.”

Chappell went on to say that the flair in England’s batting has been missing due to emphasis on learning via a prescribed textbook. “England, on the other hand, have very few of these natural environments and their players are

produced in a narrow band of public schools, with an emphasis on the coaching manual. This is why their batting has lost much of its flair and resilience.

“The games that young people make up and play are dynamic and foster creativity, joy, flexibility in technical execution, tactical understanding and decisionmaking, which are often missing in batting at the highest levels. The greatest batters developed their talent over long periods of time by playing and learning in creative, informal learning environments from young ages without an excessive

focus on perfecting someone else’s idea of what an ideal technique should look like.”

The 73-year-old signed off by saying that England need to reset their thinking on how they develop batting techniques, especially after a 4-0 thrashing in the Ashes.

“England would do well to look at their coaching methods and how the best batters develop their skills as part of any review that they initiate on the back of another resounding defeat in Australia. The England batting was bereft of class, short on imagination, and lacked resilience throughout this tour.

“If I was in charge of English cricket, I know what I would do first - but I won’t be giving that information away for free! If they don’t do something drastic, they will be accused of behaving as in the aphorism that has often been mis-attributed to Albert Einstein: Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results.”

ATHENS, JAN 26 (AGENCIES): The International Olympic Committee talked with Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai last week and will meet her in Beijing during next month’s Winter Olympics, it said on Wednesday.

Peng’s situation became a matter of concern in November when the former women’s number one doubles player alleged that a former Chinese vice premier, Zhang Gaoli, had sexually assaulted her in the past.

After that social media post, she was absent from public view for nearly three weeks.

Last month Peng said she had never accused anyone of sexually assaulting her, and that the post she made had been misunderstood.

Zhang has not commented on the matter. “Since the first call that the IOC held with Peng Shuai on 21 November 2021, the IOC team has kept in touch with her and had a number of conversations with her – the last one just the past week,” an IOC spokesperson said.

Casemiro QUITO, JAN 26 (IANS): Brazil’s early qualification for this year’s World Cup does not mean the team will be less motivated for upcoming fixtures against Ecuador and Paraguay, midfielder Casemiro has said.

Brazil, leaders of the 10-team South Ameri-

can zone standings, will meet Ecuador in Quito on Thursday and Paraguay in Belo Horizonte five days later in the penultimate doubleheader of qualifiers.

“Many believe that we will go into the match against Ecuador with a relaxed attitude, but our team is not like that,” Case-

miro said on Tuesday. “We know that it’s going to be demanding and that we’re going to have to work hard.”

Ecuador are third in the group and can guarantee a place in football’s showpiece tour nament with victories against Brazil and Peru in the next week, Xinhua reports. “We know that Ecuador are doing very well. They are third and close to qualifying for the World Cup. They are a highly respected team. We know how difficult it is to play here, even more so because they are trying to qualify.”

Casemiro also spoke of the rapid development of his Real Madrid teammate, Vinicius Jr, who is set to assume a key role in the Brazil team in the absence of injured star Neymar.

After an inauspicious start to his career in Spain, Vinicius has scored 15 goals in 30 matches across all competitions for Real Madrid this season.

“Vinicius’s adaptation to the national team is going to be important, just as it has been for him at Real Madrid. It is a privilege to be playing alongside him.

I have seen him grow after his period of adaptation and learning.”

Match in progress between Kohima and Zunheboto at Nagaland Cricket Stadium.

Meanwhile, Dimapur defeated Kiphire by 237 runs. Defending champion Dimapur managed to register their second win at the ongoing tournament by thrashing Kiphire by a huge margin of 237 runs.

Dimapur after having won the toss and opted to bat first could post a total of 274 runs all out in 50 overs. Fine knocks from

the captain and wicketkeeper Yugandhar who scored 130 runs (first century of the tournament) and valuable contribution from Mughavi Sumi (27 runs) took Dimapur to a fine total.

For Kiphire, Seyavi took 3 wickets while Horiba got 2 wickets. In the run-chase, Kiphire were never in the hunt as their

batsmen struggled with the Dimapur bowlers and none could cross the double figure as they were bundled out for a paltry 37 runs all out in just 16.4 overs.

For Dimapur, Poiring bowled an excellent spell scalping 6 wickets which included a hat-trick (1st hat-trick of the tournament).

Home Commissioner, Abhijit Sinha, IAS introduced to the players of the exhibition football match during the Republic Day celebration in Kohima. (DIPR)

De Kock, Van der Dussen gain big in ICC rankings after 3-0 ODI series win over India

DUBAI, JAN 26 (IANS): South African wicketkeeperbatter Quinton de Kock and compatriot Rassie van der Dussen have made huge gains in the latest ICC Men’s ODI Player Rankings after helping their team complete a memorable 3-0 series win over India recently.

De Kock is in the topfive for the first time since the ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup 2019 after aggregating 229 runs that in-

cluded a match-winning 124 in the final match in Cape Town. The wicketkeeperbatter has moved up four places after his ‘Player of the Series’ effort.

Van der Dussen, who scored 218 runs, has moved up 10 places to reach a career-best 10th position. Captain Temba Bavuma has also made big progress, reaching a career-best 59th position from 80th before the latest weekly update which also

includes the AfghanistanNetherlands series and the last match of the Sri Lanka-Zimbabwe series. India opener Shikhar Dhawan, the leading scorer for India against South Africa with 169 runs, has moved up one place to 15th in the list led

by Pakistan captain Babar Azam with Virat Kohli and Rohit Sharma in second and joint-third positions, respectively. Rishabh Pant is up five places to 82nd.

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U-19 WC: Ireland, UAE secure semifinals berths

PORT OF SPAIN (TRINIDAD), JAN 26 (IANS): Ireland and the UAE secured their places in the Plate semifinals as the next stage of the ICC Under-19 Men’s Cricket World Cup got off in Trinidad and Tobago on Wednesday (IST).

UAE survived a dramatic batting collapse to get past Uganda by one wicket and set up a clash with either hosts West Indies or Papua New Guinea in the next round. Philippus le Roux was Ireland’s hero, slamming a crucial unbeaten 83 to help his side post a total which proved comfortably beyond Canada.

Ireland will now meet the winners of Thursday’s clash between Zimbabwe and Scotland while Canada join Uganda in the Plate play-off semifinals.

Adhitya Shetty shone with the ball (4/29) and held his nerve with the bat (11 not out) as UAE recovered from a collapse to overcome Uganda by one wicket in a low-scoring game.

Shetty’s incisive bowling helped UAE dismiss Uganda for 123 and he later

(L-R) UAE player bats during their match against Uganda. Ireland players celebrate during the match against Canada. saw his side home with the bat during a nail-biting finish at Queen’s Park Oval in Port of Spain on Wednesday (IST). Uganda opted to bat on winning the toss, adding 30 for the opening wicket before Ronald Opio was trapped in front by Shetty in the 11th over.

The leg-spinner went on to claim Uganda skipper Pascal Murungi (23) among his other scalps, finishing with 4/29 from his 10 overs to keep the batting

side in check. Ronald Lutaaya displayed resistance in his 25 but when he was run out, Uganda lost their final five wickets for the addition of just 38 runs.

UAE made a strong start to their pursuit of 124, Kai Smith hitting five boundaries in a fluent 25, and were almost halfway to their target in the 15th over for the loss of just Smith.

But Uganda clawed back in the space of 14 balls as UAE fell from 61/1 to

Tsitsipas dances into Australian Open semis with Sinner thrashing MELBOURNE, JAN 26 (AGENCIES): After a phenomenal performance against Jannik Sinner on Wednesday, Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas feels as though he is in the zone to produce something special at the 2022 Australian Open.

The fourth seed credited his 6-3 6-4 6-2 defeat of the Italian in just over two hours on Rod Laver Arena to adopting a more humble approach to tennis after some setbacks.

Injuries, including the elbow problem that threatened his participation in Melbourne this year, and difficult defeats had taught him the importance of remaining grounded.

His tennis in the quarter-final was not perfect, but he did manage to leave a rival tipped to be a future Grand Slam winner helpless at times. Tsitsipas served particularly well, which enabled him to dictate a majority of points with his powerful forehand.

He also made his mark early in each set with a service break, converting all four opportunities on the Sinner serve while never

Stefanos Tsitsipas troubled on his own delivery. Tsitsipas is hoping it will be third time lucky for him in an Australian Open semi-final.

After defeating Roger Federer on the way to a semi-final in 2019, he found Rafael Nadal too strong.

Last February he defeated Nadal in the quarterfinals after dropping the first two sets, but was beaten by Daniil Medvedev in his next match. After becoming the first Greek to reach the final of a Grand Slam at Roland Garros, where he fell to Novak Djokovic, Tsitsipas struggled for his best form for the remainder of 2021.

Medvedev down AugerAliassime in 5-set thriller

Top seed Daniil Medvedev battled back from two sets down and saved a match point against Canada’s Felix Auger-Aliassime to reach the Australian Open semifinals with a 6-7(4) 3-6 7-6(2) 7-5 6-4 victory on Wednesday.

The 25-year-old Russian had his back firmly up against the wall for much of an absorbing contest as Auger-Aliassime produced some stunning tennis on Rod Laver Arena. He set up a Friday semi-final against Greek Stefanos Tsitsipas.

62/5.

Shetty and No. 11 Jash Giyanani later helped UAE complete the job with 9.3 overs to spare.

An unbeaten 83 from Philippus le Roux set Ireland on their way to a 94run victory over Canada, who remain in search of their maiden victory in the competition. Canada started well with the ball, Ethan Gibson taking two early wickets - including danger man Joshua Cox

-- to reduce Ireland to 34 for three. Le Roux then began the rebuilding job but soon lost the company of captain Tim Tector (15) as Canada continued to apply pressure.

At 90/7 Ireland were in deep trouble but le Roux continued to stand firm.

He added 48 with Jamie Forbes (25) and struck 12 boundaries in all as he carried Ireland to 179. Canada were quickly on the back foot in reply, falling to 12/3 with Kairav Sharma (19) and Gurnek Johal Singh (15) being the only batters to reach double figures.

Reuben Wilson (3/18) was the pick of the attack, while Jamie Forbes claimed 2/2 as Canada were bowled out for 85 with 20.4 overs remaining.

Brief scores: Ireland 179 in 43.3 overs (Philippus le Roux 83 not out, Parmveer Kharoud 2/33, Ethan Gibson 3/36) beat Canada 85 in 29.2 overs (Reuben Wilson 3/18) by 94 runs.

Uganda 123 in 38.1 overs (Adhitya Shetty 4/29) lost to UAE 127/9 in 40.3 overs (Joseph Baguma 3/29, Matthew Musinguzi 3/21) by one wicket.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 2022

Uruguay players must assume responsibility, says Luis Suarez MONTEVIDEO, JAN 26 (IANS): Uruguay striker Luis Suarez has called on his national teammates to take on greater responsibility as the Celeste seek to rescue their faltering 2022 World Cup qualifying campaign.

Uruguay will meet Paraguay in Asuncion on Thursday before facing Venezuela in Montevideo five days later.

The two-time world champions must win both matches to keep alive their hopes of playing in football’s showpiece tournament, which will run from November 21 to December 18 in Qatar.

“We can’t make any more excuses,” Suarez told a virtual press conference.

“I think this is a time in which we have to take responsibility.

“We have to assume that we are in this situation because of our own doing.

We were the ones who have not been up to the task and the ones who have to move forward from this situation.

It depends exclusively on us.”

Luis Suarez The qualifiers will be Uruguay’s first outings since Diego Alonso replaced Oscar Tabarez as manager last month following a run of four straight qualifying defeats, Xinhua reports. The Celeste are currently seventh in

the South American zone qualifying standings with four qualifiers remaining.

The top four teams will earn an automatic World Cup spot while the fifth-ranked side will advance to an intercontinental playoff.

Clippers’ 35-point comeback stuns Wizards

WASHINGTON, JAN 26 (AGENCIES): Luke Kennard converted a fourpoint play with 1.9 seconds to play as the visiting Los Angeles Clippers overcame a 35-point deficit to post a 116-115 victory over the Washington Wizards on Tuesday night.

The result tied the second-largest comeback in NBA history, when the Sacramento Kings escaped a 35-point hole against the Chicago Bulls on Dec. 21, 2009. The record was the Utah Jazz overturning a 36-point deficit to defeat the Denver Nuggets on Nov. 27, 1996.

The Wizards held a 115-109 lead with 11.2 seconds remaining before Kennard halved the deficit with a 3-pointer. Washington’s Kyle Kuzma was whistled for a five-second inbound violation, and Kennard a 3-pointer while being fouled by Bradley Beal. Kennard sank the ensuing foul shot to give Los Angeles its first lead of the game and the improbable victory.

Amir Coffey scored 29 points and Kennard finished with 25 off the bench as the Clippers improved

to 2-2 on their eight-game road trip. Beal collected 23 points and nine rebounds and Kuzma added 19 and 12, respectively, for the Wizards, who took their fourth straight loss.

Lakers 106, Nets 96

LeBron James totaled 33 points, seven rebounds and six assists as Los Angeles led most of the way and recorded a win over Brooklyn in New York.

The Lakers led for the final 37:45, improved to 2-1 on their six-game road trip and welcomed Anthony Davis back after the center missed 17 games with a sprained medial collateral ligament in his left knee. He finished with eight points in 25 minutes.

The Lakers had gone 7-10 without him.

James Harden notched a triple-double of 33 points, 12 rebounds and 11 assists, but it was not nearly enough as the Nets dropped to 2-3 since losing Kevin Durant to a sprained left knee on Jan. 15.

LA Clippers guard Luke Kennard (5) dribbles the ball as Washington Wizards guard Spencer Dinwiddie (26) and guard Bradley Beal (3) defend.

Boston throttled Sacramento for its seventh win in 10 games.

Tatum finished with Celtics 128, Kings 75 a game-high 36 points and Jayson Tatum and six assists, while Brown Jaylen Brown combined put up 30 points and 10 reto score 66 points as host bounds. Robert Williams

III scored 13 and pounded the boards for a game-high 17 rebounds. The Celtics led by as many as 60 points but fell short of a franchise-record 56-point victory in a 133-77 rout of Chicago in 2018.

Buddy Hield was the only scorer to reach double figures for the Kings, finishing with 11 points on 4-of-14 shooting. Sacramento dropped its fourth straight game and has lost nine of 11 overall.

Malinga set to take over as Sri Lanka’s fast bowling consultant C O LO M B O, JA N 2 6 (IANS): Former Sri Lankan pace bowler Lasith Malinga is set to become the fast bowling consultant coach of the national cricket team after the highprofile Cricket Advisory Committee recommended his name to Sri Lanka Cricket’s (SLC) Executive Committee.

The 38-year-old Malinga, who played for more than a decade for Indian Premier League (IPL) side Mumbai Indians, will oversee the Sri Lankan team’s preparations for the upcoming T20I tour of Australia, where the side will play five matches, a report in the The Island said on Wednesday.

While Malinga is one of the most successful T20 bowlers in the world due to his sling-shot action and is a Sri Lankan icon, his appointment has reportedly not gone down well with several stakeholders of the game in the country.

The report said that while he was adored by millions of fans, “he wasn’t the most likeable person in the dressing room with a

Lasith Malinga host of Sri Lankan captains having concerns about his conduct”.

“It is alleged that Malinga deliberately slowed down the over rate with the intention of suspending the captain, an allegation that SLC has not investigated.

Cricket’s playing conditions at one point dictated that slow over rates would result in fines for players and suspension for the captain. Since then, the International Cricket Council has amended the playing conditions and the captain is no longer suspended,” the report added.

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