28 April 2023

Nagaland Post

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Govt to enact suitable Municipal Act: Kenye Nagaland

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 27 (NPN):

Power and Parliamentary

Affairs minister KG Kenye has revealed that the State government would soon constitute a committee and hold wider consultations with stakeholders to come up with a Municipal Act that would be “befitting our way of life and our social practices”.

Addressing media persons at Hotel Japfü, here on Thursday, Kenye said that though there was no timeframe, the government was aware of the urgency to frame the law.

“After having tried the Municipal Act 2001, we ran into a lot of controversies. Hence, we took a relook and completely repealed it on March 28 through the Nagaland Legislative Assembly. The legislature will adopt the new municipal Act as early as possible,” he stated.

Recalling the chronol-

1 dead, 2 injured in road mishap

DIMAPUR, APR 27

(NPN): One person was killed in a road mishap at 6th Mile, near JCB showroom here on Thursday morning. In a press note, PRO & DCP (Crime) Dimapur informed that a Maruti Baleno (NL02CA 2113) rammed into the back of a Piaggio auto (NL07F 3401), whose impact pushed the auto to the left side of the road and the auto driver was thrown out of the vehicle. The driver sustained head and was killed on the spot. The car also rammed into a footpath railing on the side. Its driver and co-passenger, who turned out to be his wife, were also grievously injured and were rushed to Christian Institute of Health Sciences and Research, 4th Mile, along with the deceased who

Nagaland logs 2 more Covid cases

DIMAPUR, APR 27

(NPN): Nagaland on Thursday reported two more fresh cases of Covid-19 pushing the total caseload to 36,000. According to health department, two fresh cases were reported from Kohima.

Currently the state has four active Covid cases. The death toll remained unchanged at 782 (including 5 non-Covid deaths but with positivity)

PTI adds: India has logged 9,355 fresh coronavirus infections, while the active cases have decreased to 57,410, while the death toll increased to 5,31,424 with 26 deaths, which includes six fatalities reconciled by Kerala.

ogy of events, Kenye recalled that the Nagaland Municipal Act, 2001 was enacted by the Assembly for the first time in the backdrop of the State being a resourcecrunch State with almost zero revenue and the government had to look for funds to develop towns and cities.

He mentioned that the Central government gave fund as aid to municipal and town councils only if the States enacted laws to constitute the councils.

“Perhaps in desperation, the government of yesteryears had to enact this Act then. We don’t attribute any ill-motive, as we are certain that this was with a good intention. To develop our State and benefit citizens, they pushed through the legislation,” he remarked.

Without wanting to point fingers or finding faults of the then government, the minister however pointed out certain oversights on the part

of the executive and bureaucracy. “It is their responsibility to properly advice the government,” stressed.

Kenye also spoke on the consequences of endorsing the series A-Z of Article 243, besides the 74th Amendment to the Constitution of India. He said the Article can be traced back to the 73rd amendment which was in place prior to 1992 and its transition superseded by the 74th amendment, also contained other articles in the constitution which came along with it.

He recalled that in 1992-93, secretaries of Urban Development departments of different States were asked to put in their opinion or forward their suggestions if any rectification had to be made. Several secretary-level meetings were held thereafter and a lot of correspondences were exchanged between the Centre and the States. Time was given to all the States to react from 1993 to 1994, he added.

Kenye said unfortunately, Nagaland got its Municipal department only a few years back, while the Urban Development department was only a small cell under the Planning department. He wondered whether there was any correspondence between the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs and Nagaland or whether any secretary represented the State at any level for discussion on the matter.

Govtmullsofficial interpretation ofArticle371(A)

Meanwhile, Kenye also revealed that the State was mulling to come up with an official interpretation of Article 371A. Pointing out that there were too many interpretations of the Article, he said it was high time for the State to have an official version or interpretation of the Article. He mentioned that the matter was under discussion at the highest level after the need was felt to have an official version of the Article for the State. On the State government’s plan, Kenye said all 60 members of the State Assembly would discuss and deliberate on the matter, following which a consensus would be reached for an official interpretation.

DNLA signs peace pact with Centre, Assam Govt

Spl. Correspondent

NEW DELHI, APR 27

(NPN): In significant development, a tripartite Memorandum of Settlement was signed between Centre, Assam government and representatives of Dimasa National Liberation Army/ Dimasa Peoples’ Supreme Council (DNLA/DPSC) in Delhi on Thursday, bringing an end to armed movement in Assam.

The agreement was signed in the presence of Union home minister Amit Shah, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma and DNLA leaders among others. With this, 168 DNLA

NO MORE ARMED GROUPS IN ASSAM: SHAH

govt reconstitutes state land acquisition authority

DIMAPUR, APR 27

(NPN): In supersession of planning & transformation department’s notification dated November 29, 2021, the state government has re-constituted the State Land Acquisition Authority (SLAA).

SLAA headed by chief minister with 24 other members would examine all proposals for land acquisition including compensation for buildings standing in the land to be acquired for the purpose of developmental projects or for public amenities or works of public benefit. According to the terms of reference, role and responsibility of the authority, the SLAA would decide on the area of land required to be acquired and allotted to various departments and agencies for developmental & public utilities.

It would approve land

compensation rates for various categories of land proposed to be acquired.

State Land Acquisition Authority would also determine additional areas of land to be acquired for use for future developmental projects.

Further, the authority would review the utilization or otherwise of land acquired and allotted to various departments and agencies, which have remained unutilized for more than three years and decide on their cancellation or extension if found warranted.

It would direct enforcement of building bylaws and directions for construction of government directorates and offices/ establishments particularly in the New Capital Complex Area.

SLAA would also effect eviction of encroachers of government land

within the state. Besides, it would direct preparation of master plans for district headquarters, administrative headquarters and strict adherence to the master plans proposed by all concerned.

Final approval of the proposals covered under item No. 17 of Second Schedule of Rules of Executive Business, 2020 as decided by the Cabinet in its meeting held on 26th October, 2021.

Final approval of the proposals covered under item No. 17 of Second Schedule of Rules of Executive Business, 2020 as decided by the Cabinet in its meeting held on 26th October, 2021.

The jurisdiction of the SLAA would extend to the whole State and also cover land and building required to be acquired by the State even outside the State.

Amit Shah during

(PIB) cadres have laid down their arms. Under the agreement, DNLA has agreed to abjure violence, surrender all arms and ammunition, disband their armed groups,

vacate all camps occupied by DNLA cadres and join the mainstream.

“This agreement is another significant milestone towards making North-East

insurgency-free by 2024 and fulfilling the Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of a peaceful and prosperous North East,” Shah said after signing the agreement. He said that this agreement “will put a complete end to the insurgency and with this, there are no more armed groups in Assam today.”

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi has put forward the vision of a terror-free, violence-free and developed Northeast before the country and under the guidance of Prime Minister Modi, the Ministry of Home Affairs is moving forward in this direction,” he stated.

PBUD shop closure protest enters fourth day; seeks govt intervention

DIMAPUR, APR 27

(NPN): As the ongoing ‘shop closure’ protest called by Pork Butchers Union Dimapur (PBUD) entered the fourth consecutive day on Thursday, the union has petitioned the State government seeking urgent intervention into the ban imposed by the Government of Assam on transport of live pigs from other States. In a letter to the governor, chief minister, chief secretary and director of Animal Husbandry & Veterinary, through DC Dimapur, PBUD president Shikato T Swu and general secretary

NCP comment on oil exploration regrettable: WC

DIMAPUR, APR 27 (NPN): Working Committee (WC) of the Naga National Political Groups (NNPGs) has taken strong exception to a recent statement purportedly made by Nationalist Congress Party (NCP)legislator and spokespersons S. Toiho Yeptho to a news channel, that Naga political issue and oil exploration along the disputed border areas, were two different subjects.

Responding to NCP, WC questioned the party as to what legal and historical basis had it commented that oil exploration and political issue were separate issues? Maintaining that political issue and petroleum were interwoven, WC asked NCP legislators as politicians, not

to play politics of this nature. WC demanded to know how natural resources in ancestral Naga soil, for which thousands of Nagas since the time of Britishers, had sacrificed their lives and continued to do so, is to be separated from the Naga political discourse. It asserted that Nagas need not be lectured on oil exploration.

WC said that “NCP and other restless individuals and organisations itching to ink MoU for oil exploration with Assam in Naga areas must answer the people of Nagaland first.”

While reminding that the oil-bearing area belonged to Nagaland, WC also asked NCP to answer the people of Nagaland how much money it had

allegedly received from oil companies and Assam government.

WC termed the entire exercise of granting legitimacy to Assam government at one stroke to co-own and extract oil from Naga areas as a criminal act and unacceptable.

Noting that the Indo-Naga political solution was being keenly awaited, WC said that the boundary dispute between Nagaland and Assam would be resolved by a neutral Central body as per negotiated terms. It feared that there would be claimants to other Naga oilbearing areas, encouraged by the proposed MoU.

Pointing out that the sellout of Naga people’s assets for cheap profit devalued historical

right of Nagas, the committee said the joint oil exploration would be a treachery of the highest order and demanded that the deal be called off.

Disclosing that there was a clear negotiated terms on the anvil that defined a path for resolving the boundary issue between Nagaland and Assam, WC mentioned that the Centre and NNPGs had agreed that “Naga people were the sole masters of their land, every element on the surface, below and above their head”, barring strategic minerals, rare earths or any new finds having national security implications. But even these would be explored through a joint venture between the Centre and Nagas.

Vilasielie Keseyie pointed said the ban imposed by the Assam government on transport of pigs from other States from March 15 to date by citing swine flu as the reason had brought hardships to the pork butchers of Dimapur.

In this regard, PBUD said they had to source local pork available in Assam for Rs 200 per kg of live pig, which slowly escalated and was presently available for Rs 250 per kg of live pig. They mentioned that the waste produced from the innards of Assam local pig were not less than 15 kg per live pig as the piggery own-

ers overfed the pigs before delivery, which led to waste causing a great loss. PBUD pointed out that it had become impossible to sustain their business and had affected more than 500 butchers in Dimapur, whose livelihood depended on the sale of pork. They said they had resolved to stop the sale of pork till some arrangements were made for sustenance of the business. The union urged the government to take up the matter urgently with the Assam government and impress upon them to lift the ban at the earliest.

Rhino poaching case: CBI nabs accused in Dimapur

DIMAPUR, APR 27 (NPN): The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested an absconding accused at Lhomithi Village, Dimapur in a Rhino Poaching Case after persistent and incessant efforts.

The arrested accused has been identified as one Raidang Engti, a resident of Dimapur.

CBI took over the investigation after registering a case on the request of Assam government and subsequent notification from Government of India. Earlier FIR was registered at Police Station Rongmongwe, District Karbi Anglong (Assam), on July 3, 2012.

It was alleged in the complaint that on July 1, 2012, a Rhino was killed by unidentified poachers

NMOPS demands restoration of Old Pension Scheme

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 27 (NPN): National Movement for Old Pension Scheme (NMOPS) president Dr. Manjeet Singh Patel on Thursday alleged that the National Pension Scheme (NPS) was a scam and demanded that the government revert back to the old pension scheme. NMOPS is the first and largest body of central, state and autonomous government employees who joined the service after January 1, 2004 and falls under NPS.

In March 2023, government employees spearheaded by NMOPS staged protest across the country

NMOPS and CANSSEA officials at Kohima on Thursday. (NP) asking the government to revert back to the old pension scheme and do away with NPS.

Addressing media persons at the Heritage here on Thursday, Dr. Patel said in the NPS system, money was totally in virtual and digital system similar to Bitcoin and other crypto currencies.

Therefore, he said it would not provide any security to government employees during their time of retirement. He said that five states including Jharkhand, Rajasthan, Chattisgarh, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh have already reverted back to the old pension scheme by scrapping NPS from their

respective states while more than 10 States had formed committees to review NPS.

NMOPS president disclosed that the central government had also on April 6 formed a committee to review NPS.

In this regard, he appealed to the state government headed by chief minister Neiphiu Rio to look into this matter.

Dr. Patel said that the responsibility to look after 30,000 employees lay on chief minister while cautioning that they would resort to protests if they were not protected by social income security, He said that more than

30,000 new pension scheme employees were investing 10 percent of their salary every month in National Security Depository Limited (NSDL) accounts known as Permanent Retirement Account Number (PRAN). NSDL Corporation Limited is a central record keeping agency, which manages all the data and the fund from NPS employees.

He observed that the money accumulated in NSDL for Nagaland state should be approximately Rs 5000 crore. However, he said data of only Rs 1200 crore was uploaded into the system.

and horn was poached. During Investigation, it was found that after killing the Rhino, the other accused sold the Rhino horn to Engti at Dimapur. The complicity of Engti had emerged as the person through whom the poached Rhino horn was traded and transacted for a hefty amount.

After investigation, CBI filed a chargesheet against five accused on March 31, 2018.

Investigation was kept open regarding the sale of the Rhino horn and to arrest Engti whose name had emerged during investigation for purchasing the poached Rhino horn.

CBI informed that the arrested accused was produced before the Court in Dimapur on Thursday.

Kohima-Jessami road: Petty contractors to go on strike

DIMAPUR, APR 27

(NPN): Local villagers and petty contractors of package V (Kohima-Jessami under M/s Stroyproekt LLC OIA

JV have announced to go on strike starting May 2, 2023. During the strike, work would be suspended and roads leading from Losami Junction to Lanye towards Jessami under Package V would be blocked. Recently angry local subcontractors stormed the site office of Stroyproekt LLC OIA JV currently executing KohimaJessami Package V under Phek district over non-payment of pending bills. Ac-

cording to a local subcontractor Avi Movi, NHIDCL has failed to resolve the termination issue and release of outstanding payments.

The local contractors stated that site management of M/s Stroyproekt LLC OIA JV and local MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu consoled the agitated local people and the petty contractor that work will be resumed by April 30 and outstanding payments will be made by end of the month. However, the petty contractors stated that they see no resolution and therefore compelled to resume agitation.

the signing of the tripartite Memorandum of Settlement agreement with DNLA in Delhi.

“I see opportunity in every adversity. The pig ban has compelled an opportunity for business.”

KG Kenye (NP)

(Cont’d on p-5)

STATE 2 NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR FRIDAY, APRIL 28, 2023

Minister Kruse inaugurates Kiruphema Bawe Council Hall

Salhoutuonuo Kruse and village leaders at Kiruphema Bawe village. (NP)

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 27

(NPN): The council of the Kiruphema Bawe village under the 8th Western Angami Assembly Constituency was inaugurated by Minister for Women Resource Development & Horticulture, Salhoutuonuo Kruse on Thursday at old Kiruphema village.

Gracing the programme as special guest, the minister hoped that through the newly inaugurated hall, justice would be delivered to the people of the upcoming generation in doing what was right. She claimed that vil-

lage councils played a vital role in upholding the laws and practices as empowered by the constitution and in a democratic set-up, the Village Councils are the authority and no other authority could hinder the functioning system.

Maintaining that council hall should deliver justice with the presence of God, the minister encouraged the cultural team of Kiruphema village to not lose their tradition or culture but to keep it alive as Kiruphema was an old village with a superior history.

Kruse acknowledged the gathering and invitees for attending the inau -

One held for possession of suspected sunflower in Mkg Accused with the seized items.

DIMAPUR: On the receiving specific information, the police personnel of Police Station II, Mokokchung arrested one female, Punalemla (33), D/o Imtimeri of Moayimti village, from Aongza ward for the possession of 60.3 grams of suspected sunflower (heroin) on April 26. According to additional SP, Mokokchung, Y Tumchobemo, a case has been registered under section 22(B) NDPS and it was under investigation.

NEWS IN BRIEF

EDTC informs shopkeepers: East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC) administrator, Mhalo Humtsoe has issued a reminder notice to all the shopkeepers under East Dimapur Town Council (EDTC) to renew their trade license for the year 2023-24 on or before April 30. It warned that checking will begin after the dateline and defaulters will be penalised and trade license will be cancelled. All the shopkeepers are requested to extend cooperation and comply with the notice.

DIMAPUR, APR 26 (NPN): Green Succession of Nagaland State (Green-SONS) has expressed concern over the incident where an adult elephant was electrocuted recently at Longchum village under Yanmhon area of Wokha district.

In a press note, the organization appealed to the state power department to ensure that the transmission lines are safely secured, particularly along the elephant

corridors and also in human habitation. Green-SONS lamented that it had submitted memorandums to the Power Grid Corporation of India Ltd. and the state Power department in April 2019 to initiate immediate rectification of power lines putting additional poles. However, the appeal fell on deaf ears, it added. It, therefore, once again reminded the concern department to do the needful at an earliest to avoid such incidents.

Kohima police recover heroin RSZ condemns Apr 18 alleged physical assault

gural function with the new building which stood for unity towards higher future.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by Kekhrievituo Dahou, invocation was offered by pastor Kiruphema Baptist Church, Viletuo Vielie, welcome address by chairman Kiruphema Bawe village council, Hekho Hesielie, special number from Neilasielie and team, brief report of village council hall was also presented by convenor building committee, Neingukholie Vielie, and the vote of thanks was delivered by Dzüviu Zhünyü.

DIMAPUR: AET team of Dimapur Police along with the East Police Station personnel have apprehended three armed miscreants for demanding money from the shop at Blue Hill Bus Stand area, Dimapur.

According to deputy commissioner of police (Crime) & PRO, the arrested persons were identified as Kahoto Aye (41) S/o. Lt. Xekiye Aye, Aloto Aye (32) S/o. Nitoho Aye and Toika Awomi (40). The release informed that the miscreants were intercepted at MST

DIMAPUR: Kohima Police manning Khuzama interstate check gate in its routine checking, intercepted one vehicle (Tata Mobile) bearing registration number (NL-01AE-0920) bound for Dimapur from Senapati, Manipur and recovered 50 soap cases of heroin weighing approximately 630 grams concealed in the vehicle on April 26. According to PRO,

DEF Kohima, the value of the illegal contraband in the national market was estimated to be around 88 lakhs. In this connection, two persons namely, Manio Pfoze and Solomon Pfoze were arrested and the vehicle along with the contraband were seized. Accordingly, a case under NDPS Act has been registered at Khuzama Police Station for further investigation.

DIMAPUR: The Rengma Selo Zi (RSZ) has condemned the physical assault meted upon former Info & Publicity Secretary RSZ and a senior leader of RSZ, Yhuntilo Kent, on the night of April 18, at Tseminyu Town.

In a condemnation issued by RSZ president, Kenneth Kath and general secretary, Sokenye Kent have condemned such act perpetrated by few antisocietal elements which have snowballed into other chain of violence. It stated that such horrendous act and the subsequent turn of events have outraged

the sentiments of the entire Rengma populace and beyond. RSZ said while Tseminyu district is dubbed as the most peaceful district in the state, such diabolical act negates the very aspiration of the general populace and ought to be out rightly condemned by all right-thinking citizens.

The Rengma Selo Zi appeals to all its members and the concerned citizens to collectively strive towards lasting peace and stability, to bring about a life of dignity and the shared purpose of peaceful coexistence and respectful relationships. It also

called to continue to press forward in strengthened cooperation in days to come while also sparing no efforts to uproot those elements and practices which are against the social and economic progress of its people.

RSZ has expressed dismay upon the delay in law enforcement agency’s response which is causing fear in the minds of the public, while also rendering the victims helpless. The RSZ has appealed to the concerned authority to immediately deliver justice to the victims without further delay.

Green-SONS appeal to power deptt Dimapur Police apprehend three for extortion

DIMAPUR: To fight against illicit drug menace in Peren district, the Nagaland Zeliang People Organization (NZPO) conducted it general meeting with all the heads of different churches, college, schools and civil society organisations along with Excise department. A press release issued by NZPO stated that it has briefed the civil administration and police about the illicit drug menace, abuse and trafficking within Peren district.

to eradicate drug addiction and trafficking. In the meeting, members present urged the education institutions and churches to take up the challenges and educate the youths, its side effects of drugs addiction. It also appealed the civil society organisations and village councils to co-

operate and help government agencies to catch the traffickers. Special invitees who spoke in the meeting were, former director Shalom Rehabilitation Centre, Rev. Fr. Chacko, Robin Ndang and Kikum from Operation Salvage Rehabilitation Centre, Heningkunglwa.

Advisors with others during the felicitation programme at Pungro. (DIPR)

chairman, Honey Mission, Obed Yimkhiung was organised by Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) at GB Hall, Pungro on April 27.

According to a DIPR report, advisors, Keoshu Yimkhiug and Kiusumew Yimkhiung acknowledged YTC and all the stakeholders for organizing the programme and also encour-

aged them come together for common goal. They emphasized on the need for education among the community. Meanwhile, Obed and Kekonhchim also acknowledged the Yimkhiung leaders for their unwavering support towards their leadership.

The programme was chaired by YTC executive chairman, Makhezo.

I

Khermahal area and recovered two Nos of .22 pistol (country made) along with six live .22 rounds. In this

connection, a case has been registered under relevant section of law and investigation is in progress.

Members present discussed how to control further spread of drug addiction by youth and how

GRATITUDE

Words are inadequate to express our heartfelt gratitude and appreciation towards all individuals, friends, neighbors, well wishers, churches and organizations for your untiring and relentless support physically, materially, financially and spiritually throughout the period of sickness till death of our beloved Late Angunuo Saghü

We sincerely convey our special thanks to:-

1. Dr. Sukhato A Sema (Hon'ble MLA, 13th AC Pbto)

2. Dr. Wepetso Marhu, Oking Hospital Kohima

3. Doctors, Nurses and staff, NHAK, ICU

4. Soul Harvest For Christ Ministries

5. NCRC, Ghathashi Town

6. CRC Tarliedzü, P-khel Kohima

7. Victory Church of All Nation, Kohima

8. CRC Rokobozou, Kohima

9. Ighanumi Baptist Church

10. Ezekiel Women Prayer Group

11. LJP 13th AC, Pbto Division

12. Aphuyemi Sumi Kuqhakulu, Kohima

13. Ghathashimi Welfare Kohima

14. Ghathashi Kiphimi Kuqhakulu

15. Ighanumi Welfare Kohima

16. Achumi Khel, Iqhanumi

17. Sumi Community Nagabazar

Late ANGUNUO SAGHÜ

06th Sept 1980 – 25th April 2023

18. All Blood Donors

19. NERIST Christian Fellowship, Nirjuli

20. NERIST Naga Students’ Union, Nirjuli

21. Little Flower Hr. Sec. School, Batch of 2019 (Science Stream)

22. Kohima College Kohima, Batch of 2017-2020

23. Government Polytechnic Kohima Students’ Union and Faculties.

24. Government Polytechnic Kohima, Batch of 2019-2022

Though we could not mention every individual and organizations that has been there for us, it is our sincere prayer that God bless you all. Loving husband, children and relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DB-534/23

2nd

Death

anniversary of our beloved Lt. toiho yeptho Psalm 112: 6 “A righteous man will be remembered forever.”

Two years have passed since you left us. You left behind a trail of goodness for us to follow. Even though you are no more with us, the memories of your good deeds yet live on in our hearts. We miss you dearly in silent tears. Those we love don’t go away; they walk beside us every day. Unseen, unheard, but always near; still loved, still missed and very dear.

DP-1821/23

28.04.21

CondolenCe Message

The Northern Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Kuqhakulu (NSBAK) Aqakito would like to express our deepest grief at the sudden demise of our beloved leader Late Mrs Tokali T Achumi Woman Evangelist on 10th April 2023. She served the Lord wholeheartedly as Woman Evangelist NSBAK and in various capacities and has left loving memories in our life. The office of (NSBAK) sincerely conveys our condolence to the bereaved family, relatives and church. For to me, living means for Christ, and to die is gain.

DP-1819/23

-Philippians 1:21 Vihoto .T. Tuccu F.S and Staff Aqakito, NSBAK

DP-1688/23

DIMAPUR: Felicitation programme for advisor, Youth Resources & Sports and chairman DPDB Shamator, S. Keoshu Yimkhiung; advisor, Fire & Emergency Services, Home Guards & Civil Defense and chairman SDPDB Pungro, S. Kiusumew Yimkhiung; State Information Commissioner, T. Kekonhchim Yimkhiung and

Arrested persons with the seized items.

YTC felicitates advisors

Educational institutions organize various programmes

DIMAPUR: Educational institutions across the state have organised various programmes for students like mountain expedition, oral cancer awareness, workshop and camp.

Tetso College: Welcoming of the team, felicitation and closing programme of the expedition to Mt. Khelia team jointly organised by Assam Rifles Rifles and Tetso Mountaineering Club (TMC) was held at Tetso college campus on Thursday.

To celebrate Azaadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, mountain expedition to Mt. Khelia, which started on April 21 culminated on April 26. A team of mountaineers of Assam Rifles, 29 students from Tetso College Mountaineering Club and one from NCC girl battalion, Noklak participated in the expedition. During the programme, Tetso Mountaineering Club (TMC) director general, Dr. Ani said that the objective of the club was not only to introduce young people to the adventure but to inculcate social values and commitment to the nation.

He informed that TMC has achieved a lot of things in the last three years, which include climbing of Mt. Saramati twice and Mt. Japfu and said that Mt. Khelia expedition was long awaited dream for them to climb which took more than one year for preparation. Dr. Ani also noted that the preparation for such expeditions was not easy since it requires both physical and mental strong determination which was challenging because of unfavorable weather conditions, however, added that with such determined youngsters, the expedition was worth it. He appreciated the students for learning that there are no limits to human determination and further encouraged them to expose to risk and to be a great contributor to the nation. (Staff Reporter)

Peren Govt College: Peren Government College (PGC) conducted a one day talk on “Oral Cancer Awareness Campaign” on April 27, organized by the Medical Department under National Tobacco Control Program (NTCP).

In a press release, PGC

Q.: Can former US president Donald Trump win his party’s nomination to run against Biden in 2024 ?

through its media cell stated that resource person, District Nodal Officer, NTCP, Peren, Dr. Sabina, spoke on ill effects of tobacco use and importance of maintaining healthy lifestyle. Dental kits and pamphlets were distributed to all the participants, the release stated.

Phek Govt. College: IQAC, Phek Government College in collaboration with National Oral Health Program, Phek organised an awareness programme on “Oral Cancer” on April 27. The programme was attended by the faculty members and students of B.A. and B.Sc 6th semesters.

The resource person, District Oral Health Officer, Dr. Nichukholie Vupru, presented on “Oral Cancer Facts” wherein he spoke on the types, factors, signs and symptoms and treatments of oral cancer. He informed that the programme coincided with the “Oral Cancer Screening Month” for the medical department and that such programme sensitizes the youths to be ambassador to create awareness in society. He raised his concerns that many in the age group of 20s and beyond in the district as well as in the state are facing oral problems. He stressed on the need for regular dental checkups for early diagnosis and for timely treatment. During the discussion session, several queries were answered by the resource person.

Earlier, assistant professor, department of Physics, Vinituono Krose, chaired the programme, welcome address by principal, Dr. T. Tiakaba Jamir, while assistant professor and IQAC coordinator, Dr. Nutazo Lohe, proposed the vote of thanks.

Norman Putsure College: Norman Putsure College held a one-day workshop on the topic “Design and Entrepreneurship” on April 27 with Seyie Putsure as the guest speaker, one of the top 25 designers in Los Angeles and the co-chairwoman of Norman Putsure College. Sharing about her experiences, the guest speaker delved into what life is like in the field of “Interior Designing”, the types of work involved, various designs and

CWS directs govt employees to be at place posting

DIMAPUR: The Chang Wedoshi Setshang (Chang Students’ Conference) held its first monthly review meeting on April 26 and resolved various points.

A press release issued by CWS president, C. Pongsu and co-ordinator media cell, Lanusangle have directed all the employees of government established office under Tuensang to be at their respective place of posting without fail.

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It also directed all the employees under District Hospital Tuensang, Community Health Centre, Primary Health Centre and Sub-centres under Chang jurisdiction to be stationed at their respective place of posting.

While opposing the practice of proxy teachers, the Chang Wedoshi Setshang has appealed the Department of School Education to look into the matter of the ongoing rationalisation of teachers stating that many teachers have been transferred from the district without replacement which hampers the academic activities of the schools and career of students.

While opposing the random rationalisation of teachers without following the notification of staffing pattern, Chang Students’ Conference stated that it has found many schools running without requisite teachers as per the notification of staffing pattern.

different career opportunities available in visual arts. She also talked about the different avenues on how the students can discover their God gifted talents early on, seek opportunities, build connections, take internships and build a portfolio for their future careers while they maintain the value of hardwork, discipline and determination. The speaker encouraged the students to do the best they can in whatever they do, find their passion so that wherever they work, it drives them like a hobby, with excitement and not like a burden and build strong and honest connection with their clients. She further motivated the students not to be apprehensive to face failures and not to listen to naysayers. Interactive sessions were held with fun activities and quizzes.

Mount Mary College: NSS Cell, Mount Mary College, Chumoukedima conducted its special camp 2023 at their adopted village, Sabalie from April 25 - 27. The three-day camp commenced with a mass social work on the first day. Student volunteers conducted survey on “Youth Not in Formal Education or Regular Employment” on day two.

The special camp culminated with an awareness programme on “Harmful Effects of Plastic on the Environment” with the village community and also distributed paper bags prepared by the student volunteers, to the shops at Sabalie. More than 42 students with 2 programme officers of the NSS Cell, Mount Mary College participated in the special camp.

St Joseph University: As a part of the outreach programme, St Joseph University MA II semester students of the Department of English along with HoD, Dr. Sunanda and assistant professor Department of English, Dr. Alemmenla, visited “The Angel Home: Centre for Person with Disabilities” at Signal Basti on April 25. The main motive behind this outreach programme was to spend quality time with the children and understand them more through the interactive sessions which included songs, group dance and games. The children of the home also showcased their talents through their songs and group dance. MA students of English Department also gifted the children various gifts as a token of love and gratitude.

WE ARE HIRING

Resource person and participants at Phek Govt. College. Resource person and participants at Peren Govt. College. Speaker Seyie Putsure (R) during the workshop at NPC.

Dissidence in Mnp: Sambit Patra meets BJP MLAs

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 27: BJP national spokesperson and also party’s northeast coordinator Sambit Patra on Thursday met party MLAs individually in a bid to resolve if any rift among the party legislators.

Patra arrived here in Imphal on a two-day visit amid hint of rift among the party MLAs after four of them distanced themselves from the chief minister by resigning from the administrative posts offered to them.

He met with the party MLAs one by one, including the chief minister, today at the head office of the BJP Manipur Pradesh in Imphal.

He met them one after the other after a meeting with state party leaders, office bearers and members in the presence of state party president A Sharda Devi, chief minister N Biren Singh, ministers and MLAs.

Even though the party did not officially disclose the agenda behind the closed door meetings, sources speculated that Patra heard the dissatisfaction from any of

them in the government led by N Biren Singh as chief minister.

Interestingly, three of the four MLAs who distanced themselves from the chief minister by tendering resignations from their administrative posts also turned up and met with the party national leaders.

MLA P Brojen who tendered resignation as chairman of the Manipur Development Society (MDS) reportedly did not turn up for reasons best known to him.

Others- Th Radheshyam who resigned as advisor

to the chief minister, Karam Shyam who quit the post of chairman of Manipur State Tourism Development Corporation, and K Raghumani who stepped down as chairman of Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA), were present in the meeting.

Patra will take the opinions, suggestions and grievances shared by the MLAs to the party national leaders and high commands for resolving differences among party legislators.

On the other hand, the meeting convened by Sambit Patra in the presence

ULFA pro-talk leader welcomes possibility of signing peace agreement

GUWAHATI, APR 27

(PTI): Welcoming the possibility of signing a peace agreement between the government and the ULFA (pro-talk), its leader Anup Chetia on Thursday said the pact can be inked if the Centre accepts its demands like land rights for the indigenous Assamese people.

Chetia, who is the general secretary of the ULFA, said that they recently received a draft of the agreement but the matter was yet to be discussed in various fora of the organisation.

His statement came hours after Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma announced in New Delhi that there was a possibility of signing a peace agreement with the group in May.

“The chief minister has taken an initiative for an agreement with the pro-talk ULFA and we welcome it… But the entire matter lies in the hands of

Mob vandalises, sets on fire

of state party president and chief minister discussed mainly on the preparations for upcoming 100th episode of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s radio talk “Mann Ki Baat” to be aired on April 30.

After the meeting, state BJP president A Sarda Devi said that the party considered the Mann Ki Baat, an important inspirational programme of the Prime Minister. As in other parts of the country, the BJP in Manipur is also preparing to organize the mass listening programme of the 100th episode in a grand manner and Thursday’s meeting discussed the matter.

Responding to queries from the reporters, Sarda said that there were differences among the legislators at the party level.

Some MLAs did express resentments through the media and social media, but the party has so far received no official complaint, she said.

As information provided at the party level, some MLAs quit the administrative posts assigned to them by the chief minister on

their personal grounds. Except this, there were no other issues in the BJP government in the state, she asserted.

After the meeting, chief minister N Biren Singh did not say anything about the recent political development in his government but said that the meeting deliberated on the ongoing preparations of the 100th edition of Mann Ki Baat.

He said that apart from the state government, the state BJP was preparing to organize people across the state to listen to the radio talk programme.

The party was preparing to organize the event at the booth levels too and party members and workers were handed over the responsibility of at least 100 people participating at each booth.

Besides, a massive gathering will be organized at Loktak Lake to celebrate the radio talk which will be broadcasted at 11 am of April 30. Union minister Bupendra Yadav will also attend the programme, he said.

Family members meet ‘Waris de Punjab’ activists in Dibrugarh jail

programme venue

the Central government.

“If the centre accepts our various demands, including the constitutional, political and land rights of the indigenous Assamese population, then the agreement can be signed,” Chetia told reporters.

A draft of the agreement has been sent to the organisation just before the Rongali Bihu festival earlier this month.

“The matter has been discussed in the central committee. But the working committee and the general council will discuss it before a final decision on the draft can be taken,”

Chetia, a founding member

of the outfit, said.

Asked about the possibility of peace talks with the ULFA (Independent), led by hardliner Paresh Barua, he said that he will welcome it as it will lead to lasting peace in Assam.

The chief minister, after taking oath on May 10, had appealed to the ULFA(I) to come forward for peace talks and resolve the decades-old insurgency problem in the state. However, not much progress has been made in this direction.

On several occasions, Sarma has mentioned that the ULFA(I) talks about ‘sovereignty’ which he, as the chief minister, cannot constitutionally negotiate.

Chetia urged Sarma to take the right steps in this direction as he is also an Assamese and the “problems that we are talking about is not of the ULFA alone but of the indigenous people of Assam”.

DIBRUGARH, APR 27 (PTI): Ten family members of arrested ‘Waris de Punjab’ activists, including its chief Amritpal Singh, arrived here on Thursday and visited the Dibrugarh Central Jail to meet them, an official said. They made their way to the northeastern state after the Punjab and Haryana High Court allowed one family member of the arrested to meet them.

An executive member of the Shiromani Gurud-

Shah to visit Tripura in May to review Bru resettlement

ground. We are making arrangements for the highprofile visit,” District Magistrate Govekar Mayur Ratilal told PTI.

Altogether 439 Bru families were resettled at

AGARTALA, APR 27

(PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah is likely to visit Tripura in May to review the rehabilitation of Brus in the state, a senior official said on Thursday.

A total of 37,136 Brus, who fled Mizoram due to ethnic tensions in 1997, were rehabilitated in Tripura after a historic agreement was signed.

So far, most of the refugees have been given rehabilitation in 12 designated locations.

“Home Minister Amit Shah is most likely to visit two Bru rehabilitation areas in Karbook and Amarpur subdivisions of Gomti district on May 8 to take stock of the process on the

Paschim Kalajari in Amarpur, and 264 families were rehabilitated in Silacherri in Karbook.

The local administration has ensured basic facilities such as drinking water,

wara Prabandhak Committee (SGPC) and legal counsel Bhagwant Singh Siyalka, and another lawyer Simranjeet Singh also accompanied the family members.

Singh later told reporters that the arrested persons have been booked under the National Security Act (NSA), with the same allegations against all of them. He said even the annexures attached to their cases are the same and this seems to be ‘’improbable’’.

Regd. No. 2059/2022

electricity and healthcare at the two locations, officials said.

Two health sub-centres were opened in the areas by Health Secretary Debasish Basu on Wednesday.

IMPHAL, APR 27 (PTI):

An unruly mob vandalised and set on fire on Thursday night around 9 pm, the venue where Chief Minister N Biren Singh is scheduled to attend a programme the next day at New Lamka in Churachandpur district. Local police quickly swung into action and dispersed the mob but not before the venue was damaged with hundreds of burning chairs.

The agitated mobs managed to partially torched the newly set-up open gym at PT Sports complex at New Lamka which Biren Singh is slated to inaugurate on Friday afternoon, police said. Besides the inauguration of the open gym, Biren is also scheduled to attend another function organised by a local at Sadbhavna Mandap.

The mob attack happened as the Indigenous

Tribe Leaders Forum called for a total Churachandpur shutdown from 8 am to 4 pm. The Forum claimed that despite repeated submission of memorandums to the government protesting an ongoing eviction drive to clear reserved forested areas of farmers and otehr tribal settlers, “the government has shown no sign of willingness or sincerity in addressing the plight of the people.”

Men’s rights group in Meghalaya threatens to take KHADC to court

Correspondent

SHILLONG, APR 27:

Syngkhong Rympei Thymmai (SRT), a men’s rights group in Meghalaya has threatened to take the Khasi Hills Autonomous District Council to court if Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates aren’t issued to children who take their lineage from the father’s side.

The SRT which has thousands of members who take their lineage from their paternal side, has claimed that several were deprived of their ST certificate because they have their surname of their father.

However, the SRT have been taking their surname from their father’s side for several decades now and claim to have over 20000 members in the state and across the globe.

“For the past 4-5 years, many were deprived of their ST certificate because they took the surname from their

AFFIDAVIT

Date : 26/10/2022

I, Shri. Ganesh Dutta, S/o Naren Chandra Dutta, R/o H/No. 130, Lane-5, Toluvi Village, Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as under:

1. That, I am a bonafide citizen of India and resident of the above mentioned address.

2. That, my official name is Ganesh Dutta and the same is used in all official documents.

3. That, due to inadvertent error my name has been erroneously entered in my Appointment Order Vide Order No. HG/RO/HQ/REQ-2/2016 as G. Dutta.

4. That, both the names Ganesh Dutta and G. Dutta are the names of the one and the same person only that is me.

5. That, my father's official name is Naren Chandra Dutta and the same is used in all official documents.

6. That, my father's name has been wrongly entered in the above mentioned document as Noren Dutta, as such both the names Naren Chandra Dutta and Noren Dutta are the names of the one and the same person only that is my father.

7. That, this affidavit is made as a piece of documentary evidence for necessary correction/clarification of my name and my father's name in the above mentioned documents.

8. That, the statements made in para no. 1 to 7 are correct and true to the best of my knowledge, belief and information and nothing material has been concealed thereof.

Dated : 26/10/2022

father’s side. The Deputy Commissioner’s office simply keeps aside files, seeking ST certificates, if they know that the father’s surname has been adopted,” SRT President, Teibor Khongjee said.

Khongjee said the ST certificates weren’t being issued to them because the officials cited the Khasi Social Custom of Lineage) Act, 1997 passed by the Khasi HIlls District Council.

“On pursuing the matter, an office order in 2020 was issued by the Social Welfare department to the DCs of West and East Khasi Hills district stating that the lineage act doesn’t prohibit issuance of ST certificate even if someone adopts the father’s surname,” Khongjee

said. Despite the order, the DC’s office continued to stop issuing ST certificates to those adopting the father’s surname. “If the issue is not resolved, we would have no alternative, but to take legal recourse,” he added.

Khongjee said the SRT had apprised the Chief Minister Conrad Sangma about the issue and sought his intervention so that the certificates could be issued.

The ST certificate provides several socio-economic welfare schemes such as scholarship, exemption from paying income tax, besides the large number of other government schemes meant to uplift the living condition of the tribal community.

NOTICE

I rectified my name in my service appointment Order No. ED/EL/D/14/89-90 dated Kohima the July '89 from Lhingkhokim to Lhingkhokim Singsit, by virtue of an official made before the notary public vide Regd. No. 114/2023 dt. 06/04/2023, Dimapur on 16th April 2023. And that Lhingkhokim and Lhingkhokim Singsit are the same person. DP-1830/23

AFFIDAVIT

COrrECTION OF NAME

Dated 15-12-21

Regd. No. 970

I, Shri. TSIARATHO NYUWI S/o FURUSIE NYUWI, presently resident at Meluri, District Phek, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirmed and state and oath as follows:

1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That, l am swearing this affidavit for purpose of correction my name.

3 That, my name was wrongly entered as TSIARHATHO in my appointment Order and TSIAARATHO in my GPF Account, whereas my correct name is TSIARATHO NYUWI.

4. That TSIARATHO NYUWI, TSIAARATHO and TSIARHATHO is one and the same person.

5 That henceforth, my name TSIARATHO NYUWI will be used for all official and legal purposes.

That the statement made in Para 1 to 5 are true to the best of my knowledge and nothing material concealed.

Magistrate/ Notary DEPONENT k-898/23

AFFID AVIT (N A ME D ECL A r ATIO N)

Date 25/04/2023

Deponent

Solemnly sworn before me. Notary Public

DP-1824/23 GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE COMMANDANT 11 NAP (IR) BATTALION ABOI : NAGALAND NO. 11 NAP (IR) BN/RO-14/23/24/412

Regd. No. 551/23

I, Smti. CATHRINE YEPTHOMI@ CATHRINE YEPTHO@C.CATHRINE YEPTHO, aged about 48 years, daughter of Shri. Kheyito Yepthomi, presently residing at Thahekhu Village, Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows:-

1. That, I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That, the entries of my name in all my official documents and Aadhaar Card bearing NO. 2591 2538 3678 with D.O.B. –09/10/1974 as well as my High School Leaving Certificate issued by the Nagaland Board of School Education, Kohima bearing Sl No. 004539 have been entered and recorded as “CATHRINE YEPTHOMI”. However, in Letter of Appointment into the Department of Education, Government of Nagaland has been recorded as “CATHRINE YEPTHO” and “C. CATHRINE YEPTHO”.

3. That my official name is “CATHRINE YEPTHOMI” however in some of my documents my name is been entered and recorded as “CATHRINE YEPTHO” and “C. CATHRINE YEPTHO”.

4. That, the names “CATHRINE YEPTHOMI”, “CATHRINE YEPTHO” and “C. CATHRINE YEPTHO” refers to one and same person i.e., me and are undistinguishable.

5. That, this affidavit shall be used as a piece of evidence in reference to the above paragraphs for all my official purposes, correspondences and records and is made for the purpose of any complications that may arise in future with regard to the usage of my names mentioned above.

Upon failure to report within the stipulated timeframe, Department Enquiry will be conducted against you ex-parte without any further notice.

6. That, I verify that the contents of this affidavit are true to my knowledge and nothing material has been concealed and I signed this affidavit before the competent authority at Kohima on this the 25th day of April, 2023.

BJPs northeast coordinator Sambit Patra attended a state party meeting in Imphal on Thursday.

The fire at New Lamka burnt hundreds of chairs. (Courtesy: NE Live)

Family members of ‘Waris de Punjab’ activists in Dibrugarh.

Anup Chetia

Amit Shah

SNIPPETS

Two arrested for duping over 30 people of crores

NEW DELHI, APR 27

(IANS): The Economic Offence Wing (EOW) of Delhi

Police has arrested husbandwife duo for cheating over 30 people in crores of rupees on the pretext of high rate of interest from 18 per cent to 20 per cent of the invested money, an official said on Thursday.

The accused were identified as Sukhvinder Singh Sahani (51) and his wife Sheetal Sahani (49). The couple was arrested on April 24, after an investigation was initiated into a complaint filed by Rashmi Batra.

Three held for Rs 4.13 crore bank fraud

BHUBANESWAR, APR 27

(IANS) : The Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of Odisha

Police on Thursday arrested three accused including two former bank employees in connection with a Rs 4.13 crore bank fraud case. The police arrested Abdul Hayee, retired branch manager of Nuapatna branch, Prakash Kumar Mohapatra, former senior assistant of Christ College extension counter of Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd, Cuttack and Mustakim Raza, loanee and former LIC agent, the police said. The arrest was made with regard to the case registered on the allegation of Priyabrata Panda, chief executive officer, Urban Cooperative Bank Ltd, Cuttack.

Jharkhand: BJP leader found dead

RANCHI, APR 27 (IANS):

The body of a BJP leader was found hanging from a tree in Jharkhand on Thursday, an official said. The deceased has been identified as Pramod Singh, a resident of Manatu block in Palamu district. Pramod, the president of the BJP’s Scheduled Tribe Morcha cell had left home at 5 p.m. on Wednesday and was missing since then. Singh’s family alleged that he was murdered over a land dispute.

IIT-Kanpur launches

cybersecurity skilling programme

KANPUR (UP), APR 27

(IANS): C3iHub, a cybersecurity Technology Innovation Hub at the Indian Institute of Technology Kanpur (IIT Kanpur), supported by the Department of Science and Technology, under NM-ICPS Mission, along with its incubated start-ups Threat Guardians Pvt Ltd and Worker Union Support, has launched its Cybersecurity Skilling Programme. The programme aims to provide learners with a deeper understanding of the technical basics of cyberspace and cyber issues, introduce real-time cybersecurity techniques and methods, and focus on the models, tools, and techniques for enforcing security.

Over 300 kg cannabis worth Rs 1 cr seized

NEW DELHI, APR 27

(IANS): With the arrest of three men, the Delhi Police have busted an inter-state nacro traffickers’ cartel with possible links with Naxals, an official said on Thursday. The police have also recovered over 300 kilograms of cannabis worth more than Rs 1 crore from them. According to police, specific inputs were received on Wednesday that three persons, who are involved in the drug peddling, will assemble near Naraina Flyover to supply drugs.

4 held for raping 15-year-old girl

THANE, APR 27 (PTI):

Three persons were arrested and a juvenile was detained on Thursday for allegedly gangraping a 15-year-old girl in Maharashtra’s Thane district, a police official said. The girl had gone missing from Kalyan and a rape and kidnapping case was registered under Indian Penal Code and Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act after she was traced, the Kolsewadi police station official said.

Homage for slain cops in Naxal attack

CM BAGHEL SAYS FIGHT AGAINST NAXALITES TO BE INTENSIFIED

DANTEWADA, APR 27 (PTI): Amid cries and loud chanting of ‘Bharat Mata ki Jai’, wreaths were laid on Thursday at the mortal remains of 10 police personnel and a civilian driver who died in a blast carried out by Naxalites in Chhattisgarh’s Dantewada district.

Women, children and other family members of the deceased were seen crying while women security personnel were trying to console them.

After paying homage to the martyred personnel who died in the Naxal attack on Wednesday, Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel said the sacrifices of the jawans will not go in vain and the fight against Naxalites will be intensified.

The CM lent his shoulder to the mortal remains of one of the jawans on way to a vehicle in which the mortals remains were being shifted to native places of the deceased.

Ten personnel, belonging to the District Reserve Guard (DRG), and a civilian driver were killed after Naxalites blew up their Multi-Utility Vehicle (MUV) which was part of a convoy carrying security personnel in Aran-

pur police station area of Dantewada on Wednesday afternoon. The blast was carried out using an IED containing an estimated 40 kg of explosive material. Visuals from the spot showed a huge crater across the road at the blast site, almost 10-feet deep. The MUV was completely destroyed in the blast.

The wreath laying ceremony for the deceased was held at the Police Lines in Karli area here on Thursday. Chhattisgarh

CM Baghel, Home Minister Tamradhwaj Sahu, MPs

Dipak Baij and Phulodevi Netam and state Director General of Police Ashok Juneja paid homage to the deceased.

Baghel also met kin of the martyred jawans and

1 dead, 2 injured...

(From p-1) was declared brought dead, PRO said. The deceased has been identified as Abdul Malik (45), son of Najar Ali, Chutiya Gaon village under Lahorijan police station, Morigaon district, Assam. His permanent address was Burma Camp.

The auto driver is survived by two wives and two children aged between 10 and 12 years. The body was handed over to his family members upon refusal of post-mortem examination after observing all necessary legal formalities.

The incident has been recorded under relevant provisions of law at Chümoukedima Traffic Control and was being investigated.

Congress questions Modi govt’s ‘silence’ on recent Poonch attack

Naxal commander), has now been surrounded from all sides (by security force camps),” he said.

Baghel said roads were being constructed in the interiors pockets of Bastar division and police camps were being set up.

NEW

DELHI, APR 27

(PTI): The Congress on Thursday questioned the Modi government’s “silence” on the Poonch attack and cited several terror assaults in Jammu and Kashmir recently to accuse the Centre of endangering national security.

the driver and assured them of extending assistance.

Talking to reporters, Baghel said the martyrdom of the jawans will not go in vain and the fight against Naxalites will be intensified. “Our jawans have been giving a tough fight to Naxalites in their core areas. In the last four years, 75 camps (of security forces) have been set up in the core areas of Naxalites, while earlier the camps were established only in buffer areas,” the CM said.

“Now, there is no need to go to Sukma to reach Jagargunda as roads have been built from Aranpur and Bhairamgarh to reach there. Puvarti (in Bijapur district), which is called the headquarters of Hidma (dreaded

(From p-1)

“People’s confidence in the government has grown. Naxalites were pushed to the back foot, and such an attack has happened after a gap of two years which was carried out by them out of disappointment,” he added. Asked about the government’s claims to have contained Naxal activities, Baghel said, “Earlier, jawans were attacked in their camps, but now jawans have been taking on Naxalites in the forests after carrying out search operations. Now our jawans do not lose their lives in camps.” He said Naxalites carry out their Tactical Counter Offensive Campaign (TCOC) in summer when the visibility increases in forest as leaves and grasses get dried.

This period is suitable both for the security forces and Naxalites, but this time the security personnel suffered more loss, the Congress leader said.

Five Army personnel were killed and another was seriously injured on April 20 after their vehicle caught fire following a terrorist attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Poonch.

Addressing a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, Congress’ media department head Pawan Khera said seven days have passed, but Prime Minster Narendra Modi has “not uttered a single word” of condolence on the Poonch terror attack for the five Indian Army soldiers but was seen cracking a rather crude joke about a “suicide of a girl” at a media event on Thursday.

“PM Modi has not come out with any reaction condemning the terror attack, even as reports indicate a Taliban link in the same,” Khera said. He said multiple media reports indicate that the highly penetrative and ricocheting ‘steel core’ bul-

Pawan Khera

lets used by terrorists was left behind by US troops in Afghanistan, after they departed the country in August 2021. He claimed that the bullets were obtained by terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) from the Taliban.

“The Chinese made ‘steel core’ bullets capable of piercing an armoured shield, were used by NATO forces during the Afghanistan war and these bullets are part of ammunitions NATO forces have abandoned after leaving Afghanistan,” Khera said.

“Interestingly, the latest report by US’ SIGAR (Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction), released on February 28, says, ‘Taliban could sell a portion of the captured arms and equip-

ment to augment its revenue flow. Alternatively, the Taliban may not have control over the entire Afghan National Security Forces (ANDSF) arsenal, which could mean that equipment could be acquired by smugglers or gun dealers and sold on the open market,” he said.

Khera also cited that the New York Times, to claim US-made equipment, including US-made pistols, rifles, grenades, binoculars, and night-vision goggles, has found its way into the hands of Afghan gun dealers.

“In this context, it is important to note that, belying India’s previous foreign policy stances, the Modi government has started engaging with the Taliban. In 2023 Budget, the Modi government announced a Rs 200 crore aid for Afghanistan,” he said.

He also listed the recent terror attacks in Poonch and Rajouri.

Khera asserted that the Congress stands united with the nation in fighting terrorism. Posing questions to the government, the Congress leader asked why is the Modi government “silent” on the Poonch terror attack.

NCP comment on oil exploration regrettable: WC

Alleging that NCP as a partner in the oppositionless government had been forced to stick its neck out to defend the undefendable, WC said that it would not sit quiet when the sacrifices of thousands of patriots were ignored. “The reality is Ahoms and Nagas will coexist, as has been for centuries. Nagaland will explore and utilise its

own God-bestowed mineral resources.

The current dispensation is a caretaker government in the context of IndoNaga issue and as such slogans like employment, revenue and infra development are language of plunderers,” read the statement.

WC said the Centre’s representatives had informed them that the political leadership of In-

dia was working tirelessly towards an inclusive IndoNaga political solution.

Therefore, a Rio or a Himanta inking joint exploration deals for seeking royalties from companies or neighbouring States would not serve the purpose, the committee mentioned. WC said they had changed the dynamics of political negotiations

with the Centre as Naga tribes were made partners in the talks and details were made accessible to hoho leaders and civil society organisations, as opposed to secrecy and non-disclosure of people’s political aspiration.

The committee warned that there was a real danger in authorising few men with money to

strip Nagaland of all its natural resources. According the committee, money power and blind loyalty on all fronts had made the bright minds of many Naga intellectuals dull, while money had silenced upright leaders and practical politics. It said there were too many puppets on stage parroting their rich masters, but

there are also many warriors, individually or collectively, standing for the people.

“God bless the vocal, courageous tribal leaders and Naga intellectuals. Time for the real stakeholders to stand and be counted. Nagas must avoid committing a harakiri,” the statement appealed.

k-856/23A

Baghel carries mortal remains of a police personnel, who lost his life in Naxalites attack on Wednesday. (PTI)

When night was young

Allroadside food cart vendors and food stalls, have vacated the busy road stretch from Clock Tower Junction to M/s Popular Bakery( near Holy Cross Junction), after the stern warning issued by Commissioner of Police for causing traffic jam, blocking foot paths and also disturbing the environment in and around the colonies with blaring music and unwanted activities. Around hundred vehicles and a few thousand pedestrians and shoppers throng Dimapur city’s busy road between Clock Tower junction and Holy Cross every day, making it perhaps , one of the busiest shopping area in Dimapur city . During the past few years, an exciting phenomenon occurred when scores of food carts arrived on the scene to unveil Dimapur’s night food street. These open street food carts offered something out of the ordinary as people and families spent time relaxing and savouring the food. The entire scene appeared like a ‘night market’ often witnessed in other cities. It was therefore, ironic that the excitement that greeted the street food vendors soon turned into despair. The Joint Colony Council of NST and Middle Point colonies complained that s motorists could not park their vehicles as the spaces were already occupied by scores of food carts. The food vendors even ventured in as far as blatantly setting up dining areas along the foot path and practically blocked movement of both pedestrians and shoppers alike. The JCC had earlier , brought to the notice of authorities about the nuisance caused by the nightly drunken revelry and blaring of loud music and dancing taking place from night till past mid-night. The JCC had also narrated how carts were parked on narrow by lanes and even right in front of the gates of private residence during the day, before they started their business. The food carts and vendors begin their business every evening till past midnight and which is quit something to think about in a place like Dimapur, where people are generally indoors by 8 p.m. The present Commissioner of Police Dimapur, has done what should have been done in the past against the backdrop of complaints made by the JCC. Therefore, when the entire lot vacated after the order issued by the Police Commissioner, there was a sense of great relief expressed by the Joint Colony Council(JCC). Though it is not to paint the entire lot with the same brush; yet the factors that had made the evening or night street food business in the locality cannot escape scrutiny. First of all, the vendors were probably not made to comply with certain restrictions – such as ensuring quality and hygiene of the food and also made to operate within specific areas for stationing the food carts so as to prevent unwanted hindrance for parking of vehicles. Secondly, had the authorities monitored the activities of the vendors, they would have seen that dining areas were blatantly setup on footpaths and totally blocking the movement of pedestrians and shoppers. Also had the DMC, which gave the permit for street food vendors, acted in coordination with the Traffic Police, then parking problem and illegal occupation of footpath could have been prevented. Night markets are occasional events during festivals and normal street food business hours is something that should have been stipulated. It also needs to be understood that the right to self employment also does not give the right to override the rights of the general public.

DailyDevotion

What Do You Want?

Do you seek great things for yourself? —Jeremiah 45:5

Are you seeking great things for yourself, instead of seeking to be a great person? God wants you to be in a much closer relationship with Himself than simply receiving His gifts— He wants you to get to know Him. Even some large thing we want is only incidental; it comes and it goes. But God never gives us anything incidental. There is nothing easier than getting into the right relationship with God, unless it is not God you seek, but only what He can give you.

If you have only come as far as asking God for things, you have never come to the point of understanding the least bit of what surrender really means. You have become a Christian based on your own terms. You protest, saying, “I asked God for the Holy Spirit, but He didn’t give me the rest and the peace I expected.” And instantly God puts His finger on the reason– you are not seeking the Lord at all; you are seeking something for yourself. Jesus said, “Ask, and it will be given to you…” (Matthew 7:7). Ask God for what you want and do not be concerned about asking for the wrong thing, because as you draw ever closer to Him, you will cease asking for things altogether.

“Your Father knows the things you have need of before you ask Him” (Matthew 6:8). Then why should you ask? So that you may get to know Him.

Are you seeking great things for yourself? Have you said, “Oh, Lord, completely fill me with your Holy Spirit”? If God does not, it is because you are not totally surrendered to Him; there is something you still refuse to do. Are you prepared to ask yourself what it is you want from God and why you want it? God always ignores your present level of completeness in favor of your ultimate future completeness. He is not concerned about making you blessed and happy right now, but He’s continually working out His ultimate perfection for you— “…that they may be one just as We are one…” (John 17:22).

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

Whoever is happy will make others happy too. ~

Anne Frank

Repatriating ancestral bones is not the answer

As per reports the Pitt Rivers Museum (PRM) in Oxford has decided that it’s NOW ‘insensitive’ to exhibit the remains of 213 Naga bones, and other indigenous artefacts from around the globe.

PRM was founded in 1884, and it’s safe to assume that the Naga bones and other artefacts are more than 100 years old. The simmering question is how did the exhibit become ‘insensitive’ after a century of display? The answer lies in the arrival of the ‘cancel culture” or the Woke culture.

Wokes are basically anti-history, anti-establishment, anti-religion, leftists, anarchists and Pro-LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer).

Fighting trans rights (men identifying themselves as women and vice-versa) to cancelling history are the new crusades for these overwhelmingly white and

college educated Wokes –and unbearably intolerant. Wokes do not believe in free speech. The celebrated author JK Rowling has been harassed, trolled, bullied, threatened with death, stared and shouted down for her stand that it’s unfair for trans man to compete with women in sports. In short she has been ‘cancelled.’ Wokes in America went on a statue pulling spree in 2020 and 2021. Under pressure, the statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee was pulled down by the Governor of Virginia. Wokes in Bristol City, England, gleefully pulled down the statue of Edward Colston (16361721), a Tory Politician from eons ago. He was ‘cancelled’ on charges of ‘profiting’ from the slave trade. Wokes have also identified 84 more statues all across England and Wales to be pulled down.

Sports is Woke battlefield. Due to Woke protests, the Washington Redskin, a top football franchise or club, changed its name to Washington Commanders! To “decolonise” their history, Wokes are now targeting the two richest football clubs in the English Premier League, Manchester United and Manchester City. The two clubs are under pressure to remove their iconic “three-mast ship” from the clubs’ badges over the clubs’ imagined ‘slavery links’ in the 19th century.

The most compelling discourse in America today garnering prime time TV debate is the case of Lia Thomas, a trans-gender swimmer (formerly William Thomas), who has won almost all the competition in women’s swimming.

Woke city councilors in San Francisco are in the final stages of doling out 5 million US dollar to every black citizen in the city to

‘atone for centuries of slavery and systemic racism.’

Hollywood star Ryan Reynolds and his wife had to profusely apologise and make handsome ‘charitable’ donations to various black organisations after Wokes pointed out the resort where they had planned to engage/marry was built on slave labour.

According to the notoriously anti-Woke columnist Piers Morgan, “A very tiny but vocal woke brigade are trying to suck all the joy out of life & cancel everyone that doesn’t share their absurd worldview.”

Given the toxic atmosphere PRM Oxford has reasons to be afraid of being ‘cancelled.’ Or better still the museum curators themselves have gone Woke! The travesty of our times is to be labelled racists for keeping skulls and bones in a museum, and being ‘cancelled’ for saying boys and girls instead

of their so-called proper ‘gender-neutral pronouns.’

This is not to belittle our Naga anthropologists and scholars linked with the repatriation project who have enlightened us much with their work.

However any intellectual discourse/exercise needs to be gauged against a value system. For instance, Dr. Salome Zhimomi (Nagaland Post, April 26, 2023) propounded that “The concept of trauma with the removal of headhunted skull is not part of any Naga cultural narrative, past or present…,” and this is a fact. Secondly, the notion of “decolonisation” is inextricably linked with Wokeness – in that both seek to right a wronged past, whether real or imagined, and therein lies the rub. While the process of decolonisation is restorative in some sense (which Woke is not), in this case repatriating bones is no

more restorative than pulling down statues.

PRM is not the problem, after all the museum is not shutting down, and if required the museum can simply stop the display of the so-called insensitive artefacts to the viewing public. The problem is our inability to move forward.

Thus in the absence of negative cultural connotations related to removal of our artefacts, the repatriation process should be stopped. As it is, artefacts are best preserved in museums with world-class infrastructures; with specialists and professionals monitoring round the clock the nuances of humidity, heat, light, chemical reactions, pest control, etc., unless of course the alternative is to bury all the repatriated artefacts in Naga soil which the Pitt Rivers Museum for all their Wokeness would be aghast to death.

Joel Naga.

On chasing local entrepreneurs instead of illegal immigrants

“It is not wise to chase away the weak just because one is not bold enough to confront wicked.”

Instead of targeting those who are selling & drinking alcohol, why targeting those selling food? Instead of chasing out illegal immigrants, why chasing away our own local entrepreneurs?

In a very fast progressive city like Dimapur which is hustling & bustling with different types of people, it will be wiser to regulate alcohol & discourage troublemakers instead of making the hard working local entrepreneurs as scapegoats. It will be prudent for our older generation to visit other cities - be it Naypyidaw (Myanmar), Hanoi (Vietnam) or even Seoul & Bangkok to understand how they strike a fine balance by creating a thriving & vibrant street culture to promote entrepreneurship, livelihood & job opportunities for their youths. There are bigger and more critical issues which we need to tackle as a society instead of petty moral policing.. issues like illegal immigration, corruption, illegal taxation, unemployment etc.

Our younger generation doesn’t want to depend only on government jobs for our livelihood like the older generation did which led to our people becoming hopelessly dependent only on asking money from Indians (Tax payers) for our survival. A little late but never too late that today we are becoming enlightened and realising on the need to

become a more self-reliant and independent people. This idea of becoming a more self-reliant and independent society seeded and gave birth to the movement of entrepreneurship in Nagaland where in the last 10 years we have witnessed many Nagas opting for jobs in the private sector and some of us have also started business ventures where we employ local youths more than some government departments do! Today we need to understand that government salaries and development works are funded by tax payers and in any highly developed country, the highest tax payers are the entrepreneurs, who not only create jobs for the youths but also contribute money to build their roads, public infrastructure and pay salaries for the government servants and various developmental programs. However in Nagaland we are still debating about women reservations while our so called “URBAN” areas in our municipalities are still functioning like rural villages with no building bye-laws enforced, no proper water supply, sanitation and even the basic public services going from bad to worse while the irony is that Nagaland has the highest Rural to Urban migration in the entire country! The real Nagaland is in the villages is fast becoming a thing of the past as Nagaland recorded the highest RuralUrban decadal growth of 69% in the entire country compared to the proportion of urban population

in 1971 which only 10% of the State’s total population. And most people are migrating to towns for education, opportunities and hope for a better life.

Today, majority of our younger population have either completely migrated to urban areas or partly (Where only their voter ID card and permanent address is in village while they reside, study and work in the towns).

Even if we talk about macro economics and boast about our agriculture, we need to understand the factual realistic situation based our three sectors:

1. PRIMARY INDUSTRY (Agriculture, Mining, Fishing etc) : Agriculture is still mostly informal and mining is mostly unregulated. These need to be formalised and regulated.

Most agricultural activity in our state is sustenance based besides a few cooperative type of farming clusters emerging. Yet in general, we have a long way to go before achieving commercial and scientific maturity in this sector. Since we cannot target massive production volume; even if we want to strive for value-addition to achieve premium value for our agro-horti based product, making any product achieve premium valuation in pricing require highly advanced branding & marketing investments combined with scientific interventions to create high quality & high value products.

2. SECONDARY INDUSTRY (Manufacturing, Refining, Food pro-

Some historical facts about Netaji not coming to the Naga Hills District of Assam

1. It is recorded in the history that Subhas Bose left Mamyo for the ‘Frontiers’ on 17th April, 1944, and again appeared on 7th May, 1944, at Maymyo. (In other words, Netaji was touring in the frontiers for about two weeks only. By then, the expression of Frontiers means the whole mountain ranges that lays between Burma and India).

2. Maymyo, the Japanese 15th Army Headquarters, is located 25 miles west of Mandalay town of Burma, which is more than 430 miles, and more than 30 days walk from Naga Hills District of Assam.

3. Not a single incident about Netaji’s physical presence was reported/recorded in the history of the 31st Division, under the Command of Lieutenant General Sato, who was solely assigned to invade Kohima from its Headquarters Homalin, a small town located at the bank of river Chindwin, about

200 miles, and 15 days walk from Kohima.

4. By the middle of May 1944, the Subhas Brigade of INA, under the command of Shah Nawaz Khan, followed the (southern) routes of Major General Miyazaki of the 31st Division; Ukhrul, Mao Gate, Viswema and Kohima, and supposed to have been hoisted the Indian trio colour at a mountain top near Kohima. But by then, Subhas was already in Rangoon.

5. No Regiment or Brigade of INA had been ever deployed in the Northern and the Central routes of the 31st Division of the Japanese Army, which had covered the areas and places where some unscrupulous people of present day are claiming the presence of Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose during the Battle of Kohima in 1944.

K. Puroh, Associate Professor (Rtd). Former Chairman, NPSC.

cessing, Carpentry etc):

So long as we don’t have high quality consistent electricity in our state, the manufacturing industry can never take off successfully. Our electricity cannot even support a small home based baker properly, how can we talk about investment in manufacturing and assembly?

The genset/generator fuel bills will only plunge your manufacturing unit into a huge deficit. Other than electricity, there are several factors like availability of cheap talented workforce like technicians, engineers, tailors etc, abundant high quality affordable raw materials and a robust supply chain which attribute to creating a conducive manufacturing industry ecosystem. Hence, until we build this ecosystem we cannot bring in any investment in establishing large scale manufacturing. (Not forgetting the problem of our land laws and political instability.)

3. TERTIRARY INDUSTRY (SERVICES SECTOR): As per the last economy survey, the tertiary sector is the only sector which contributes 63.48% to the state economy which is the highest contributing sector even in the country!

No, it is not agriculture, it is the service sector which contributes the most even in terms of creating jobs for our youths at present and will only increase rapidly in the future. This sector includes the thriving Retail sector (Eg. Shops), Financial Services (Eg. Banks), Education (Eg. Private schools), F&B - food &

beverage (Eg. Restaurants), Healthcare (Eg. Hospitals), IT – Information Technology (Eg. BPO’s, software and consultancy), Media & Entertainment (Eg. News channels), Real Estate (Eg. Building construction), Transportation (Eg. Taxis) etc.

INDUSTRY

DOESN’T ONLY MEAN A FACTORY PRODUCING SMOKE AND MAKING THINGS.

ALL THE ABOVE 3 SECTORS COME UNDER THE AMBIT OF INDUSTRIES.

While illegal immigration has become a real threat compared to my early warnings from early 2008 onwards in The Naga Blog and in newspapers. While it is extremely disheartening to note that even despite these alarming threats, our elders are still blind and have lost touch with reality. Instead of chasing away the illegal immigrants, they are chasing away our hardworking local entrepreneurs who are running food stalls in the roadside to make a livelihood and even create jobs for other local youths! How can you be so blind to see the obvious sad reality where our youths and our mothers are struggling in the streets while most of the premium shops and buildings are occupied by outsiders, that too in our own land proudly called Nagaland! If alcohol is the problem then target those selling alcohol and creating problems, why targeting those selling food?

Because they are easy to bully? Because you don’t

want to confront the real troublemakers?

If a leader is truly a visionary then she/he should feel the pulse of the common man in the streets, she/he should be informed of data and facts inorder to make informed decisions. The classification of our economy based on the above three sectors (Which we all studied in school) helps us infer some basic insights on which sectors our government and our public leaders must focus on inorder to ensure that we Nagas create opportunities for livelihood and opportunities for our youths or else most of our talented workforce will all abandon this beautiful land to seek for greener pastures in other states and countries, like just all the young people are escaping countries like Venezuela inorder to escape poverty and poor lifestyle because their leaders are yet to become enlightened on how the modern world functions.

Let us re-evaluate on our priorities, improve our weakness, leverage our strengths and focus on building a progressive, prosperous Nagaland of opportunities where our locals control our own politics and economy, where outsiders can also come and trade with us freely without being harassed while we computerise our Inner Line Permit system & implement a technology powered RIIN to ensure the Naga indigenous population is protected and sustained for generations to come!

Yanpvuo Kikon

The ills and problems of Naga society

Sir, We Nagas tends to shout vociferously at the top of our lungs, taking no time in blaming, pointing fingers, spitting venom and cursing others, including politicians, bureaucrats, contractors and especially the NPGs as the baddest boy of ‘em all, accusing and despising them of corruption, embezzlement, siphoning of funds, bribery, poor workmanship and taxations. These protests are justifiable, because we are bounded by the fundamental principles of democracy which gives individuals the right to protest and freedom for speech and expression. However, the real problem is not from outside but from within, because these protestors, activists and so called social reformers, miserably fails the test when they themselves gets the opportunity to occupy the same chairs and positions, i,e they becomes the same (if not more) corrupt individuals. Turns out, it is not about reforming the society as presumed but it is only about jealousy, hatred and bigotry.

The other reason being the same so called social reformers will be like,

“Officer dangor hoi kena kum nai, nijor status pi maintain kuribo napare (Useless officer/ official, cannot even maintain his/her own status)”. These narratives appears, when these so called reformers approach the ‘dangor manu’ for donation or personal handouts and if they are dissatisfied with the meagre donations of that honest ‘dangor manu’ (who just lives one day at a time as an honest officer and who lives on his/her payroll alone). These same group of people will not shy away from immediately chastising and insulting these honest individuals of being a useless and unsmart officers/officials who cannot even maintain his own status and positions by supporting or donating enough to society. Hypocrisy and double standard at its highest.

AV Chophi Chilisa,

Mishikito Village

SCO meet: India, China discuss border issue

eral relations.

“The Raksha Mantri categorically conveyed that development of relations between India and China is premised on prevalence of peace and tranquillity at the borders,” it said.

NEW DELHI, APR 27

(PTI): In a clear message, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday told his Chinese counterpart Li Shangfu that China’s violation of agreements along the frontier in eastern Ladakh “eroded” the entire basis of bilateral ties and that all issues must be resolved in accordance with the existing pacts.

At a nearly 45-minute meeting with Li, amid the three-year border row, Singh also conveyed to the Chinese defence minister

DNLA signs peace pact with Centre, Assam govt

(From p-1)

Shah said that the agreement also provides for necessary measures to be taken by the Central government and Assam government to rehabilitate the surrendered armed cadres of DNLA.

“To this effect, a Special Development package of Rs.500 crore each, will also be provided by the Government of India and Government of Assam over a period of five years, for all round development of NCHAC as well as Dimasa people residing in other parts of the State,” the home minister stated.

NMOPS demands restoration of Old Pension Scheme

that the development of India-China ties is premised on prevalence of peace and tranquillity at the border.

Li’s visit to New Delhi to attend a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) is the first by a Chinese defence minister to India after the eastern Ladakh border standoff began in May 2020.

In a statement, the defence ministry said the two ministers had “frank” discussions about the developments in the India-China border areas as well as bilat-

“He added that all issues at the LAC need to be resolved in accordance with existing bilateral agreements and commitments,” the ministry said.

It said Singh reiterated that violation of existing agreements has “eroded” the entire basis of bilateral relations and disengagement at the border will logically be followed with de-escalation.

India has been slamming China’s deployment of a massive number of troops and its aggressive behaviour along the LAC in violation of pacts on border management. The talks took place hours after Li arrived in Delhi.

Centre launches ‘City Beauty Competition’ for cities

NEW DE LHI, APR 27

(PTI): The Union Housing and Urban Affairs Ministry has launched a ‘City Beauty Competition’ that aims to encourage and recognise transformational efforts made by cities and wards to create beautiful, innovative and inclusive public spaces.

In a statement on Thursday, the ministry said under this competition, wards and public spaces in cities would be judged on five broad pillars — accessibility, amenities, activities, aesthetics and ecology.

The last date for participating in the competition is July 15.

The ministry said the competition provides a unique opportunity to wards and cities to showcase their interventions towards creating beautiful public spaces. It would also promote heritage and culture, sustainable communities and ecological conservation and would also encourage peer learning among states and cities.

Little Star Hr. Sec. School

Dimapur : Nagaland VACANCY

Applicants are invited for the post of:

of Post Minimum

Under the agreement, Dimasa Welfare Council will be set up by Asam government to protect, preserve and promote social, cultural, linguistic identity to meet political, economic and educational aspirations and will ensure speedy and focused development of the Dimasa people residing outside the jurisdiction of the Autonomous Council.

Along with this, agreement also provides for appointment of a Commission under Paragraph 14 of the Sixth Schedule to the Constitution of India to examine the demand for inclusion of additional villages contiguous to North Cachar Hills Autonomous Council (NCHAC) with the Council.

Taking to twitter, Assam CM said: “For the first time since Independence, Assam has become completely free from insurgency in tribal areas. Under the leadership of Hon PM Shri @narendramodi ji and with unstinted support of Hon HM Shri @amitshah ji, not a single armed group exists in tribal areas.”

(From p-1) He therefore questioned where was the rest of the money amounting to more than Rs 3500 crore for Nagaland had gone. “If the people are coming into services for 25 to 35 years and they are saving Rs 500 to Rs 2000 then where is the social income security for old age?” he asked. Therefore, Dr. Patel said they were running a nationwide campaign with members from all the States except Tripura and Manipur. He disclosed that more than 300 government employees who attended the recent meeting called by CANSSEA were shocked to learn about the missing money which was provided by reliable authorities. Dr Patel said that NPS was neither providing old age social income security, gratuity nor not providing even guarantee on contributor employee because this total corpus was being invested in share market while share markets keep fluctuating every now and then. He said this “scam” was being played by the corporate sectors and therefore government employees of all the

States were demanding for pension guarantee, security of all pension guarantee.

Confederation of All Nagaland State Service Employees’ Association (CANSSEA) president, Dr Ilang, said they had learnt on April 15, 2023 that only 32,111 employees generated PRAN card, out of which only about Rs 1,300 crore had been uploaded into the portal.

In this regard, he asked the nodal department-treasuries and accounts where was the money of the employees?

According to CANSSEA president, the government had informed its employees that an amount of around of Rs 3500 crore from NPS was kept in “safe hands in a dedicated account”. However, he said that this was virtual money and the government should not let employees suffer or make the employees protest against the government. He said that pension was a right of the employees and not a bounty.

Dr Ilang said CANSSEA had appealed to the state government to bring back OPS, which was guaranteed earlier this year when the association

Minor rape & murder: Cal HC seeks report from govt

KOLKATA, APR 27 (IANS): A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Thursday afternoon sought a report from the West Bengal government on the rape and murder of a minor girl at Kaliyaganj in North Dinajpur district, whose body was detected by the local people there on April 21. While hearing the petition of the victim’s father for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe in the matter, Calcutta

High Court’s single-judge bench of Justice Rajasekhar Mantha also directed the state government to furnish a copy of the said report to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights (NCPCR).

As per the order by Justice Mantha, the video-recording and pictures of the post-mortem process of the victim’s body will have to be restored. The counsel for the petitioner argued in the court that the

victim’s body was dragged by policemen. “The victim’s family is yet to be provided with the post- mortem report. The final rituals are yet to be conducted. In such a situation it is virtually impossible to rely on a probe by the state police,” the petitioner’s counsel argued.

Already the state government has suspended four policemen in the rank of assistant sub- inspectors for dragging the body of the victim.

held a protest. He informed that at the national level, efforts were being made to pressure the Centre to scrap the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (PFRDA).

NMOPS Nagaland chapter president, Moa, informed that after he joined the service in 2011, about 10% of his salary was automatically deducted for NPS even before he obtained PRAN card. He said this indicated that the amount was in the state treasury account and that the state government was not giving its 10% share of the money. Out of about 40,000 government employees who subscribed to NPS, about 8,000 were still without PRAN card, he said. NMOPS convenor Sudheer Rupji alleged that the money earned by employees were only covering up for the objectives of corporates instead of the employees under NPS. Stating that the scheme was not transparent, he maintained that the government employees would only be supporting political parties that stand in support of rolling back OPS in the upcoming 2024 polls.

Care Teacher/ School Nurse B.Sc Nursing & Midwifery (4 years) Rs. 25000/Application, Resume with passport size photo and necessary documents from HSLC onwards should reach the undersigned on or before 1st May 2023.

Office Hours: 09:30 a.m to 01:30 p.m

Contact No: 7630856643

DP-1827/23

Principal

LSHSS

Rajnath Singh with Minister of National Defence of China General Li Shangfu during a bilateral meetingi. (PTI)

BRICS currency threat to USD dominance

NEW

DELHI, APR 27

(IANS): A BRICS currency could shake the dollar’s dominance, a former White House adviser has said.

De-dollarization moment might finally be here, Joseph Sullivan, former special advisor and staff economist at the White House Council of Economic Advisers during the Trump administration, wrote in Foreign Policy.

Talk of de-dollarization is in the air. Last month, in New Delhi, Alexander Babakov, deputy chairman of Russia’s State Duma, said that Russia is now spearheading the development of a new currency. It is to be used for cross-border trade by the BRICS nations: Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, Sullivan wrote.

Weeks later, in Beijing, Brazil’s president, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, chimed in. “Every night,” he said he asks himself “why all countries have to base their trade on the dollar.” Sullivan said a currency issued by Brazil,

Russia, India, China and South Africa would pose a unique threat to the dollar’s dominance.

“It’d be like a new union of up-and-coming discontents who, on the scale of GDP, now collectively outweigh not only the reigning hegemon, the United States, but the entire G-7 weight class put together,” he said in the column, Markets Insider reported.

In recent months, discourse about de-dollarization has flourished. That’s as sanctions against Russia

have exposed the danger of overdependence on the dollar, paired with growing efforts to bolster other currencies, especially the Chinese yuan, Markets Insider reported.

And Brazil’s president recently reminded the world about plans for a BRICS currency based on a basket of member currencies.

A notional BRICS currency would carry key advantages over existing alternatives like bilateral deals that still result in proceeds being parked in dollar

assets and have limited use with other countries, Sullivan said.

“The BRICS would also be poised to achieve a level of self-sufficiency in international trade that has eluded the world’s other currency unions,” he said. “Because a BRICS currency union-unlike any before it - would not be among countries united by shared territorial borders, its members would likely be able to produce a wider range of goods than any existing monetary union,” Markets Insider reported.

Non-member countries would also have reason to use a BRICS currency because each member’s economy is large enough in their respective regions to make them sought-after partners, Sullivan said. The dollar’s share in global reserves fell ten times faster last year than over the past two decades, the CEO of London-based asset management company Eurizon, Stephen Jen, recently told Bloomberg.

Air India to hire over 1,000 pilots in mega drive

NEW DELHI, APR 27 (PTI): Air India will hire more than 1,000 pilots, including captains and trainers, as the Tata Groupowned airline expands its fleet and network. The airline, which currently has more than 1,800 pilots, has placed orders for 470 aircraft with Boeing and Airbus, including for wide-body planes. The latest Airbus firm order comprises 210 A320/321 Neo/XLR and 40 A350-900/1000. The Boeing firm order comprises 190 737-Max, 20 787s and 10 777s. The carrier, which was taken over by the Tata Group in January last year, is hiring more than 1,000 pilots, according to an advertisement on Thursday.

“We are offering multiple opportunities and accelerated growth across our A320, B777, B787 and B737 fleet for captains and first officers, as well as trainers,” it said, adding that more than 500 aircraft are joining its fleet.

Govt to enact suitable Municipal Act: Kenye

(From p-1) “So we missed the bus and we could never respond to it and the Act, the 74th Amendment, was adopted by our Assembly in 2001 just the way it was,” he said.

Kenye said, that along with the Central Act, there were so many other laws and regulations that come along. Since 2001, Nagaland government had tried to amend certain parts of the Nagaland Municipal Act at least five times, but failed to meet our people’s desire.

Kenye assured that the laws and regulations proposed to be framed would suit local conditions and explained that the reason the Assembly had repealed the Act in toto was because of the issue of 33% women reservation in urban local bodies, over which certain sections of society had

dragged the government to court.

“There was a tussle between our own people over the social practices in Naga society. Tribes did not accept the imposition of a fixed percentage of women representatives because it was not akin to their culture or social practices. We even had an extreme custom whereby women were barred from taking part in many areas of our social lives,” he pointed out.

However, Kenye said that over the years Nagas have made concessions and they had removed all restrictions on women to keep pace with time and today women are taking part in many male-dominated areas of work, including leadership.

The minister observed that over the years, people removed such hurdles and

presently, women representatives could be seen even at the grassroots levels like village councils, while village development boards have women members.

Kenye however remarked that the people and the government must be permitted to frame “our own rules, our own laws in as far as our social practices are concerned”.

He quoted Article 371A of the Constitution of India that clearly stated that no Act of Parliament in respect of social and religious practices or customary laws and traditions would be imposed in Nagaland unless the State Assembly adopted it by a resolution.

Referring to media reports of a contempt of court notice on chief minister and the State government, Kenye clarified that it was a “gross misconception”that

UJPSA holds passing out ceremony

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APR 27 (NPN): Urban Jungle Private Security Agency (UJPSA) held its batch one passing out ceremony on April 27, at Naga Shopping Arcade, Dimapur, with Deputy Commissioner (DC), Dimapur, Sachin Jaiswal, as the guest of honor.

Addressing the gathering, the DC stated that there were many job opportunities in the present generation, citing the examples of hospitality, entertainment, skill-based opportunities, etc. and that said private security agent was also another opportunity where youth could venture in, claiming that it not only provided employment but also install discipline in oneself. He later urged the pass out agents to take the task as a challenge and encouraged them to get habituated with new environment and new job wherever they may go.

Meanwhile, dwelling on the birth of UJPSA,

Major, Vikuto Asumi (retired), stated that he wanted to utilize his capabilities and things he learned from his Army life to give back to the society, adding that he decided to open up the UJPSA so as to provide first hand combat training for private security agents, with the hope to minimize the unemployment issue in the state. He also spoke on how UJPSA was planning to go to schools to provide training.

Short speech was also delivered by Tia Longchar,

representing Business Association of Nagaland (BAN), while word of appreciation was delivered by a member of the passed-out trainee. Oath taking of the pass out security trainees was initiated by chief instructor, Arkadeep Halder. First hand combat defense demonstrations were also performed by the pass out trainees, while dedicatory prayer was offered by founder & director, Christ Healing Centre, Pastor, Limawapang. Altogether 18 trainees passed out, of which four were girls.

Rupee falls 5 paise to 81.79 against US dollar

there was a contempt of court. “It is unfounded and baseless,” he clarified.

As the matter of conducting ULB elections in the State with 33% women reservation was sub-judice, Kenye hoped that the Supreme Court would study the origin of Article 371A and understand why the special provision was granted to Nagaland.

He said despite the Supreme Court’s order to conduct the civic body polls, the State government had called it off after the Nagaland Municipal Act was repealed by the Assembly. He said in the absence of any Act now, there was no ground to hold the elections.

He clarified that the NM Act was repealed after the State Assembly identified that the objections from the public pertained

to the principal Act, which was the 74th Amendment Act. While no Act passed by the Parliament could be rejected, he said Nagaland was empowered to reject or accept it under Article 371A. He mentioned that the executive had in the past failed to guide the legislature about the implications of adopting the Act. Since the Act was adopted, he said attempts were made in the past to implement it with several amendments

Kenye pointed out that the amendments the public had sought following the announcement of the 2023 ULB polls could not be carried out as the legislature could not change or segregate the principal Act. So, with the powers vested under Article 371A, he said a decision was taken to reject the Act in total.

MUMBAI, APR 27 (PTI):

The rupee pared all its initial gains to settle lower by 5 paise at 81.79 against the US currency on Thursday amid a strengthening greenback overseas and foreign capital outflows.

However, the strong sentiment in the domestic equities market restricted the rupee’s fall, forex traders said. At the interbank foreign exchange, the domestic

For SaLe

unit opened at 81.69 against the dollar and finally closed at 81.79 (provisional), down 5 paise from its previous close.

During the day, the rupee witnessed a high of 81.61 and a low of 81.85 against the greenback.

On Wednesday, the rupee closed at 81.74 against the US currency. “The Indian Rupee gave up gains made in the morning ses -

sion and ended the session on a weaker note reversing its dollar inflow-led gains amid mixed Asian peers and some short covering before market close,” Sriram Iyer, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities said.

First hand combat defense demonstrations being performed by the trainees. (NP)

SNIPPETS

7 killed Pakistan train fire

KARACHI, APR 27

(AP): At least seven people were killed after a car on a moving passenger train caught fire overnight in southern Pakistan, officials said Thursday. Railways official Mohsin Sial said the train caught fire in Khairpur, a district about 500 kilometers (300 miles) north of Karachi, the capital of Sindh province. He said six people were killed in the blaze while a woman died when she jumped from the window of the moving train. The blaze also badly damaged several other cars in the train, he said, and the cause remained unclear.

Senior cleric assassinated in Iran

TEHRAN, APR 27

(IANS): Senior Iranian cleric and member of Iran’s Assembly of Experts Abbas-Ali Soleimani was assassinated in an armed attack in the country’s northern province of Mazandaran, state media reported. Soleimani, 76, was shot by an assailant at a bank in the city of Babolsaron on Wednesday morning, IRNA quoted Ruhollah Salgi, the deputy for security and political affairs of Mazandaran provincial governor general, as saying. The assailant has been arrested by Iranian security forces and is being interrogated, Iran’s official news agency IRNA reported on Wednesday, adding more details will soon be announced.

Britain evacuates over 300 people from Sudan

LONDON, APR 27

(IANS): Britain has evacuated 301 people from conflict-ridden Sudan in four flights, a spokesperson of British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak said. The spokesperson told reporters that four more flights, arranged by the British government, have left Sudan by the end of Wednesday. Violent clashes erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces on April 15 in the Sudanese capital Khartoum and other places. The two sides agreed on a 72-hour ceasefire on Tuesday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Biden, Yoon warn N. Korea on nukes; unveil deterrence plan

WASHINGTON, APR 27 (AGENCIES): President Joe Biden and South Korea’s Yoon Suk Yeol unveiled a new plan Wednesday to counter North Korea’s nuclear threat, with the U.S. leader issuing a blunt warning that such an attack would “result in the end of whatever regime” took such action.

The new nuclear deterrence effort calls for periodically docking U.S. nucleararmed submarines in South Korea for the first time in decades, bolstering training between the two countries, and more. The declaration was unveiled as Biden hosted Yoon for a state visit at a moment of heightened anxiety over an increased pace of ballistic missile tests by North Korea.

“A nuclear attack by North Korea against the United States or its allies and partners is unacceptable, and will result in the end of whatever regime were to take such an action,” Biden said during afternoon Rose Garden news conference with Yoon.

Yoon said that the new commitment by the “righteous alliance” includes plans for bilateral presidential consultations in the

event of a North Korean nuclear attack, the establishment of a nuclear consultative group and improved sharing of information on nuclear and strategic weapons operation plans.

“Sustainable peace on the Korean Peninsula does not happen automatically,” Yoon said. He added, “Our two countries have agreed to immediate bilateral presidential consultations in the event of North Korea’s nuclear attack and promised to respond swiftly, overwhelmingly and decisively using the full force of the alliance, including the United States’ nuclear weapons.” Biden and Yoon aides have been working on details of the plan for months and agreed that “occasional” and “very clear demonstrations of the

China warns US, S Korea against

‘provoking confrontation’ with N Korea

China warned Washington and Seoul against “provoking confrontation” with North Korea on Thursday, after President Joe Biden and his South Korean counterpart said Pyongyang would face the “end” of its leadership if it uses its nuclear arsenal.

strength” of U.S. extended deterrence capabilities needed to be an essential aspect of the agreement, according to three senior Biden administration officials who briefed reporters ahead of the announcement. The officials said the so-called Washington Declaration was designed to allay South Korean fears over the North’s aggressive nuclear weapons program and to keep the country from restarting its own nuclear program, which it gave up nearly 50 years ago when it signed the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty. Yoon earlier this year said his country was weighing developing its own nuclear weapons or asking the U.S. to redeploy them on the Korean Peninsula.

“All parties should face up to the crux of the (Korean) peninsula issue and play a constructive role in promoting a peaceful settlement of the issue,” foreign ministry spokeswoman Mao Ning said.

She urged against “deliberately stirring up tensions, provoking confrontation and playing up threats”, reports AFP. At a summit in Washington, Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol made clear that if the isolated dictatorship in North Korea attacked the South or the United States, the response would be devastating.

The two sides also agreed that the US security shield for South Korea would be strengthened in the face of the nucleararmed North’s missile tests.

Pak PM

Shehbaz Sharif secures vote of confidence

Appeals court rejects Trump effort to block Pence testimony

WASHINGTON, APR 27

Shehbaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD, APR 27

(IANS): Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif secured a vote of confidence from the National Assembly on Thursday, with 180 lawmakers reposing “full confidence” in his leadership as the premier, media reports said.

After the House reposed confidence in him, the premier spoke at length about the recent orders of the higher judiciary, expressing reservations on rulings that questioned the Parliament’s confidence in him and warned of “serious consequences”, Dawn reported.

The unexpected development came days after Information Minister Marriyum Aurangzeb vehemently refuted reports claiming that the premier had decided to seek a vote of confidence from the Parliament. The resolution for the trust vote was moved by Foreign Minister Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari. After it was moved, voting was conducted with lawmakers in favour of adopting the resolution rising from their seats.

Philippines confronts China over sea claims

cluding three from The Associated Press, to join the 1,670-kilometer (1,038mile) patrol for the first time as part of a new Philippine strategy aimed at exposing China’s increasingly aggressive actions in the South China Sea, where an estimated $5 trillion in global trade transits each year.

In scorching summer heat but relatively calm

waters, the Malapascua and another Philippine coast guard vessel, the BRP Malabrigo, journeyed to the frontlines of the longseething territorial conflicts. They cruised past a string of widely scattered Philippine-occupied and claimed islands, islets and reefs looking for signs of encroachment, illegal fishing and other threats.

In areas occupied or controlled by China, the Philippine patrol vessels received radio warnings in Chinese and halting English, ordering them to immediately leave what the Chinese coast guard and navy radio callers claimed were Beijing’s “undisputable territories” and issuing unspecified threats for defiance.

(AP): A federal appeals court on Wednesday night moved former Vice President Mike Pence closer to appearing before a grand jury investigating efforts to undo the results of the 2020 presidential election, rejecting a bid by lawyers for former President Donald Trump to block the testimony. It was not immediately clear what day Pence might appear before the grand jury, which for months has been investigating the events preceding the January 6, 2021, insurrection at the US Capitol and efforts by Trump and his allies to subvert the election outcome.

But Pence’s testimony, coming as he inches toward a likely entrance in the 2024 presidential race, would be a milestone moment in the investigation and would likely give prosecutors a key firstperson account as they press forward with their inquiry.

The order from the three-judge panel of the US Court of Appeals of the District of Columbia Circuit was sealed and none of the parties are mentioned by name in online court records. But the appeal in the sealed case was filed

just days after a lower-court judge had directed Pence to testify over objections from the Trump team.

A lawyer for Pence and a spokesman for Trump did not immediately return emails seeking comment, and a spokesman for the Justice Department special counsel leading the investigation declined to comment.

The appeal was decided by Judge Gregory Katsas, a Trump appointee, and judges Patricia Millett and Gregory Wilkins, both appointees of former President Barack Obama. Pence was subpoenaed to testify earlier this year, but lawyers for Trump objected, citing executive privilege concerns. A judge in March refused to block Pence’s appearance, though he did side with the former vice president’s constitutional claims that he could not be forced to answer questions about anything related to his role as presiding over the Senate’s certification of votes on January 6.

FELICITATION

The Litsami Students Union would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to :

1. Er. Jepito Khala son of Dr. Pihoto Khala and Mrs. Kayeli on being selected as Junior Engineer under FOCUS Nagaland supported by International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD).

ABOARD BRP MALABRIGO,

APR 28 (AP):

A Chinese coast guard ship blocked a Philippine patrol vessel steaming into a disputed shoal in the South China Sea, causing a frightening near-collision in the latest act of Beijing’s aggression in the strategic waterway.

The high seas face-off Sunday between the larger

Chinese ship and the Philippine coast guard’s BRP Malapascua near Second Thomas Shoal was among the tense moments it and another Philippine vessel encountered in a weeklong sovereignty patrol in one of the world’s most hotly contested waterways.

The Philippine coast guard had invited a small group of journalists, in -

ST. PAUL HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL

LHOMITHI VILLAGE, DIMAPUR; NAGALAND ADMISSION NOTICE-2023

Admission forms and prospectus for class XI (girls only) (Stream: Arts & Science) can be collected from the school office on all working days (Monday to Friday) between 9.00

to 11.30 A.M.

Direct admission will be given according to the first come first serve basis. Admission will begin from next day of the HSLC result declaration. School provides Hostel facilities also.

JOB FAIR

2. Dr. Nilokali Chishi daughter of Mr. Kakheto Chishi and Lt. Mrs Boholi Chishi on being appointed as Assistant Professor in the Department of General Surgery at Nagaland Institute of Medical Science and Research (NIMSR). The Union further wishes and prays that the Almighty God bless them with good health and success in future endeavours.

Pitoholi H Khala Ighato K Zhimo President, LSU General Secretary, LSU

AvAilAble Rent/leAse

ADMISSION

The following course are offered:-

1. Coaching for NPSC(Prelims 2023), SSC, Banking, and other competitive exams.

2. Computer Course: - (DCA, DTP)

4. Spoken English 5. Stenography & Typewriting

6. Cutting & Tailoring 7. Embroidery

8. Knitting

Contact :

Job vAcAncy

Videographer

Full-Time position at Beauty Barn India Office Location: Dimapur, Nagaland requirement: Serve as the brand’s primary videographer for the creation of all YouTube and Social Media Channel Videos. Must have knowledge of Adobe Premiere Pro and After Effects, Video Shoot Angles and Lights.

Salary: Negotiable depending on experience.

For more information:

Contact : 9863769692

Submit your CV : care@beautybarn.in

Joe Biden and Yoon Suk Yeol wave from the Blue Room Balcony of the White House Wednesday, in Washington. (AP)

A Chinese coast guard ship blocks a Philippine coast guard vessel in the South China Sea. (AP)

Donald Trump and Mike Pence

NE shines at 68th Filmfare Awards as two actors nominated for best debut

Kay Beauty, the cosmetics company founded by Katrina Kaif.

In the race for the Filmfare award, Andrea would face off against Khushali Kumar for Dhoka: Round D Corner, Manushi Chhillar for Samrat Prithviraj, and Prajakta Koli for (Jugjugg Jeeyo).

In the category of “Best Debut Male,” Paalin Kabak gets recognized for his work in the movie “Bhediya.” When Kabak, an Itanagar native who now calls Mumbai home, appeared in the film as Varun Dhawan’s pal, he immediately gained attention.

Pak actress supports Shaan after he faces flak for Eid post

Noel Gallagher confirms ‘Definitely Maybe’ 30th anniv reissue for 2024

The 68th Filmfare Awards

in 2023 will see a flurry of Northeast star power this year as two actors from the region have been nominated for awards this year.

Andrea Kevichusa from Nagaland and Paalin Kabak from Arunachal Pradesh are on the coveted nomination list for this year’s Filmfare Awards 2023.

Also known as Carol, Andrea in recognition of her outstanding performance in the movie “Anek,”

Why

You Need Good Blood Flow

Andrea has been nominated in the best debut female category. Andrea, a well-known model since 2016, debuted in Bollywood with Anek, a role played by Anubhav Sinha, when she was just 15 and had only recently entered the modelling industry. She also appeared in the film alongside Ayushman Khurana. She portrayed a Northeastern boxer in the drama.

Andrea has worked as a model for brands including Sabyasachi Mukherjee. She also worked for

Paalin is nominated alongside Abhay Mishra for Doctor G, Ankush Gedam for Jhund, and Shantanu Maheshwari for Gangubai Kathiawadi.

Along with Andrea and Paalin, Assam filmmaker Assam, Suman Adhikary has been co-nominated in two categories for the 68th Filmfare Awards. Adhikary has been nominated along with Akshat Ghildiyal in the Best Story category for the Rajkumar Rao-Bhumi Pednekar starrer ‘Badhaai Do’. (India TodayNE)

Pakistani actress Anoushay Ashraf has come out in support of Bollywood singer Shaan Mukherji after he slammed users who trolled him over his Eid post. Shaan received backlash after he wished his Instagram followers Eid mubarak last week. He was criticised for wishing people on Eid with a photo of himself wearing a skull cap. Anoushey Ashraf came out in support and said she was ‘sorry for the backlash’ he received for his Eid wishes. Sharing a news article about Shaan, she tweeted: “Dear Shaan, we can’t wish Merry Christmas without getting hate too. It’s how zealots keep the fear, power and authority over us.” She shared similarities between the two countries. “They interpret religion as a divider of people and we follow like blind sheep. Sorry for the backlash. Eid mubarak to every human. May artists always bring us closer,” Ashraf wrote. (IANS)

Noel Gallagher has shared that there will be a reissue of Oasis’ ‘Definitely Maybe’ album coming in 2024, though confirmed there will not be a reunion tour taking place any time soon.

The upcoming reissue of the band’s debut LP is set for release next year and will mark 30 years since it was first shared. It also arrives following ongoing rumours that the band will reunite for a tour celebrating the occasion.

In a new interview, former guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Noel Gallagher has elaborated on what the upcoming release will feature, and put any hopes for an upcoming reunion to rest.

According to the musician, the 30th anniversary reissue of ‘Definitely Maybe’ will include a host of previously lost songs — which were made during the recording sessions at the time. Telling Italian newspaper Corriere Della

Sera how the tracks were uncovered, he said: “In the Sony archives we’ve found tapes dating to those sessions.”

“We thought they were lost, but they were mislabelled,” he added. “They are wonderful versions of those songs, some acoustic versions.”

He explained that the new tracks added to the rerelease will include acoustic versions of fan-favourites, ‘Live Forever’, ‘Slide Away’ and ‘Supersonic’. He also reaffirmed that fans shouldn’t hope to see any live rendi-

How to improve your circulation

It’s hard to believe, but your body holds about 60,000 miles of blood vessels. Along with your heart and other muscles, they make up your circulatory system. This network of roadways carries blood to every corner of your body. But when your circulation is poor, it slows or blocks the blood flow. That means the cells in your body can’t get all the oxygen and nutrients they need.

Signs of Poor Circulation

When your limbs can’t get enough blood, your hands or feet may feel cold or numb. If you’re lightskinned, your legs might get a blue tinge. Poor circulation also can dry your skin, turn your nails brittle, and make your hair fall out, especially on your feet and legs. Some men may have trouble getting or keeping an erection. And if you have diabetes, your scrapes, sores, or wounds tend to heal slower.

Snuff Out Tobacco

Nicotine is the active ingredient in cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, and smokeless tobacco. It harms the walls of your arteries and thickens your blood so much, it can’t get through. If you smoke, quit. It can be hard to stick with it, but your pharmacy or doctor’s office can help.

Control Your Blood Pressure

If it’s too high, it can cause arteriosclerosis, a condition that hardens your arteries and can help choke off blood flow. Aim for 120 mmHg over 80 mmHg or less, but ask your doctor about the best numbers for your age and health. Check your reading at least once a month. You can buy a home blood pressure monitor or use a kiosk at your pharmacy.

Gulp It Down

Blood is about half water. So you need to stay hydrated to keep it moving. Aim for 8 glasses of water

a day. You’ll need to drink more if you exercise or if it’s hot outside.

Stand Up at Your Desk

Sitting for hours at a time isn’t great for your circulation or your back. It weakens leg muscles and slows the blood flow in your legs, which could cause a clot. If you’re a desk jockey at work, consider a standing desk instead. It may take a little while to get used to, but getting on your feet works the valves in your leg veins, sending blood up to your heart.

Relax and Twist

Yoga is a low-impact exercise that can jump-start your blood flow. When you move, it brings oxygen to your cells. When you twist, it sends blood to your organs. And upside-down positions shift blood from the bottom half of your body up to your heart and brain.

Hit the Wall (in a Good Way)

Not a yogi? When your ankles or feet swell, try the legs-up-the-wall yoga pose. Also called viparita karani, it’s an easy way to send your blood in the other direction. Lie on the floor or on a yoga mat, with your left or right shoulder close to the wall. Turn your body so you

can put your feet up, and scooch your bottom against the wall. Stretch your arms out on the floor with palms down for balance.

Pump It Up

Aerobic means “with oxygen.” So when you run, bike, walk, swim, and do similar exercises, you take in more oxygen and move it to your muscles. This gets your blood pumping, makes your heart stronger, and lowers your blood pressure. Set a goal to exercise for 30 minutes, 5 to 7 days a week. Break it up into small chunks if needed. If you walk, know that moderate to intense speeds -- at least 3 miles an hour -- offer the best health benefits.

Cop A Squat

This form of strength training not only gets your blood pumping, it also helps lower your blood sugar and helps with back pain. Start with your feet shoulder-width apart and your arms at your sides. Now slowly bend at your hips and knees, but keep your back straight, like you’re sitting in a chair. As you return to the starting position, bend your arms for balance. Compress Your Socks

Put your wardrobe to work. Compression socks put a bit of squeeze on your legs so your blood doesn’t hang around too long. Instead, it’ll move back up to your heart. Ask your doctor which length and amount of pressure are best for you.

Eat More Plants and Less Meat

Let’s face it: There’s no downside to a balanced diet. Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. Stay away from saturated fats that can be found in red meat, chicken, cheese, and other animal sources. Steer clear of too much salt. That will help keep your weight in a healthy range and your cholesterol and blood pressure in check -- and your arteries clear.

tions of the new songs anytime soon. “There won’t be a tour,” he said. “We won’t come back to play them together.”

Elsewhere in the discussion, Gallagher recalled the moment when he showed ‘Live Forever’ to his bandmate, Bonehead, and realised it was going to be a hit. “We were nobody. I was in a flat in Manchester on a Tuesday afternoon. I took it to rehearsal and Bonehead said, ‘You didn’t write that.’ “I knew it’d be a classic.” Rumours regarding a potential Oasis reunion have remained constant over recent years, with both Noel and Liam Gallagher taking an on-again-off-again approach to the idea. Three years ago in a cover interview with NME, Liam claimed that an Oasis reunion was “gonna happen very soon”. Elsewhere, in January, Noel also explained that he would be open to the concept, and will “never say never” to a reunion. (NME)

Brush Your Body, Not Just Your Hair

Sweep your blood in the right direction. Take a body brush with stiff, flat bristles and stroke on your dry skin. Start with your feet and work your way up, using long motions on your legs and arms. Make circles on your belly and lower back. Dry brushing also gets rid of dry skin. Do it every day, right before your shower. Sip or Soak

It’s a temporary fix, but a bath is a great way to kick-start your circulation. Warm water makes your arteries and veins open a bit wider, letting more blood through. Hot water or tea does the trick as well.

(MedicallyReviewedbyDanyPaulBaby,MD

Ino. Shikuto Yeptho

With immense pride and pleasure, We the Sumi Council, IV/LRC Colony would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Ino. Shikuto Yeptho GB, IV/ LRC Colony for being elected as the President of Dimapur Sumi Council for the tenure of 2023-2028.

As you endeavour to take on new responsibilities and work for the upliftment of our people, we convey our good wishes and pray for God’s wisdom, guidance, protection and grand success in all your undertakings.

(HOVIQHE SHIKHU) KIHOSHE ASSUMI Chairman General Secretary Sumi Council, IV/LRC Sumi Council, IV/LRC

Paalin Kabak

Andrea Kevichusa

Asian Cup Qualifiers: India U17 beat Kyrgyz 1-0

BISHKEK (KYRGYZSTAN), APRIL 27

(IANS): The India U17 women’s national team defeated hosts Kyrgyz Republic by a solitary goal in their opening match of the AFC U17 Womens Asian Cup Qualifiers Indonesia 2024, here on Wednesday.

Sibani Devi scored the all-important goal in the 77th minute. It was a low cross from the left by Viksit Bara that slipped under the hands of Kyrgyz goalkeeper Violetta Dudochkina before Sibani Devi raced at the far post and slammed it in.

With Myanmar and India both winning 1-0 each against the Kyrgyz Republic, the next match between India and Myanmar on April 28 will determine the group winners. While the winners of the tie will automatically make the grade, and if the two sides play out a draw, a penalty shoot-out will determine who tops the group and qualifies for the next round.

The first half began with both teams fighting it out in the middle to take control of the situation.

India had their first chance when Pooja’s cross from the right landed up with Shivani Toppo, who failed to make the most of it. A few minutes later, a similar opportunity was missed by Pooja, whose shot was

easily collected by the rival goalkeeper.

India had another chance to open the scoresheet before half time when Shivani’s corner was parried away by the keeper, who punched the ball before Pooja could avail herself of the opportunity.

Changing over, India started pressing hard and

Boxer Kaur Singh, who fought with legend Muhammad Ali, passes away

CHANDIGARH, APRIL

27 (IANS): Asian boxing champion Kaur Singh, who fought an exhibition match with legendary Muhammad Ali, died in a hospital in Haryana’s Kurukshetra on Thursday. He was 74 and was undergoing treatment for multiple health problems. After retiring from the Indian Army, he had been living at his native village Khanal Khurd in Punjab’s Sangrur district.

Singh bagged six gold medals in international competitions, including the 1982 Asian Games. One of his memorable matches was the four-round exhibition match that he fought with boxing legend Muhammad Ali on January 27, 1980, in

Kaur Singh

Delhi. Singh had won the heavyweight boxing gold medal at the 1982 Asian Games in New Delhi. This month the Punjab government announced plans to publish life stories of four great players in the school curriculum. And Kaur Singh is one of them.

The others are threetime hockey Olympian Balbir Singh Sr, legendary

athlete Milkha Singh and India’s first Arjuna Awardee and Olympian athlete Gurbachan Singh Randhawa.

They have been included in the textbooks of physical education of Class 9 and 10. Expressing grief, Finance Minister Harpal Cheema said, “Kaur Singh’s death is a big loss to the country. I have directed the officials concerned to make arrangements to bring his body to his native village. We will extend all help to the family.”

In recognition of his achievements, Kaur Singh was conferred with the Arjuna Award in 1982 and Padma Shri in 1983 and the Vishisht Seva Medal in 1988.

in the 65th minute, India had their best chance so far. Viksit Bara unleashed a curler but couldn’t find the target. A few minutes later, Sibani pounced on a loose ball and her shot went straight into the goalkeeper’s hands. A goal down, the Kyrgyz Republic began to mount some pressure on

the visitors and India continued to move the ball in the opponent’s final third.

With 10 minutes to go, coach Priya PV made some changes, as Sulanjana came in place of Shivani Toppo and Cindy replaced Soniba. The move paid dividends as India were able to defend the lead successfully for the rest of the period.

After the match, Priya said: “It was a tough game, but I am very happy with the way the girls played today. That we clinched three points is a great thing. We had more chances to score, but somehow, we could not avail of those opportunities.”

The Indian coach is aware of the fact that the match against Myanmar, to be played on April 28, is the virtual final to decide the group.

“Well, Myanmar are a good team and we have all respect for them. But we will certainly go for three points in that match,” she said.

Haaland breaks Salah’s 38-game Premier League goals record

title in six seasons and third in a row.

He began the season with 18 goals in his first 13 Premier League appearances, including hat-tricks against Crystal Palace, Nottingham Forest and Manchester United.

Since domestic football’s return following the World Cup, Haaland has continued to impress, scoring his fourth Premier League hat-trick against Wolves in January.

MANCHESTER (ENGLAND), APRIL 27 (IANS): Erling Haaland’s late goal in Manchester City’s 4-1 victory over Arsenal took him to 33 goals in the Premier League and extended his lead in the race for the Golden Boot.

With a goal in Wednesday’s game the Norwegian surpassed Mohammad Salah’s 38-game record, the Egyptian hit 32 in 2017/18.

Andrew Cole and Alan Shearer currently

share the record across the entire Premier League era, scoring 34 in 1993/94 and 1994/95 respectively when the season comprised 42 matches.

With seven league games remaining, Haaland requires just two more goals to have the record outright.

Haaland’s form throughout his first campaign has been pivotal to the fortunes of Pep Guardiola’s side during the hunt for a fifth Premier League

He is currently on a run of eight goals in his last eight league appearances. In total, Haaland has now scored a club record 49 times this season, the most by any player at a Premier League club across all competitions, beating the 44 scored by Ruud van Nistelrooy in 2002/03 and Salah in 2017/18. He’s also the leading scorer in this year’s UEFA Champions League having hit 11 goals in seven appearances.

Rayo stun Barca; Atletico Madrid win in La Liga

MADRID, APRIL 27

(IANS): La Liga leaders

FC Barcelona suffered a 2-1 defeat away to Rayo Vallecano after another lackluster display from Xavi Hernandez’s team.

Although Real Madrid’s loss in Girona on Tuesday ensured that Barca would end the round of matches with a lead of at least 11 points at the top of the table, Barca failed to capitalize on the opportunity to move within touching distance of the title, reports Xinhua. With Pedri and Frenkie de Jong back in the starting lineup for Barca, Rayo’s aggressive football gave them the advantage, and Alvaro Garcia scored with an angled shot from the left.

Left back Fran Garcia

scored in the 53rd minute with a low shot after the Barca defense failed to pick up his deep run.

Robert Lewandowski pulled a goal back for Barca with seven minutes remaining, but Rayo held on for a

well-deserved win. Atletico Madrid came back from a goal down to beat Mallorca 3-1, moving within two points of Real Madrid.

Although Matija Nastasic headed Mallorca

Badminton Asia Championships: Prannoy reaches Qfs, Srikanth loses

DUBAI, APR 27 (AGENCIES): While H S Prannoy reached the quarterfinals, Kidambi Srikanth was eliminated from the 2023 Badminton Asia Championships in Dubai on Thursday, reports Sportsstar. Eighth-seeded Prannoy defeated Indonesia’s Chico Aura Dwi Wardoyo 21-16, 5-21, 21-18 in 61 minutes to set up a lasteight clash with Japan’s Kanta Tsuneyama. How-

Pele enters Portuguese dictionary as an adjective

BRASILIA, APR 27

(AGENCIES): “Pele,” arguably the best footballer in history, is now also an adjective.

On Wednesday, the word “pele” was added to the more than 167,000 words in the Michaelis Portuguese dictionary printed in Brazil.

For the world’s 265 million-odd Portuguese speakers, “pele” can now be used to denote something or someone extraordinary -- the sense in which it is already employed informally in Brazil. “The expression already used to refer to someone who is the best at what they do has been eternalized on

the pages of the dictionary!” the Pele Foundation said on Instagram.

Under the new entry, the word is defined as “exceptional, incomparable, unique” -- qualities associated with “The King” of football who died in December at the age of 82. The online version of the Michaelis also provides useful examples: “He is the pele of basketball... She is the pele of Brazilian drama.” For now, the word has been included only in the Michaelis online version, though it will be added to printed dictionaries in future.

ever, Srikanth went down 14-21, 22-20, 9-21 to fourth-seeded Kodai Naraoka, Tsuneyama’s compatriot. Mixed doubles pair Rohan Kapoor-Sikki Reddy also got a spot in the quarterfinals after their second-round opponents - Korea’s Seo Seung Jae and Chae Yu Jung - gave a walkover. B. Sumeeth Reddy and Ashwini Ponnappa lost their round of 16 fixture 15-21, 17-21 to Chi-

nese Taipei’s Chang KoChi and Lee Chih Chen. In women’s doubles, Commonwealth Games bronze medallist Treesa Jolly and Gayatri Gopichand pulled out of their second-round clash against sixth-seeded Koreans Jeong Na Eun and Kim Hye Jeong due to injury. Later in the day, P V Sindhu and men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy-Chirag Shetty will be in action.

ahead after 20 minutes, Rodrigo de Paul equalized for Atletico on the brink of halftime.

Alvaro Morata put Atletico in front in the first minute of the second half, and Yannick Carrasco

sealed the win with 13 minutes left on the clock. Almeria secured three crucial points in their relegation battle against Getafe. Luis Suarez pounced on a loose ball in the Getafe area in the seventh minute to put the visitors ahead. After Luis Milla had to leave due to injury, things worsened for Getafe when Djene was sent off in injury time for hauling back Suarez. Suarez added a second early in the second half, and although Borja Mayoral pulled a goal back for Getafe with 19 minutes remaining, Almeria held on for three points while increasing the pressure on Getafe coach Quique Sanchez Flores. Celta defeated bottom side Elche 1-0 thanks to a 90th-minute goal from defender Joseph Aidoo.

India U17 women’s national team celebrate their victory.

Erling Haaland celebrates at the end of the EPL match between Manchester City and Arsenal at Etihad stadium.

Rayo Vallecano players celebrate with the fans after the team’s victory during the LaLiga Santander match between Rayo Vallecano and FC Barcelona.

India’s H S Prannoy reached quarterfinals of the Badminton Asia Championships in Dubai on Thursday.

Jaiswal, spinners guide RR to 32-run win over CSK

JAIPUR, APR 27 (PTI):

Promising Yashasvi Jaiswal once again displayed his talent as he conjured up a brilliant half-century before Rajasthan Royals spinners choked Chennai Super Kings to register a comfortable 32-run win and move to the top of the IPL table here on Thursday.

Jaiswal (77 off 43) continued his rich form with his third fifty of the tournament before Devdutt Padikkal (24 not out) and Dhruv Jurel (34 off 15) provided the final flourish to register the highest total -- 202 for five -- at the Sawai Mansingh Stadium. Spinners Adam Zampa (3/22 in 3 overs) and Ravichandran Ashwin (2/35) then shared five wickets between them to restrict CSK to 170 for 6 despite Ruturaj Gaikwad (47) and Shivam Dube’s (52) best efforts. With the win, the Royals moved to the top of the table, while CSK drop down to third. In contrast to RR, CSK openers found the going tough before Gaikwad, who was dropped on four, broke the shackles and hit Jason Holder (0/49) for a four

over mid on before cracking a six over deep backward square leg in the fourth over.

RR skipper Sanju Samson intensified the pressure by bowling spin from both ends and the move paid dividends. Devon Conway (8) continued to struggle and with the required run rate increasing he was forced to hit a Zampa delivery flat to Sandeep Sharma at mid off.

Unperturbed by the wicket, Gaikwad kept stealing boundaries every over to keep the scoreboard ticking before Zampa struck once

DDBA announces Intercollege Basketball tourney

DIMAPUR, APR

27(NPN): Dimapur District Basketball Association ( DDBA) has announced the Inter-college Basketball tournament (Men & Women) organised by the Department of Youth Resources and Sports, Government of Nagaland, in collaboration with the Dimapur District Basketball Association (DDBA).

A press release by DDBA president Sentininsang Longkumer stated that tournament will be held from May 8 to11, 2023 at JV Rise Foundation Basketball Court, Signal Angami, Dimapur and

is open to all colleges under Nagaland University and Nagaland-based autonomous universities.

The last date for registration for the tournament is May 6.

Cash Prizes (Men & Women):

Winner - Rs. 40,000

Runner-up - Rs. 25,000

Joint 3rd Place - Rs. 10,000 each

MVP - Rs. 3,000 each

For more information and registration, interested colleges can contact 7085994276 or 7005727663, the release added.

Roy fined for Code of Conduct breach in KKR-RCB match

BENGALURU, APR 27

(PTI): Kolkata Knight

Riders opener Jason Roy was on Wednesday fined 10 percent of his match fee for breaching the IPL Code of Conduct.

The English opener, who fired in a 29-ball 56 to propel KKR to 200/5 against Royal Challengers Bangalore has admitted to the breach.

“Roy admitted to the Level 1 offence under Article 2.2 of the IPL Code of Conduct,” IPL Media stated.

The incident happened during KKR’s 21run win over RCB at the M.

Chinnaswamy Stadium, here.

For Level 1 breaches of the Code of Conduct, the Match Referee’s decision is final and binding, it added.

again to get rid of the dangerman. CSK were 72 for two at the halfway mark.

Ashwin (2/35) then snared the wickets Ajinkya

Rahane (15) and “Impact Player” Ambati Rayudu (0) to further dent CSK’s chances. But Dube had different plans. He upped the ante, hitting some muchneeded sixes to give CSK a glimmer of hope. The all-rounder brought his third consecutive half century with the help of four sixes and two fours. However, he couldn’t take his side over

the line. Earlier opening the innings, Jaiswal started on an aggressive note, hitting boundaries all around the ground. He targeted Akash Singh (0/32), hitting three fours in the very first over. The youngster hit the first ball of the match wide over cover and then send the next two to deep extra cover and deep midwicket for the same result. The Rajasthan opener then went on to collect 18 runs off Singh’s second over. Jaiswal sent the ball to the boundary three times and also launched one

for a six over long on. With Tushar Deshpande (2/42) and Singh being punished, CSK skipper MS Dhoni introduced spin in the form of Maheesh Theekshana (1/24), who bowled a good opening spell. Jaiswal, however, raced to his half century in 26 balls. Jos Buttler too joined the party, hitting a few boundaries. Together the two stitched an 86-run opening stand before the Englishman’s sedate 27-run knock was brought to an end by Ravindra Jadeja (1/32). The CSK bowlers were able to restrict the boundaries after the wicket and then fashioned a mini batting collapse. Returning for his second spell, Deshpande dismissed skipper Sanju Samson (17) and also got the prized wicket of Jaiswal, who was batting with aplomb, in the 14th over.

Brief scores: Rajasthan Royals 202/5 in 20 overs (Yashasvi Jaiswal 77, Dhruv Jurel 34; Tushar Deshpande 2-42) beat Chennai Super Kings 170/6 in 20 overs (Shivam Dube 52, Ruturaj Gaikwad 47; Adam Zampa 3-22) by 32 runs.

MOKOKCHUNG, APR 27 (NPN): Revenant FC lifted the Championship Trophy of the ‘1st U-20 Revenant Football Running Trophy 2023’, by defeating Youngsters FC by 3 – 1 goals, Thursday, at the Imkongmeren Sports Complex.

The tournament was organised by Moanungsang Sporting Club under the aegis of Revenant FC.

Earlier, in his speech as the chief patron, assistant planning officer, N Chuba Phom, said young players should be grateful to the organizers for taking their time, energy and resources to offer them (play-

Madrid Open: Jule Niemeier upsets former champion Kvitova in second round

MADRID, APRIL 27

(IANS): Jule Niemeier of Germany notched the second Top 10 win of her career after beating threetime champion Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova in the second round of the Madrid Open on Thursday.

Niemeier saved two set points in the first set en route to scoring a 7-6(9), 6-1 upset of No.10 seed Kvitova. She will go on to face either No.24 seed Belgian Elise Mertens or Rebecca Marino of Canada.

Three-time Madrid champion Kvitova was in action for the first time since capturing her 30th WTA Tour title in Miami and competing in the 100th WTA 1000 tournament of her career. The Czech had been forced to withdraw from Stuttgart last week due to a right foot injury and fell to her fourth straight loss in Madrid.

The German’s win over Kvitova was just her fifth in 17 matches this year, and Madrid marked the first time she has won back-to-back matches since October 2022.

Niemeier sprang out to an early lead again in the tiebreak, only for Kvitova to come up with her biggest shots to save a further four set points. But Niemeier responded well, fending off two break points against her before taking advantage at 9-9 and converting her

seventh opportunity. With the first set under her belt, the World No.67 raced through the second as Kvitova continued to rack up a total of 53 unforced errors to only 24 winners.

Madrid Open: Thiem beats Edmund, sets up secondround clash with Tsitsipas

Continuing with his impressive record at the Madrid Open, Dominic Thiem moved past Briton Kyle Edmund 6-4, 6-1 to set up a second-round clash against Stefanos Tsitsipas, here on Thursday. The former World No. 3 has reached at least the semifinals in four of his past five appearances in the Spanish capital and he

looked in control throughout his first-round clash against Edmund.

The Austrian won 86 per cent (24/28) of his firstserve points and remained strong under pressure, saving all four break points he faced to advance after 84 minutes and improve to 2-0 in his ATP head-to-head series against the 28-yearold Edmund.

“It was not easy in the beginning. The first match on the centre court and I was mainly practising outside, so it is a different feeling,” Thiem was quoted as saying by ATP Tour.

“I have known Kyle since we were juniors. He has been a tough opponent since my young days, so I went in with a lot of re-

spect. I had some crucial moments in the first set when I saved the break points and then I released a little bit and it got better and better,” he added. With his victory, Thiem improved to 17-7 at the clay-court tournament, while he has climbed two spots to No. 91 in the ATP Live Rankings. “I love this court, I have great memories and played some great matches here. Results-wise this is my best [ATP] Masters 1000 tournament by far, so it is time to work on that reputation. Once I was a very tough guy to beat on clay and it is not the case right now, but I am feeling that I am getting better and back to shape,” Thiem said.

Earlier this month, the 29-year-old advanced to the quarterfinals at ATP 250 clay-court events in Estoril and Munich. Thiem has often produced his best tennis on clay, winning 10 of his 17 tour-level titles on the surface. Thiem will next play fourth-seed Tsitsipas. The Austrian leads the Greek 5-3 in their ATP head-to-head series.

“I am looking forward to that one a lot. I like him a lot. He is an unbelievable player, I like watching his matches. He is very elegant. We’ve had some great matchups,” Thiem said when asked about facing Tsitsipas.

ers) a platform to showcase and improve their talents.

He told the young players that this was their learning stage when they hone their discipline with humility and to abstain harmful abuses.

Chuba further added that, ‘there are ample scope to earn a living for talented and dedicated players of the day in football’, and urged them to keep the football passion alive.

The Champions ‘Revenant FC’, were accorded with trophy, cash award plus certicates and the runner-up with cash award and certificates.

Individual prizes:

1. Best Player of the tournament: Nungshijujang of Revenant FC

2. Best Defender: Imlisunep of Youngsters FC

3. Best Goal Keeper: Imsutoshi of Revenant FC

4. Discipline team: Ao Temulong FC.

The closing programme was chaired by Lawrence Imchen and the vote of thanks was moved by president, Moanungsang Memorial Sporting Club, B Aoluin Aier while the invocation was said by Imcharen.

The prize distribution was conducted by organizing committee convenor, Zulumanen Jamir.

BCCI central contracts: Richa, Jemi get promotion; Shikha dropped

NEW DELHI, APR 27 (PTI): Young wicket-keeper batter Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues have been elevated to B category in the BCCI central contracts for the 2022-23 season while the likes of Shikha Pandey and Taniya Bhatia have been dropped.

The contract period runs from October to September but the BCCI made the announcement on Thursday.

A player in A category gets paid Rs 50 lakh over and above match fees and Rs 30 lakh and Rs 10 lakh are allotted for B and C category respectively.

The board has kept only three players in the highest category and they include skipper Harmanpreet Kaur, star batter Smriti Mandhana and allrounder Deepti Sharma.

All three have been retained in the same category while spinner Rajeshwari Gayakwad has been demoted to B category. Leg spinner Poonam Yadav, who was in the A category last year, doesn’t have a contract at all after falling down in the pecking order. She last played for India in March 2022.

Veteran pacer Shikha Pandey, who had made a surprise comeback for the T20 World Cup in South

Africa, finds herself without a contract and so does wicketkeeper Taniya Bhatia. Pacer Renuka Thakur, who did not have a contract last year, has been bracketed straight into the B category after a stellar season. Richa Ghosh and Jemimah Rodrigues have moved up from C to B category. New entrants in Category C include pacer Meghna Singh, batter Devika Vaidya, opener S Meghana, Radha Yadav, left-arm pacer Anjali Sarvani and batter Yastika Bhatia. Harleen Deol and Sneh Rana remain in the lowest category while injury prone all-rounder Pooja Vastrakar has been demoted to C from B. The BCCI, which announced equal pay for women cricketers last year, has kept the number of contracted to 17. The full list: Category A: Harmanpreet Kaur, Smriti Mandha and Deepti Sharma. Category B: Renuka Thakur, Jemimah Rodrigues, Shafali Verma, Richa Ghosh, Rajeshwari Gayakwad. Category C: Meghna Singh, Devika Vaidya, S Meghana, Anjali Sarvani, Pooja Vastrakar, Sneh Rana, Radha Yadav, Harleen Deol and Yastika Bhatia.

WFI scandal: Complainants did not appear before panel, says Anurag Thakur

LEH (LADAKH), APRIL

27 (IANS): Union Sports Minister Anurag Singh

Thakur on Thursday rejected the claims of inaction by the government in the affairs of the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) made by wrestlers protesting at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi.

The Minister said the government got the Indian Olympic Association (IOA) to set up an Oversight Committee and is now taking action based on major findings in the report submitted by it, by requesting the Indian Olympic Association to set an Ad-hoc Committee and conduct free and fair elections within 45 days.

He said as per another finding of the report, an internal committee will be constituted after the elections and it will look into all complaints of sexual and mental harassment.

The Minister was responding to claims by the protesting wrestlers, led by Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakshi Malik, and Asian and Commonwealth Games medallist Vinesh Phogat, that the government is shielding the deposed president of Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh against allegations of sexual harassment.

Thakur said he had personally met the wres -

tlers during their first protest and after a 12-hourlong discussion, the government asked Indian Olympic Association to set up an Oversight Committee. “On their demand, we included Babita Phogat in the Oversight Committee.

In all 14 meetings of the Oversight Committee were held but neither the wrestler that complained of sexual harassment nor others whose names were listed as victims by the protesters, turned up before the Committee,” said the Minister at a media interaction in the Union Territory of Ladakh, as per a video posted on the social media.

Thakur said the Ministry has taken cognizance of the major findings in the Oversight Committee’s report and as per that has asked the Indian Olympic Association to set up an ad-hoc committee to con-

duct impartial elections in 45 days.

The Minister said they have gone by the major findings of the Oversight Committee and accused the wrestlers of indulging

in politics.

The Indian Olympic Association on Thursday set up an Ad-hoc Committee comprising Bhupender Singh Bajwa and shooter Suma Shirur to manage the

affairs of Wrestling Federation of India.

A third member, a retired High Court judge, will be named before the election process is initiated.

Wrestlers protesting on streets tarnishing India’s image, amounts to indiscipline: IOA President PT Usha

Coming down heavily on the aggrieved wrestlers, Indian Olympic Association (IOA) President PT Usha on Thursday said the grapplers protesting on the streets amounts to indiscipline and is tarnishing the country’s image.

Decorated wrestlers Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi malik are the three central characters in the renewed protests against Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has been accused of sexual harassment

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh indicates he won’t go down without a fight

Accused of sexual harassment by India’s top wrestlers, under-fire national federation chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh on Thursday indicated that he will fight with all his might to prove his innocence.

and criminal intimidation by the grapplers. “Wrestlers staging protest on streets amounts to indiscipline. It is tarnishing the image of India,” Usha told reporters after IOA’s Executive Commit-

tee meeting.

The IOA also instituted a three-member adhoc panel, including former shooter Suma Shirur, Wushu Association of India chief Bhupendra Singh Bajwa and headed by a yet-to-be-named retired high court judge, to run the affairs of the WFI until a new body is elected. The IOA and the government had managed to placate the wrestlers with assurances to probe their allegations against Sharan and the WFI after the protest first broke out in January.

In a video message, the BJP MP, without making a mention of the allegations against him, indicated that he would not accept defeat till he has strength for fight.

“Friends, the day I reflect on my life, what I gained or lost, the day I feel I don’t have the strength to fight, the day I feel helpless, I won’t like to live a life like that. Instead of living such a life, I would wish that death embraces me,” he said. Star wrestlers, including World Championships medal winner Vinesh Phogat, Olympic medallists Bajrang Punia and Sakashi M alik, have made sexual harassment

Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh

allegations against Brij Bhushan and have been sitting on an indefinite protest at Jantar Mantar here.

The elite athletes resumed their agitation against the Wrestling Federation of India chief on Sunday, three months after they ended their sit-in protest following the formation of an oversight committee by the government to probe into the serious allegations. The Sports Ministry has not yet made public the findings of a six-member oversight panel that submitted its report on April 5.

Anurag Thakur

Chief Match Patron N Chuba Phom with champions, organizers and officials.

Jason Roy

Jule Niemeier

Richa Ghosh Jemimah Rodrigues

Rajasthan Royals batter Yashasvi Jaiswal in action during the match between Rajasthan Royals and Chennai Super Kings in Jaipur, Thursday. (PTI)