28 Dec 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXII No. 23

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Putin mulls military options in Ukraine

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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

Rio graces TVYSA golden jubilee celebration SPORTS, PAGE 11

AFSPA repeal in Nagaland likely by New Year

Spl. Correspondent/ Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, DIMAPUR, DEC 27 (NPN): Following a meeting, convened by union home minister Amit Shah on December 23 with Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio, Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma including deputy chief minister Y. Patton and NPF leader T.R. Zeliang, the Centre instituted a committee to examine withdrawal of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Nagaland and to submit its report within 45 days.

Though the panel’s terms of reference were yet to be notified and publicised, officials said that Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India Vivek Joshi will head the five-member committee and additional secretary (NE) in the Home Ministry Piyush Goyal will be its membersecretary. The other members will include chief secretary and director general

ENSF urges state govt to declare Shamator district DIMAPUR, DEC 27 (NPN): Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF), while extending its “unwavering solidarity” to the Yimkhiung tribe, has strongly appealed to the state Government to declare Shamator district at the earliest.

In a press release, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation president Chingmak Chang and assistant general secretary Molo Phom expressed resentment against the state government’s “inconsistent commitment” over the creation of Shamator district.

According to ENSF, there was “certain understanding” that was arrived at between the Yimkhiung Tribal Council (YTC) and the state government for “unconditional upgradation” of Shamator ADC HQ to a full-fledged District. However, ENSF said the agreement, which was made in principle between the two parties, has proven to be futile.

Further, the federation said that ENPO during its silver jubilee had submitted a representation to the government for creation of Shamator district Hq and submitted a reminder letter on August 6, 2021.

The federation expressed surprise that Shamator was not in the list of new districts declared on December 18, 2021.

This is it!

"Now our state also has a collective leadership of three leaders.”

K Y M C

Rio along with Patton and Zeliang addressing the media on December 26 in Dimapur. (NP)

of police of Nagaland, the IGAR (North) and representative from CRPF. According to a communiqué issued jointly by the UDA government– chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y. Patton and NPF legislature party leader T.R. Zeliang, the committee will submit its report within 45 days and that the withdrawal of Disturbed Areas Act and AFSPA from Nagaland will be based on the recommendations of the committee.

The Centre’s response to calls for repeal of AFSPA came as an unexpected de-

velopment even as chorus for its repeal from the entire region continue to grow louder since the Oting massacre on December 4. It may be recalled that 13 innocent civilians were gunned down by a unit of the 21 Paras (Special Forces) based at Jorhat. Another was killed in Mon during the massive public protest against the Security Forces/Assam Rifles.

The demands for repeal of AFSPA– an Act that gives sweeping powers to the armed forces to arrest without warrants and even shoot to kill in certain situations in ‘disturbed areas’

– from Nagaland and other north-eastern states have been growing louder since the December 4-5 incidents.

Over the last few weeks, the state witnessed massive protest rallies in eastern districts as well as capital Kohima for the law to be scrapped.

Right after the December 4 incident, Rio had called for its repeal stating that Nagaland had “always opposed AFSPA”. Meghalaya chief minister Conrad Sangma had also demanded its total repeal from the north east in a tweet on December 6.

A special one-day session of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly was convened on December 20, where members under the United Democratic Alliance (UDA) unanimously resolved to demand the repeal of AFSPA. After returning from Delhi, the three signatories held a joint press conference where they issued a signed statement.

Konyaks demand justice without delay Congress demands Amit Shah’s resignation

Konyak Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) placed several demands before the government of India in their quest for justice for the families of the victims of the Oting Massacre on December 4.

In a joint statement, Howing Konyak, Ponglem Konyak and Noklem Konyak, presidents of Konyak Union, Konyak Nyupuh Sheko Khong and Konyak Students’ Union respectively also expressed dismay for non-inclusion of representatives from ground zero in the inquiry committee instituted to review repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA).

They pointed that only representatives from ground zero would be able to portray the untold sufferings of the civilians for so many decades under AFSPA. While appreciating union home ministry’s ef(Cont’d on p-3) forts to ensure justice in

the Oting massacre, besides applauding the initiative of chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y Patton and leader of NPF legislature party leader TR Zeliang in Delhi on December 23, the unions also expressed skepticism over non-inclusion of representatives from ground zero while meeting union home minister Amit Shah in Delhi, to authenticate and portray the real incidents/stories about the Oting massacre incidents.

They further appealed to the committee to consider the value of human lives while framing its report.

They alleged that human rights and values had been ignored for many decades and atrocities committed upon the civilians, thereby causing them much pain.

Urging the committee members to understand that people on ground zero had e n d u r e d (Cont’d on p-3)

All India Congress Committee’s (AICC) Nagaland in-charge Dr Ajoy Kumar has demanded the resignation of Union home minister Amit Shah for his alleged negligence of the Oting killings and for misleading Parliament and the nation in alleging that the victims had tried to flee.

Informing this in a statement, Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) president K Therie alleged that an AICC delegation was prevented from meeting the aggrieved family members, though BJP ministers did not even bother to visit. He said AICC has demanded Rs one crore as compensation for the next of kin of deceased and Rs 10 lakh to those injured, besides reiterating the call for forming a judicial enquiry commission headed by a sitting high court judge. “We shall continue to pursue till justice is (Cont’d on p-3) delivered,” Therie said.

Army inquiry team to visit Oting on Dec 29

An Inquiry team of the Indian Army will visit Oting on December 29 and will also be present at Tizit police station in Mon district between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.

According PRO (defence) the purpose of the team is to obtain primary information (not forwarded or not from secondary source) from public pertaining to the December 4 incident. PRO requested person(s) having such information and desirous of deposing before the inquiry team, to do so at Tizit police station. PRO informed that any original information, photo or video (not forwarded or not from secondary source), related to the incident, may be shared with the team via phone, SMS or Whatsapp at +916033924571.

The original documents/audio-visual recording would be collected from the source following due legal procedure.

First case of Omicron variant Health Index: Nagaland ranks States asked to impose curbs as needed in NE reported from Manipur lowest among smaller states Correspondent

IMPHAL, DEC 27: The first case of Omicron variant of Covid-19 in the Northeast was detected in Manipur on Monday.

A 48-year-old man, who had recently returned from Tanzania, tested positive for Omicron variant on Monday, officials said. The patient, a resident of Imphal West, had tested positive for Covid-19 on the eighth day of his return to India. The patient, who had been vaccinated, was currently admitted to the Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS) hospital with mild symptoms, officials said.

Three members of the patient’s family who also tested positive for COVID-19 during

contact tracing were currently under surveillance.

Their samples have been sent for genome sequencing and results are being awaited, said state health director Dr. K Rajo, who confirmed the first ever case of Omicron in the state, during a news conference here today.

According to Dr. Rajo, the patient had returned from Tanzania on December 12 last and reached Imphal the next day.

Before being kept under surveillance for a few days, he was subjected to Covid-19 test on December 20 last and had tested positive. The result of the swab sample, for genome sequencing was received on Monday , which confirmed that the patient had contracted Omicron, he said.

DIMAPUR, DEC 27 (NPN): Nagaland at eighth position continued to be the lowest ranking Smaller State, both in Base Year (2018-19) and Reference Year (2019-20), according to the NITI Aayog fourth edition of the State Health Index for 2019–20, which was released on Monday.

The report, titled “Healthy States, Progressive India”, ranks states and Union Territories on their year-on-year incremental performance in health outcomes as well as their overall status.

Round IV of the report focuses on measuring and highlighting the overall performance and incremental improvement of states and UTs over the period 2018–19 to 2019–20.

In the overall performance among the smaller states in the Reference Year (2019-20), Mizoram ranked at the top and Nagaland at the bottom. There were wide disparities in the Health Outcomes Domain Index Scores across states and UTs. Among the smaller states, the Index Score of the best performing state Tripura (85.01), was 2.7 times that of the lowest performer Nagaland (32.00).

(Cont’d on p-7)

NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (PTI/AGENCIES): Centre on Monday issued an order to states and Union territories asking them to ensure that local or district administrations promptly take appropriate Covid-19 containment measures based on the normative framework and their assessment of the situation.

Issuing a fresh advisory, the Centre asked States to consider imposing need based, local curbs and restrictions, to control the crowd during the festive season.

The Union Ministry of Home Affairs also extended the COVID-19 directive issued under the Disaster Management Act up to January 31, 2022.

The MHA letter comes on a day when the country recorded the highest singleday jump in Omicron infections. A total of 156 fresh cases of the Omicron variant were reported on Monday, with the total tally of such cases to rising to 578,

showed the Union Health Ministry morning update.

According to the health ministry, 151 out of the 578 people who were found positive with the Omicron variant have recovered or migrated.

(Cont’d on p-7)

Sports battalion to provide opportunities to sportspersons: CM Govt denied FCRA renewal, didn’t freeze our accounts: Missionaries of Charity

Rio with village leaders after unveiling the monolith at Meriema. (NP)

Nagaland Police Sports Battalion had been laid for KOHIMA, DEC 27 (NPN): providing opportunities to State chief minister Neiphiu promising and dedicated Rio said foundation for a sportspersons to excel in Correspondent

their chosen fields and get a chance to reach higher competitive are-nas, both nationally and internationally.

Speaking at the 52nd Meriema Village Youth Games & Sports Meet 2021 on Monday, he said Nagaland Olympic Association (NOA) also had plans for setting up an office in the State Capi-tal next year to cater to the needs of sportspersons, help streamline their chosen profession and facilitate them to move forward.

He disclosed that Nagaland Mini Olympics

would also be held biannually where players from all the districts would compete and deserving players thereafter would get the chance to repre-sent the State and country in national and international events.

He reminded that Nagaland would be hosting the South Asian Cross Country Championship from January 15, 2022.

Rio claimed that the State government was working to promote sportspersons in the State through various initiatives.

NEW DELHI/KOLKATA, DEC 27 (AGENCIES): The Union Home Ministry (MHA) said on Monday that it has refused to renew the FCRA registration of Missionaries of Charity (MoC), a Catholic religious congregation set up by Nobel laureate Mother Teresa, as “some adverse inputs were noticed,” The Hindu report stated.

The Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) registration is mandatory for any NGO or association to receive foreign funds or donations. MoC said that as their FCRA application has not been approved, they have asked their centres not to operate the bank accounts associated with it.

MHA said in a statement that the re(Cont’d on p-3) newal was refused on December 25 for not

In Jan, boosters for 60+, frontline staff; vaccines for 15-18 years NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (AGENCIES): In a surprise address to the nation on Christmas night, Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced that Covid-19 vaccination will start January 3 onward for children in the 15-18 age group, while healthcare and frontline workers will be administered a booster-- he called it “precaution dose” — from January 10.

The “precaution dose” option, he said, will also be available from January 10 for citizens above the age of 60 with co-morbidities.

They can take this shot on

the advice of their doctors.

According to official estimates, there will be approximately 10 crore children in the 15-18 age group eligible for the Covid-19 vaccination.

“Today is also the birth anniversary of Atalji (former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee). We are also celebrating Christmas. So I thought I should share this decision today. Covid-19 vaccination will be introduced for all children in the age group 15-18 years. From January 3, 2022, we will start this drive. This decision will further strengthen our

fight against the pandemic.

Parents have been worrying about children returning to schools and colleges. This decision will help reduce their stress,” Modi had said.

The announcement came hours after the country’s drug regulator granted emergency use authorisation (EUA) to Covaxin for vaccinating children in the 12-18 age group. With this approval, Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin becomes the second vaccine to receive an EUA for the 12-18 age group-- the drug regulator had earlier approved Zydus Cadila’s DNA Covid-19

vaccine for children above the age of 12. Modi also said India will soon introduce a nasal Covid-19 vaccine and DNA vaccine.

Elderly citizens with associated comorbidities, he said, can avail the “precautionary dose” based on the recommendations of their treating physicians.

Modi underlined that decisions on prioritisation of vaccination have been taken on the basis of scientific recommendation from the experts.

“We all know that the pandemic is not yet over.

In these circumstances, we

have to remain vigilant. We have continuously worked towards keeping the country and citizens safe.

We started the vaccination drive based on scientific recommendations: who should receive the first dose on priority; what should be the gap between two doses; when should recovered Covid-19 patients receive their dose; and when should comorbid patients receive the vaccine. We have continuously taken these decisions that have been beneficial and helped us bring the situation under control,” he said.

meeting the eligibility conditions and “No request / revision application has been received from Missionaries of Charity (MoC) for review of this refusal of renewal.”

It said that its license was valid till October 31 but it was extended till December 31 along with other associations whose renewal is pending.

“We have been informed that our FCRA renewal application has not been approved. Therefore, as a measure to ensure there is no lapse, we have asked our centres not to operate any of the FC (foreign contribution) accounts until matter is resolved,” a statement from Sister M Prema, Superior General of the Missionaries of Charity said.

Dhansirispar should remain in Dimapur: DPON DIMAPUR, DEC 27 (NPN): Against the backdrop of state government ordering re-organisation of Dimapur district following the creation of Chumoukedima district and up-gradation of Niuland sub-division to a full-fledged district, the Dimasa Public Organization, Nagaland (DOPN) has affirmed that Dimasa (Kachari) inhabited areas along with others should remain in Dimapur district.

In a press release, DPON president K Naben said that Dimasa organ-

isations at an emergency meeting held on December 24, 2021 endorsed the press statement issued earlier by the civil societies of Dhansiripar sub-division under the banner of Sema-Dimasa Union, Dhansiripar subdivision and the subsequent joint representation to the government.

At the meeting, DPON said the house discussed and resolved to put forward the reasons as to why Dimasa villages along with others have to remain in Dimapur district. (Cont’d on p-3) K Y M C

2

STATE

Imna Along lauds retiring director

VKS (NH) WCEA seeks release of salary

DIMAPUR: VK section (National highway) Work Charge Employee Association [VKS (NH) WCEA, HQ VK] town, Nagaland has appealed to the responsible department for immediate release of salary from March 1, 2020 till date.

In a letter addressed to the executive engineer PWD NH, Mokokchung division, VKS (NH) WCEA president Bokato Labo and general secretary Vito L Yeptho stated that the department had not released their work charge salaries till date despite repeated requests.

It said that the work charge employees were verified in person with all required documents on October 13, 2021, at town hall, Mokokchung after the government had set up a verification inquiry board.

Requesting the responsible department to pay the due salaries before March 31, 2022, VKS (NH) WCEA warned that it would be compelled “to hold hunger strike” at NH-2, VK division from April 1.

Temjen Imna Along along with Dr. Apeni Lotha and others. lauded the minister for his efficiency and contribution in bringing infrastructural development in the department.

She acknowledged the support and guidance of Honje Konyak and other previous commissioner & secretary of the department.

Stating that the higher education deal with the human resource development and future generation, she called upon the principals and teaching faculties of all the colleges to take their responsibility with serious-

ness.

Dr. Apeni also urged the principals to work harder to fortify the college assessment and NAAC accreditation and asked them to put their best effort for effective implementation of NEP. Thanking grade IV staff, she urged upon them to continue to keep maintaining their discipline.

Expressing happiness in working with the additional director, Dr. Katoni Jakhalu, she was optimistic that the department would shine brighter when Dr.

Jakhalu would take charge as the new director of higher education by 2022.

She hoped that the Almighty would grant wisdom and good health to Dr. Jakhalu to lead the department to greater heights.

Dr. Apeni fur ther thanked the technical education department, ministerial staff of the directorate and Nagaland College Principals Association (NCPA) led by president Dr. Visakhonü Hibo for their support and hoped that the same trend would continue.

Meanwhile, additional director higher education, Dr. Katoni Jakhalu maintained that the people appreciated Dr. Apeni for being “professional” minded.

“She gave her best to this department, for which we will remain ever indebted to her,” Dr. Katoni added.

Dr. Katoni assured that even as Dr. Apeni left, they would uphold the integrity of the department with all their strength and ability just as she had done.

On behalf of principals of all colleges of Nagaland, Dr. Ralimongla, principal Kohima College, Kohima conveyed wishes to Dr. Apeni and family.

It may be mentioned that Dr. Apeni served as principal of Mt. Tiyi College Wokha for around seven years and under her leadership the college was successfully NAAC assessed in 2018.

In 2019, Dr. Apeni was promoted as additional director and HoD and became director of higher education in 2020.

She also initiated a joint inspection and survey of theological colleges in the state in order to streamline and ensure quality education for theological students.

Church, organisation celebrate Christmas DIMAPUR: St Francis Xavier Catholic Church Kidima under diocese of Kohima celebrated Christmas on December 25 with the preparation of novena from December 16 with Reverend Father Kurian P, administrator of S.F.S. seminary, Medziphema as main celebrant.

A press release from the church informed that while speaking on the occasion, Reverend Father Kurian referred to saint John 3:16 “everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.”

Reverend Father Siby John, Parish Priest addressing the Christmas vigil congratulated the community members for having successfully constructed the new church.

The Parish Priest said “every Holy Mass celebration was a new experience with God” and emphasised on the meaning of vigil wait for the born of Christ to the world for the saviour.

Exhorting that the purpose of Christ born to the world was to bring darkness to light and liberation from sin, he urged upon the faithful to surren-

der to Jesus, who forgave sins, preached, taught and healed the sick.

Further, Fr Kurian appealed the faithful to live the role model of Jesus, Mary and Joseph with kindness, humility, compassion and peace.

The administrator of SFS suggested Kidima Catholic community to come and pray term by term before the Blessed Sacrament in the church and not leave Jesus alone.

Novena, blessing and honouring Christmas crib, confession, baptism of infants, reading of the words of God and Eucharist celebration followed by fellowship meal were the highlights of the programme.

Matri Foundation: Matri Foundation organised a Christmas event at the church ground.

In a press release, Matri Foundation in-

formed that the organisation put up a banner of the foundation and distributed red tea, sweets, cakes and Christmas hats to all the visitors.

The 10th Death Anniversary of Lt. Züjamo Ovüng

Nothing could stop us to forget your fond memories with us, we enjoyed during your sojourn life on earth. "Oh, no parted in Heaven".

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

DP-6123/21

KOHIMA: Directorate of Higher Education, Nagaland organised a farewell programme for Dr. Apeni Lotha, who would be retiring officially as the director of higher education on December 31, 2021.

Speaking at the farewell programme here on Monday, minister, higher education & tribal affairs, Temjen Imna Along lauded Dr. Apeni for her invaluable contribution towards the growth of higher education in the state.

Stating that although she came to the department as director during the pandemic, the minister said that she brought drastic changes to the policies of higher education in the state.

Touching on the introduction of National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, the minister lauded her contribution, which he said was going to last for many decades.

Commissioner & secretary for higher & technical education, Honje Konyak said they were celebrating the success story of Dr. Apeni Lotha who had completed 35 years of service and was retiring in good health.

Expressing happiness in serving the department over the years, Dr. Apeni

Loving family members

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021

NEWS IN BRIEF CSU to celebrate platinum jubilee: Chakhesang Students’ Union has informed that its general conference-cum-75 years (platinum jubilee) would be held from February 14-16, 2022 at Phek town on the theme “towards a refined guild”. In this regard, the union has asked all affiliated units and members of the Chakhesang community for participation and cooperation. Organisations under Chakhesang jurisdiction have been requested to take strict note of this notice while fixing any event to avoid clash of events.

Police recover unidentified body: Dimapur police recovered an unidentified dead body of a non-Naga male around 40-45 years at footpath near NST building on Monday. After completion of all legal formalities, the body was shifted to district hospital Dimapur morgue for PM examination. Deceased was highly suspected to have died from starvation.

Claimant(s) have been requested to contact officer-in-charge, east PS, Dimapur at 7085055020.

Khriehu distributes health monitoring kits

DIMAPUR: Khriehu Liezietsu MLA, 10 Northern Angami-1 A/C distributed BP self-monitor kits to around 1500 beneficiaries in his constituency.

In a press release, Northern Angami-I, NPF media cell informed that this was initiated in view

of the health risks during the festive season as people “tend to pile on more calories” and exert fewer physical activities.

The kits included message from the MLA conveying Christmas greetings and stressing on the importance of regular self-

monitoring to keep health complications at bay.

The release informed that this was part of a longstanding tradition adopted

by Khriehu Liezietsu to distribute regular relief assistance to the old and the destitute within his constituency.

Ghaspani battalion of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) organised a medical camp for school children at Nihokhu village, Dimapur on December 21.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT "Death is not extinguishing the light; it is only putting out the lamp because the dawn has come".

R. Tagore

Our family would like to thank all of you who came to visit our dearest Mrs Pongshom Konyak during her sickness and stood beside us after she passed away on the 15th December.

Your sympathy and kindness brought warmth into her and our hearts.

As it is impossible to thank 1948 – 2021 everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our gratitude.

Thankful for all we received from her, her soul will continue to live in each one of us.

dp-6138/21

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Her loving husband, children, grandchildren and siblings Tizit Village, Mon

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT D.O.B : 25/07/1941 – Died : 21/12/2021

26/06/1966 – 07/12/2021

We are dearly comforted and encouraged by the unconditional love and support to us during the sickness and demise of our beloved son Late Mr. VIMETHAL ANGAMI. We express our heartfelt gratitude and sincere appreciation to each and everyone who stood beside us and supported us spiritually, physically and financially.

It is our fervent prayer that God our Almighty bless you all abundantly. k-2456/21

K Y M C

Loving mother and family.

We, the bereaved family members of Lt. Repatenzuk would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individual who supported us emotionally, materially, financially and spiritually at the sudden demise of our beloved on 23rd Dec. 2021.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. Dr. Nepuni Athikho.

2. Dr. Aoakhum Kichu We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every individual through this column, but we sincerely pray to the Almighty God to bless you all abundantly for the days to come.

Loving Wife, Daughters & Relatives.

DP-6126/21

BORn On : 15/03/1951 DieD On : 22/12/2021 We the family members of Late MapuinLa LKR would like to express our profound thanks and gratitude to all who stood by us morally, physically, financially, materially and mostly prayer supports during our ordeal days at Referral Hospital, Dimapur. That, inspite of our ceaseless struggle for her survival but could not.

Though we are unable to thank you individually, it is our sincere prayer and hope that our beloved God Almighty bless you abundantly.

DP-6145/21

Beloved Husband, Children, Grand Children, and Loved ones.

We, the bereaved family members of Lt. Mrs. Kruneino Laura Rino, wife of Lt. Thekrusolie Rino would like to express our heartfelt appreciation and sincere gratitude to all who stood by us at the unfortunate demise of our beloved Mother on 21st December 2021. We thank our Heavenly Father for letting her lived upto 80 years of age and for looking after us.

We would like to thank the following individuals, associations or organizations.

1. Rev Dr., James Thoppil, The Bishop of Kohima.

2. Very Rev. Fr. Carlus Ne.isalhu, Vicar General, Diocese of Kohima.

3. The Priests in St. John the Evangelist Parish, Khonoma.

4. The Priests and Nuns from different institutions.

5. Salesian Sisters, FMA L.F.S Kohima.

6. The Priests and Nuns of St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) Jakhama.

7. Angami Catholic Union (ACU).

8. Angami Catholic Thenupfüko Krotho (ACTK) 9. Angami Catholic Youth Association (ACYA).

10. Western Angami Catholic Union (WACU).

11. Western Angami Catholic Youth Association (WACYA) 12. St. Andrew’s Church members, Jotsoma.

13. Khonoma Catholic Union.

14. Angami Catholic Women Association Cathedral, Kohima 15. Kohima Town Angami Catholic Union.

16. St. Chang Hasang Church Phezhu, Jotsoma.

17. St. Peter Church (A.G Kohima).

18. Jakhama Students Union.

19. Members of People’s Foundation Group.

20. Shri. Keneizhakho Nakhro (Honble MLA 8th Western A/C).

21. Family, friends, relatives & well wishers.

We regret our inability to thank each and everyone in person who has helped us physically, financially and spiritually. We remain forever indebted to everyone who stood by us in our darkest moment. May the lord shower his blessings upon you all abundantly. k-2458/21

Loving Children & Grandchildren K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will Christmas and New Year be dampened by t h e t h re a t f ro m Omicron virus?

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

A B C

PPC demands setting up of state HRC

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

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

45% 46% 9%

NEXT POLL

Q: Will the election results

in UP in 2022 impact the Lok Sabha elections in 2024?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST DECEMBER 28

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sunshine

27 12

Aizawl

Sunny and beautiful

Guwahati Pleasant with clouds and sun Imphal

Sunny and pleasant

Itanagar Clouds and breaks of sun

21 7 24 10 22 6 21 11

Shillong

Increasing clouds

16 4

Kohima

A blend of sun and clouds

17 6

Dimapur Pleasant with some sun

23 10

Times of clouds and sun

20 7

Mkg

Tuensang Cooler with partial sunshine Wokha

A blend of sun and clouds

Zunheboto Times of sun and clouds

12 2 17 9 17 5

Dimapur public share their thoughts on Christmas 2021 Staff Reporter

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A

3

STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021

Members of the PPC and public at they rally in Longleng. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: On the direction of the Eastern Nagaland Peoples’ Organisation (ENPO), the Phom People’s Council (PPC) organised a public rally in Longleng to protest against the killings of innocent civilians at Oting village, Mon district by the Indian armed forces on December 4 and 5.

According to a DIPR report, the rally began from Phom Lempong junction to Hukphang junction and culminated at deputy commissioner (DC’s) office Longleng.

At the DC’s office,

PPC submitted a representation to the DC Longleng which stated that: the public of ENPO resolved to extend non-co-operation to the Indian security forces until various demands were fulfilled and justice was delivered to the victim’s families in particular and Nagas in general.

The representation read that: the Indian security forces who were involved in the gruesome killings of 14 innocent public on December 4 and 5 in Mon district, Nagaland should be booked under relevant law of the country and

brought under civil court for trial; the very statement of union home minister in the Indian parliament where he had stated that the security forces fired in self-defence should be withdrawn.

It also stated that the government of India should revoke Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA), 1958 from the entire North Eastern states.

The non-co-operation as declared would be in the following forms: abstain from any national celebrations, or such activities; non-participation in army

Konyaks demand justice without delay (From p-1) AFSPA for so long, the trio said time has come to say “enough is enough”. Hence, they declared that if any eventualities arose in future, they should not be held responsible.

Demanding clarification from the Indian Army, which issued a statement saying “justice for all”, the unions said it was “a biased assurance but confusing at the same time while the Konyaks are demanding for direct action against those Indian Army that had massacred those 14 innocent Konyak youths.”

The CSO said that the “Friends of the Hill People” was nothing but a “wolf in lamb’s skin”. The unions therefore asked the army to clarify its real stance on the Oting massacre. They also asserted that replacement of Indian armed forces from Mon district

was no solution as people had suffered immensely for many decades where “villages and the granaries were totally burned down, people forced to starve, our sisters were raped and our innocent brothers were killed brutally without any premeditated interventions.” The CSOs out-rightly declared that “it requires no security who fails to provide security to its citizen”.

Mere replacement of the forces would not mitigate the sufferings of the people of Mon district, they pointed out. They also announced that they would allow Indian Army investigation team at ground zero, but without uniforms and guns. They also requested the State government to make necessary arrangements for smooth conduct of the inquiry team. Issuing a “final call”, the unions further questioned the State government why Tiru

police outpost was still not being manned. Reminding that it had given five days time to the government to act, the CSOs said that there was no official action till date.

Considering their memorandum to President of India and the subsequent 30-day ultimatum that would expire on January 10, 2022, the CSO salso resolved not to rest until those involved in killing the civilians were booked under civil laws and the action taken report brought to the public domain

by January 10, 2022. Asserting that justice delayed was justice denied, they said they would be compelled to convene a Konyak Summit on January 18, 2022 to discuss further course of action if justice is delayed. “Hence, it is time for the Government of India to prove whether we are its citizen or not,” the CSOs stated.

civic programmes; nonattendance to any of their official invitations; not to allow any recruitment drive within eastern Nagaland area.

PPC resolved to write to the state government to immediately set up the Nagaland State Human Rights Commission (NSHRC) and to declare December 4 and 5 as “Black Day” in the entire ENPO jurisdiction.

The police and Dobashis were detailed for duty during the protest rally which culminated peacefully.

DIMAPUR, DEC 27 (NPN): With the relaxation of COVID restrictions, public in Dimapur celebrated Christmas unlike the previous year when the surge in coronavirus cases put a damper on the festive season. Speaking to Nagaland Post, Senti, a 25-year-old student in Delhi said that she had travelled back to Dimapur to spend time with her loved ones.

She however said that the recent news in Mon had discouraged the festive season for her.

Vi k h e t o, w h o wa s shopping with his wife and kids said that Christmas this year had a different look and expressed happiness “to see Dimapur busy again”.

He shared how he felt blessed to be celebrating Christmas with his relatives from other cities after almost two years.

Vikheto also said that it was because of the tireless efforts of the DTF, health department and various organisations who had been doing what they could in order to curb coronavirus.

He hoped that the public would continue adhering to the SOPs and those who had not been vaccinated

Christmas decorations at Thahekhu village, Dimapur. (NP)

would get vaccinated soon for the safety of all.

Patil, a hotel owner said that the hotel had been seeing more customers than usual and hoped that it would remain so in the days to come.

Pointing out how the pandemic had affected his business, he expressed joy to see more people come in this year.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, Ati, who had come from Kohima said that with hardly a few days prior to Christmas, the state witnessed yet another tragic

incident at Oting.

“With the ongoing peace talks, such an incident could have been averted had the security forces not been too hasty” she said.

Ati also said that the loss of innocent lives “for no legitimate reason” had put the whole of NE in a very insecure position and the recent meeting of Nagaland chief minister and others with Amit Shah was “yet to be put up clearly in public domain”. She hoped that justice would soon be delivered to the victims and their families.

Sports battalion to provide opportunities to sportspersons...

No major accidents so far: Dimapur police

(From p-1) He observed that sports had become a profession these days and could propel someone to stardom overnight.

This however came only with dedication on the part of a sportsperson, he added.

On that note, he called on the youth to be God fearing, obedient and disciplined in their chosen fields if they dream big.

The chief minister cautioned the youth gathered on the occasion that lack of self-discipline and commitment could result in failure in life. Dedication and determination were the key ingredi-ents for a sportsperson to reach the top, he stressed.

“The difference between the possible and the impossible is a person’s determination. Winners are not people who never fails, but people who never quits,” he

stated.

Pointing out that neighbouring States like Manipur and Assam were far ahead in sports, Rio said Nagas also needed to catch up.

He claimed that Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) and Common Minimum Pro-gramme (CMP) emphasised sports.

Meanwhile, Rio congratulated the village for crossing the milestone of 50 years. He remarked that the celebration was a time for the village folks to thank and honour the pioneers who intro-duced sporting events at the village.

Thanking the villagers for willingly parting with their land when approached for developmental activities, he mentioned that Kohima city had reached a point where it needed more land

for expansion and therefore the government held discussion with Meriema, and the latter readily gave land where Gauhati High Court office, Nagaland University and NIELIT. He earlier unveiled a monolith and inaugurated the newlyconstructed sports gallery and ros-trum.

The inaugural programme was chaired by organising committee convenor Thepfukranyü Hu-ozha, while Baptist Church Meriema pastor Rev keduolhoulie Shüya invoked God’s blessings.

Around 300 sportspersons from six thinuo (khels), including Hurutsu, Huozha, Kesio, Keditsu, Rhiepfü and Shüya, would be participating in the five-day event.

They would be participating in 37 sports disciplines, of which 17 have been reserved for wom-en and 20 for men.

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, DEC 27 (NPN): Dimapur has recorded only a few minor accidents this festive season unlike the previous years.

Speaking to Nagaland Post, commissioner of police Dimapur, Rothihu Tetseo informed that apart from minor accidents, no major accidents were reported from December 24 to 26.

It may be mentioned that police personnel have been seen carrying out normal duties of frisking and checking vehicles at various locations across the district.

AFSPA repeal in Nagaland likely by New Year (From p-1) According to the statement, the three-- chief minister Neiphiu Rio, deputy chief minister Y.Patton and NPF legislature party leader T.R. Zeliang expressed gratitude to the Union Home Minister Amit Shah for “taking the matter with utmost seriousness”. They also expressed appreciation of the “Centre for taking the required steps to ensure justice” and “positively responding to the voices of the people”.

According to the statement, the Army’s Court of Inquiry (CoI) set up, will initiate disciplinary proceedings against the army unit and personnel, directly

involved in the Oting incident that “action will be taken immediately on the basis of fair enquiry”.

The communiqué also said “The identified persons who will face the enquiry will be placed under suspension with immediate effect.”

As per the deliberations with the union home minister, it was also decided Nagaland would provide government jobs to the next of the kin of the deceased.

The statement also disclosed that in order to initiate the process, “the deputy commissioner, and the superintendent of police of Mon district, will

carry out necessary procedures in consultation with the concerned village councils and government jobs will be given on compassionate grounds on the basis of eligibility.”

Meanwhile, the state government has appealed to all sections to remain calm and to continue to maintain a peaceful atmosphere.

“The democratic and peaceful nature of the civil society groups, tribal hohos and mass based organisations in our collective quest for justice and truth has been well received and has created a positive image of the Naga people to the rest of the global community,”

Congress demands Amit Shah’s resignation (From p-1) According to him, the committee to study Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) had nothing to study as there were no terrorist and secessionist forces in Nagaland. He reiterated that AFSPA was not required in Nagaland. “In our understanding, AFSPA has nothing to do with justice to Oting massacre victims. The application of AFSPA does not arise with peaceful people,” he stressed. Referring to the joint meeting decisions (between Amit Shah, chief ministers-- Neiphiu Rio and Himanta Biswa Sarma, deputy CM Y. Patton and NPF legislature party leader TR Zeliang in Delhi) Therie said he strongly suspected the Oting massacre to be the result of a collaboration K Y M C

between the Centre and the chief ministers of Assam and Nagaland to derail the ceasefire and delay implementation of a negotiated settlement. “Now they are all trying to escape through AFSPA,” he alleged.

Demanding an all-party parliamentary committee, Therie explained that AICC has demanded judicial probe headed by a sitting judge of the Gauhati High Court, because the subjects were above the spectrum of Special Investigation Team (SIT) or court of enquiry, adding that “they cannot enquire into their masters.”

Pointing out that law and order was a State subject, he asserted that the chief minister and home minister were answerable to the people. He said there

were hundreds of questions that required answers like why 21 Para was called in to slaughter sons of the soil and why Nagaland Police, which appeared to be in the dark as per the FIR filed at Tizit against 21 Para, was kept in the dark.

This is the reason why an independent enquiry commission was required, Therie stated. Mentioning that money could not buy life, Therie said if the chief minister and home minister were aggrieved, they would not accept Rs 5 lakh for the loss of lives in a mistaken identity. Besides demanding compensations for the deceased and the injured, NPCC also demanded that permanently disabled person(s) out of injury to be given pension adequately.

it said.

AFSPA is partial in Arunachal Pradesh and in force only in Tirap, Changlang and Longding districts in Arunachal Pradesh including some police station under Namsai district bordering Assam.

Manipur extended the ‘Disturbed Area’ status in the entire state, barring the Imphal municipal areas, for a period of one year from December 1,2020.

AFSPA was totally withdrawn from Mizoram in 1997, Tripura in 2015 and Meghalaya in 2018 respectively.

To a quer y about Amit Shah’s response on removal of AFSPA, the

chief minister said that Armed Forces Special Powers Aact will be lifted in areas as recommended by the committee. “As per the recommendation of the committee it (AFSPA) will be lifted where it is recommended and not only in Nagaland but also the Northeastern states.”

Rio said that once AFSPA is removed from those areas, the state police force will handle the law and order situation.

With regard to jobs/ compensation to be given to the next of kin of the deceased, Rio said that the compensations have been given to all and the state government would be pro-

viding jobs as well and not the Central government.

For this, Rio said that the deputy commissioner Mon and the superintendent have been directed to contact the family members of the deceased.

Jobs will be given to the next of kin according to their eligibility, he said, adding, that once the offices open the process will start.

To a query about the demand for removal of Assam Rifles from Mon, Rio said it was “positive”.

T.R. Zeliang responded saying that the Assam Rifles personnel currently posted in Mon will be replaced by another unit.

Retain Dhansiripar sub-division...

(From p-1) The organisation said that merging of Dimasa villages of Dhansiripar sub-division with the Chumoukedima district and retaining Dimasa villages around Dimapur with Dimapur district would further marginalize the Dimasa into micro-minority.

It said Dimasas nurture a strong emotional and inseparable attachment with Dimapur because of their historical past. DPON pointed out that during the creation of Nagaland, the visionary Naga leaders “most unambiguously” kept not only the Dimasa in one constituency but also kept other communities such as Mech, Garos and Gorkhas under 3 Dimapur-III assembly constituency so as to protect

their rights and privileges.

DPON has, therefore, said dividing those communities and putting them in different districts would “ambiguously defeat the very concept of protecting the interest of the tribe envisioned by the founding leaders.”

Ever since the inception of the state, DPON said creation of districts, subdivisions were invariably base on ethnicity. As such, it said Dimasa (Kachari) inhabited areas should not have been even thought of dividing into pieces.

The Dimasa organisations have, therefore, appealed to the state government to review the notifications and retain Dhansiripar sub-division in Dimapur district in the larger interest of the people.

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021

Sonowal explores possibility of Manipur govt likely to propose lifting of AFSPA agriculture-driven growth in NE IMPHAL/SHILLONG, DEC 27 (IANS): In view of the persistent demand from various parties, including the ruling allies, the BJP government in Manipur is likely to propose to the Centre to withdraw the Armed Forces (Special Power) Act, 1958 (AFSPA) from the entire state, officials said on Monday.

Ruling BJP’s two vital allies — Naga People’s Front (NPF) and National People’s Party (NPP) — and the main opposition Congress in Manipur have been demanding to withdraw AFSPA from entire Manipur.

A top Manipur government official said that the state cabinet headed

by Chief Minister N. Biren Singh would meet in a day or two to formally adopt a resolution proposing the Central government to withdraw the special act from the entire state.

“Before the cabinet meeting, the state government would take the views of the senior security officials about the pos-

N. Biren Singh sible consequences if the AFSPA is lifted from the state,” the official said on condition of anonymity.

Keeping in view the violent activities by militant outfits, the Union Home Ministry in consultation with the state government had imposed AFSPA in Manipur on September 8, 1980.

The erstwhile Congress government led by then Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh had proposed the Centre to withdraw AFSPA from seven of the 60 Assembly constituencies in the state and the Union Home Ministry at that time had withdrawn the special act from the plain areas

under the seven Assembly segments.

Manipur Pradesh Congress Committee’s working president Keisham Meghachandra has been urging the Chief Minister to take up the matter with the Centre to repeal the AFSPA..

Meghachandra, also an MLA, said on Monday that the Congress government had earlier removed AFSPA from seven Assembly constituencies in Manipur, and if the party returns to power in the ensuing elections, it would propose to withdraw AFSPA from the remaining areas of the state.

According to political pundits, AFSPA is likely to be a top issue in the upcoming Assembly elections in Manipur scheduled early next year.

M e a n w h i l e, N P P President and Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma has been demanding to repeal AFSPA from the entire northeastern region.

“Welcome the move

Violet Baruah becomes first woman IG of Assam Police

to any posting or task in my career. Rejecting a job has never been my style of functioning. That is why I was out of Guwahati (where state police headquarters is situated) for most of the period of my service,” she told PTI over the phone.

The senior police officer had also received the President’s Medal for Meritorious Service in 2012.

Baruah, who had joined the police force in 1992 as an Assam Police Services officer and got nominated to IPS in 2004,

opined that gender empowerment has been taking place everywhere, but the need of the hour is “gender mainstreaming”.

“It requires personal initiative also. I personally opted for a field job and I did not face any barrier in that.

Nowadays many women have come forward to join the police, but I feel more should come,” she added.

The 59-year-old officer had served as the superintendent of police in four districts -- Morigaon, Goalpara, Cachar and Barpeta, besides working in the CID wing of the Assam Police.

Along with Baruah, eight other DIGs of the state police were promoted to the rank of IG, the government notification said.

They are Anand Prakash Tiwari, Diganta Barah, Lachit Barua, Deboraj Upadhaya, Mridulananda Sarma, Dilip Kumar Dey, Prasanta Kumar Bhuyan and Nitul Gogoi, it added.

RPF arrests 31 for stealing of passengers’ belongings

Tripura BJP MLA who joined TMC claims he was attacked

GUWAHATI, DEC 27 (PTI): Indian Police Services (IPS) officer Violet Baruah on Monday became the first-ever woman to get promoted to the rank of Inspector General in Assam Police.

In an official notification, the Home Department of Assam government promoted Baruah, who received the President’s Police Medal for Distinguished Service this year, to the rank of Inspector General of Police with effect from January 1, 2022.

The Assam Police’s seniormost woman IPS officer, who is currently posted as the Deputy Inspector General of Police (BTAD) in Kokrajhar district, will be in the ‘Super Time Scale-II of IPS’ of pay matrix, it added. Expressing happiness over the development, Baruah said she has always taken up any challenge that came along in the job.

“I have never said no

The arrested person with the seized items DIMAPUR, DEC 27 (NPN): Railway Protection Force (RPF) of N. F. Railway detected 27 cases related to theft of passenger belongings during January to November this year and apprehended 31 persons in charge of stealing.

In a press release issued by chief public relations officer, Guneet Kaur, the cases were detected during different search and checks at stations and trains over N. F. Railway.

RPF also apprehended one person in a recent case from Katihar railway station.

In an incident, on December 23, 2021, as per information received from Security Control/ Alipurduar Jn regarding left behind of a backpack containing valuable documents in coach No B-3,

Violet Baruah

berth No. 32 of train no.

15959 UP. RPF staff of RPF Out Post/Falakata checked in the said train and recovered the same.

RPF personnel found PAN Card, Aadhaar card, ATM card, Voter card, battery charger, some used clothes and a wallet containing cash Rs. 2,010/- from the said backpack.

Owner of the bag namely, Avik Sarkar was informed over phone and later, the recovered articles were handed over to him (owner) after proper verification.

In another incident on December 18 and 19, 2021, while ASI/ P.K. Jha of RPF Post, Katihar (East) was checking at Katihar railway station at the arrival of the train No. 15934 (New Tinsukia Express), noticed that one person got down from a coach in a suspicious manner. ASI/ P. K. Jha detained and interrogated the person.

During interrogation, the person disclosed his identity as Neeraj Kr. Yadav (39 years), a resident of Kharaiya Basti, Ward.

No. 15, P.S: Arraria Nagar, Dist. Arraria (Bihar), was travelling without ticket.

On searching him, one mobile phone was found with him, but he could not give any satisfactory reply for the possession of the said mobile phone.

Hence, he was apprehended and handed over to OC/GRP/Katihar for further necessary action.

AGARTALA, DEC 27 (IANS): BJP MLA Ashis Das, who joined the Trinamool Congress (TMC) on October 31, on Sunday evening alleged that the “saffron party backed goons assaulted him” in northern Tripura while he was returning to the district headquarters after completing an organisational programme at Bagbassa.

Das after lodging a complaint at the Panisagar police station told the media that he was one of the architects to install BJP government in Tripura in 2018 and he would take all recourse against the Sunday’s attack.

“BJP by attacking the Trinamool Congress would not be able to prevent the party (TMC) from coming to power in 2023 assembly polls,” he said and criticised Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb. The ruling BJP is yet to take any action after Das joined the TMC more than 55 days ago. A TMC statement said that violence in Tripura continued “in BJP’s Gunda Raj”.

“Biplab Deb’s goons brutally thrashed him (Ashish Das) near Dharmanagar.

Das was enroute to Dharmanagar after attending a party programme. Biplab Deb’s people held him, assaulted him and tore his clothes. This is completely unacceptable,” the statement said. Police officials were not available for official version of the incident.

of GOI, Amit Shah ji for approval to set up a panel to review imposition of AFSPA in Nagaland. The panel should examine the whole of Northeast,” Sangma had tweeted on Sunday night.

Nagaland Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said on Sunday that a committee has been formed to look into the demand of withdrawal of AFSPA from Nagaland and the panel would submit its report to the government within 45 days.

The committee was formed after Union Home Minister Amit Shah chaired a meeting in New Delhi on December 23, which was attended by the Nagaland Chief Minister, Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, Nagaland Deputy Chief Minister Y. Patton and Naga People’s Front (NPF) legislative party leader T.R. Zeliang.

The meeting also discussed the present scenario in Nagaland and the decision about formation of the committee was taken

in that meeting. On December 20, the Nagaland Assembly in its day-long special session had unanimously passed a resolution demanding the Centre to repeal AFSPA from the entire northeast, especifically from Nagaland, to strengthen the ongoing efforts to find a peaceful political settlement to the Naga political issue.

AFSPA, which allows the army and other Central para-military forces to conduct raids, operations, arrest anyone anywhere without prior notice or arrest warrant, is in force in entire Nagaland, Assam, 53 of the 60 Assembly constituencies in Manipur and certain districts of Arunachal Pradesh.

Tripura is the only state in the northeastern region where AFSPA was withdrawn in May 2015 by the then Left Front government led by Manik Sarkar after terror activities were tamed. AFSPA was also lifted from the bordering areas of Meghalaya in 2018.

NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (PTI): Union minister Sarbananda Sonowal met an expert group of agripreneurs and academicians to explore the possibility of an agriculture-driven growth, especially for the farming community of the northeast, an official statement said on Monday.

The expert group apprised the minister about the existing types of farming and their economic as well as ecological viability.

Various aspects of farming related to inorganic farming, organic farming and natural farming were discussed and assessed from a sustainable and economic perspective of the region.It was stressed that the growth arising out of agriculture must satiate both ecological and economic needs of the region and its people. The team was led by Dr Bidyut Deka, Vice-Chancellor, Assam Agriculture University (AAU), the statement by the Ministry of AYUSH said.

After careful delibera-

Sarbananda Sonowal tion, the AYUSH minister requested the expert group to prepare a comprehensive report on the feasibility of organic and natural farming so that it becomes a roadmap and approach for any future policy related discussion at the highest level of government, it said. The report will be prepared at the aegis of the Assam Agriculture University with highlights of successful agripreneurs of the state involved in organic as well as natural farming and comparative examination of the Northeast region.

Elaborating on the point of sustainable farming

in the region, Sonowal said, “The use of modern technology and expert techniques must be used smartly to reap the benefits of farming in our region. We must learn from our roots and adapt development. “It must respect the ecological balance of our region and at the same time attain economic prosperity for our farming community. We believe that there is a huge opportunity for the farming community from the region to avail benefit and become an important stakeholder in expanding the AYUSHbased industry in the entire Northeast,” he said.

Cong loses main oppn status, TMC gains big in M’laya in 2021

S H I L LO N G, D E C 2 7 (PTI): With over two-thirds of its Meghalaya MLAs joining the Trinamool Congress en masse, coupled with losses in by-polls, 2021 turned out to be a dismal year for the Congress, a terrible downslide for a political outfit that had emerged as the single largest party in the 2018 assembly elections.

The Cong ress was forced to make strange bedfellows with rival BJP as what remained of its legislature group unanimously decided to support the ruling NPP-led coalition after 12 of its 17 MLAs joined Mamata Banerjee’s outfit, which hardly had any meaningful presence in the state.

Former chief minister Mukul Sangma and his close aide Charles Pyngrope, a former assembly speaker, led a coup against AICCappointed Congress state president Vincent H Pala.

The duo, along with 10 other MLAs, joined West Bengal’s ruling party, catapulting it to the position of the principal opposition party in Megha-

laya in a trice.

Sangma’s move left the Congress with just five MLAs. The party, which had won 19 seats in the 2018 polls, also lost two to the ruling National People’s Party in by-elections, which were necessitated following the death of sitting Congress legislators.

Meghalaya and Assam tried to resolve their decades-long boundary dispute through dialogue, with chief ministers of the two states holding talks thrice this year. They have come close to resolving their differences in six of the 12 disputed areas, and have set January 15 as the deadline to complete the first phase of negotiations.

There was some strain in ties between Chief Minister Conrad Sangma and his Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA) partner BJP after he dropped the saffron party’s minister A L Hek from his cabinet, but he then inducted another BJP MLA Sanbor Shullai into the government.

Mukul Sangma The chief minister’s brother and minister James P K Sangma was accused of involvement in massive corruption in the implementation of the Soubhagya Scheme in the state, with the Congress going hammer and tongs to demand a CBI inquiry into the alleged scam.

The scheme aims at providing electricity connections to all households, urban and rural, in the country.

The chief minister divested James Sangma of the Home portfolio after more allegations of him allowing syndicates to carry out illegal mining and transportation of coal surfaced.

The government faced

Assam most improved state in Niti Aayog’s health index

GUWAHATI, DEC 27 (AGENCIES): Assam has emerged as the top state which has made the maximum improvement among larger states in overall performance and is also among the top three most improved states in incremental performance in Niti Aayog’s health index for 2019-20, which was released on Monday, reports Times of India.

The re por t stated, “Among the larger states, only four states improved their Base Year (2018-19) rank in the Reference Year (2019-20). The most significant progress was observed in Assam as it improved its ranking by three positions, from fifteenth to twelfth.”

Assam’s total score has gone up from 43.39 in Base

Year (2018-19) to 47.74 in Reference Year (2019-20).

Kerala and Tamil Nadu occupy the first and second ranks in the overall performance scores of 82.20 and 72.42 respectively.

Among the smaller states, Mizoram has jumped up by two places to capture the top slot. Meghalaya too has jumped by two places from 7th to 5th while Tripura, Manipur and Arunachal Pradesh dropped their rank by one place each.

Assam chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who was the health minister when the assessment was carried out, said that efforts have borne the fruits to set new milestones.

He tweeted, “Our efforts to transform Assam

into a developed state have started bearing fruits. Proud to share that our state has been recognized as the Most Improved performer in @ NITIAayog State Health Index, 2019–20. With people’s cooperation & hard work, we’ll surely set new milestones.

some tense moments on the law and order front when Meghalaya Police faced backlash for killing former militant leader Cheristerfield Thangkhiew in an encounter at his Shillong home. The former insurgent was suspected to be involved in a series of IED blasts across the state, including one behind the busy Laitumkhrah market in the state capital just two days before he was gunned down.

On the day of his funeral, a group of youths ransacked a police outpost, snatched firearms and drove around in a police vehicle to mark their protest. The state government appointed a one-judge inquiry commission to probe the killing. The report is yet to be submitted.

Illegal rat-hole coal mining, banned in the state by the National Green Tribunal, claimed the lives of five miners in Umpleng, about 20 km from another mine at Lumthari where a similar incident had taken place in 2018.

A total of 1,342 people

succumbed to COVID-19 during the year, of whom 1,047 died in hospitals. The maximum number of 893 fatalities were reported in East Khasi Hills district, under which Shillong falls, followed by 135 in West Jaintia Hills.

During the year, 71,336 people tested positive for the infection, and 70,095 patients recovered from the disease.

Among those who succumbed to the infection was Independent MLA from Mawphlang assembly seat S K Sunn. His son and former national footballer Eugeneson Lyngdoh won the seat in a byelection.

The ruling coalition put on its best gears for implementing the Jal Jeevan Mission, and the Centre quadrupled allocation for the scheme to Rs 678.39 crore for financial year 202122 as compared to the previous fiscal. Statistics show that only 1.88 lakh of the 5.9 lakh rural households, or 31.9 per cent, in the state have tap water connections.

Ex-SErvicEmEn contributory HEaltH ScHEmE (EcHS) EmpanElmEnt noticE 1. ECHS invites plain paper applications for empanelment of local Chemists (Medicines Dealer/Supplier) with ECHS Polyclinic, Mokokchung (Nagaland).

2. For Terms & Conditions, contact Tele No. 03762310294 or e-mail on dhiphu.88110@gov.in.

Last date of receipt of application is within 20 days after publication of advertisement DC-1370/21

oic EcHS

Arunachal reports 1 COVID case

ITANAGAR, DEC 27 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh recorded one new COVID-19 case on Monday, pushing the tally to 55,332, a senior health department official said here.

The frontier state now has 16 active COVID-19 cases.

As many as 55,036 people have recuperated from the disease so far, the official said. The COVID-19 death toll remained at 280 as no fresh fatality was reported in the last 24 hours, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said. The coronavirus recovery rate in the state now is 99.46 per cent, while the activity ratio is 0.03 per cent.

The Capital Complex comprising – Itanagar, Naharlagun, Nirjuli and Banderdewa areas, has the highest number of active cases at nine, followed by Namsai district (3), West Kameng (2), Tawang and Lohit with one case each.

The state had reported one new COVID-19 case on Sunday. As many as 12,04,156 samples have been tested for COVID-19 so far in the state, including 97 on Sunday, Jampa said, adding that the positivity ratio stood at 1.03 per cent. State Immunisation Officer Dr Dimong Padung said that a total of 14,55,623 people have been inoculated with COVID-19 vaccine so far in the state.

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021

Kerala best state on health Hate speeches: 76 SC lawyers write to CJI parameters, Uttar Pradesh worst SEEK SUO MOTO COGNISANCE OVER CALLS FOR ‘ETHNIC CLEANSING’ AT EVENTS IN DELHI, HARIDWAR

NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (AGENCIES): Seventy-six advocates of the Supreme Court have written to Chief Justice of India NV Ramana, asking the Supreme Court to take suo motu cognisance of the calls for “ethnic cleansing” at two recent religious events in Delhi and Haridwar. Naming a list of people who had given the call, the advocates wrote that in absence of police action, “Urgent judicial intervention is required to prevent such events that seem to have become the order of the day”.

Pointing to the religious conclaves in Haridwar and Delhi, the letter -- signed by eminent lawyers including Dushyant Dave, Prashant Bhushan and Vrinda Grover, Salman Khurshid and former Patna High Court judge Anjana Prakash -read: “The aforementioned events and the speeches delivered during the same are not mere hate speeches but amount to an open call for murder of an entire community”.

The speeches, the letter said, pose a “grave threat not just to the unity and integrity of our country but also endanger the lives of millions of Muslim citizens”.

Following outrage and condemnation on social media over the open calls for genocide and use of weapons against Muslims, a police case was filed four days after the Haridwar event, in which only one person was named. Two more names were later added - Dharm Das and one Sadhvi Annapurna.

In one of the videos, “Sadhvi Annapurna” – formerly called Pooja Shakun Pandey -- is heard saying, “If you want to finish them off, then kill them... We need 100 soldiers who can kill 20 lakh of them to win this”.

Those who organised the event and gave hate speeches, claim they did no wrong.

Hindu Raksha Sena’s Prabodhanand Giri -photographed often with

BJP leaders including Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath and his Uttarakhand counterpart Pushkar Dhami -- said he is “not ashamed” of what he said. “I am not afraid of police. I stand by my statement,” he had told NDTV. In one of the videos circulated on social media, he is heard saying: “Like Myanmar, our police, our politicians, our Army and every Hindu must pick up weapons and conduct a Safayi Abhiyan (ethnic cleansing). There is no other option left”.

“It may be noted that no effective steps have been taken under the provisions of 153, 153A, 153B, 295A, 504, 506, 120B, 34 of IPC in respect of the earlier hate speeches. Thus, urgent judicial inter vention is required to prevent such events that seem to have become the order of the day,” read the letter sent to Chief Justice Ramana. It also pointed out that several petitions have been filed on

it and are pending with the court.

“We are writing to your Lordship hoping for prompt action in your capacity as the head of the judicial wing of the State and knowing your Lordship’s

commitment to both the independence of Judiciary as also the constitutional values that are fundamental to the functioning of a multicultural nation such as ours,” the advocates have appealed.

Dharma Sansad: Two more booked in connection with hate speeches D E H R A D U N, D E C 27 (PTI): Two more persons have been booked in connection with hate speeches delivered against Muslims at a Dhar ma Sansad in Haridwar recently.

The names of Swami Dharamdas and Sadhvi Annapurna were added on Saturday in the FIR lodged after available footage of the event was scanned, Haridwar Kotwali SHO Rakinder Singh said on Monday.

Initially, only Waseem Rizvi, who had assumed the name of Jitendra Narayan Singh Tyagi after converting from Islam to Hinduism,

had been named in the FIR lodged on Thursday last week.

The FIR has been lodged under Section 153A of the IPC (promoting enmity between different g roups on g rounds of religion, race, place of birth, residence, language).

Extremely provocative speeches inciting violence against Muslims were allegedly made by participants at the event held at Ved Niketan Dham in Haridwar for three days from December 16 to 19.

It was organised by Yati Narasimhanand, the priest of Dasna temple in Ghaziabad.

Covaxin only vaccine option for Elections or Covid: Varun children in 15-18 age group: Govt questions night curfew logic NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (PTI): The vaccine option against COVID-19 for children in the age group of 15-18 years, who will be inoculated from January 3, would be Covaxin only, according to new guidelines issued by the Union health ministry on Monday.

The prioritisation and sequencing of the “precaution dose” (third dose) for healthcare workers (HCWs), frontline workers ( F LW s ) a n d c i t i z e n s above 60 years of age with comorbidities, would be based on completion of nine months from the date of administration of second dose, which is 39 weeks, the guidelines, which will come into effect from January 3, stated.

H C W s , F LW s and citizens aged 60 years or above with comorbidities will be able to access vaccination for the precaution dose through

their existing Co-WIN account.

Eligibility for the precaution dose will be based on the date of administration of the second dose as recorded in the CoWIN system, which will send an SMS for availing the precaution dose when it becomes due, the ministry informed.

Registration and appointment services can be accessed through online and onsite modes, and details of administration of the precaution dose will reflect in vaccination certificates, according to the guidelines.

“Those aged 15 years or more will be able to register on Co-WIN. In other words, all those whose birth year is 2007 or before, shall be eligible,” according to the ‘Guidelines for COVID-19 vaccination of children between 15-18 years and precaution dose to HCWs, FLWs and 60+ population

with comorbidities’.

Beneficiaries can selfregister online through an existing Co-WIN account or create a new account through a mobilephone number. This facility is available for all eligible citizens only.

They can be also registered onsite by a verifier or vaccinator in the facilitated registration mode, the ministry stated.

On vaccination of children, the guidelines said, “For such beneficiaries, option for vaccination would only be available for Covaxin as this is the only vaccine with EUL (emergency use listing) for the age-group 15-17.”

The ministry said that as a matter of abundant precaution, for those HCWs FLWs, who have received two doses, another dose of COVID-19 vaccine would be provided from January 10.

Varun Gandhi

NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (PTI): BJP MP Var un Gandhi on Monday cited a Centre’s note to criticise the decision of several states, including Uttar Pradesh, to impose night curfew to curb Covid, and said it should be decided if our priority is to contain the disease or to indulge in a show of strength during elections.

Policymakers should lead from the front so as inspire the common public to stay at home, he said.

Criticising the night curfew decision, he said, “Imposing curfew in night after assembling lakhs of

people for rallies in the day defies the common man’s wisdom”.

Keeping in mind Uttar Pradesh’s limited health infrastructure, it has to be decided honestly if our priority is to contain the dangerous Omicron variant of coronavirus or to indulge in a show of power during polls, he said.

Gandhi noted that maximum transmission typically happens during the day, as there are lesser people on the road during the night, and called for strongly cutting down on social gatherings which could emerge as Covid clusters.

He cited a Centre’s note to the Maharashtra government in March 2021 which, he highlighted, had said that measures such as night curfews, weekend lockdowns have very limited impact on containing or suppressing the transmission.

NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (PTI): Kerala has again emerged as the top performer in terms of overall health performance among larger states, while Uttar Pradesh is the worst, according to the fourth Health Index launched by Niti Aayog.

The fourth round of the Health Index took into account the period 2019-20 (reference year).

The re por t by the government think tank said Tamil Nadu and Telangana have emerged as the second and third best performers, respectively, on health parameters.

Bihar and Madhya Pradesh were the second and third worst performers, respectively, on health parameters.

The report, however, added that Uttar Pradesh topped in terms of incremental performance by registering the highest incremental change from the base year (2018-19) to reference year (2019-20).

Among the smaller states, Mizoram emerged as the best performer in

overall performance as well as incremental performance, while among UTs, Delhi and Jammu & Kashmir ranked among the bottom UTs in terms of overall performance but emerged as the leading performer in terms of incremental performance.

The report pointed out that for the fourth consecutive round Kerala emerged as the best performer in terms of overall performance.

According to the report, Kerala and Tamil Nadu were top two performers in terms of overall performance with the highest reference year (2019-20) index scores but ranked twelfth and eighth respectively in terms of incremental performance.

Telangana performed well both in terms of overall performance as well as incremental performance and secured the third position in both instances.

It pointed out that Rajasthan was the weakest performer both in terms of overall performance and

incremental performance.

In the case of smaller states, Mizoram and Tripura registered strong overall performance, and at the same time showed improvements in incremental performance, the report added.

As per the re por t, t h e h e a l t h i n d ex i s a weighted composite score incorporating 24 indicators covering key aspects of health performance.

It said health index comprises select indicators in three domains -- health outcomes, governance and information, and key inputs and processes.

Releasing the report, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said: “States are beginning to take cognizance of indices such as the State Health Index and use them in their policymaking and resource allocation.”

The report has been prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) with technical assistance from the World Bank.

Chandigarh civic body polls: AAP emerges leading party

CHANDIGARH, DEC 27 (PTI): New entrant Aam Aadmi Party has emerged as the leading outfit in the Chandigarh Municipal Corporation polls, winning 14 of 35 wards in the final results declared on Monday.

T h e B J P, w h i c h enjoyed a majority in the previous MC House, came a close second registering win in 12 wards while the Congress bagged eight seats and the Shiromani Akali Dal one.

Current Chandigarh Mayor and BJP candidate Ravi Kant Sharma was d e f e a t e d b y A A P ’s Damanpreet Singh, who won by a margin of 828 votes in Ward No.17.

AAP leader and D e l h i M L A R a g h av Chadha called his party’s performance a “trailer” before next year’s Punjab Assembly polls.

Chandigarh is the joint capital of Punjab and

Haryana. This time, the number of wards in the city was increased from 26 to 35.

In the last MC elections, the BJP had won 20 seats and its erstwhile ally SAD one. The Congress had managed to win only four seats.

Tr a d i t i o n a l ly, t h e municipal elections, held ever y five years, see a locking of horns between the BJP and the Congress, but the AAP’s entry made the contest this time triangular.

Reacting to his win against the sitting mayor, AAP’s Damanpreet Singh said he gives credit for this victory to city party leader Pradeep Chhabra, whom he called “his guru”, party national convener Arvind Kejriwal. “Work is always appreciated and it has paid dividends today,” he said.

Hitting out at the BJP and the Congress, AAP leader Raghav Chadha said

people were fed up with them as they failed to deliver despite being given chance repeatedly.

People were looking for an “honest, viable alternative”, he said.

“These two traditional parties failed to undertake development and bring about a change in the system, which people wanted. People saw how an ordinary councillor, who used to roam on bicycle and scooter, has big farmhouses and accumulated properties,” said Chadha.

Asked if the results will have any impact on the upcoming Punjab Assembly polls, Chadha quipped, “This is just a trailer.”

“The mood of people here will be seen in the Punjab polls too,” he said.

“People of Chandigarh have given a chance to Kejriwal, people of Punjab too will give us one chance,” he added.

davp 41102/11/0014/2122

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OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post VOL. XXXII NO. 23 DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021

Omicron overshadows

A

round 24 nations have sounded the alert for Omicron which has been detected in 77 countries even as markets in several countries were headed towards a tailspin putting a damper on the festive celebrations at Christmas and New Year. Omicron- first detected in South Africa in November- has been classed as a “variant of concern” by the WHO. The WHO has also said it would be “unwise” to conclude from early evidence that Omicron was a milder variant. France and Germany are among the nations imposing travel curbs to tackle Omicron, while the Netherlands has introduced a strict lockdown over the Christmas period. In the UK, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said on Monday that the government needed to “reserve the possibility” of bringing in new rules in England as Omicron cases surged, but did not announce further restrictions. According to media reports, so far a fraction of those infected with Omicron have been hospitalised, compared to a 10% hospitalisation rate during the Delta wave. The report said if the trend gets substantiated, then it could suggest that symptoms in this variant may be milder than in other strains, or that vaccines continue to be highly effective in preventing severe illness, or both. It also seems as if Omicron has already spread globally and is circulating within the community in many countries. There is need to laud medics in South Africa, who identified the strain, but only for the country to suffer pariah status. The fact of the matter is that as per analysis of sewage data, these appear to substantiate that Omicron has been around for some time, meaning early estimates of the ‘R’ number have been over-estimated. The World Health Organization (WHO) had said that Omicron is spreading at a rate not seen with any previous variant of COVID-19 so far. WHO also cautioned the world in taking the new COVID variant lightly, saying that 77 countries have reported cases of Omicron, and the reality is that Omicron is probably in most countries, even if it hasn’t been detected yet. In the face of the news on Omicron, steps to accelerate vaccination and booster jabs appear to make good policy sense. However, the re-imposition of lockdown restrictions could be a policy mistake, in our view, if it undermines vaccine confidence. A report from Columbia University claimed that emerging real world data has also shown that boosters can protect against symptomatic and severe disease. The real protection of the vaccine [booster] is largely against disease, and not against acquisition of infection. The report also said that Omicron is about twice as contagious as delta, according to models and epidemiologists from the U.K. It cited a recent study conducted on the variant which showed that it is “markedly resistant” to the antibodies found in even fully vaccinated people who aren’t yet boosted. The emergence of Omicron has prompted some countries to roll out COVID-19 booster programmes for their entire adult populations, even while there is lack of evidence for the effectiveness of boosters against this variant. WHO has expressed its concern that such programmes will repeat the COVID-19 vaccine hoarding witnessed earlier this year and exacerbate inequity.

DailyDevotion Where the Battle is Won or Lost

“If you will return, O Israel,” says the Lord…

—Jeremiah 4:1 Our battles are first won or lost in the secret places of our will in God’s presence, never in full view of the world. The Spirit of God seizes me and I am compelled to get alone with God and fight the battle before Him. Until I do this, I will lose every time. The battle may take one minute or one year, but that will depend on me, not God. However long it takes, I must wrestle with it alone before God, and I must resolve to go through the hell of renunciation or rejection before Him. Nothing has any power over someone who has fought the battle before God and won there.

I should never say, “I will wait until I get into difficult circumstances and then I’ll put God to the test.” Trying to do that will not work. I must first get the issue settled between God and myself in the secret places of my soul, where no one else can interfere.

Then I can go ahead, knowing with certainty that the battle is won. Lose it there, and calamity, disaster, and defeat before the world are as sure as the laws of God. The reason the battle is lost is that I fight it first in the external world. Get alone with God, do battle before Him, and settle the matter once and for all.

In dealing with other people, our stance should always be to drive them toward making a decision of their will. That is how surrendering to God begins.

Not often, but every once in a while, God brings us to a major turning point— a great crossroads in our life. From that point we either go toward a more and more slow, lazy, and useless Christian life, or we become more and more on fire, giving our utmost for His highest— our best for His glory.

Quotes

The great thing about getting older is that you don’t lose all the other ages you’ve been. ~ Madeleine L’Engle

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021

Post-mortem

Vidhan Parishads: Irrelevant in Indian democracy V idhan Parishad or Legislative Council is the upper house in some states of the Indian Republic, which have a bicameral legislature with Vidhan Sabha as the lower house. Article 169 of the Constitution of India deals the abolition & creation of this permanent House. The composition of Vidhan Parishad is multilayered. As per Article 171, one-third of its member are elected by the State Vidhan Sabha, one-third are elected by the state’s local bodies, one-twelfth are elected by the registered graduates and one-twelfth are elected by the teachers; whereas remaining one-sixth members are nominated by the Governor.

Presently, out of 28 states of India, only six states, namely Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, have a Vidhan Parishad.

Earlier existing Vidhan Parishads have been abolished in some states like Assam (in 1969), Madhya Pradesh (in 1969), Punjab (in 1969), Tamilnadu (in 1986), West Bengal (in 1969) and Jammu & Kashmir (in 2019). The Andhra

Pradesh Vidhan Parishad was abolished in 1985 during N.T. Ramarao led TDP Government regime, but was revived in 2007 during T.R.S. Reddy led Congress government regime. The Andhra Pradesh Vidhan Sabha has again passed a resolution in January 2020 to abolish the existing Vidhan Parishad, but withdraw the resolution in November 2021. It has also been discontinued in the newly carved out states like Jharkhand and Uttarakhand, whose parent states still own it. A resolution to create Vidhan Parishad in Assam, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, Odisha, Tamilnadu and West Bengal have been passed by their Vidhan Sabha.

The Vidhan Parishads are criticized for being unnecessary and considered a burden on the state budget. After considering 100 years of its functioning and other aspects, it is argued that Vidhan Parishad has no relevance in Indian democracy. It cannot be said that the six states, which own Vidhan Parishad, have progressed more in comparison to the other states. Obviously, the Vidhan Parishad has nothing to do with the

development & well-being of any state and it has no special utility.

Secondly, the Vidhan Parishad is a passive house as it has been given nominal power. It can withhold a general bill for a maximum of 4 months (3 months for the first time and one month for the second time) and a finance bill for only 14 days. However, in the administrative field, it enjoys equal rights & importance with the Vidhan Sabha and its members (called MLC) become Chief Ministers and Ministers. They ask questions, raises public issues and participate in the debates of the House.

Some argue that despite being a weak house, it can stall a dictatorial bill passed by the Vidhan Sabha for some time and compels the Vidhan Sabha to reconsider the bill. But this logic is applicable to those states where the opposition has a majority in the Vidhan Parishad.

Thirdly, according to the constitution, there is a system of nomination of eminent persons in the fields of literature, art, science, cooperative, social service etc. in the Vidhan Parishad and some seats

are reser ved for them.

But now-a-days in place of such personalities, politicians rejected by the people or hand picked men of political supremos are being frequenly sent to this house. It is serving as refuse of those who are defeated in assembly elections. However, such nominations can not be objected in the present circumstances, because today large-scale incidents of encroachment of polling booths are happening and democracy is turning into a ‘criminal-system’.

The more high-ranking the criminal is today, the more sure his victory is. As a result, the deserving person loses the election, despite being popular among the masses. If there is no arrangement for nomination, the people will be deprived of their services.

In this way, the system of nomination is like a sword with a sharp edge at both ends, which strikes from both sides.

Fourthly, with the increasing influence of money power in society and politics, the entry of resourceful people into this “back door” house has become easier. It enables unpopular, rejected and

ambitious politicians to occupy the post of CM, Minister or a member of the legislature. The emergence of supremocracy in place of internal democracy in political parties has guaranteed the entry of outsiders into the House while denying grassroots activists. The expensive democratic elections have compelled the political parties, especially regional parties, to embrace the power-hungry money-holders, as they contribute towards election expenditure.

Fifth, the most discussed topic about the Vidhan Parishad is its “economic aspect”. The Vidhan Parishad is a white elephant, on which billions rupees of earnings of the people’s blood and sweat are shed like water, who are not able to afford food even for two times despite day and night hard work. On functioning of Vidhan Parishad in a state an average expenditure of Rupees 600800 Crore is done with no much purpose, curtailing the people’s basic amenities. Today, there is a lot of debt on the government and various welfare schemes are not being implemented properly due to paucity of

funds. According to a survey conducted some time ago, each member of the Vidhan Parishad spends on an average four-five lakh rupees as traveling allowance. Recently, their salary and other allowances have been increased and provision has also been made to give vehicle allowance.

As a result, the cost per member will increase even more. They are also being paid lifelong pension on the lines of government employee. All these expenses will be recovered from the poor people in various forms.

The above analysis reveals that the people gain less and lose more from the Vidhan Parishad. In the present circumstances, Vidhan Sabha is sufficient to fulfill the will & wish of the people. The Vidhan Parishads are just a copy of the constitution of the rich & developed nation in which there is a second chamber for the elite. Overall, keeping in mind the interests of the people, the existing Vidhan Parishads are said to be irrelevant in Indian context and should be abolished in all states.

Er. Prabhat Kishore is a technocrat & educationist

Seamless and paperless onboarding system Year 2022 none knows what would it fetch: hope the leveraging element

T

he advent of the hybrid way of work has completely changed how a new hire is integrated into the company and its culture. And it’s much more than welcoming them and lining up a series of one to ones. In today’s era of war for talent, helping new joiners develop a sense of connect and belongingness to their new organization goes a long way in positively impacting employee engagement, employee retention, motivation, and productivity.

A great onboarding program begins as soon as a candidate is selected, extends throughout the employee’s joining, through first 90 days, and may even extend out for a full year to ensure new hires are fully supported as they ramp to full productivity.

The onboarding shift As the pandemic raged on, organizations were forced almost over night to carry out onboarding activities for new joiners in a never-before online only format. With the personal touch and connect of inperson new hire joining being snatched away, organizations were left scrambling for tools and technologies to assimilate their new hires seamlessly into their ecosystem. Finding the right technological aid became critical, especially because onboarding is not just limited to welcoming a new employee, but involves a variety of government-mandated statutes such as form filling and new joiner formalities, leading to a lot of data being collected, generated and stored. Hence, it is critical to uphold data privacy and security while scouting for the right tool. Over and above these logistical hassles, remote joining of employees meant faceless communication and isolation. But with the right application, an impactful remote employee onboarding system can be adopted. Here’s what you need to know: Design the process with right purpose: To design an onboarding process, leaders must ask themselves a few core questions, such as “What impression do you want new hires to walk away with at the end of the first day?”, “What do new employees need to know about the culture and work envi-

ronment?” and “What kind of goals do you want to set for new employees?”. This will help HR understand the overarching purpose and define the objective of having an onboarding program in the first place.

Enable operations online: Many onboarding activities will need logistical revamp from an HR Operations perspective. HR must start with making a checklist of activities, from converting any hard copy training manuals, contracts, employee handbooks, and policy and procedure packets into digital files. Companies would do better by investing in an employee portal that hosts an onboarding module.

Ensure access: Out of sight need not be out of mind. In fact, emerging technologies are far from out of sight. Virtual collaboration tools such as digital conferencing, file sharing, messaging apps etc. confer great power to bring together people virtually. But while designing the modules, HR must remember that access is not just about making connections; it entails enabling access to resources, access to people and access to tools and information that can bring people up to speed to perform in their roles.

Align self-paced tasks: Whether it is about clarifying company elements such as policies or benefits, or uploading statutory forms, self-service modules work best for the modern-day employee.

The onboarding HRIS module must be designed with proper completion mechanisms, such as email triggers and completion dashboards, to ensure process completion as per expected norms. A self-paced module creates a pull rather than a hard push, placing the new joiner at the centre of the process.

Adhere to compliance norms: New hire activities include many government and statutory mandates such as employment forms, payroll data, etc. This piece of the onboarding system must be designed to have all necessary checks and balances from a compliance perspective. Process workflows must flow as per quantitative and qualitative mandates, with both automated and human checks every step of the way.

Enable two-way dia-

logue: An onboarding system must not be a one-way information giving mechanism, it must enable twoway dialogue and discussion. For example, setting up virtual connects of the new team member with leaders is a great way towards inclusion. Holding one-on-ones with new hires helps offer timely and valuable support.

A virtual buddy program can help establish a fun, informal connect.

E n c o u r a ge r e g u l a r feedback touchpoints: Virtual connect should work in reverse direction too i.e. feedback gathering from the new hire. HR technologies that enable new hire surveys, one-on-one meetings, and goal and performance tracking software can help create these multiple feedback touch points.

Support training: While the HRIS may have features and tools for communication and feedback, it will work only when the organization builds feedback into the culture. HR must invest in training new hires on how to give and receive feedback, and in training managers on setting goals and coaching new hires on how to achieve objectives.

In a virtual environment, this may mean leveraging podcasts, VILTs, e-coaching, micro-learning, gamified learning and other new-age learning means.

Making virtual onboarding a priority The business case for onboarding systems is well documented. 93 percent of respondents to Deloitte’s 2020 Global Human Capital Trends survey indicated that a sense of belonging drives organizational performance.

Another Glassdoor research suggests that a strong onboarding process can improve productivity by more than 70 percent.

Clearly, it is in the interest of the organization to prioritize onboarding as a key HR process, and leaders must proactively invest in seamless onboarding technologies. This is especially true for today’s hybrid workforce, where driving a seamless paperless onboarding workflow can create a ‘wow’ experience from the first employee touchpoint onwards and set new employees up for success.

Kaustov Kashyap, Jail Road, Jorhat

Y

ear 2022 dawns not with a clean slate, but carrying the baggage of Omicron. It is spreading at a supersonic speed.

Comity of nations are acting with all seriousness and alacrity tightening their borders, clamping night curfews and making pandemic appropriate behavior as mandatory. Amid growing fear, governments have resorted to many things. Vaccine demand has more than doubled since the beginning of October, 2021, boosters for elderly and those who are yet take the first doses. New regulations and restrictions would soon be introduced.

In 2022, Omicron will be the core issue. Out of fear, there are a few anxious questions: In the year 2022, will the fear of Omicron continue?

Will the pandemic descend the slope, as we fervently hope? Will vaccines win the game even if variants don’t stay the same? Will we still need to seek safety behind a mask, as taming the deadliest virus is in the near future is not possible? These are questions deeply entrenched in everybody’s mind.

What amazes and amuses me is that on the one hand the behavior of the virus is consistent vis-à-vis fall in line and follow the rule, while on the other, the inconsistency of human beings who keep changing the goal posts as they want. As a result, it is the citizens who have been paying huge price despite. Omicron arrived on the world stage in November, 2021, replacing the festive season in December with red signals and alarm bells. Though individuals may be at a lower risk, the total number of severely ill persons will still be high.

It is predicted that the first quarter of 2022 will certainly be challenging as the assembly elections are slated in some of the crucial states setting the trend for the 2024 parliamentary elections. During electioneering large crowds in several lakhs gather enabling the virus to spread at a rapid speed. New vaccines will enter our supply chain. After completing trials, efficacy tests and other regulatory approvals, the viral stimulate and propels innovation.

Nonetheless, adverse effects of these vaccines cannot be ruled out.

Top multinational pharmaceutical corporations and vaccine manufacturing companies will maximize huge profits. More and more fake news and false narratives by the politicians and new channels will continue to surge; attacks against minorities, women, Dalits and Tribals by the corroded mid-sets would escalate; religious fundamentalism and cultural nationalism will push their agenda to assert their dominance.

Environmental disasters and climate changes would become more intense and severe. Recurring problems that Indians face will have to experience and accept these changes as

new normal. Fires, floods, droughts, snows, extreme temperatures and fluctuating weather conditions, diseases are expected. Despite all these, politicians, law makers and those who govern will continue to make all sorts of promises. Citizens with all these keep drowning as promises mount.

But there are some who become skeptical. In pockets there will be more uprisings. Nonetheless nation-states would eventually become more brutal and authoritarian.

Year 2022 is just few days away.

Before we enter into another year, an important question at this point that we need to ponder is: what is the level of confidence with which we welcome and enter into 2022? The picture is gloomy, dark and terrifying. As we enter in such fluidity, we as Christians and a faith community more specifically hounded by a question: how to go about/ how are we going to navigate 2022?

One of the most striking and promising verse that comes to the fore is: “… And remember that, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28: 20b). Jesus sent His disciples not alone, but with a clear mandate and message to fulfill and translate. The promise Jesus uttered and assured them is total, complete and wholistic. The usage of the word ‘Always” renders a powerful expression is found only in the New Testament, meaning ‘the whole of every day’ – not just in part having gaps, but wholesome meaning each and every aspects of our existence.

It emphasizes, not just the horizon in view, but each day as we live in.

His presence means privilege, because we work with the King of kings, Prince of Peace, Wonderful Councilor – Jesus journeys with us and we journey with Jesus – a beautiful dialectic that goes back and forth.

More importantly, 1) His presence means protection – throughout as we are never left alone of His sight and cover; 2) His presence means from power to truth because we are called to fulfill His Great Command – we adore, work and worship in His name; 3) His presence means peace since we belong to the Prince of Peace.

If this the assurance and imperative, why should we worry and who should be afraid of ? When we say Emmanuel – God with us and so whatever we do we should glorify His name and whenever we face problems or confronted with or caught up in difficult situations, He directs us and comforts us. The verse concludes “… the end of age” infers ‘the end of the world’ or ‘End of Times’ is indeed the most assuring and enduring command. As faith community we are assured of God in Jesus who lives and abides in us and with us.

Wishing you a Blessed 2022.

Dr. John Mohan Razu

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

Rs 177 crore cash, 23 kg gold found at Kanpur trader’s house NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (PTI): The Finance Ministry on Monday said the recent raid on perfume trader Peeyush Jain’s house in Kanpur, from where more than Rs 177 cr unaccounted cash was unearthed, was the “biggest ever seizure of cash” by an enforcement agency.

The December 26 raid, which resulted in Jain’s arrest, included searches at Jain’s residential/factory premises in Kannauj, where about Rs 17 crore in cash have been recovered, the ministry said in a release.

Further searches are underway at Jain’s residential/factory premises in Kannauj.

The Ahmedabad unit of Directorate General of GST Intelligence (DGGI) on December 22 initiated search operations in Kanpur at the factory premises of manufacturers of Shikhar brand Pan Masala and Tobacco products, the office/Godowns of M/s Ganpati Road Carriers, Kanpur, and the residential/factory premises of M/s Odochem Industries,

Indian currency retrieved by Income Tax officials from Piyush Jain’s residence during a raid, Thursday. (PTI)

suppliers of perfumery compounds, at Kanpur and Kannauj.

After intercepting four trucks operated by M/s Ganpati Road Carriers, carrying pan masala and tobacco of said brand cleared without payment of GST, the officers tallied the actual stock available in the factory with the stock recorded in the books and found shortage of raw materials and finished products.

This further corroborated that the manufacturer was indulging in clandestine removal of goods with the help of transporter who used to issue fake invoices

to manage the transportation of said goods.

The officers have also seized more than 200 such fake invoices. The manufacturers of Shikhar brand of pan masala/tobacco products have admitted and deposited an amount of Rs 3.09 crore towards their tax liability.

The ministry in a statement said that the search proceeding which was initiated at the residential premises of the partners of M/s Odochem Industries located at 143, Anadpuri, Kanpur on December 22 has since been concluded.

“The total amount of

Health Index: Nagaland ranks lowest among smaller states (From p-1) The gap in the Overall Performance between the best and the worst performing Larger State and UTs narrowed in the current round of the Health Index, while it increased for the Smaller States.

In case of Smaller States, Mizoram was at the top with Index Score of 75.77 and Nagaland at the bottom with Index Score of 27.00.

Health Index Score for the Base Year (2018-19) and Reference Year (2019-20) revealed wide disparities in Overall Performance across the Smaller States. The Health Index Score ranged from 27.00 in Nagaland to 75.77 in Mizoram in the Reference Year (2019-20), and compared to the Base Year (2018-19), the gap amongst the Smaller States has increased slightly.

Half of the Smaller States fall in the category of Aspirants.

Based on the Composite Index Score range for the Reference Year (201920), the states are categorised into three categories: Aspirants, Achievers and Frontrunners. Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Meghalaya, and Nagaland are categorised as Aspirants. Nagaland and Meghalaya belonging to Aspirants states

category, were Moderately Improved and Most Improved states respectively.

Among the Smaller States, Mizoram and Meghalaya secured first and second ranks respectively in terms of Incremental Performance. Positive incremental change was also observed in Nagaland and Tripura.

Among the Smaller States, Tripura ranked at the top in the Health Outcomes domain performance whereas Nagaland ranked at the bottom.

There is large variation in Health Outcomes performance (which in the case of Smaller States includes only the intermediate outcome indicators).

The Index Score of the best performing state (Tripura) was more than two and half times of the lowest performer (Nagaland) that recorded the lowest levels in several service delivery indicators such as full immunisation, first trimester ANC registration, pregnant women receiving 4 ANCs and institutional delivery.

The lowest ANC registrations were recorded by Meghalaya (32.2 percent) in 2014-15 and by Nagaland (27.3 percent) in 2019-20.

The highest increase in first trimester ANC registrations was recorded by

7

NATIONAL/STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021

Tripura (12.2 percent) and the highest decline was observed by Nagaland (-41.6 percent).

The lowest percentage of institutional deliveries was recorded by Arunachal Pradesh (56.0 percent) in 2014-15 and by Nagaland (58.4 percent) in 2019-20.

In the Governance and Information domain, Mizoram ranked at the top and Nagaland ranked at the bottom in the Reference Year (2019-20).

Nagaland had the lowest decline of 1.6 percentage points while Tripura had the highest decline of 30.3 percentage points.

The maximum score in this domain was 70.38 for Mizoram and the minimum score was 11.82 for Nagaland, clearly suggesting that Nagaland needs to put tremendous efforts to improve its performance.

The report was released jointly by NITI Aayog vice chairman Dr. Rajiv Kumar, CEO Amitabh Kant, additional secretary Dr. Rakesh Sarwal, and World Bank Senior Health Specialist Sheena Chhabra.

The report has been developed by NITI Aayog, with technical assistance from the World Bank, and in close consultation with the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW).

unaccounted cash recovered and seized from this premises is Rs 177.45 crore.

This is the biggest ever seizure of cash by the CBIC officials. The documents seized from the premises are under scrutiny,” it added.

Further, search is on at the residential/factory premises of M/s Odochem Industries at Kannauj. So far DGGI officers have been able to recover about Rs 17 crore in cash, which is presently being counted by the SBI officials.

In addition, recovery of approximately 23 kg of gold and huge unaccounted raw materials used in manufacture of perfumery compounds, including more than 600 kg of sandalwood oil hidden in an underground storage, having a market value of about Rs 6 crore, have been made.

Jain’s statement was recorded by GST officers on December 25 wherein he has accepted that the cash recovered from the residential premises is related to sale of goods without payment of GST.

Don’t feel any such BJP, Amarinder to issue joint manifesto need: J&K LG on review of AFSPA BJP to play role

JAMMU, DEC 27 (PTI): Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Monday said there is no need to set up a panel to review the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in the union territory.

Sinha was asked if Jammu and Kashmir feels the need to set up a panel to review or repeal the AFSPA as is beng done in Nagaland.

“Do not be concerned about it. I am looking into it.

I do not feel any such need (to set up panel to review it),” Sinha told a press conference here.

The Centre on Sunday constituted a high-level committee to examine the possibility of lifting the controversial Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act in Nagaland, apparently to soothe the rising tension in the northeastern state following the killing of 14 civilians.

Vivek Joshi, who is Registrar General and Census Commissioner of India, will head the five-member committee while Additional Secretary in the Union Home Ministr y Piyush Goyal will be the member secretary of the panel.

of senior partner in alliance

NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (PTI): The BJP will contest the assembly polls in Punjab in alliance with Amarinder Singh’s Punjab Lok Congress and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa’s SAD (Sanyukt), and the parties will issue a joint manifesto, Union minister Gajendra Shekhawat said on Monday.

BJP is likely to play the role of senior partner in its alliance with Amarinder Singh’s Punjab Lok Congress and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa’s SAD (Sanyukt) in Punjab, and the coalition is unlikely to project any chief ministerial face in the runup to the election, sources said on Monday.

Former Punjab chief minister Singh and former Union Minister Dhindsa on Monday met the BJP top leadership, including Union Home Minister Amit Shah and party president JP Nadda here.

After the meeting at Shah’s residence, the BJP’s Punjab incharge and Union Minister Gajendra Shekhawat formally announced

States asked to impose curbs as needed (From p-1) The 578 Omicron cases have been found in 19 states and UTs, with Delhi having the maximum 142 cases followed by Maharashtra at 141, Kerala 57, Gujarat 49, Rajasthan 43 and Telangana 41. In the advisory, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla said States and Union Territories may consider imposing need based, local curbs and restrictions, to control the crowd during the festive season.

Asking States and UTs not to let the guard down, he emphasised that there should be continued focus on the five-fold strategy -- Test-Track-Treat-Vaccination and adherence to Covid appropriate behaviour to avoid the possibility of surge in COVID-19 cases, especially keeping in view the new Variant of Concern (VOC). He asked the States and UTs to refer to the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) order issued for ensuring implementation of the measures as conveyed by the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (MoHFW) on December 21.

The state governments should ensure that the health systems in the States are strengthened to meet any challenge posed by the new

variant, Bhalla said.

State gover nments should ensure that oxygen supply equipment are installed and are fully functional and the buffer stock of essential drugs maintained, he said. Bhalla said the State enforcement machinery should strictly enforce the norms of Covid appropriate behaviour.

With a view to discourage any misinformation in respect of the new VOC, which creates anxiety among the public, all States and UTs should proactively and regularly hold media briefings at the highest level to disseminate the right information to them,” he said.

The home secretary said States and UTs should also educate them about various preventive measures undertaken by them and also advise them to strictly follow Covid appropriate behaviour. “I would, therefore, urge you to issue necessary directions to the districts and all other local authorities concerned, to take necessary measures for prompt and effective management of COVID-19, strict compliance with various advisories issued by the MoHFW on the new VOC and strict enforcement of Covid appropriate behaviour,” he said.

PATNA, DEC 27 (PTI): Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Monday called for public shaming of those flouting liquor ban in the state, while hardening his stance against relaxing the stringent prohibition law for those coming to the dry state from elsewhere.

Addressing a gathering of women’s self help groups “Jeevika” in Rohtas district adjoining Uttar Pradesh, Kumar said “don’t come to Bihar if you find the ban inconvenient”.

Reiterating that relaxing the ban for visitors from outside was out of question, the Chief Minister claimed his decision to impose prohibition was admired widely and he was invited by advocacy groups

amidst applause.

He said the police had been asked to protect those who blew the whistle and sought to put wrongdoers to shame.

Invoking Mahatma Gandhi to stress that drinking was a “social evil”, Kumar quoted from a WHO report to underscore health Nitish Kumar hazards that were directly in UP and Jharkhand to associated with drinking. share his experience after he took the step in 2016.

“But despite our best intentions, there will always be some mischief mongers.....I urge all of you present here, if you find anybody flouting prohibition in your village, report the matter to police but also take out a demonstration and raise slogans”, said the CM,

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Nitish calls for public shaming of those flouting prohibition

DIMAPUR, DEC 27 (NPN): Nagaland on Monday recorded 10 fresh Covid-19 positive cases while no deaths were reported during the day.

According to Health department, the 10 fresh cases were reported from Dimapur, taking the total caseload to 32184. The death toll remained unchanged at 702 (including 16 non-Covid deaths but with positivity).

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State logs 10 fresh Covid cases

davp 37112/11/0005/2122

Amit Shah with Captain Amarinder Singh and Shiromani Akali Dal (Sanyukt) president Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa. (PTI)

that all three parties will contest elections and will come up with a common manifesto.

“A meeting attended

by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, BJP president J P Nadda, Amarinder Singh and Sukhdev Singh Dhindsa was held here. And it was decided that the BJP, Singh’s party and Dhindsa’s party will jointly contest upcoming assembly polls in Punjab,” Shekhawat told the media after the meeting.

Shekhawat said a joint committee will be formed comprising two leaders from each party to finalise a seatsharing agreement and a vision document.

Asked about the chief ministerial face of the coalition, Shekhawat later told PTI that the election will

be contested “under the collective leadership of the alliance”.

“BJP usually contests election in the name of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said, adding that the party does not project any face for the post of chief minister.

He also underlined that the seat-sharing agreement will not be based on the party’s previous alliance with the Shiromani Akali Dal in Punjab.

“BJP is a national party which has won two Lok Sabha elections back to back and its base has expanded across the country so the alliance in Punjab will not be based on the seat distribution formula of its previous alliance with the Akali Dal in Punjab,” Shekhawat said.

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

in SPA, all formalities of handover would have to be completed within 8 weeks, but this date can be mutually extended by the buyer and seller and is being done in this case.

However, some regulatory

once the handover process is completed; another official explained. Tatas beat the Rs 15,100-crore offer by a consortium led by SpiceJet promoter Ajay Singh and the reserve price of Rs 12,906 crore set by the government for the sale of its 100 per cent stake in the loss-making carrier.

As of August 31, Air India had a total debt of Rs 61,562 crore. 75 per cent of this debt or Rs 46,262 crore will be transferred to a special purpose vehicle AIAHL before handing over the loss-making airline to Tata Group.

No. 10136 Yesterday’s solution No. 10135

No. 4758 Yesterday’s solution No. 4757

No. 3782 Yesterday’s solution No. 3781

ACROSS 1. Reviewer (6) 7. Pointer on a timepiece (4,4) 8. Heal (4) 10. Lacking width (6) 11. Leg bone (6) 14. On strike (3) 16. Stories (5) 17. Policemen, slang (4) 19. Warehouse, storehouse (5) 21. Light beer (5) 22. Chair carried on poles (5) 23. Girl’s toy (4) 26. Deserve (5) 28. Boy’s name (3) 29. Adjusts (6) 30. Sight (6) 31. Religious image (4) 32. Dainty (8) 33. Vocalist (6) DOWN 1. Specialised hospital (6) 2. Star sign (6) 3. Masticate (4) 4. Judas (7) 5. Afghan capital (5) 6. Notions (5) 8. Harvest (4) 9. Decompose (3) 12. Flying mammal (3) 13. Lawful (5) 15. Royal (5) 18. Lubricated (5) 19. Father (3) 20. Writing tool (3) 21. Cos, for example (7) 22. Drink gingerly (3) 23. Deny any connection with (6) 24. Norse god (4) 25. Delay, loiter (6) 26. Female servants (5) 27. Recover strength (5) 28. So or thus (3) 30. Contends (4)

LAND FOR SALE

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Land For SaLe 1. 14 Bighas Any type of Farming site Rs. 60 per sqft 2 mnts walk from 4 Lane 2. 8 Bighas Rubber plantation (7 years plantation) Rs. 185 per sqft 3. 9½ Bighas Paddy Field 3 mnts walks from 4 Lane Rs. 45 pers sqft Contact : 9362359493 8787702327

LAND FOR SALE

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20 years. At that time, the government had stated that it wanted to complete the transactions, which included Tatas paying Rs 2,700 crore in cash, by December end.

As per the conditions

approvals are yet to come in for the handover, and certain formalities are yet to be completed, the official, who wished not to be named, told PTI. “The process would be completed by January,” he said without giving a specific date. On October 25, the government had signed the share purchase agreement with Tata Sons for the sale of national carrier Air India for Rs 18,000 crore. Tata’s would pay Rs 2,700 crore cash and takeover Rs 15,300 crore of the airline’s debt. The cash component would come

For SaLe

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WanTed 6(Six) Experienced Dumper Drivers for 6 & 10 wheels. (with genuine Driving License) Location: Dimapur only Handsome Salary & Free Accomodation Contact: 8974026229

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NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (PTI): Tata Group’s takeover of loss-making national carrier Air India is most likely delayed by a month till January as the completion of procedures taking longer than expected, an official said on Monday.

In October, the government accepted the highest bid made by a Tata Sons company for 100 per cent equity shares of Air India and Air India Express along with its 50 per cent stake in ground-handling company AISATS -- the first privatisation in

date in case there is a change in the travel plan,” the airline said. “To avail zero change fee, booking must be modified at least two days prior to the flight departure date; fare difference if any will be applicable. Not only that, SpiceJet is also offering a complimentary flight voucher worth Rs 500 with every sale fare booking for their next travel and a flat 25 per cent instant discount on add-ons such as SpiceMax, preferred seats and priority services.” The sale offer is valid for bookings made from December 27 to 31, while the travel period validity for these bookings is from January 15, 2022 to April 15, 2022.

Besides, AirAsia India announced its ‘New Year, New Places’ sale with fares starting at Rs 1,122 for routes like Chennai-Bengaluru, Bengaluru-Chennai, and Chennai-Hyderabad in addition to similar discounted sale fares across its network.

Wanted A Female Cook for a small private Girl’s Hostel in Dimapur, preferably above 25 years of age, can cook both Naga and Indian dishes.

Salary offered ` 4000/- .

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Interested candidates may kindly contact : 8837391352/9856313684

VenUe – ForeST CoLony, oPP. MIdLand dIMaPUr : nagaLand From, 27th Dec. 2021 – 2nd Jan 2022 Time : 5:00 to 9:00 p.m.

BUMPer daTe – 29TH deC. 2021

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Interview date: 28th Dec to 29th Dec 2021.

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DP-6146/21

Air India handover to Tata Group delayed by a month till Jan

TeaCHer UrgenTLy WanTed

NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (IANS): Domestic airlines on Monday launched attractive sales offers to lure passengers during the holiday season, even as rising Covid infections have caused apprehensions amongst the general public.

However, an overwhelming number of people are expected to travel during this New Year travel period.

SpiceJet and AirAsia India have launched special offers.

S p i c e Je t l a u n c h e d the sale offers of one-way fares starting for as low as Rs 1,122 (all inclusive) on destinations such as Chennai-Bengaluru, Bengaluru-Chennai, ChennaiHyderabad, Jammu-Srinagar amongst others on its domestic network.

“In order to add flexibility to the travel plans, SpiceJet is pleased to offer a one-time waiver of change fee on sale fare tickets. Passengers booking flight tickets under the sale fare will be able to modify their flight

DP-6143/21

of one return is taking more than a couple of hours. Further, the staff of the tax practitioners are to be trained to understand the new portal and its utilities.

“Not many professionals are well versed with the frequent changes being made on the portal, very less time has been provided after the introduction of the new portal, frequent changes in various ‘Forms’ and their utility is resulting in duplication of work, due to which a lot of time gets wasted. Many technical glitches are being faced on the portal due to which a lot of time gets wasted.

Overlapping of dates for various compliances like due date of filing of income tax returns, GSTR 9, GSTR-9C are another complex issue,” CAIT said.

NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (PTI): To substitute India’s petroleum imports, the government has advised automobile makers to start manufacturing flex-fuel vehicles and flex-fuel strong hybrid electric vehicles complying with BS-VI emission norms within six months, Union minister Nitin Gadkari said on Monday.

It will also provide direct benefits to our farmers, Gadkari mentioned.

Gadkari further said this move will drastically reduce greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles on a well-to-wheel basis, helping India to comply with its commitment made at COP26 to reduce the total projected carbon emissions by one billion tonnes by 2030.

“In order to substitute India’s import of petroleum as a fuel...we have now advised the automobile manufacturers in India to start manufacturing flex fuel vehicles (FFV) and flex fuel strong hybrid electric vehicles (FFV-SHEV) complying with BS-6 Norms in a time bound manner within a period of six months,” the Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari said in a series of tweets.

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to discuss the issue at length and arrive at a consensus,” it added. According to CAIT, there was no tax on textile or fabrics for a number of years.

“This increase in tax rate will not only hamper the domestic trade, but will also affect the exports adversely.

Already the textile industry is not at a competent status with countries like Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh and China. On the one hand the government talks about ‘Make in India’ and ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’, while on the other hand levy such high taxes creating an atmosphere of uncertainty and gloom.” The letter also asked for an extension of income tax return filing date.

“The new portal of income tax is suffering from various glitches and filing

Bank is well capitalised and the financial position of the bank remains satisfactory.

“As per half yearly audited results as on September 30, 2021, the bank has maintained a comfortable Capital Adequacy Ratio of 16.33 per cent and Provision Coverage Ratio of 76.6 per cent,” RBI said in a statement. Further, it said the Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR) of the bank is 153 per cent as on December 24, 2021 as against regulatory requirement of 100 per cent.

“Further, it is clarified that appointment of additional director/s in private banks is undertaken under Section 36AB of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 as and when it is felt that the board needs closer support in regulatory/supervisory matters,” RBI said.

RBL Bank’s Vishawvir Ahuja stepped down and Rajeev Ahuja was appointed as the interim MD & CEO, a day after RBI appointed its Chief General Manager Yogesh K Dayal as an additional director on the lender’s board. Dayal, whose appointment is effective from December 24, will stay for two years until December 23, 2023 or till further orders, whichever is earlier. On Sunday, Rajeev Ahuja said the bank’s financial position was strong and it had full support of RBI and its board of directors.

Airlines launch special offers to attract passengers

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Nirmala Sitharaman

MUMBAI, DEC 27 (PTI): Amid concerns over the health of RBL Bank, RBI on Monday assured depositors and stakeholders that the private sector lender is “well capitalised” and that its financial position is satisfactory even as shares of the bank witnessed a sell off.

In a raft of developments in the past few days, Reserve Bank of India (RBI) appointed an additional director to RBL Bank’s board while the lender’s MD & CEO Vishwavir Ahuja was sent to leave.

Against this backdrop, newly-appointed chief Rajeev Ahuja, on Sunday, said the financial position of the bank was strong and that the sudden change at the top level was not related to any concerns. As concerns persisted, RBI on Monday said there has been speculation related to RBL Bank in certain quarters which appears to be arising from recent events surrounding the bank. “There is no need for depositors and other stakeholders to react to the speculative reports,” the central bank said and emphasised that the lender’s financial health remains stable. Shares of RBL took a beating on the bourses and tumbled 18.32 per cent to close at Rs 140.90 apiece on BSE. The scrip also hit its 52-week low of Rs 132.35.

According to RBI, RBL

Automakers asked to produce flex-fuel vehicles in 6 months

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NEW DELHI, DEC 27 (IANS): Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT) has urged Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to defer the implementation of GST rate hike on textiles and footwear. The proposal is to increase the rate of tax from 5 per cent to 12 per cent on textiles and footwear.

In a letter to the minister, CAIT termed the move as ‘illogical’ and ‘beyond the canon of GST tax structure’, particularly at a time when the domestic trade in the country is on the verge of recovery from the colossal damage caused due to the last two spells of Covid-19.

“It is noteworthy to mention that the GST collection across the country is increasing every month and as such any increase in tax rates without consulting the stakeholders will run contrary to the ‘ease of doing business’ call of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the letter read. “Therefore, we shall request you to defer the implementation of tax rate hike for certain period and meanwhile constitute a task force under the chairmanship of the Chairman, Central Board of Indirect Taxes, comprising representatives of trade and senior officials of the government

Reserve Bank says RBL Bank ‘well capitalised’

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CAIT wants FM to defer GST rate hike on textiles and footwear

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021

BUSINESS

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8

Putin mulls military options in Ukraine

of alliance weapons there is a red line for Moscow that it wouldn’t allow the West to cross.

“We have nowhere to retreat,” he said, adding that NATO could deploy missiles in Ukraine that would take just four or five minutes to reach Moscow.

“They have pushed us to a line that we can’t cross.

They have taken it to the point where we simply must tell them; ‘Stop!’”

He voiced concern that the U.S. and its allies

New UN Myanmar envoy says ‘deeply concerned’ by escalating violence

Typhoon death toll in Philippines surges to 389

UNITED NATIONS, DEC 27 (AGENCIES): The new United Nations special envoy to Myanmar on Monday said she was “deeply concerned” by escalating violence in the country and called for a new year ceasefire between the military and its opponents.

Nationwide protests against the February coup have been met with a bloody crackdown, with more than 1,300 people killed and over 11,000 arrested, according to a local monitoring group.

Diplomatic efforts to resolve the crisis led by the UN and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations have made little headway so far, with the generals refusing to engage with opponents.

Special envoy Noeleen Heyzer “is deeply concerned by the continued escalation of violence in Kayin State

MANILA, DEC 27 (IANS): The death toll from the powerful typhoon Rai in the Philippines has increased to 389, with 64 more missing, a government disaster agency said on Monday.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said that the typhoon, which made landfall in the Philippines on December 16, also injured 1,146 people, reports Xinhua news agency.

NDRRMC said the typhoon has affected more than 4.2 million people in 11 regions in central and southern parts of the Philippines, as well as parts of the main Luzon Island. The typhoon, the 15th and most powerful to have hit the country this year, forced villagers to spend their holiday season days in evacuation centres because of damaged houses.

Myanmar has been in turmoil since February, when civilian leader Aung San Suu Kyi was ousted in a military coup.

and other parts of Myanmar”, she said in her first statement since taking on the role.

She also called for “all parties to... allow humanitarian assistance to be provided to those in need, including those forced to flee the violence”, and for all sides to come to a new year ceasefire.

On Sunday, a UN official said he was “horrified”

by credible reports that at least 35 civilians were killed and their bodies burned in an attack on Christmas Eve in eastern Myanmar, and demanded the government launch an investigation.

Two workers for nonprofit group Save the Children remain missing -- their vehicle was among several that were attacked and burned in the incident in Kayah state.

Libyan lawmakers meet over delayed presidential poll CAIRO, DEC 27 (AGENCIES): Libyan lawmakers met Monday to discuss the myriad challenges that forced a postponement of the long-awaited presidential election this month.

The postponement was a major blow to international efforts to end a decade of chaos in the oil-rich North African country.

The vote has faced many obstacles, including controversial presidential hopefuls, disputes over laws governing the elections, occasional infighting among armed groups, and the long-running rift between the country’s east and west.

The parliament, based in the eastern city of Tobruk, convened to decide on the proposal by Libya’s election commission to

Libyans celebrate the 70th anniversary of their country’s independence in Martyrs’ Square, Tripoli Dec 24, 2021.

hold the vote on Jan. 24.

Under the proposal, the presidential election would be followed by parliamentary elections a month later, on Feb. 15.

There were no immediate details from Monday’s parliament session held in the eastern city of

Tobruk. Abdullah Bliheg, spokesman for the legislature, said lawmakers would discuss “means to support” the election commission’s efforts to hold the vote.

Stephanie Williams, U.N. special adviser on Libya, implored lawmakers to “urgently address”

challenges leveled by the High National Elections Commission “to push the electoral process forward.”

A few dozen people protested outside the parliament’s headquarters in Tobruk, calling for holding the vote as soon as possible.

They held placards with slogans including: “The Libyan people reject the election postponement.”

Libya’s nationwide elections have for a year been the lynchpin of U.N.mediated efforts to bring peace to the oil-rich North African nation.

Other key obstacles on the road to balloting are a long-running rift between the country’s east and west and the presence of thousands of foreign fighters and troops supporting either side.

Iran insists on crude exports as Vienna talks resume

T E H R A N, D E C 2 7 (AGENCIES): Iran insisted on Monday that the United States and its allies promise to allow Tehran to export its crude as negotiations on restoring the tattered nuclear deal were to resume in Vienna.

The remarks by Iranian Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian signal that Iran is pressing its position ahead of the negotiations over reviving the landmark 2015 nuclear deal. The talks have struggled to make headway and were adjourned earlier this month after a round marked by tensions over new demands from Tehran.

Speaking to reporters in Tehran, Amirabdollahian said Iran wants the upcoming round of talks to focus on its sanctions-hit oil industry. The aim is to get to the “point where Iranian oil is being sold easily and without any barriers and its money arrives in Iran’s

FILE - Palais Coburg, where closed-door nuclear talks take place in Vienna, Austria, Dec. 17, 2021.

bank accounts,” he said.

Tehran’s landmark accord with world powers granted the nation sanctions relief in exchange for curbs on its nuclear program. But in 2018, thenPresident Donald Trump withdrew America from the deal and imposed sweeping sanctions on Iran, including against its oil sector — the lifeline of its economy.

Iran’s crude exports plummeted and international oil

OFFICE OF THE

5th

INFOrMATION

Family Night Carnival

PO: MANGKOLEMBA, NAGALAND

The Office of Longjemdang Senso Mungdang hereby inform all the sensosanger that the Senso Mungdang will be held on the 6th Jan 2022 starting from 10:00 am onwards at community hall, Longjemdang village. All the sensosanger are requested to attend the Mungdang without fail.

Sd/President Mayangchetba

Sd/Secretary Moanungsang

Date : 28th - 31st Dec. 2021 Stall Booking : 8787561585

The Yomgnyah Hongnyü Union Dimapur with immense pride and honour extend our heartfelt Congratulations to Shri. Y. Ongsham Phom, S/o Late yangba on being promoted to the post of Deputy Superintendent of Excise Govt. of Nagaland and for brining laurels to our village. The Union wishes him good health and success as he endeavors to shoulder higher level of tasks and responsibilities ahead.

ONLY FOR 20 STALL

Silver Jubilee MüRüMI KUPOSHUKULU Theme : "Niw jumichi no ni mheghi"

(C. BANGNYEI PHOM) President

Date : 29/12/2021

Time : 09:00 A.M.

Venue : Hotel Saramati, Dimapur

Organising

FrEE ArTIFICIAL LOwEr LIMB AND CALIPEr CAMP

On 0the Occasion of Golden Jubilee Year FOr THE PEOPLE HAviNG DiSABiLiTy DUE TO AMPUTATiON Or PArALySiS OF LOWEr LiMBS DUE TO POLiO AT rOTAry CENTrE, MiDLAND, PWD rOAD, DiMAPUr ASSESSMENT & MEASUrEMENT CAMP ON 16TH JANUAry 2022 AND FiTTiNG CAMP ON 13TH FEBrUAry 2022 TiME : 9:00 AM TO 2:00 PM

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human security,” according to a statement by the PMO. Federal Ministers for Foreign Affairs, Defence, Information, Interior, Finance and Human Rights as well as other senior civil and military officers were also present at the NSC meet.

NSP has been created through a whole-of-government effort over the last seven years, and included extensive consultations among federal government institutions, with all provinces, and with the academia and private sector, NSA Yusuf said at the meet.

Venue : Upper Naharbari Opposite Padum Pukhuri Gate

FELICITATION

Pak approves ‘citizen-centric’ NSP rOTArY CLUB OF DIMAPUr National Security Advisor (NSA) Moeed Yusuf, presenting the document, said Pakistan was shifting to a Comprehensive National Security Framework - the ultimate purpose of it being safety, security and dignity of citizens. This is the first time a NSP has been approved in Pakistan. “To ensure this citizen-centric approach to security, the NSP put economic security at the core. A stronger economy would create additional resources that would in turn be judiciously distributed to further bolster military and

companies scrapped deals with Tehran, weakening its economy.

As the parties to the atomic deal prepared to convene, Amirabdollahian said Iran wanted to “be able to enjoy full economic concessions under the nuclear deal.”

“Guarantee and verification (of the removal of sanctions) are among topics that we have focused on,” he said.

The new, conservative administration of Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi has repeatedly demanded the removal of all economic sanctions before Iran reins in its nuclear advances.

Separately on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Saeed Khatibzadeh said it would be “intolerable” for the West to demand anything from Tehran beyond compliance with the original deal.

Iran has steadily abandoned all of the accord’s limits since the American withdrawal and is now enriching uranium to 60% purity — a short, technical step from weapons-grade levels. It spins ever-more advanced centrifuges also barred by the deal.

Iran insists that its nuclear program is peaceful. But the country’s significant nuclear steps have alarmed regional rivals and world powers.

LONGjEMDANG SENSO MUNGDANG

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ISLAMABAD, DEC 27 (PTI): Pakistan’s top security panel on Monday approved its National Security Policy (NSP) for 2022-26, placing “economic security at the core” of the first-of-its kind document to ensure a “citizen-centric approach to security”.

The policy was presented and approved at the 36th meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC), chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan and attended by the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee and all Services Chiefs.

backgrounds stopped by Cape Town’s St George’s Cathedral to lay flowers and pay tribute to the country’s national hero.

In honour of Tutu, the bells of the cathedral, the oldest in South Africa, will be rung daily at noon local time until Friday.

“His significance supersedes the boundaries of being an Anglican,” mourner Brent Goliath told AF, breaking down in tears.

“I was very emotional this morning when I heard that he’d passed away. I thank God that he has been there for us,” Mr Goliath said, adding that he had met Tutu several times.

World leaders have also paid tribute. President

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aegis of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. In remarks broadcast Sunday, Putin said that Russia submitted the demands in the hope of a constructive answer from the West.

“We didn’t do it just to see it blocked ... but for the purpose of reaching a negotiated diplomatic result that would be fixed in legally binding documents,” Putin said. He reaffirmed that NATO membership for Ukraine or the deployment

Desmond Tutu

Biden said he was “heartbroken to learn of the passing of a true servant of God and of the people”, adding that Tutu’s “legacy transcends borders and will echo through the ages”.

Former US President Barack Obama described Tutu as “a mentor, friend and moral compass”.

In a message of condolence, Queen Elizabeth II said she remembered with fondness her meetings with him, and his great warmth and humour.

“Archbishop Tutu’s loss will be felt by the people of South Africa and by so many people in Great Britain, Northern Ireland and across the Commonwealth, where he was held in such high affection and esteem.”

Kenya’s President Uhuru Kenyatta said Tutu had “inspired a generation of African leaders who embraced his non-violent approaches in the liberation struggle”.

The Vatican said in a statement that Pope Francis offered “heartfelt condolences to his family and loved ones”.

FOr rEGISTrATION PLEASE CONTACT: 9436003034/9436004919/ 9436013717

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have refused to offer Russia the kind of guarantee on Ukraine that Putin wants, citing NATO’s principle that membership is open to any qualifying country.

They agreed. however, to launch security talks with Russia next month to discuss its concerns.

Putin said the talks with the U.S. will be held in Geneva. In parallel, negotiations are also set to be held between Russia and NATO and broader discussions are expected under the

CAPE TOWN, DEC 27 (AGENCIES): South Africa is holding a week of events to mark the passing of the anti-apartheid leader Archbishop Desmond Tutu, who died on Sunday aged 90.

The plans include two days of lying in state before an official state funeral on 1 January in Cape Town.

Tributes have been pouring in from leaders around the world, including Queen Elizabeth II, US President Joe Biden and Pope Francis.

Tutu was one of the country’s best known figures at home and abroad.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said in a statement that Tutu had helped bring about “a liberated South Africa”.

A contemporary of Nelson Mandela, Tutu was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1984 for his role in the struggle to abolish the apartheid system enforced by the white minority government against the black majority in South Africa from 1948-91.

On Sunday, South Africans of all ages and

OFFICE OF THE

SHEMNYUCHING BUHU STAFF UNION DIST. : LONGLENG, NAGALAND PIN - 798622

FELICITATION We, the Shemnyuching Bühü Staff Union extend our heartfelt congratulations to Shri. B. Baüong Phom on being promoted to the post of Assistant Director under School Education Nagaland Kohima.

The union further pray and hope that persevering every step of the way for all the hard work you do will allow you to continue to influence others with your positive attitude and servants heart.

B. CHINGAU MUKHO President, SBSU

H. NUKEN PHOM Gen. Secy. SBSU

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Ukrainian soldiers use a launcher with US Javelin missiles during military exercises in Donetsk region on Dec. 23, 2021.

could try to drag out the security talks and use them as a cover to pursue a military buildup near Russia.

He noted that Russia published its security demands to make them known to the public and raise the pressure on the U.S. and its allies to negotiate a security deal.

“We have just one goal — to reach agreements that would ensure the security of Russia and its citizens now and in a long-term perspective,” he said.

The Kremlin presented its security demand amid the tensions over a Russian troop buildup near Ukraine in recent weeks that has fueled Western fears of a possible invasion.

U.S. President Joe Biden warned Putin in a video call earlier this month that Russia will face “severe consequences” if it attacks Ukraine.

Russia has denied an intention of launching an invasion and, in its turn, accused Ukraine of hatching plans to try to reclaim control of the territories held by Moscow-backed rebels by force. Ukraine has rejected the claim.

South Africa mourns death of Desmond Tutu, anti-apartheid hero

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M O S C OW, D E C 2 7 (AGENCIES): Russian President Vladimir Putin said Sunday he would ponder a slew of options if the West fails to meet his push for security guarantees precluding NATO’s expansion to Ukraine.

Earlier this month, Moscow submitted draft security documents demanding that NATO deny membership to Ukraine and other former Soviet countries and roll back its military deployments in Central and Eastern Europe.

Putin has urged the West to move quickly to meet the demands, warning that Moscow will have to take “adequate militarytechnical measures” if the West continues its “aggressive” course “on the threshold of our home.”

Asked to specify what such Moscow’s response could be, he said in comments aired by Russian state TV Sunday that “it could be diverse,” adding without elaboration that “it will depend on what proposals our military experts submit to me.”

The U.S. and its allies

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INTERNATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021

INFOTAINMENT

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021

Nagaland to take part in Sunsilk Mega Alovili crowned Miss Kid Nagaland 2021 Miss Northeast/Garnier Mega Mr Northeast A

Chizuibe_Chamlak hree female- Venulu Nienu, Visakuo and Lovi Jidoji and three male - Prakash Sherestha, Chizuibe Chamlak and Merenzungba Longkumer will be representing Nagaland state at the forthcoming biggest regional beauty pageant- Sunsilk Mega Miss Northeast and Garnier Mega Mr Northeast under the aegis of Mega Entertainment.

According to managing director Vogue Enter-

T

Merenzungba_Longkumer tainment Nagaland and state director, Sunsilk Mega Miss Northeast and Garnier Mega Mr Northeast, Dode Nakro, 50 female and male from across the eight northeastern states will vie for the coveted title of Sunsilk Mega Miss Northeast and Garnier Mega Mr Northeast.

The pageant will feature the most beautiful and talented young men and women from across the eight northeastern states,

Prakash_Sherestha and the grand finale will take place at ITA Machkhowa, Guwahati on December 29 and 30. The three winners both male and female which will be crowned equally who will get a prize package worth approximately Rs. 2 lakhs, including the winning crown suits, cash prize, portfolio shoot by leading photographer Prashant Brahma, make over by Mafiz’s Academy cum studio, along with public

Lovi_Jidoji

Venulu_Nienu

relations and reputation management for the reigning team by Glam Mantra.

The winners will also get professional representation and personal wardrobe styling by Mega Entertainment, which would guide them on how to present themselves forward in the professional sphere.

The winners also get opportunity to walk the ramp in various iconic fashion events of the region.

lovili Chishi was event were asst. professor, Dept. of English, S.D. Jain crowned Miss Kid Girls’ College, Dimapur, Nagaland 2021 Payal Purkayasta; winner which was held on Deof Nagaland Prince 2015 cember 18 at Town Hall, and Mr Kolong NorthDimapur organised by east 2015 (1st runner-up), Alpha Kids Glam & EnMoathy Longchar while tertainment.

Tolicy Wotsa was the chief The first and second guest. The show was hosted runners-up were bagged by

by Khrorite Lasu and choZubeni Lotha and Hilina reography of the show was Rashid respectively. done K. Nilotoli Chishi.

Subtitle winners were Zaren (Perfection Miss Talented - Vivikali Hair & Beauty Unisex Awomi; Miss Beautiful Saloon) sponsored by Hair Skin - D. Inaholi Assumi; & Beauty Makeup. The Miss Best Traditional Wear event was graced with the - Meena Debbarma; Miss Photogenic - H i l i n a Best Catwalk - Zubeni performance of artistes like Kaining Zeliang, Dzuve Rashid; Miss Popular - Lotha.

The judges of the Venuh, Vitoli Murru.

Alovili Chishi and Miss

50 TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Visakuo

Phekmi Got Talent 2021 Alia Bhatt named PETA’s 2021 Person of the Year

Winners with judges and others.

P

hekmi Got Talent 2021 was held on December 24 at Phek village organized by Phek Village Baptist Church and sponsored by MLA Kuzholuzo (Azo) Nienu.

Sheduyi Venuh S/o Nuvochi Venuh of Phek Village (Magic show) was the winner of Phekmi Got Talent 2021, who also received Rs. 25,000/-.

The second position was bagged by Rhoto Rhakho S/o Nuchikhoyi Rhakho of Phek Village (Dance) and received Rs.

15,000/- while Samaritan Group of Phek Village (Group Song) and Pudusü Vero of Phek village (Folk Tune) were adjudged as third place and received Rs. 10,000/- each.

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

Altogether, 22 participants vied for the title.

The event also witnessed special appearances from Alobo Naga, Jpolland and Nievolu Soho.

her fans to adopt a dog or cat or calling for action on crimes against animals.”

Past recipients of PETA India’s Person of the Year Award include Lok Sabha MP Shashi Tharoor, former Supreme Court Justice K.S. Panicker Radhakrishnan, cricketer Virat Kohli, comedian Kapil Sharma, actors John Abraham, Anushka Sharma, Sunny Leone, R. Madhavan, Jacqueline Fernandez, Hema Malini, and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, for helping and canines. animals in different ways.

PETA India Director (IANS) of Celebrity and Public Relations, Sachin Bangera said, “Alia Bhatt is not only helping to advance vegan fashion but also encouraging the next generation to be kind to animals.”

H e a d d e d , “A l i a doesn’t hesitate to speak up, whether she’s rallying

Then (1971)

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B

ollywood actress Alia Bhatt has been named PETA’s 2021 Person of the Year for her work in support of an animal-friendly fashion industry.

The actress had recently invested in Phool, the company behind Fleather, which makes vegan leather out of discarded temple flowers. In addition, her vegan kidswear line, Ed-a-Mamma, also won a 2021 PETA India fashion award for helping to nurture kids’ love for animals and nature.

Alia is known to advocate support for cats and dogs and often uses her voice to call for stronger animal protection laws.

The actress has also starred in a pro-adoption People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) India campaign to help felines

Now (2021)

Mr. Hozheto Aye (Akukau, Vekuho New) & Mrs Visheli Aye Today is the day of reflection on the time that you have spent together with love and happiness.

You are the parents every child wished for. You are the couple that all Lovers wish to be. You are the strong pillar of support every family prays for.

We are thanking God for giving you a love beyond compare. May the Love you share continue on forever.

HAPPY 50TH ANNIVERSARY Rich Blessings- 6 Children, 17 Grand Children, 2 Great Grand Children and 7 In-Laws.

CONGRATULATIONS

50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Kiyekali Swu President PVSU

Niuto Swu Gen. Secy PVSU

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We, the Pimla Village Students’ Union congratulate Ms. Likupu Swu for achieving Gold Medal in 12th National Taekwondo Championship held at Maharana Pratap Sports College, Dehradun, Uttarakhand and Mr. Gihuka Assumi for achieving Gold Medal in (Umai) National Muay Thai Championship 2021 held at Khuman Lampak Sports Complex, Imphal.

The Union further wishes them success and a bright future.

28/12/71 – 28/12/2021 Mr. Ahoto Khujumi & Mrs. Visheli Yeptho

May you continue to inspire and share the special joys and blessings that arises when two lives journey through life as one.

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May the celebration of your Golden Anniversary bring to mind the faithfulness of God and the many wonderful times you both have shared with each other.

Congratulations Mom & Dad (Grandma & Grandpa) on your 50th Wedding Anniversary.

Loving Children, In-laws and Grandchildren

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K Y M C

K Y M C

Rio graces TVYSA golden jubilee celebration

Correspondent

KOHIMA, DEC 27 (NPN): Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio said that Nagaland Olympic Association received the affiliation to Indian Olympic Association only after 41 years which was one reason why the State lacked behind.

He was speaking as the special guest at the golden jubilee celebration of Tsiesema Village Youth & Sports Association (TVYSA) on Monday.

The chief minister disclosed that in its first participation at the national games in Assam, Nagaland won 11 medals, however in the succeeding participations, it failed to perform owing to various reasons within the State.

On the State hosting the South Asian Cross Country Championship next year, Rio informed that players from around 7 countries were expected to participate in the event which would be held in Kohima.

He pointed out that the State needed to host more national and international

Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio opens Tsiesema Village Youth & Sports Association event at Tsiesema village on Monday. (NP)

events in order to encourage the Naga sportspersons.

However, he added that it would be an embarrassment if the State fail to win any medals while hosting such events. Therefore, there is need to properly groom our players to be medal prospective, Rio said.

He informed that g ove r n m e n t wo u l d b e inaugurating a Shooting Sports Academy, Motor

Rangnick says Martial keen to leave Man Utd but no offers yet MANCHESTER, DEC 27 (AGENCIES): Anthony Martial has asked to leave Manchester United but there have been no offers for the French forward and the club may need to hold onto him if the squad is hit by injuries or more COVID-19 issues, interim manager Ralf Rangnick said.

The 26-year-old has started only two league games this season and his representative said this month he wanted to secure a move away in January to get more game time.

“We spoke on Wednesday, we spoke at length,” Rangnick told British media. “He explained to me he’s been at United for seven years and he feels it’s the right time for a change, to go somewhere else.

“In a way this is understandable, I could follow his thoughts but on the other hand, it’s also important to see the situation of the club. We have COVID times, we have three competitions in which we still have high ambitions.

“I told him as long as there’s no club showing interest in him, and it shouldn’t only be in the interest of the player it should also be in the interest of the club. So far... there’s been no offer ... and as long as this is the case he’ll stay.”

Rangnick also said French midfielder Paul Pogba would require another two weeks to regain fitness following his return from Dubai, where he was nursing a thigh injury.

World No. 5 Rublev tests positive ahead of ATP Cup, Aus Open MELBOURNE, DEC 27 (IANS): Russian tennis star and world No. 5 Andrey Rublev has become the latest player to test positive for COVID-19 with three weeks remaining for the start of the opening Grand Slam of the year -- the Australian Open -- from January 17. On Sunday, another top player, world No. 14 Denis Shapovalov of Canada had tested positive for the virus while in Sydney.

Rublev was scheduled to play in the multi-nation ATP Cup from January 1, where Russia begin their campaign against Austria in Sydney. But that is out of question now as Rublev, the Australian Open quarterfinalist this year, completes his isolation in Barcelona, where he resides.

Three of the world’s top players -- Rafael Nadal, Shapovalov and now Rublev -- have tested positive after recently playing in an Abu Dhabi exhibition event.

A total of six players have now tested COVID-positive since the conclusion of the event. “I am very upset and concerned about what is happening. I will return to the court as soon as possible,” added Rublev.

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SPORTS

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021

Adventure Spor ts and Futsal Courts in Dimapur next year.

All these would greatly assist in the progress of our gifted sportspersons, Rio said.

He further announced that a 20,000 capacity indoor wrestling stadium to be constructed at Tsiesema was in the pipeline while similar sports infrastructures would also be constructed

in Noklak and Tuensang districts. Rio said the world was going through a change in time where wars were over and the whole attention was focused on sports.

On that note, he urged the players to be disciplined, take care of themselves and also obey their elders and coaches.

He said even a good player would be left behind if they do not win the favour

of their coaches by their discipline and dedication.

Success comes from a person’s sacrifice, Rio said.

Rio also congratulated the village for reaching a significant landmark. He thanked the village people for always showering their love to him and his family for the past 35 years as he represented the people for the 7th time.

Rio later hoped for a smooth event and also wished the people a prosperous New Year.

Earlier, he unveiled the jubilee monolith.

The celebration programme was chaired by organizing committee convenor Mhalelhou Mere while Tsiese Basa Baptist Church pastor Lhoukuolie K h r o i nv o k e d G o d ’s blessings.

The jubilee mascot is a Stag and the celebration was held under the theme “Ketakezo”.

Players from six teams including Khro, Yhor, Chietsü, Khrabvü, Pepfu and Mere would be competing in the 5-day event which would culminate on December 31.

India-South Africa Test: 2nd day’s play washed out

CENTURION, DEC 27 (PTI): The Indian team will look to reset its first innings target after the second day’s play in the opening Test against South Africa had to be called off without a ball being bowled due to heavy and persistent rain since morning here on Monday.

What started as a drizzle this mor ning became a steady downpour in the afternoon and with 90 overs lost in the game, Virat Kohli’s men, sitting pretty at 272 for 3 after day one, will now have to quicken up the proceedings in the remaining three days with a high probability of winning the match.

Twice, the rain stopped and umpires decided on inspection but on both occasions just before they were to step out, heavens opened up once again.

“Unfortunately, due to the large volume of rain today at Centurion, play has been called off for the day,” BCCI stated on its twitter handle with a picture of the ground completely soaked.

There was too much

water on the covers and with literally no sunshine, there was very little chance for the ground to dry up and some overs of play to be possible.

At the end of the opening day’s play, India were strongly placed at 272 for three in 90 overs.

KL Rahul was going strong at 122 not out off 248 balls, during which he hit 17 boundaries and one six. Giving him company at the other end was Ajinkya Rahane, on 40 off 81 balls, with the help of eight hits to the fence. Opener Mayank Agarwal made 60 off 123 deliveries before being dismissed by Lungi Ngidi.

Skipper Virat Kohli

made 35 off 94 balls.

Ngidi (3/45) picked up all the three Indian wickets to fall on the first day of the match. However, if India would have thought of batting for nearly two days, they would perhaps look for a solid first innings score of 400 to 450 and put the pressure right back on the Proteas, who only have three quality players -- skipper Dean Elgar, senior keeperbatter Quinton de Kock and the seasoned Temba Bavuma in their ranks.

BRIEF SCORES: India 272/3 in 90 overs (KL Rahul 122 not out, Mayank Agarwal 60; Lungi Ngidi 3/45) against South Africa.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We the bereaved family of Late tHeKRUKHRIeLIe RüPReO (NK RHQ Dimapur), would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to every individuals, friends, neighbors, relatives and well-wishers who stood by us physically, financially, materially and spiritually during his brief illness and demise on 26th Dec. 2021.

We are immensely touched by your kind gestures and support during this time of grief and sorrow. We regret our inability to mention everyone individual but it is our prayer that the Almighty God bless all of you abundantly. dp-6139/21

Loving, Wife, Daughters and Family Members.

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In LovIng MeMory of our beloved mother Lt. ZeLUHoLe roTe

on her First Death Anniversary

28-12-2020

In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you but your peaceful memories and your love is still our guide and though we cannot see you, you are always by our side. k-2455/21

Loving children, grandchildren & great grandchildren.

aCKNOWLeDGeMeNt

ChubaLepzuk LongChar Born: 23-07-1965 :: Died : 19-12-2021 “Not my will, but thy will be done.” Luke 22:42 Through this column, we the bereaved family members of Late Chubalepzuk Longchar, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all our friends, neighbours, relatives and well-wishers, who stood by us tirelessly, at the sudden demise of my beloved husband, and a father. May the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving wife, sons and family

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2021