2 April 2023

State prepared to tackle Covid situation: H&FW

Mock drill

Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 1 (NPN):

Amid spike in Covid-19 cases across the country, state Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department has reassured the public that the state was well-equipped to deal with the Covid situation/fourth wave.

Addressing the media along with senior health officials here at the directorate, commissioner & secretary H&FW Kikheto Sema said there is already a system in place and appealed to the public to not panic. He also said that the department was also closely monitoring and in touch with other states that have been reporting fresh Covid cases.

Though the state was fully prepared to tackle Covid crisis, he, however, appealed to the public not to be complacent and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. “We will not allow our people to be a victim like

NEW DELHI, APR 1 (AGENCIES): With CO -

VID XBB.1.16 triggering a recent infection spike, World Health Organization said that the new variant is ‘one to watch’.

Further, noting that the variant needs close monitoring, Maria Van Kerkhove, WHO’s COVID-19 technical lead asserted ‘we are very concerned about the potential of the virus to change to become more severe’.

Kerkhove has also shown concerns about the recent spike in India. “In India, XBB.1.16 has replaced the other variants that are in circulation,” Kerkhove said.

“So this is one to watch.”

So far, the variant has been reported in 22 countries.

Kerkhove pointed out, the subvariant has been circulating for a few months, and it doesn’t appear to cause more severe disease.

“We haven’t seen a change in severity in individuals or in populations, but that’s why we have these systems in place,” she said. “Systems to track the virus variants, global collaborations to assess transmissibility, immune escape, severity and the impact of any of our interventions including diagnostics, therapeutics and vaccines.” However, “One of the things we are very concerned about is the potential for the virus to change to become not only more transmissible but more severe,” Van Kerkhove said. “So we have to remain vigilant,” she added.

This is it!

“When I was to contest as woman candidate, you did all the work. Now that there’ll be no election, I’m back to where I was.”

HM urges NE militants to join mainstream

AIZAWL, APR 1 (PTI):

2nd

said ICU beds were already put in place.

Supplementing Kikheto, H&FW principal director Dr. Vibeituonuo Mepfuo reiterated that the state was well prepared and that if a situation arises, ICU beds can be ramped up.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Saturday appealed to the remaining active militants of the Northeast to join the mainstream.

Noting that the Centre is dedicated to the development of the Northeast, he said the Modi government has increased budget allocation for the region by 276 per cent.

the first and second wave because today we have better infrastructure,” he said.

He also urged upon the civil society organizations, faith-based organizations to spread awareness about Covid-appropriate behaviour. While reminding all that Covid was not over yet and will continue to stay, Kikheto said the pandemic has made people across the globe realize the importance of healthcare.

He, however, assured that there was nothing to panic as the current wave

DIMAPUR, APR 1(NPN):

K. Therie who recently resigned as president of Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC) said it was in response to the verdict of the people in the 2023 assembly election where Congress drew a blank in all 24 seats it contested.

Therie, in a statement, said he had initially withheld his resignation in view of announcement of ULB election but after the cancellation notice on March 30, 2023 by the state election commissioner, he saw no

was not as severe as the first, second and third wave.

Though there has been a fresh spike in Covid cases across the country, the commissioner and secretary, however, said that the last reported case of Covid-19 in the State was on February 11, 2023. He also informed that the state has been conducting an average of 20-30 tests on a daily basis.

Hospitals well equipped: Kikheto further said that all state-run government hospitals were well equipped with a good num-

reason to delay his resignation.

Therie said he enjoyed having served the people through the platform of the Congress for eight years as NPCC president and the support he received from people all over the state especially rank and file of the party. He also said friends in the local media were his source of strength.

Therie regretted that he misled himself into believing that people would vote for Congress on demand for implementation of the agreed political solu-

ber of ventilators, ICU beds, oxygen supported beds as well as normal beds and improved infrastructures.

He also informed that the department was planning to set up ICU beds at police hospital at Chümoukedima. When asked about Covid preparedness in the newly created districts, he said Tseminyu, Niuland, Chümoukedima and Shamator would not face any issues as these districts were close-by other districts having proper set up and infrastructures.

As for Noklak district, he

& power

tion, restoration of governance and infrastructure. Therie said issues raised by the Congress won appreciation from “many elite leaders and intelligentsia” but expressed disappointment that the “economically poor multitude’s consideration was money and ruling power.”

Therie expressed shock to note that those people protesting in the streets against the government instead, worked the hardest for the ruling government they had opposed.

Ex-PAN urges upon Dy CM not to withdraw bodyguards

DIMAPUR, APR 1 (NPN): Drawing attention to deputy chief minister in-charge of home, Y Patton, stressing the need to minimise deployment of police personnel as bodyguards to former MLAs, retired bureaucrats and leaders of political parties, the Ex-Parliamentarians Association of Nagaland (Ex-PAN) has appealed to the deputy chief minster (home) to exempt ex-parliamentarian due to “sensitive nature” of their duties and responsibilities.

In a joint statement, president Ex-PAN Joshua Sumi and general secretary Supongmeren Jamir while lauding Patton’s sincere and dedicated effort to reform and modernize the police force, appealed on him to exempt the Ex-PAN members from its purview due to their “sensitive nature” of duties and responsibilities.

The duo explained that ex-PAN

members had handled sensitive issues while fulfilling their constitutional obligation as erstwhile elected members and which has also made them vulnerable to “anti-social elements even after retirement”. The duo said as erstwhile elected members, the ex-PAN members had also contributed to society as MLA or MP and continue to do so for society in giving opinions, advice and participation as former ex parliamentarians and senior citizens.

Further, the ex-PAN also pointed out to Patton that the present members are ex-parliamentarians and now to demean them through the decision would also demean himself in future and therefore, urged upon him in the interest of past and present ex-parliamentarians to exempt them from the purview of the order for withdrawal of personal bodyguards.

She also said that genome sequencing of positive samples can now be conducted at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) BSL-3 lab as an when required.

When asked on XBB.1.16 Covid variant responsible for the recent spike in cases, State Nodal Officer IDSP and deputy director H&FW Dr. Nyan Kikon explained that it was a new subvariant of omicron detected in December 2022 and there were about 4000 cases across the country. However, as per the available data till date, he said that there was no indication of severity and hospitalization.

Addressing a rally in Aizawl after virtually inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for 11 projects worth Rs 2,414 crore, he asserted that the establishment of peace in Mizoram is an example of the victory of Indian democracy.

“I appeal to the few remaining active militant organisations in the Northeast to return to the mainstream, become a part of the democratic process and contribute to the development of the region and the country as a whole,” he said.

“Peace has been established in Mizoram, which had faced insurgency. This is an unprecedented example of the victory of India’s democracy,” he said.

Shah inaugurated the new Assam Rifles battalion headquarters complex in the state. He said that the Northeast was suffering from insurgencies, lack of rail, road and air connectivity and there was “no trace of development” when the Modi government came to power at the Centre in 2014.

“In the last nine years, we have succeeded in bringing peace in Northeast, improved connectivity and brought the region at par with other parts of the country in terms of development,” Shah said.

Shah said that since 2014, incidents of violence in the Northeast have dipped by 67 per cent, while deaths of security forces have reduced by 60 per cent and civilian deaths have gone down by 83 per cent.

“Around 8,000 militants in the region have surrendered since 2014. We have signed a peace agreement with NLFT in Tripura in 2019, rehabilitated 37,000 Brus in Tripura, and brought peace in Assam by signing the Bodo Accord in 2020 and a peace agreement in Karbi Anglong in 2022. Also, there has been a 70 per cent reduction of areas under the jurisdiction of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958,” he said.

NSF seeks CM’s intervention on ‘pressing issues’

DIMAPUR, APR 1 (NPN):

Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) sought the state chief minister’s “immediate and effective intervention” on several pressing issues including “Indo-Naga” political issue, NSSB and ILP among others.

In a representation chief minister, NSF president Kegwayhun Tep expressed concern over the growing divide amongst the various sections of the Naga society and appealed to the government to “sincerely and proactively work” towards ensuring peace and

Kohima police traffic advisory for G20 meet

DIMAPUR, APR 1 (NPN): With various programmes planned at different locations G20 Business Summit at Kohima town from April 4-6, 2023, the Kohima police have put in place traffic plan for three days to ensure smooth conduct of the summit and in the interest of public convenience.

According to Kohima police PRO, the following locations have been declared as ‘No Parking Zones’— Aradura Retreat to TCP Gate via Mohonkhola/ BOC/PHQJn/Classic Island/SKV petrol pumb; TCP Gate to High School Junction via Phoolbari/Old NST/ Razhu Point/ Kezieke/Teenpati and High School Junction to Vivor Hotel via Ruzhukhrie GHSS/ DUDA Guest House.

PRO warned that any vehicle parked within or in the ROW (Right of Way) of a two-lane road within Kohima Municipal limits would be towed and penalized. Further, PRO said that towing charges would be recovered from the vehicle owner. ROW can be identified

More heatwave days from April to June: IMD

NEW DELHI, APR 1

(PTI): Most of India, barring parts of northwest and peninsular region, is expected to experience above-normal maximum temperatures from April to June, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Saturday.

It said above-normal heatwave days are predicted in most parts of central, east and northwest India during this period.

“During the 2023 hot weather season (April to June), most parts of the country are expected to experience above-normal maximum temperatures, except for south peninsular India and some parts

of northwest India where normal to below-normal maximum temperatures are likely,” the IMD said.

“A significantly higher number of heatwave days are predicted over parts of Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Odisha, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab and Haryana,” IMD Director General Mrutyunjay Mahapatra said in a virtual press conference. A heatwave is declared if the maximum temperature of a station reaches at least 40 degrees Celsius in the plains, at least 37 degrees Celsius in coastal areas and at least 30 degrees Celsius in

hilly regions, and the departure from normal is at least 4.5 degrees Celsius.

India logged its hottest February this year since record-keeping began in 1901, according to the IMD.

However, abovenormal rainfall (37.6 mm against a normal of 29.9 mm) due to seven western disturbances, including five strong ones, kept temperatures in check in March. March 2022 was the warmest ever and the third driest in 121 years. The year also saw the country’s third-warmest April, eleventh-warmest August and eighth-warmest September since 1901.

The IMD said normal to above-normal minimum temperatures are very likely over most parts of the country, barring some areas in northeast and northwest India and isolated pockets of the peninsular region.

Last month, the Centre For Policy Research (CPR) said a review of 37 heat action plans in India shows most of them do not explicitly carry out vulnerability assessments, leaving the authorities with little data on where to direct their scarce resources.

The weather bureau said India is expected to see normal rainfall in April.

unity prevailed among the Nagas.

NSF also urged the government to work towards ensuring that Naga Political Groups (NPGs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) come together under one table for an early, inclusive,

honourable and acceptable solution to the protracted “Indo-Naga” political issue.

Further, NSF appealed to the state government to effectively liaise with the Government of India a facilitator to expedite the process of “Indo-Naga” political

dialogue with the negotiating parties and ink the final agreement in line with the unique ‘history and situation’ of the Naga people. Nagaland Staff Selection Board: The federation reiterated its demand for reducing viva-voce component in all categories to 5% of the total marks against 12.5%. NSF described as “misleading” the NSSB’s justification that 12.5% marks allocation for viva-voce component cannot be rolled-back due to the provisions contained in the NSSB regulations, 2022.

Therie regrets that people vote for money

XBB.1.16 is ‘one to watch’, WHO

Amit Shah (PTI)

Health department officials during the press meet on Saturday. (NP) Data by H&FW deptt.

NSF functionaries with chief minister Neiphiu Rio. (NSF)

Programmes on latest scientific advances for farmers

DIMAPUR: Various trainings, demonstrations and interactions are being organised for farmers so that they could incorporate the latest scientific advances and technology tools to enhance their productivity and increase their efficiency.

ATMA Tuensang: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA), Tuensang organised farmers scientist interaction on the theme, “International Year of Millets 2023” on March 30 at New Chingmei Village. During the interactive session, topics on, potential of millets to generate farmers income and ensure food and nutritional security, importance of cropping system to enhance productivity and sustainable, soil fertility management and management strategies for fall armyworm were briefly highlighted by subject experts, DAO & PD ATMA, department of agriculture, T. Supongmar Longchar, SCA, department of Soil & Water Conservation, Sentimongba, ACTO (Agro), Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Samuel Sangtam, and DPD, ATMA, Dr. Toshimenla. The interactive meet was attended by 20 farmers from Old and New Chingmei villages.

In a separate event, ATMA Tuensang organised a “field day on mus-

tard” including crop cutting experiment on March 29 at Tuensang Village, to showcase the varietal performance of the mustard variety “RGN 298”. At the programme, AFA, department of agriculture, Mosa Somba briefed the farmers about the importance, prospects and production technology of RGN 298. Farm expert, Takum Chang also shared his experience and benefits on mustard cultivation while ACTO(Agro) KVK, Samuel Sangtam highlighted about the importance of oilseed crops. Altogether, 16 farmers participated in the programme. A practical demonstration on crop cutting experiment was also conducted. The field day was coordinated by DPD, ATMA, Tuensang, Dr. Toshimenla, and was also attended by the farmers from nearby villages.

SDAO Naginimora: Sub-Divisional Agriculture

Officer (SDAO) Naginimora office held a “free distribution of Naga king chilli seedlings programme” on March 30 at Naginimora, with Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Naginimora, Temsuwati Longkumer as the special guest. The programme was attended by 63 farmers and around 3500 seedlings were distributed.

KVK Kohima: Daylong farmers scientist interaction cum multidisciplinary training programme was organised by Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Kohima on March 29, at Phenwhennyu Village.

The main objective of the interaction programme was to exchange views and experiences directly with farmers on different problems in agriculture and allied sectors. The resource persons were SMS (Plant Protection), Eliseni Tsopoe, SMS (Soil Conservation), Imtinuksung and ACTO

(Animal Science), Dr. Paihem Michui.

During the training, the farmers were briefed on organic management of kharif crops, management of fall armyworm, an invasive pest and threat to food security and animal health care. The farmers also interacted with scientists on various forms of cultivation, pest and disease management.

Peren: Farmers training under Human Resource Development, Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH) Nagaland organised by Suiketbau Agro Fed Producer Company Limited, Salt Range Foods Pvt Ltd CBBO, NAFED was held on March 25-28 at Beisupuikam Village, Peren district. During the training, the resource persons, assistant specialist horticulture, Medziphema, Dr. Mousosang and Kotuing Daime, experienced scientific beekeeper, conducted five ses-

sion wherein scientific bee keeping and horticulture farming were discussed.

ATMA Nagaland: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Nagaland comprising of four districts viz. Kohima, Wokha, Mokokchung and Zunheboto conducted within state farmers training and exposure visit on March 27-29 at the Central Institute of Horticulture (CIH) Medziphema Nagaland, Nagaland Bamboo Resource centre, Sovima, Mushroom Development Centre at State Horticulture Nursery (Green Park) and Organic A.C Market at (Agri Expo) Nagaland. Resource persons at the CIH were, horticulture specialist, A.K Singh, senior farm manager, Petekhrienuo, JRF, DBT, Jungshienla Jamir, senior technical assistant, Mhasizotuo and technical consultant, Arvind Singh. Farmers were trained

1st Death Anniversary of our beloved mother

Neipieü Pienyü

(2nd April, 2022)

A year has passed since you left us on this day, the 2 nd of April 2022 to be with the Lord. But the good memories that you have left behind are not forgotten. Your good deeds, kind words and the sacrifices that you made for us will always be remembered.

Loving Husband, Children, In-laws, Grandchildren and Family Members K-712/23

NEWS IN BRIEF

on nursery management techniques in horticulture. Demonstration on the nursery management of rootsocks on Citrus (Mandarin) and Grafting of Mandarin was also done with an active participation of the farmers. Altogether 50 farmers from the four districts and 13 ATMA officials comprising of six deputy project directors, two Block Technology Managers, four Assistant Technology Mangers and one computer Operator participated in the programme.

ATMA Dimapur: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Dimapur organised within state farmers training cum exposure visit to State Soil & Water Conservation Research Centre, Sechu Zubza on March 30. The programme focused on the protection of soil & water resources which is critical for the health of the earth’s resources, watersheds, and plants and animals. A total of 15 farmers and four ATMA staffs were part of the visit. Resource persons, ASCO (R) Zuchumi Ovung highlighted the visiting team on different conservation measures of soil while S.C.A, Pango Lea talked about the importance of soil and water conservation. The training consisted of theoretical, interactive and practical sessions.

NSCN (Akato) greets: NSCN/GPRN (Akato) has conveyed warm greetings to Konyak, Phom and Chang Nagas on their joyous occasion of Aoleang Mongyu (Konyak), Phom Monyu (Phom) and Kundaglun (Chang) festivals. NSCN (Akato) hoped that the bond of brotherhood continues to remain strong and to usher into peace and unity between the Naga families. Morung inaugurated at Nganching: Nganching Village Changlehong Khel Morung was inaugurated by Manpon Konyak C, MLA, on April 1 in the presence of ADC Phuleshe K Yepthomi. The MLA urged the villagers to optimise the morung and asked them to extend cooperation to the government for all developmental works.

ASUD inaugurates building: Ao Students Union Dimapur (ASUD) inaugurated its commercial building on March 31, which was dedicated by Dimapur Ao Baptist Arogo (DABA) pastor Rev I Wati. Ao Senso Telongjem president, Meren Nokpu; ASUD president, Temsukaba Aier, ASUD treasurer, K Nuken Jamir and building committee convenor, Limatangit Lemtur delivered short speeches. The programme was chaired by Imtinaro T Longkumer and benediction by DABA asso. pastor Rev Dr Lima Jamir.

LSU 1st presidential conclave: Lazami Students’ Union held its 1st presidential conclave on April 1 at LCS Building Kohima with C. Pukhato Swu, the oldest living president who exhorted the attendees, and former president, Vitoho Tsuipu delivered the words of encouragement.

One killed in hit-and-run case

DIMAPUR: One non-local male died on spot following a hit-and-run incident near Dimapur Toll Tax Burma Camp, Dimapur. Police said the incident happened around 3:30 a.m., Saturday morning. In a press release, Dimapur police PRO informed that the deceased, an unidentified pedestrian aged between 28-30 years height 5’3 ft (approximate), was hit and ran over by an unknown vehicle.

Police said the said pedestrian sustained head injury and died on the spot. The deceased was wearing blue/red checked shirt, blue jean pant, black belt and a pair of red slippers. After observing all legal formalities, PRO informed that the dead body was shifted to District Hospital Dimapur morgue for identification and post mortem examination and a case has been registered.

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY In Loving Memory of Lt. Er. Kahoto Sema

15th November 1948 – 2nd April 2022

Romans 14:8 “If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

On this day, 2nd of April 2022, we lost a husband, father, father-in-law and grandpa, also a leader to many of us.

Your strong personality, your love, kindness, simplicity & the impact that you've had on us shall always keep us guiding and inspiring us.

You live on in our hearts and thoughts forever.

You're deeply missed beyond words.

DP-1419/23

Loving Wife, Children, In-laws and Grandchildren

(L) Participants after the farmers scientist interaction. (R) Staff of SDAO Naginimora and beneficiaries.

APRIL 2

Minister Bashang assures to improve Tuensang health sector

tory service to the patients and ensure that they were provide a “friendly environment”.

The minister also interacted with the staffs and enquired about the various areas that needed improvements. In the course of interactions, he learnt of the” humongous enhancement” requirement of the hospital.

Chang also expressed pleasure over the cleanliness of the hospital and encouraged the entire medical staff to continue to strive even more “vigorously” for the overall improvement of the hospital and health service delivery system.

Cleanliness drive along NH-29 stretch ahead of G20 Summit

Volunteers taking part in Cleanliness drive along NH-29 stretch on Saturday. (NP)

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, APRIL 1

DIMAPUR: Minister, Public Works Department (PWD) housing and mechanical engineering. P.

Bashang Chang paid a maiden visit to District Hospital Tuensang (DHT) on Saturday and assured to improve the facilities of the hospital and overall health sector of the district. A press release by PA to minister informed that Chang’s visit was part

of his “exuberance tour program” and in line with his election promise to improve the health sector while emphasizing more on “overhauling and development of health system.”

Chang lamented that patients from the district incur more expenditure while availing treatment from outside the district due to the unavailability of facilities and shortage

of specialised doctors and technicians at DHT. Underscoring the need to improve facilities at DHT in order to provide better health services to the public, the minister said he was committed to support and cooperate in building a “healthy hospital”. He also encouraged the doctors and hospital staff to ensure satisfac -

During the visit, the minister inspected the hospital wards, ten bedded ICU, Labor room and dialysis centre and interacted with the inpatients and relatives.

DHT medical superintendent, Dr. Puse Leigise highlighted various challenges and grievances faced by the hospital such as non-availability of specialized doctors, the need to renovate the staff quarter among other issues.

Educational institutions organise various programmes

(NPN): In view of the upcoming G20 Business Summit at Kohima, cleanliness drive was carried out along Purana Bazaar-Chumoukedima stretch of NH-29 on Saturday by volunteers from different villages, colonies, Churches and Tetso College. Workers were seen clean -

ing the roads and repairing street lights. It was learnt that the delegates from around the world would be arriving Nagaland on April 4 and travel by road from Dimapur Airport to Niathu resort, and head to Kohima on the same day. In this regard, the administration directed all villages between Purana Bazaar to Chumoukedima

to clean the roads in their respective jurisdiction before the arrival of the guests. Further, it was informed that another beautification drive would be carried along the stretch on April 4 morning. All members of SHGs have been requested to participate in the drive and asked to coordinate with acting GB of Niathu Khel Gebou Metha.

District level awareness programme on KGVY

DIMAPUR: A one-day district level awareness programme on Khadi Gramodyog Vikas Yojana (KGVY) was jointly organised by Khadi and Village Industries Commission (KVIC) Dimapur and Little Hut Chümoukedima on March 31 at Little Hut Conference Hall, Chümoukedima. A press release by Little Hut informed that during the programme, KVIC Dimapur director, A.S Deewan highlighted the

various activities of the department being undertaken to promote entrepreneurship, and urged the participants to take keen interest in the KGVY scheme. District officer KVIC Dimapur, Manoj Kumar and Sani Pongen said the main objective of KGVY scheme was to promote generation of employment opportunities for rural artisans through implementation of various schemes and programmes.

DMC organises capacity building training

DIMAP UR: As part of the capacity building under Swachh Bharat MissionUrban 2.0 (SBM-U-2.0), Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) organised a “Capacity Building Training on segregation of waste, solid waste management rules, Ewaste management rules and other existing waste management rules,” on March 31.

Participants attend a training on capacity building.

DIMAPU R: Educational institutions across the state have been organising various programmes and activities as part of its academic and extracurricular activities.

KSC: A two-day international workshop on “Ethnographic Fieldwork and Field Recording” was organised by Kohima Science College (KSC) department of anthropology on March 29-30 at KSC, Jotsoma.

The workshop was funded by the department of anthropology, KSC, Jotsoma, The Highland Institute, Kohima, Anthropological Society of Nagaland, Kohima, and Firebird Foundation for Anthropological Research, USA. A keynote address on “Fieldwork among Indigenous Communities” was delivered by Dr. Anungla Aier, KSC former principal, retired director department of higher education, and a recipient of Governor Gold Medal. Speaking on the uniqueness of indigenous communities, Dr. Anungla underscored the importance and relevance of ethnography as a method and as a product in understanding and revealing the tacit knowledge and experiences of the indigenous communities. She highlighted the importance of ethnographic method as a qualitative research method and its wide applicability and usefulness not only in anthropological research but also in other social science disciplines including market research appraising the edge of ethnographic method. Resource person was Dr. Christian Poske, an ethnomusicologist who has worked extensively on the performing arts of eastern and northeaster India and Bangladesh, and a fellow at the Highland Institute, Kohima. Dr. Poske delivered his first address on “Ethnographic Fieldwork in Ethnomusicology” highlighting the close relation between ethnomusicology and anthropology. Dr. Poske also conducted six

sessions each followed by a group activity session. The sessions focused on the technical aspects of conducting research work and imparting hands-on training on handling different tools and devices for collecting and recording data.

IC: Science Club of Immanuel College in collaboration with Department of Botany, Chemistry, Zoology, Geology and Environmental Studies, Immanuel College, Dimapur organized the 2nd Inter -College Science Fair “PEIRAMA 2023” under the theme, “Role of Modern Science in Sustainable Development” on April 1 at the College Conference Hall. Students from various colleges took part in the events.

Earlier, in a separate event, a “professional development program on research methodology and research writing” was organised by the Research & Journal Committee, Immanuel College (IC) for the faculty members of the college on March 30 at the College Conference Hall. The objective of the programme was to help the faculty members gain in-depth knowledge about research methodology and research writing. Resource person, St Joseph University, Chumoukedima, assistant professor (department of economics) Dr. Patrick Praveen Dukpa highlighted on the importance of research and the proper means and ways to go about it. The sessions concluded with a light exercise by the resource person where all departments were given the challenge to think of one topic of research and the objectives of the given topic within five minutes.

FAC: Fazl Ali College (FAC) Mokokchung has emerged the leader in National Cadet Corps (NCC) activities and was adjudged “Best College” amongst 17 colleges under 25 Naga Bn NCC during the training year 202223. The award ceremony

was held on March 31 at FAC, Mokokchung, which was attended by principal FAC, Dr Wati Imchen, commanding officer, 25 Naga Bn NCC, Col CST Swamy, vice principal, Vinod Kumar, ANO Lt Leremongla, CTO, Dr Imliwati Longkumer, PI staff and a large no of NCC cadets. Speaking on the occasion, Col CST Swamy read out a message from Brig Praveen Sangwan, NCC Group Commander Kohima congratulating cadets of FAC and appreciating the college management for unflinching support for NCC activities. In his presidential address, Dr Wati Imchen thanked all staff of 25 Naga Bn NCC for providing timely guidance and whole hearted support to the college. The “Best Performance” trophy and certificate appreciation was handed over to the principal by the commanding officer and “Best ANO” certificate was handed over to Lt Leremongla.

In a separate event, FAC Career Guidance and Counselling Cell organized a career guidance program for the 6th Semester of BA, B.Sc on March 31. During the programme, operations manager Emporium Skills Training Institute, Dimapur, Anirban Mukherjee spoke on the avenues available in the field of aviation, hospitality, cruise-lines shipping and overseas jobs worldwide with information on pay package provided by the industry. 143 students participated in the programme.

DBCK: The Research and Development Cell, Don Bosco College, Kohima (DBCK) in collaboration with Nagaland International Research Centre (NIRC) on March 31 organised the 19th Research Day at Duolhou Garden, Kohima. At the programme, special invitee, Dr. Vizovol Mekro, retired principal, department of higher education, gave a talk on the essentiality and the need for research. He stressed on mass tourism,

on the benefit of tourism, and how it benefits the local people. Advisor, NIRC and senior fellow Asian Confluence Shillong, Meghalaya, Dr Khriezo Yhome also exhorted the gathering on the research matters and talked about the research institution which provides a platform for economic purposes, and how the mission of INRC was to build a bridge or fill the gap between the Nagas and international countries. SaniheAriijii and Viphreseno Yhokha, department of Sociology, DBCK gave paper presentations.

TC: The Department of Linguistics in collaboration with the Research and Development Cell, Tetso College, Chumoukedima organised a talk titled, “Language Endangerment in the Northeast: From Despair to Hope.” During the programme, the special lecture was delivered by director of the North Eastern Institute of Language and Culture (NEILAC), Guwahati, Rev. Dr. Vijay A. D’Souza. In the talk, Dr. D’Souza elaborated on the linguistic situation in the north east. Globally, he said about 80% of the 7,000+ languages of the world are spoken by about 20% of the world’s population. He informed that north east region of India alone was home to at least 200 languages. Dr. D’Souza said that most of these languages have less than 10,000 speakers each, and are considered to be at the stage of “endangered” or “moribund” as per the UNESCO’s 2003 Vitality Index. He drew on the historical and contemporary reasons for the endangerment of these languages as well as pointed out the cultural loss and the mental and physical harm caused to the people of these communities through language endangerment.

PGC: National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) Steering Committee of Phek Government College (PGC)

Phek on March 31 organised a workshop to deliberate on the preparedness of the institution, for its 2nd NAAC Assessment cycle. The members of NAAC steering committee and assistant professors, Vinituonuo Krose, Neiwe Mero, Dr. H. Atoholi, Jonathan Kikon, Dr. Zhokusheyi Rhakho, Dr. Nutazo Lohe and Dr. Levinu Sakhrie gave presentations on the various criteria.

In a separate programme, Department of Botany, PGC organised a demonstration programme on cultivation of shiitake mushroom (Lentinula edodes) using logs on March 31 at the Skill Centre of the College. The trainers of the demonstration, PGC assistant professors (department of Botany) Dr. Neilhousano Nakhro and Shesalu Lohe, gave a talk on the importance of shiitake mushroom, procedures involved in the cultivation, and the steps for its maintenance.

SJU: The placement cell of St Joseph University, Chumoukedima in collaboration with Talent Acquaintance, a reputed recruitment consultant, conducted a campus placement drive on March 31 for the final year students of PGs and UGs. At the programme, managing director of Talent Acquaintance, Sashilemba B Aier, addressed the students and explained in detail the nature of his company, the current job market scenario in Nagaland and the need to acquire good communication skills in order to have a successful career.

SJU dean of administration, Rev Dr Sr Arockia Mary encouraged the students to make the best use of the placement opportunities that the university offers.

CRIMH&SC: Students along with the faculty of the Carl Rogers Institute of Mental Health and School Counselling, Kohima, conducted a field trip to Mental Hospital Kohima on March 30.

In a press release, DMC informed that the training was organised for its sanitation wing comprising of sanitation workers, sardars, sanitation inspecto rs and

officials.

During the training, DMC administrator, W Manpai Phom delivered the keynote address while

DC Kohima informs shopkeepers

DIMAPUR: In view of the upcoming G20 Summit scheduled to be held in Kohima on April 4 and 5, while considering the importance of showcasing the vibrant life of Kohima city, the Deputy Commissioner Kohima Shanavas C has appealed to all shopkeepers and

business establishments in Kohima city to keep their shops/business open till 7:30 pm on April 4 and 5. The Deputy Commissioner also requested the Kohima District Chamber of Commerce & Industries to ensure wide dissemination of information and its adherence.

resource persons from LiFE Living for Environment, an environmental NGO and ECircle, sensitised the trainees on different topics.

Resource person and others at KSC, Jotsoma. Resource persons and participants at IC. Col CST Swamy, principal FAC and NCC cadets.

Minister P. Bashang Chang interacting with a patient at District Hospital Tuensang.

All 8 NE capitals to be connected by air, rail, and road by 2025: Shah

Shah shown black flag by Cong

AIZAWL, APR 1 (PTI): Union Home Minister Amit Shah was shown black flags by Congress party workers during his visit to Mizoram’s capital Aizawl to inaugurate development projects on Saturday.

The opposition party was protesting against the disqualification from Parliament of its national leader Rahul Gandhi recently after conviction in a defamation case.

Leaders of the state state congress and functionaries of various frontal organisations held peaceful demonstration to extend solidarity to Gandhi.

The protesters carried placards and waved black flags as the Union Home Minister entered Lammual or Assam Rifles ground to address a public meeting.

Manipur bans sale of land to non-indigenous people

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 1: Sale of land to the non-indigenous people has been banned in Manipur with the publication of the amendment of the Manipur Regulation of Sale Deed Registration Rules, 2019 in the state gazette. The notification amending the Manipur Regulation of Sale Deed Registration Rules, 2019 was published in the Manipur Gazette on March 10, 2023, an official source in the state revenue department said.

Two ranges of Kaziranga to shut for Prez visit

The amendment also stated that the registration of sale deed, gift deed or mortgage deed shall not be in contravention of any of the provisions of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873 as adopted in the state of Manipur.

Manipur came under the Inner Line Permit (ILP) regime with the extension of the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations. The President of India ordered the extension of the regime in the state on December 11, 2019 and came into effect in Manipur from January 1, 2020.

NEW DELHI, APR 1

(AGENCIES): Union

Home Minister Amit Shah who arrived in Mizoram on Saturday (April 1) announced plans to connect all eight state capitals in the North East with air, rail, and road links by 2025.

Speaking during his visit to Mizoram, Shah praised the state’s success as an example of India’s democracy, citing the appointment

of Zoramthanga as Chief Minister as evidence of peace and stability in the region.

“All 8 state capitals in the North East will be connected by air, rail, and road before 2025,” Shah said.

“At one time there was unrest and violence here, but today Zoramthanga is the CM of Mizoram, this is an example of democracy in India. Today,

there is peace here. I appeal to all armed groups in the northeast to join the mainstream, become a part of the democratic process and give their contribution in the development of the region and the country,” he further said. Shah was in Aizawl to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of several infrastructure projects worth Rs 2,415 crore. These

Tripura to host G20 conclave on clean energy from Monday

mem bers,” said Special Secretary of Industries and Commerce, Abhishek Chandra, told the media at the Civil Secretariat here.

“There will be nine sessions on various topics during the conclave.

The G-20 delegation will also visit Oxygen Park and join a Yoga session. Besides, they will also visit the Agartala Book fair,” he said.

AGARTALA, APR 1

(PTI): Around 75 delegates will be arriving in Tripura on Sunday for a science conclave titled ‘clean energy for green future’ as part of the G20 meetings, Chief Minister Manik Saha said.

The event will be held on April 3 and 4 at the International Fair Ground at Agartala, the capital of the northeastern state.

“This will be a big opportunity for the state to showcase its wealth and resources before the global stage,” the chief minister said while speaking at a

programme at Badharghat in West Tripura district on Saturday.

Saha said that earlier it was decided that the conclave will be held in Guwahati but Prime Minister Narendra Modi batted for hoisting such an event in Agartala.

Delegates from several G20 countries including the US, China and Brazil and nine European nations will be joining the ‘clean energy for green future’ conclave.

“Delegates from Bangladesh will also be attending the event as invitee

Himanta Biswa Sarma

GUWAHATI, APR 1

(PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma Saturday said top designers should be consulted to prepare a catalogue of Assam silk products like ‘muga’ and ‘eri’ to attract global customers.

He urged the people of the state to buy at least one handloom ‘gamosa’ (traditional scarf or towel) during the coming Rongali Bihu, celebrated in midApril marking the Assamese new year, to encourage weavers in the state.

Silk products of Assam like ‘muga’ and ‘eri’ are in great demand in the global market but diversification is needed to tap its full potential, he said at the inauguration of a Golden Silk Park and Trade Centre here.

While there has been some diversification, constant improvement is needed to capture the global market, he added.

“We have been seeing

the same design of muga necktie for the last 20 years. Only making new products will not help unless we constantly improve them.

“For this the handloom and textiles department should make a diversified design catalogue and consult top designers of the country,” Sarma said.

Urging people to procure gamosas from the local weavers for the coming Bihu, he said. “There are 60 lakh families in our state. If each of them buy even one handwoven gamosa, it will be a big help for the weavers and our economy. At the same time, I ask the people to alert the authorities if anyone is found selling powerloom gamosas”.

The state government has imposed restrictions on selling of powerloom gamosas and ‘mekhela-sadors’ (traditional Assamese women attire) in order to encourage the handloom sector.

include the construction of an Assam Rifles Battalion Headquarters Complex in Zokhawsang, and an Integrated Command and Control Centre under Smart City Ltd (ASCL). The construction of Zorinpui-Longmasu NH-502A, Aizawl Bypass (Package-1) NH-6, Aizawl Bypass (Package-3) NH-6, and the Laldenga Centre were also part of the projects

Correspondent

They also shouted slogans demanding justice to Gandhi. The protesters alleged that the BJP was targetting Gandhi to defend business tycoon Adani.

They also accused the BJP of suppressing freedom of speech and said that the party ruling the federal government “feared exposure of its wrong doings” and hence was trying to divert pubic attention.

The notification stated, “No deed shall be registered for transfer of land by way of gift, sale or mortgage, from indigenous person to a non-indigenous person, as define under rules or guidelines framed under the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulations, 1873 as adopted in the state of Manipur vide Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India Gazette Notification dated 11.12.2019.”

The Inspector General of Registration made the amendment in exercise of the power conferred under section 69(1)(J) of the Registration Act 1908.

The ILP was adopted in the state with the sole objective of checking the influx of migrants and saving the culture, identity, tradition and demographic structure of the indigenous people of the state. As resolved by the state government, 1961 is the base year for determining the “Native” status for the effective implementation of the ILP system.

However, even various CSOs, particularly the Joint Committee on Inner Line Permit System (JCILPS) has been pressing the state government to adopt 1951 as base year to determine the native status.

GUWAHATI, APR 1

(PTI): Two ranges of the Kaziranga National Park (KNP) will remain closed for tourists on April 6 and 7 during President Droupadi Murmu’s visit, a senior forest officer said.

KNP authorities had on March 22 announced that four ranges of the national park will remain closed during Murmu’s visit. The national park has six ranges but safaris take place in four.

“Both jeep and elephant safaris in Kohora and Bagori ranges will remain closed for tourists on April 6 and 7, but Burapahar and Agoratoli ranges will be open for the visitors,” Divisional Forest Officer of Eastern Assam Wildlife Division, Ramesh Gogoi, said on Saturday. The President is scheduled to take part in twoday ‘Gaj Utsav-2023’ from April 6. She will visit KNP and go on jeep and elephant safaris, an official of the national park said. The annual ‘Gaj Utsav’ event is being jointly organised by the Union and state government this year.

The chief minister is scheduled to meet the G20 delegates on Sunday and inaugurate an exhibition showcasing the state’s art, culture, heritage and business opportunities.

India assumed the Presidency of the G20 or Group of 20 for one year from December 1, 2022.

New Delhi has decided to host around 200 G20 meetings across the country during its yearlong Presidency of the intergovernmental forum of the world’s major developed and developing economies.

SHILLONG, APR 1: The A’chik Conscious Holistically Integrated Krima (ACHIK), an NGO from the Garo Hills region has petitioned Chief Minister Conrad Sangma to declare Tura, headquarters of the West Garo Hills as ‘winter capital’ of Meghalaya, in keeping with the long cherished dream and the promise of the government since statehood.In its letter, the ACHIK said that this move would ensure “equitable distribution of development and administration” across the state and would lead to the overall uplift of the people of Meghalaya, and “not just a particular region”.

Having a “second capital” in Tura will reduce geo-physical barrier, the organization contended.

“The second capital will bring equal development to the state as the Garo Hills region will not be left behind,” it wrote to the Chief Minister.

The ACHIK also urged the government to shift the

Additional Secretariat to Tura. “This move is crucial in expediting the implementation process of devolution of power and promotion of development in the Garo Hills region. The shifting of the Additional Secretariat to Tura would have a significant impact on promoting good governance in the region. It is an essential step towards bringing the governance closer to the people of Garo Hills. This move would also uphold the ideals of democracy, where the power is devolved to the grassroots level,” the ACHIK reasoned in its petition to the Chief Minister. It further said that the proposed winter capital would help in decentralization and devolution of power as “these are two key components of good governance that promotes a healthy democracy”.

“The establishment of a winter capital could provide a much-needed boost to the local economy, creating new jobs and opportunities,” it added.

The ACHIK also pointed out that Tura experiences

CCTV cameras installed to catch those dumping garbage in Guwahati go viral

GUWAHATI, APR 1

(PTI): A day after a social media post of a garbage heap near Assam capital Dispur went viral with the Urban Affairs minister pleading helplessness in dealing with the matter, the authorities on Saturday installed CCTV cameras in the area to identify those who are dumping trash on the road. The plan worked as several people were caught red-handed trying to throw garbage there. The Guwahati Municipal Corporation (GMC) chided and let them off with warnings, an of -

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 1: Two drivers kidnapped by suspected militants on NH-2 (Imphal-Dimapur section) were rescued unharmed, a police source said on Saturday.

A strong combined team of Manipur police commandos and Kangpokpi district police rescued the drivers from the thick forest in Kangpokpi district around 11.30 am on Saturday. The rescued drivers were identified as Abi -

ficial release said.

Besides, a local shop was sealed and its license cancelled for violating norms of the GMC.

Photos of a huge pile of garbage at the entrance of Harijan Colony in Dispur area under ward number 48, which the GMC has declared a model ward, had been circulating on Twitter since Friday.

Retweeting the post, Urban Affairs Minister Ashok Singhal had written on Friday: “I am helpless.”

This led to sharp reactions on the micro-blogging site, with most questioning

bur Khan (28) and Rakhibul Khan (30) from Assam’s Barpetta and were kidnapped while heading to Imphal with a Bolero brand vehicle (AS01ILP-4554) transporting chicken from Guwahati.

The police handed over the vehicle along with the rescued drivers to the owner of the vehicle, Hanjabam Tarunkumar Singh of Wangkhei Khunou, in Imphal in the afternoon.

The police said that acting on information provided by the authority of

the minister for his failure to address the issue of scientific and systematic garbage disposal in the capital.

Many also commented that the citizens also need to act responsibly and use designated areas for throwing their trash.

The GMC authorities on Saturday carried out a cleaning drive in the area, removing all the heaps of garbage, the release said.

Several local people who were trying to dump trash in the area were sensitised against it and let off with warnings, the release added.

the 4th Assam Rifles about the kidnapping of the two drivers by suspected militants, a strong team of police commandos from Imphal rushed to Kangpokpi district headquarters and launched a rescue operation along with the district police around 8.30 am on Saturday.

The joint team conducted an intensive rescue operation in the forest areas of the site where the two drivers were abducted. After a hectic search operation, the combined

relatively mild weather conditions during the winter months, which makes it an ideal location for the winter capital, compared to the harsh winters in state capital Shillong.

“The creation of a winter capital in Tura can be the greatest avenue that a state government can create for the Khasi-Jaintia brethren to explore Garo Hills. This can significantly improve the communication and relationship between the two ethnic groups and promote mutual understanding and respect besides communal harmony,” it underscored.

The ACHIK pointed out that there are several examples of Indian states having multiple capitals

with Andhra Pradesh having three, Himachal Pradesh two, Jammu & Kashmir two, Karnataka two and Maharashtra two.

“These states have adopted the model for efficient and fair governance considering the social and ethnic diversity among other reasons. In the spirit of equality and fairness, Tura must be made the winter capital of Meghalaya as the state owes it to the general public of Tura and wider Garo Hills since the last 50 years,” the organisation said.

The ACHIK said that there is also a need to transfer Additional Chief Secretary and the Additional DGP to Tura as this move would activate the ideals and

Assam’s militant outfit extends unilateral ceasefire by 6 months

visions of de-centralisation of power. The All Garo Hills Merchant Association (AGHMA) also said that setting up a ‘second capital’ at Tura was the need of the hour, just as the founding fathers of the state have envisioned.

AGHMA president, Thoseng Chiba Marak in a statement said, “Having a second capital in Garo Hills will not only boost the development in the region but it will also help the business sector which in turn will improve the economy of the region”. He said that governments in the past have neglected the Garo Hills region in all sectors and have turned a “deaf ear” to the demands of the Garo people for a second capital. “There are too many valid reasons for the need for the setting up of the winter capital in Tura one of which is the ethnic difference in the state. Meghalaya will not be the first to experiment with dual capital in the country, as many states have and are still in practice today,” Marak said.

Sikkim reports three corona positive cases

APRIL 1 (IANS):

GUWAHATI,

Assam’s militant outfit Dimasa National Liberation Army (DNLA) on Saturday announced extension of unilateral ceasefire.

Juhthai, the chairman of the outfit, wrote to Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informing DNLA’s decision to extend the ceasefire by another six months.

The letter said, “We hereby inform you that the Dimasa National Liberation Army has resolved to extend the ceasefire period by another six months, from April 2023 to September 30, 2023 for better peaceful environ-

team intercepted the two drivers at a secluded spot in the thick forest where they were abandoned by the kidnappers on seeing security forces approaching around 11.30 am. Further search in the area led to the recovery of the vehicle confiscated along with the drivers, the police said.

Quoting the drivers, the police said that the suspected militants abandoned the drivers in the thick forest before fleeing on seeing the police force approaching the site.

ment, developmental talks and co-relation among us.”

On September 2021, the DNLA in response to Assam Chief Minister’s demand for peace had declared a unilateral ceasefire for a period of six months.

The declaration came precisely two weeks after the DNLA was accused of opening fire on a convoy of seven trucks on August 26 in the Dima Hasao district, killing five people and injuring one.

The DNLA was established in April 2019 to pursue Dimasa people’s sovereignty through an armed campaign.

Regd. No. 178/2023

GANGTOK, APR 1 (PTI): Sikkim reported three COVID-19 positive cases in past 24 hours taking the daily positivity rate to three per cent, a health department bulletin said on Saturday.

Sikkim now has 22 positive cases and a total 97 samples were tested in the past 24 hours, the bulletin said.

The caseload in the disease now stands at 44357 and the number of recoveries is 43051. The toll due to the infection stands at 500 and a total 784 affected persons had migrated out.

AffidAvit

Date 01/04/2023

I, Shri Ranglungbe Sephe, S/o P F Zeliang, resident of H/No-156, Burma Camp, East Block, Dimapur Sadar, Dimapur, Nagaland -797112 do hereby solemnly affirm and state on oath as under :-

1. That I am a law abiding citizen of India and a resident of above mentioned address.

2. That in my Class 12 NIOS October 2023 Admission, my name has been inadvertently mentioned as Ranglungbe whereas my actual/correct name is Ranglungbe Sephe.

3. That the names Ranglungbe and Ranglungbe Sephe refers to the one and same person.

4. That this affidavit is made to declare that Ranglungbe and Ranglungbe Sephe are the one and same person, henceforth the name Ranglungbe Sephe shall be used for all official and future correspondence and the present affidavit may be used as a piece of documentary evidence before any competent authority.

Amit Shah at the inauguration and foundation stone laying of various development projects worth Rs. 2415 crore, in Aizawl, Mizoram, Saturday. (PTI)

‘Winter capital’ in Meghalaya’s Tura sought

2 kidnapped drivers rescued unharmed in Manipur

‘Designers should be consulted for Assam silk products catalogue’

SNIPPETS

4 killed as truck mows down pedestrians in Bihar

PATNA, APR 1 (IANS):

At least four people were killed in Bihar’s Purnea district after a truck driver mowed down pedestrians as he was trying to flee from an earlier accident spot, an official said on Saturday.

Following the second accident on Friday night, local residents managed to catch the driver and brutally assaulted him before handing him over to the police.

The victims were identified as Mohammad Sarbul Alam, Mohammad Hafiz Sabbir, Hafiz Ruvaid and Dipak Kumar.

“The driver of the truck met with an accident at one place. He tried to flee from the spot. While doing so, he mowed down half a dozen persons at different places. The driver was nabbed from Amaur block. We have also seized the vehicle,” said Aditya Kumar, SDPO of Bayasi renge.

1 killed, 18 injured as bus overturns in Kolkata’s Mayo Road

KOLKATA, APR 1 (PTI): One person was killed and 18 others seriously injured after a bus overturned and hit a motorcycle in central Kolkata’s Mayo Road area on Saturday evening, police said.

The minibus, which was operating on the Metiabruz-Howrah route, was heading towards the Mayo Road-Dufferin Road crossing when the accident happened around 4.40 pm, they said.

The driver of the bus suddenly lost control, following which it overturned and hit a motorcycle, they said.

The man who was killed in the accident is yet to be identified, police said, adding that he was apparently in his mid-30s.

Gurugram man duped of Rs 8.5 lakh

GURUGRAM, APR 1 (PTI): A man was allegedly duped of Rs 8.5 lakh on the promise of earning money by liking videos on YouTube, police here said on Saturday.

Sector 31 resident

Simranjeet Singh Nanda also alleged that the fraudsters added him to a Telegram group on the promise of earning higher returns on investment. However, neither did they share the profit nor return the principal amount.

He alleged in his police complaint that he received a WhatsApp message regarding an investment opportunity and connected with some people on Telegram. According to the initial proposal, he was to like videos on YouTube and promised Rs 50 per like.

Later, the fraudsters allegedly requested him to transfer some money for “merchant tasks”. Nanda transferred about Rs 8.5 lakh in four transactions on March 27, 28, 29 and 30. While he did receive some profit on the first two transactions, he did not get the invested money nor the profit, Nanda alleged.

PM Modi slams Congress; says ‘supari’ given to dent my image

BHOPAL, APR 1 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday said some people are hellbent to sully his image and they have given a “supari” (contract) for this purpose colluding with certain people sitting in India and also outside the country.

Modi’s veiled attack on Congress comes amid a slugfest between the Grand Old Party and BJP over Rahul Gandhi’s “democracy under brutal attack in India” remarks in the UK and Germany taking note of Rahul’s disqualification from Lok Sabha. The BJP has accused the Congress of “inviting foreign powers” for interfering in India’s internal matters.

The prime minister was addressing a gathering at Rani Kamalapati railway station after flagging off the semi-high-speed BhopalDelhi Vande Bharat Express train.

“There are some people in our country who have been determined since 2014, spoken publicly and declared their resolve that they will tarnish Modi’s image. For this, they have given

‘supari’ (contract) to various people.

“Some people are sitting inside the country to support these people and some are doing their work sitting outside the country. These people have been continuously trying to spoil and dent Modi’s image,” he said.

But India’s poor, the middle class, tribals, Dalits, backward classes and every Indian have become the security cover of Modi, which made these people furious forcing them to adopt new tricks, the prime minister said.

Modi said such people have taken a pledge that “Modi Teri Kabar Khudegi”.

Amidst their conspiracies, every countryman has to pay attention to the devel-

opment of the country and pay attention to building the nation, he said.

Slamming Congress without taking its name, Modi said previous governments were busy with vote bank appeasement whereas his government is busy satisfying people.

“They (the previous governments) considered one family (a reference to the Gandhis) as the first family of the country. They ignored the poor and middle class, and the Railway is a living example of this (ignorance),” he said.

Modi said when he was informed about this programme (flagging off Vande Bharat express train from Bhopal), he asked why it is scheduled on April 1.

“I said Congress friends will say that Modi will make (people) April fool but the train is being run from April 1. This is a symbol of our confidence, capabilities and skills”, he said.

The prime minister said the average Railway budget for Madhya Pradesh used to be Rs 600 crore before 2014 but it has now gone to more than Rs 13,000 crore. Modi

Arvind Kejriwal steps up attack on PM Modi over degree issue

ference here.

said previous governments could have easily upgraded the already existing rail network which India acquired after Independence but the development of railways was sacrificed due to vested political interests.

Even after decades of independence, the Northeastern states had not been connected to the rail network. Indian Railway is a common family transport but why it was not upgraded and modernized earlier”? he asked.

The prime minister also expressed deep grief over the stepwell roof collapse tragedy in a temple in Indore which killed 36 people and injured 16 on Ram Navami.

A fresh war of words erupted between BJP and the Opposition party after senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh on Thursday thanked the German foreign ministry and Richard Walker, Chief International Editor of Deutsche Welle, for “taking note of how the Democracy is being compromised in India through the persecution of Rahul Gandhi”.

NEW DELHI, APR 1 (PTI): Stepping up attack, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Saturday said the Gujarat High Court verdict on Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s degree issue had further increased the “suspicion” over claims about his academic qualification and that he would not have taken steps like note ban if he was educated.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief’s remarks came a day after the Gujarat High Court quashed a seven-yearold order of the Central Information Commission (CIC) which had asked the Gujarat University to provide information on Modi’s degree to him.

The BJP hit back at Kejriwal and said his remarks indicate that he is either on the verge of losing sanity or trying to create a ground for the future in view of the probe agencies gradually unearthing “proof” of corruption under his government.

Allowing the Gujarat University’s appeal against the CIC order, Justice Biren Vaishnav had also imposed a fine of Rs 25,000 on Kejriwal who had sought information on Modi’s college degree through RTI and asked him to deposit the

amount within four weeks to the Gujarat State Legal Services Authority (GSLSA).

“I have only one question today. Whether in the 21st century, India’s prime minister should be educated or not. Does India need an educated PM,” Kejriwal said, adding if there is a valid degree of Modi, why is Gujarat U niversity not showing it.

Gujarat University is unwilling to part with the information on Modi’s degree either due to his “arrogance” or his degree is “fake”, Kejriwal charged, firing a fresh salvo at the prime minister.

“Entire country is stunned by the High Court’s order because there should be a freedom of seeking information and asking questions in a democracy,” Kejriwal said at a press con-

The high court’s order has increased the suspicion over the prime minister’s education, he charged.

“If the prime minister had studied at Gujarat University or Delhi University, they should have been celebrating it, instead they are hiding the information,” the Delhi chief minister said.

Kejriwal pressed on with his question on Modi’s education, saying the question becomes imperative since being the “top manager” of the country, Modi has to take so many important decisions every day, including those about science and economy.

“If the prime minister is not educated, the officers and various other people will come and get his signature anywhere, get anything passed like the note ban (demonetisation) due to which the country had to suffer a lot,” he charged.

“If Prime Minister Modi was educated, he would not have implemented the note ban.” The Goods and Services Tax (GST) was “a very good concept” but the way it was implemented by the Modi government ruined the country’s economy, Kejriwal alleged.

TN, Kerala CMs inaugurate centenary Vaikom Satyagraha

NEW DELHI, APR 1 (PTI): The Congress on Saturday accused the government of making no efforts to bring about a compromise with the opposition to help end the deadlock in Parliament. Congress leader Jairam Ramesh claimed that no middle path has been found in Parliament yet, and added the budget session may well turn out to be a washout for the firsttime ever.

He also took a swipe at the government over the passage of key bills and the budget without any discussion in Parliament amid disruptions. “If the JPC demand is in the bin, the bills will be passed in the din, sadly,” he said.

The second part of the budget session of Parliament that began on March 13 has mostly seen disruptions caused by the opposition and the treasury benches. The budget session is set to end on April 6.

While the opposition unitedly has been demand-

Gujarat Cong to organise more than 300 sammelans

AHMEDABAD, APR 1 (PTI) : The Gujarat Congress will organise more than 300 ‘sammelans’ (conventions) across the state this month to highlight what it calls the failure of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, and has invited party leader Rahul Gandhi to be a part of the same, a senior party functionary said on Saturday.

ing a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) investigation into the Adani issue, the treasury benches are demanding an apology from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi over his “democracy under threat” remarks made in the United Kingdom and for seeking foreign intervention, which they allege are an insult to India and its institutions.

Ramesh said the government got the finance bill passed amid a din in the Lok Sabha and the same was returned by the Rajya Sabha in a similar situation. He claimed that more such bills may be passed in the coming days. “If the

JPC demand is in the bin, the bills will be passed in the din, sadly. The demand is for the JPC in the Adani issue. All 19 opposition parties stand united on the JPC demand on the Adani issue and this will continue on Monday,” he said. He claimed that the government pushed the Competition Act Amendment Bill and the Finance Bill amid a din.

“There is no middle path that has been found, there has been no communication between the government and the opposition parties. Absolutely none. There has been one attempt made by the Speaker and one attempt made by the (Rajya Sabha) chairman, but no attempt is made by the ruling party to work out a compromise,” he also said. Ramesh noted that the Rajya Sabha chairman during his meeting with the opposition parties did not give any formula for a compromise and only told them to be less rigid.

K OTTAYAM, APR 1 (PTI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and his Tamil Nadu counterpart M K Stalin on Saturday jointly inaugurated the centenary celebrations of the Vaikom Satyagraha here and said the values of the historic struggle will provide energy to meet the challenges faced by the country today.

The historic Vaikom struggle (1924-25) was against untouchability and it demanded that the ban be lifted on the oppressed people to walk on roads in and around the Mahadeva Temple at Vaikom town in Kottayam district of Kerala.

Addressing a massive gathering at Vaikom at an event organised by the Kerala government, Vijayan urged the people to draw values from the Vaikom Satyagraha and to fight back the efforts being made to take the society back to the old social condition with caste discrimination and other social evils.

“Our national movement upheld the values of secularism and it is one of the cornerstones of our

among them and he was jailed.

Though other participants of the struggle were treated as political prisoners, Periyar was treated badly and he was shackled and imprisoned for 74 days and he devoted 141 days for the Vaikom satyagraha.

Periyar belongs to the whole world and his ideology is common to all the people and the entire world, Stalin said.

cluding Sri Narayana Guru, Ayyan Kali, TK Madhavan, Ramalinga Adigalar, Ayya Vaikundar, Ayothidasar, and Periyar.

Kerala CM Vijayan and Tamil Nadu CM Stalin jointly inaugurate Vaikom Satyagraha centenary celebrations. (PTI) Constitution. But these days, attempts are being made to declare India a religious state by rejecting our Constitution. There are attempts to replace our Constitution with Manusmriti.

All this only serves to bring old social evils back into the society,” Vijayan said.

Stalin, who began his speech in Malayalam, said the historic Vaikom struggle for social justice and against untouchability was the nation’s pioneering movement that inspired the whole country.

The Tamil Nadu Chief Minister recalled the revolutionary movements of Kerala and Tamil Nadu and listed legendary leaders in-

Shah reaches Bihar; BJP, JD(U) trade charges over cancellation of Sasaram visit

Shah’s function, a charge rejected by the Nitish Kumar government.

Rohtas District Magistrate Dharmendra Kumar issued a video statement saying: “Section 144 was never imposed. No such order was passed by myself or the Sub Divisional Magistrate concerned. Order was completely restored in Sasaram by Friday evening. We did resort to restrictions like suspending internet services for a day”.

“At a time when casteist and communal Sanathana/ Varnasrama forces are thinking of domineering again... we have this duty more and in this mission, Periyar the beacon, would be useful...the Vaikom struggle is the beacon light and similar to the unity seen a century ago, let us work together,” Stalin said.

Tracing the epic Vaikom movement, he said Periyar led the protest as all the Kerala leaders were arrested. He mobilised people and created awareness

The TN Chief Minister said all have to work hard together for the ideology of Periyar to win. Both the Tamil Nadu and Kerala governments have to disseminate the struggle movement witnessed all along to the younger generation.

At a time when casteist and communal Sanathana/Varnasrama forces are thinking at domineering again, “we have this duty more” and in this mission, Periyar the beacon, would be useful, he said.

Vaikom struggle is the beacon light and similar to the unity seen a century ago, “let us work together,” he said.

India-China border now stable, situation of ‘emergency control’ over: Chinese diplomat

KOLKATA, APR 1 (PTI): The earlier situation of “emergency control” at the India-China border is a matter of the past, and overall it is stable at present, a senior Chinese diplomat said here. Interacting with journalists on Friday evening, Minister Counsellor of the Chinese Embassy in India, Chen Jianjun, said the two Asian giants continue to maintain communication via diplomatic and military channels, promoting the transition of the

border situation to “normalised management and control”. “The current border situation is overall stable,” he said. Indian and Chinese soldiers clashed along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the Tawang sector of Arunachal Pradesh on December 9, resulting in minor injuries to a few personnel from both sides. The clash near Yangtse in the sensitive sector took place amid the border standoff between the two sides in eastern Ladakh.

Advocate

shot dead in southwest Delhi

NEW DELHI, APR 1

(PTI): A 53-year-old advocate was shot dead in southwest Delhi’s Dwarka on Saturday evening, police said.

Two assailants on a motorcycle shot at advocate Virender Kumar who was in a car, Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) M Harsh Vardhan said.

Kumar lived in Dwarka Sector-12, police said, adding that he was an advocate by profession.

Talking to reporters, state Congress president Jagdish Thakor said the party plans to organise sammelans in 251 talukas, 33 districts and eight metro centres in two phases, between April 6-12 and April 15-25.

Gandhi has been invited to Gujarat between April 20 and April 25 to lend his support, he said.

Gandhi was last in Surat on March 23 to appear before a court, which convicted him in a criminal defamation case and sentenced h im to two years’ imprisonment, eventually leading to his disqualification as a member of the Lok Sabha. The protests will be

out irrespective of whether the police grant permission, Thakor said.

PATNA, APR 1 (PTI): Union

Home Minister Amit Shah reached Bihar on Saturday amid trading of charges between the BJP and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar’s JD(U) over communal disturbances which caused him to cancel one of the programmes scheduled on April 2.

Shah is putting up at a city hotel where he met state BJP leaders late in the evening.

On Sunday morning, he will take part in a function of the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) here before leaving for Hisua in Nawada district, about 120 kilometres away, to address a public meeting.

regarded as the BJP’s

principal strategist, Shah was also scheduled to take part in a function in Sasaram town of Rohtas district, which has been put off in view of communal violence that began Thursday evening during Ram Navami festivities and continued till Friday.

The Sasaram event was touted as a celebration of the birth anniversary of Asoka the Great, the Mauryan Emperor, who has acquired the status of an OBC icon in Bihar, which has been the veritable laboratory of Mandal politics. BJP leaders were quick to allege that Section 144 of CrPC was imposed in Sasaram “deliberately” with the intent to impede

Nonetheless, the state BJP shared video clips on its social media accounts wherein police personnel could be seen advising common people to stay indoors with the announcement “Section 144 has been imposed”.

The DM said, “We have issued show cause notices to such police personnel. They have said that they relayed the message as a tactic to get some handle over the situation”.

The BJP, however, was certainly not impressed with the comedy of errors and the chief minister’s insinuation - “instructions are in place to track down those who indulged in mischief to cause the disturbances which were unusual and unnatural”added insult to injury.

The saffron party gave vent to its outrage by going to the Raj Bhavan where a memorandum was submitted to Governor Rajendra Arlekar.

If oppn’s JPC demand is put in the bin, sadly bills will be passed in the din: Cong

BJP MP Sushil Kumar Modi greets Union Home Minister Amit Shah at Jai Prakash Narayan airport, in Patna, Saturday. (PTI)

Narendra Modi

Arvind Kejriwal

Jairam Ramesh

A heady debate

After Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio informed the 14th Nagaland Legislative Assembly that it will permit sale and consumption of liquor through the from April 4-6 under the plea of enhancing tourism based on Section 16 of the Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition (NLTP) Act, objection was not long in coming when the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang (ABAM),the apex body of Ao Baptist churches questioned the government’s plea. The government has decided to relax sale and consumption of alcohol for foreign delegates attending the G20 summit at Kohima from April 4 to 6. The particular clause Number 16 of the NLTP Act grants Special Permits to Foreign Sovereign etc. on such conditions and for such periods as may be specified for the use and consumption of liquor by any person who is- (a) a sovereign or Head of foreign country, or (b) an Ambassador, Diplomatic envoy or counsel, Honorary Counsel or trade, commerce or other representatives of a foreign country, or (c) a foreign national on tour to India, and (d) the consort of any person specified in Clause (a), (b), (c) or any relation of such person and dependent upon him. The state government has justified its decision to relax sale and consumption for foreign delegates as described in Clause No.16 of the NLTP Act. Even after decades of NLTP Act being enacted, it is clear that those who have pressurized the government to enact the dry law in 1989 had either not read the fine prints of the Act or were satisfied with the clauses since their primary objective for prohibition was achieved. The determination of those for total prohibition had probably not reckoned with the clause as mentioned. Anyway, the issue of prohibition in Nagaland is a failure as it is in Mizoram where the Act was re-imposed by the MNF government after it promised to do so if voted to power, a promise that received wide support from the powerful Presbyterian Church. In Nagaland the influential NBCC has spearheaded the demand for prohibition through over two decades of movement by way of mass awareness and ultimately fast unto death. So much has been commented and written on the subject of prohibition in Nagaland for many years. For decades after its enactment, there majority of people in Nagaland as well as visitors from outside who have been made to firmly believe that the dry law in Nagaland is a big sham and has only driven sale of alcohol underground, turned illegal business as among the most lucrative. Despite efforts to drive out alcohol from the state, the demand has risen in relation to the lifestyle in metro cities and people of the state being good imitators, have contributed to the one-sided demand against meagre supply and the net result being illegal mafia syndicates rushing to meet the demand. There are strong reasons on the need to have a proper and informed discussion about prohibition instead of merely reducing it to those in favour and those against prohibition. Simply enactment of a dry law has not delivered because it has not received the much-needed response from the individual who makes the choice. Even stringent laws against serious crimes are useless if they are not implemented. So also, the dry law has made many super and filthy rich and they are among those who don’t want the dry law to be repealed.

DailyDevotion

Helpful or Heartless Toward Others?

It is Christ…who also makes intercession for us….the Spirit…makes intercession for the saints… —Romans 8:34, 27

Do we need any more arguments than these to become intercessors– that Christ “always lives to make intercession” (Hebrews 7:25), and that the Holy Spirit “makes intercession for the saints”? Are we living in such a relationship with others that we do the work of intercession as a result of being the children of God who are taught by His Spirit? We should take a look at our current circumstances. Do crises which affect us or others in our home, business, country, or elsewhere, seem to be crushing in on us? Are we being pushed out of the presence of God and left with no time for worship? If so, we must put a stop to such distractions and get into such a living relationship with God that our relationship with others is maintained through the work of intercession, where God works His miracles.

Beware of getting ahead of God by your very desire to do His will. We run ahead of Him in a thousand and one activities, becoming so burdened with people and problems that we don’t worship God, and we fail to intercede. If a burden and its resulting pressure come upon us while we are not in an attitude of worship, it will only produce a hardness toward God and despair in our own souls. God continually introduces us to people in whom we have no interest, and unless we are worshiping God the natural tendency is to be heartless toward them. We give them a quick verse of Scripture, like jabbing them with a spear, or leave them with a hurried, uncaring word of counsel before we go. A heartless Christian must be a terrible grief to our Lord.

Are our lives in the proper place so that we may participate in the intercession of our Lord and the Holy Spirit?

Quotes

“Do what is right, not what is easy nor what is popular.”

- Roy T. Bennett

Legally permit liquor consumption in Nagaland to give a boost to tourism?

The Government of Nagaland has permitted sale and consumption of liquor based on the Section 16 of the NLTP Act to foreign delegates attending the G20 business meeting to be held in the capital, Kohima from April 4-6, 2023 in order to enhance tourism.

This Group of Twenty comprises of 19 countries namely Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, United Kingdom, and United States and the European Union.

Indeed, we are amused and attracted when such events are initiated in the name of development, trade and corporate investments with first world countries. However, we can further examine how far Nagas can balance between tourism and liquor drinking culture especially in a Christian dominated state.

No doubt, Tourism is a font of revenue, service production, and regional progress as well as advantage for those interested in foreign exchange and economic development. One can dream of milestone achievements in tourism industry in the light of entrepreneurship development particularly in Northeast solving

various emerging problems in the region. The innumerable policies adopted by the government towards indigenous people in North East may dream of strengthening the outlook using various attractive slogans such as Incredible India, Look/Act East and applauded as a motor for development. Perhaps North Eastern region is known for its artistic natural features, appealing to tourist domestic and international. The Directorate of Tourism in their respective Governments may identify certain thrust areas based upon the opportunities available in the state for the growth of tourism.

However, can indigenous Naga Christians contemplate on the issues such as:

When the pattern of development heralded by Tourism is product centered and not life centered; If such initiatives are focused on the quantity of products and not on better quality of life; If it is for the privileged and not for less disadvantaged, then such development remains questionable. Any industry including Tourism that operates by profit mode and commercial standard needs critical assessment. Who profits for whom? Who determines the structure and policies of the whole trade? Does the issue of commercialism outweigh the

Canine distemper in pet animals

ethical justice and evenhandedness particularly the tribal indigenous people who are often sidetracked and marginalized from the pool of fairness? Is it not a crime and violation when there is exploitation and objection of people and resources takes place in the name of Tourism? In the true sense of the word commercially oriented development does not liberate the people to reach the full potential or do justice to the poor and to entire God’s creation. Can we divorce tourism from the culture of liquor and its menaces?

ABAM today relentlessly hold on to the firm pathways of our undisputed Christian foreparents of Nagaland who fasted with tears and sacrificed their lives for this noble cause i.e., ‘The Nagaland Liquor Total Prohibition Act, 1989’ (The Nagaland Act No.4 of 1990) assented by the then Governor of Nagaland on April 13, 1990. As right-thinking citizens, can’t we think of doing development/tourism without abetting the culture of drinking liquor in any manner in Nagaland? Is drinking liquor the only answer to introduce Tourism in Nagaland?

Rev. Dr. Prof., Mar Pongener, Executive Secretary, ABAM Rev. Temshi Longkümer, President, ABAM

Synonym: Footpad disease or hard pad disease.

A highly contagious and serious disease of dog (dogs of all ages which are not vaccinated) caused by a virus that attacks the respiratory, gastrointestinal and nervous system

Causative agent: Canine distemper virus / canine morbilli virus.

Symptoms in the affected dogs:

• Lethargic with pyrexia and cough

• Discharge form the eyes and nose

• Diarrhoea and signs of pneumonia are generally evident

• Chorea ie. twitching of muscles in head or limbs

• Thickened paws and nose

Treatment

• There is no specific treatment for this disease

• Supportive line of treatment is considered to control bacterial infection, support fluid balance and control nervous system problem.

• Antibiotics

• Rehydrate the animal using I/V infusion fluids

• Medication to reduce fever and pain

• Anticonvulsant therapy

when required

• Supplemental feeding. Prevention of canine distemper in dogs

• Better to deworm the puppies before few days of vaccination and animals to be vaccinated should not be sick from any other diseases prior to the vaccination.

• Owners of pet animals need to understand that their puppies must be vaccinated at 9-10 weeks of age and then monthly booster until 4 months of age and later, annual vaccination is required and make sure your adult dogs gets their yearly vaccination.

• Please keep your puppy and older dogs away from other dogs or other environment until they are finished with all their vaccination upto date.

• Also routine cleaning and disinfection of your dog’s house (kennel) will ensure that the pathogens are very less only in your dog’s loving environment.

Dr. Sashitola Ozukum, Dr. N. Bhumapati Devi, Dr. Laltlankimi, Dr. Keneisezo Kuotsu, Dr. M.G. Jayathangaraj, Veterinary Clinical Complex, CoVSc & AH, CAU (I), Jalukie, Peren, Nagaland

Are we a cowardly generation of disunited corrupted parasitical hypocrites?

After having retired from a turbulent rollercoaster bureaucratic experience in Government service…I have since tried to give my best to sincerely use whatever little experience that was garnered during my service years by sharing honest thoughts with our Naga people on various issues that I felt ought to matter most to us all…without fear or favour. I however dishearteningly land up surmising that our people still need to clean their ears to really hear… clean their eyes to truly see the ground reality… clean their brains of this highly toxic greed factor… and then finally begin to clearly realise that our only real common hope for a secure future lies in working as intelligent people… TOGETHER.

The mother of all gambling called the “Nagaland State Legislative Assembly Election” (2023) has been concluded. In Nagaland the fortune in the gambling scale of opportunity always favours those who have more resource called M-O-NE-Y with or without any gray matter. In a healthy, functional democracy the factual performance of the party in power is evaluated by the electorates during the election by either voting them out or voting them back to power. In the case of Nagaland however, m-o-n-e-y has drowned the possibility of any such pragmatic democratic exercise. For the past two decades there has been a consistent and continuous chorus of high decibel criticism of a non-performing Government right from the Centre, to the urban and down to the rural bases concerning the utter lack of services on elementary welfare subjects such as Health, Education, the horrendous road conditions etc… you name it! Yet when it comes to elections…everything is forgotten and buried. The litmus test tells us without doubt that the present generation of Nagas are prepared to compromise and sacrifice “a-n-y-t-h-i-n-g” and “ev-e-r-y-t-h-i-n-g” for the sake of M_O_N_E_Y. Period! Therefore even the long suffering subject such as the Final Naga Political Settlement faded into backbench oblivion when the hypnotic aroma of money filtered into the social environment. By selling our votes, we the insatiable electorates, have deliberately set in motion a monstrous cycle of unstoppable corruptive tsunami that will surely plague the State for the next five years yet again.

The Government is now perhaps diabolically improvising to revive the machinery called ‘Opposition-less Government’

with that

ing patriotic slogan called the ‘final settlement of the Naga Political Issue’ (yet again), as a Facilitator (yet again) without facilitating anything (yet again). Abraham Lincoln had said: “You can fool all the people some of the time and some of the people all the time, but you cannot fool all the people all the time.” However, judging by the electoral results, the incumbent Chief Minister of Nagaland has been able to elaborately and resoundingly prove Mr. Lincoln wrong. He has been able to “fool all the Naga people all the time” thus far…not because he has any outstanding intellectual capabilities but simply because he has been in power for the past 20 years as Chief Minister squeezing Nagaland dry and minting M-O-N-E-Y to buy off the money-crazed electorates…and has now been given another 5 years to continue commandeering the same castrated bureaucratic machinery doing his ‘not very transparent’ biddings without question! The bureaucrats are equally liable and answerable in all of this… and ought to bow their heads in shame for allowing such utter corrupted chaos to blatantly continue operating for ‘sssooo lloonngg’!!! They have wilfully and gutlessly caused Mr. Transparency and Mr. Accountability to disappear from their bureaucratic horizon. The bureaucrats also know without doubt that Mr. Transparency and Mr. Accountability has been suffering from a terminal ailment called corruption and has been lying in the ICU all along. These two gentlemen (Transparency and Accountability) are more than likely to prolong their stay in the ICU during the coming five years as well. It appears that the stage will eventually and deliberately be set up for the ‘politician-bureaucratic nexus’ to collectively plunder the exchequer of the State of Nagaland within the comfort zone of an opposition-less Government… yet again!

Amidst a bizarre spectacle such as this, (with all due respects) NBCC …our Apex Baptist Christian bastion…is probably patting itself on its back for its efforts on ‘free and fair’ election campaign and perhaps ‘prayerfully’ qualifying the so-called exercise of franchise by its fellow Christian electorates as being a successful and fruitful venture despite the insignificant impact. While the complex root causes of our social degeneration cannot be pinned to a single entity, the fact that we are all Christians does rudely expose our true hypocritical nature. Without doubt we do

have devout sincere Christians within every tribal community, and some in the bureaucracy as well, but they regretfully happen to be the silent minority while the vast majority swim in a hopeless pool of Christian hypocrisy. For much too long our very own apex Tribal Christian Organisations have nurtured questionable Christian values. They are more comfortably attuned to the ways of money than to faith. They respect and indulgently favour moneyed individuals more than the God they profess to worship. Rather than invite strong spiritual personalities…the likes of Lt. Rev. Billy Graham…to take the pulpit to win souls, our tribal religious missions, including the NBCC, clamour to have the street-wise Chief Minister, the Ministers, the Advisors and any other prominent Ali Babas up on the pulpit as chief guests in their religious functions such as the Hubas. This speaks volumes. The end result is that we have definitely been able to create a community of Christian ‘Clan’ by name without inculcating Christian ethics. Waking up only just five six months before the election to conduct a “free and fair election” campaign to a spiritually dead community that the mission workers themselves have fostered over the years… is as good as pouring water on a solid rock that doesn’t absorb anything. It’s about time that NBCC and all the other Tribal Religious Missions do an honest introspection by humbly acknowledging their failures and instead consider charting out a more realistic result oriented evaluation of their service to the Christian society. Less time should be spent on M-O-N-E-Y hunting gambits and even lesser time on a subject such as NLTP. It’s not my place to remind our highly qualified Theologians to take a second look at St. Mark 12:13-17...“Render unto Caesar”? For better or for worse they should learn to let the Government clean its own backyard. Why should the Mission Field Workers deploy Caesar’s coercive short cut to camouflage the failure in the performance of their fundamental ‘soul saving’ duty? They seem to need reminding that the Good Lord gave mankind the freedom of choice to do ‘right’ or ‘wrong’. They should therefore gracefully accept this challenge, put their best foot forward, guide and help each one to do the right thing by faith instead of trying to overrule and question the wisdom of God. They ought to also realise that a ‘true born again Christian’ does not require NLTP crutch to walk the straight and the narrow. If convicted by faith,

such a Christian would faithfully refrain from indulging in alcoholic habits even if tempted. Therefore, the Mission Field functionaries’ needs to change gear by focusing more on doing their fundamental duty in generating faithful born again Christians within the communities rather than seek human short cut inducement by law. They need to perceive the cruel reality that the “enforcers are themselves the users” and as such trying to enforce NLTP through hollow threats is not a workable option.

The comical aspect is that no matter what the threat by the Church, the politicians are also clearly aware of the influence of money on their electorates… that also include many of the Pastors and the Deacons as a purchasable commodity…and yet they unceasingly continue calling for ‘consultation meetings’ on the same subject…then tuck their tails between their legs and apprehensively withdraw from taking necessary action thereafter. It’s about time that we wake up to the ground reality and repeal NLTP once for all… keeping this fact in mind that the State of Nagaland is the ‘wettest dry state’ in the country and this elementarily defines us as the ultimate Christian hypocrites of all times in the eyes of the world.

By the turn of a century from now… do we want that the uncontaminated history of the present generation…the so-called Naga Christians…be unambiguously recalled by our very own great-grand-children as a sad regrettable chapter of dishonourable cowardly generation of disunited, corrupted, parasitical hypocrites? An honest introspection ought to answer this question.

For the past 76 years Nagas have only lived ‘half-lives’ denying not only ourselves but also our budding younger generation to bloom to their fullest abundant potentials. Instead of honourably and firmly prioritising our undivided resolve for our final common future; our common identity; our common dignity; our common good; our common progress …we have a very confused disunited generation of egoistic leaders, both in the overground and the underground setups, who prefer to totally focus their primary attention on corruptive selfaggrandisement at the cost of completely squandering the present well deserved opportunity to leave behind a united footprint of legitimacy in the sands of time that could perpetuate an honourable Identity, Dignity and the Right to our existence on Planet Earth for all eternity.

After having crossed a very

gruelling election bridge, none of the MLAs would be prepared to step aside for a change of guard in the post solution scenario before recuperating their crores of election expenditure. Therefore, it will be awfully difficult to believe or expect that the present Government will do anything viable to resolve the Indo-Naga political deadlock. Compounding the problem from the other side of the fence, Mr. Th. Muivah continues to stubbornly play the game of ‘flag’ and ‘yezabo’ for his delusional ‘Sovereign Naga Nation’ knowing very well that the GoI has resolutely refused to consider such a demand and that the final solution is being cobbled out within the Indian Constitution. Nagas surely understand the simple logical truth that no legitimate Sovereign Country seeks permission from any other Country for their flag or constitution. It comes as a part and parcel of a natural sovereign protocol. The fact that “Flag” and “Yezabo” is being demanded for the “Naga Nation” ought to therefore explain the actual sovereign status of this ‘Naga Nation’. With this backdrop in mind even a halfwit ought to recognize the mindset of Mr. Th. Muivah who would rather prefer to die in harness enjoying all his unchallenged extravagant powers and comforts rather than pen the final solution that would leave him stranded without a commensurate authority and landing ground in the post solution era. It is equally a sad commentary of a cowardly disunited stake holding populace who squabble amongst themselves but fearfully and silently allow the faith of the entire Nagas race to be dictated by one, just one, human being called Mr. Th. Muivah…the General Secretary of NSCN (IM). How spineless can we get as stakeholders?!

At the end of the day we can only lament that our wild head hunting ancestral “Animist” were a far better Nagas in so very many ways as compared to who we are today as “Christians”. Our ancestors held their identity, dignity, honesty and above all, their honour and self-respect at a premium. It was generally their natural way of life. As for us, we have become a generation without a moral compass, a generation without a political will, a generation without courage to stand up for what we believe to be the right thing, a generation who have sold their soul to money without our ancestral values or Christian ethics! In short, a self inflicted misfortune of a lost race?! Khekiye K. Sema IAS (Retd) 3rd Mile Thilixu Village; Dimapur

SNIPPETS

Bhutanese King to visit India from April 3-5

NEW DELHI, APR 1

(PTI): Bhutanese King

Jigme Khesar Namgyel

Wangchuck will pay a three-day visit to India beginning Monday to expand the already close bilateral ties especially in the sphere of economic and development cooperation.

The King will hold talks with President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Wangchuck will be accompanied by Tandi

Dorji, Bhutanese Minister of Foreign Affairs and External Trade, and senior officials of the Royal government of Bhutan, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said announcing the visit.

“At the invitation of the President of India

Droupadi Murmu, the King of Bhutan, Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck will be on an official visit to India from April 3 to 5,” the MEA said.

It said the visit of the King is in keeping with the long standing tradition of regular high-level exchanges between the two countries.

Man found dead in Delhi guest house

NEW DELHI, APR 1

(PTI): A 54-year-old man was found dead in a guest house in south Delhi’s Safdarjung Enclave, police said on Saturday.

The police received a PCR call regarding the death of a man at Hotel Baljeet Lodge at 12.49 pm on Friday, they said.

Deepak Sethi, a resident of Indirapuram in Ghaziabad, checked in to the guest house at 8.50 pm on Thursday. He was accompanied by a woman who left the guest house around midnight, Deputy Commissioner of Police (southwest) Manoj C said.

Sethi was discovered the following morning with foaming near his mouth and stains on the pillow, he added.

Husband arrested for killing wife with iron rod in UP

MAHARAJGANJ (UP),

APR 1 (PTI): A man was arrested here in Medinipur village for allegedly killing his wife by beating her with an iron rod during a domestic fight, police said Saturday.

According to the police, Hemant, the husband, drank a lot and his wife Pratibha used to object to his this habit.

The two had a fight Friday night too during which Hemant beat her with an iron rod, Ghughli Police Station SHO Neeraj Rai said.

An injured Pratibha was taken to the district hospital for treatment, where the doctors declared her brought dead.

Two held for running sex racket; two women rescued PALGHAR, APR 1 (PTI): Police have busted a sex racket being operated at Nalasopara in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, and arrested two persons, including a woman, an official said on Saturday.

The action was taken by the Anti-Human Trafficking Cell of the Mira Bhayandar-Vasai

Virar police commissionerate on Friday, during which two women, who were allegedly pushed into the flesh trade by the accused, were rescued, he said.

“Acting on a tip-off that two persons, including a woman agent, were running a sex racket and forcing women into the flesh trade, the police laid a trap at Tungareshwar Phata in Vasai and nabbed them. Two women were rescued,” senior inspector Santosh Chowdhari said.

Sidhu released from Patiala Jail

SLAMS CENTRE, AAP; HAILS RAHUL GANDHI AS THE FACE OF REVOLUTION

PATIALA, APR 1 (PTI):

Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu Saturday walked free after spending nearly 10 months in Patiala jail in a 1988 road rage case and slammed the Centre, alleging that democracy is in chains and institutions have turned slaves in the country.

He also claimed that a conspiracy is being hatched to impose the President’s Rule in Punjab.

The former Punjab Congress president described Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann as “akhbari mukhmantri” for giving big ads in papers and criticised his government over law and order and poll promises.

He slammed the AAP government for allegedly trying to delay his release from the Patiala jail by a few hours, claiming that it was “scared so much it does not want to listen to the truth.”

There were expectations that Sidhu would be released by 12 noon but he

Center weakening environment, forest laws for ease of doing business: Cong

prison in May 2022 after being sentenced to one-year rigorous imprisonment by the Supreme Court over the death of Gurnam Singh, 65.

Immediately after coming out of jail, Sidhu, who appeared to have shed some weight, launched an unsparing attack on the Centre and the Punjab government.

came out of jail at 5:53 pm. Sidhu was wearing a sky-blue jacket and goggles when he walked out of the prison where a battery of media persons, his supporters and many party leaders had been waiting for him since morning.

Accompanied by his son Karan, Sidhu reached his Patiala residence where his wife Navjot Kaur, who has been diagnosed with cancer, stood on the house’s roof from where she showered flower petals.

Menstrual hygiene: public health is a state subject, Centre

NEW DELHI, APR 1

(PTI): The Centre has told the Supreme Court that it is dedicated to improve access to menstrual hygiene for young and adolescent girls but the responsibility of providing healthcare services lies with the respective state governments as public health is a state subject.

In an affidavit filed before the top court, the Health ministry said it has undertaken awareness and training programmes and made necessary resources available to girls across the country.

“It is submitted that public health is a state subject and the responsibility of providing healthcare services is that of respective state governments.

“The Central government and its agencies are not the implementing bodies for schemes relating to menstrual health; and it is in fact the states and their agencies which are at the forefront of enforcement of the policies,” the ministry said.

It submitted that the Central government is committed to improving menstrual hygiene for young and adolescent girls and to make necessary resources accessible to them.

The affidavit was filed in response to a PIL by Congress leader Jaya Thakur seeking issuance of directions for providing

free sanitary pads to girls studying in classes 6 to 12 in government schools across the country.

The ministry stated that menstruation and menstrual practices are clouded by taboos and socio-cultural restrictions for women as well as adolescent girls in India which is combined with limited access to products of sanitary hygiene and lack of safe sanitary facilities.

“Moreover, traditionally, there have been practices of using old clothes as pads by recycling them, use of ash or straw, which not affect menstrual hygiene but also have long term implications for reproductive health.

“The government is dedicated to increase awareness among adolescent girls on menstrual hygiene, build self-esteem and empower girls for better socialisation. The government is also working towards increasing access to and use of high quality sanitary napkins for girls in rural areas,” the ministry said.

Thakur in her plea said serious difficulties are faced by adolescent females between the ages of 11 and 18 ,years who come from poor backgrounds, in receiving education on account of lack of access to education, a constitutional right under Article 21A of the Constitution.

While Sidhu’s close confidants, including former Punjab Congress chief Lal Singh, former MLA Navtej Singh Cheema, were present, some of the prominent faces like the current state party president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring were not seen. Warring, however, said in a tweet, “Welcome Sardar Navjot Singh Sidhu Ji @sherryontopp. Look forward to meeting you soon as you resume public life in service of all Punjabis.”

Sidhu (59) was sent to

BJP seeks minister’s dismissal over ‘anti Modi’ poster

NEW DELHI, APR 1

(PTI): Senior BJP leader Tarun Chugh on Saturday accused Punjab minister Harbhajan Singh ETO of pasting “Modi hatao, desh bachao” posters in Jalandhar, where Lok Sabha bypoll is due on May 19, in gross violation of law and demanded his dismissal.

The BJP national general secretary has written to Governor Banwarilal Purohit and the Chief Election Commissioner over the issue, seeking legal action, including registration of a FIR, against the Aam Aadmi Party leader. Chugh, who hails from Punjab, noted that the law bars anyone from publishing election pamphlets or posters which do not bear the name and address of the printer or publisher. He said in his letters, “As the byelection to Jalandhar Lok Sabha is to take place on May 10, such illegal activities of pasting posters without following procedure tantamount to unfair electoral practices for which a strict action is called for.”

In a separate statement, the BJP leader alleged that a Cabinet minister of Punjab is making a mockery of law, and he must be dismissed.

“Whenever dictatorship came in the country, a revolution came and today, I say the revolution’s name is Rahul Gandhi,” Sidhu told reporters. He said the Congress is fighting against oppression.

“Today democracy is in chains, there is nothing like democracy today, he alleged.

“Institutions have turned slaves and these have been made rubber ‘ke gudde’ (dolls),” he alleged. Taking inspiration from his ancestors, who played their role in the country’s freedom, Rahul Gandhi is breaking those chains, Sidhu said.

NEW D ELHI, APR 1

(PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday called upon the three services to stay ready to deal with new and emerging threats as he carried out a comprehensive review of the national security challenges with the country’s top military brass at the Combined Commanders Conference (CCC) in Bhopal.

The defence ministry said Prime Minister Modi emphasised that all steps are being taken to equip the armed forces with necessary weapons and technologies.

It is learnt that India’s security challenges along the frontier with China, cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, the ambitious plan to create integrated theatre commands, the implementation of the Agnipath scheme

NEW

DELHI,

APR 1 (PTI): The Congress on Saturday accused the government of weakening environment and forest laws and institutions working for conserving environment in order to facilitate ease of doing business.

On the 50th anniversary of Project Tiger which was started by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi on this day, Congress spokesperson Jairam Ramesh said the legacies of both this project and the Chipko movement which also completed 50 years a few days ago are under threat from this government.

“This government is deliberately weakening the laws and institutions working towards forest conservation and environment,” he told reporters.

“We are against this liberalisation and the laws should be strictly enforced and institutions should be strengthened while dealing with today’s biggest chal-

Jairam Ramesh

lenge of changes in the environment,” he also noted.

Attacking the government, he said, “They have a mindset that environment laws are against the ease of doing business. So they want to weaken these laws so that people do not feel that projects are delayed because of environment laws.”

Noting that our laws say that the project can be implemented only after the rights of those living in forests are given, the Congress leader said that is why Adani project in Jharkhand is being opposed by our government there.

Ramesh also alleged that their (BJP government’s) target has been the Forest Conservation Act as businessman think the environment laws are an impediment in growth, but asserted they don’t know that these laws are necessary for people.

“If you weaken the laws, then this will have a negative effect on people’s health.”

“It is very clear that there is an agenda and the target is to weaken all environmental and forest laws because the view of the Niti Aayog and the government is that these are regulatory burdens and they don’t look upon these as societal obligations. That is the fundamental reason,” he stressed.

The Congress leader also cited instances where the government has sent the Forests Amendment bill to a select committee of Parliament instead of sending it to the Parliamentary Standing Committee.

PM reviews operational readiness of armed forces

April 1. “The prime minister was briefed by Chief of Defence Staff Gen Anil Chauhan about the various discussions conducted during this year’s conference,” it said.

Narendra Modi at the valedictory session of the Combined Commanders Conference in Bhopal.

and ways to bolster the country’s maritime prowess were among the key issues discussed at the three-day conference. Navy Chief Admiral R Hari Kumar could not attend the valedictory session of the conference as he tested positive for Covid-19, people familiar with the matter said, adding he is asymptomatic.

“Prime Minister Na -

DAESHIN ACADEMY

'B', CHÜMOUKEDIMA

POST VACANCY

Applications are invited for filling up the following positions:

1. IT Teacher for Higher Secondary Level (1 Post) : MCA

2. Science Teacher for Secondary Level (1 Post) : B.Sc/M.Sc

3. School Bus Driver (1 Post Interested candidates can come for the interview along with resume and all the supporting documents on 4th April, 2023 at 10 AM. For Sl. No. 1 & 2 preference will be given to candidates with B.Ed.

Sd/Principal Contact : 9863734703

DP-1425/23

rendra Modi reviewed the security situation and operational readiness of the armed forces during the valedictory session of Combined Commanders’ Conference 2023 in Bhopal on

The ministry said Modi called upon the three services to stay ready to deal with the new and emerging threats, emphasising that all steps are being taken to equip the armed forces with necessary weapons and technologies. It said Modi complimented the Armed Forces for their role in nation-building and providing humanitarian assistance and disaster relief (HADR) assistance to friendly countries.

Navjot Sidhu comes out of the Central Jail after spending nearly 10 months in Patiala central jail, Patiala. (PTI)

Export of military hardware reaches all-time high in FY 2022-23: Rajnath

NEW DELHI, APR 1

(PTI): India’s export of military hardware reached an all-time high of Rs 15,920 crore in the financial year 2022-2023 with Prime Minister Narendra Modi describing it as a clear manifestation of enthusiasm towards ‘Make in India’ initiative.

The value of total defence exports in 2022-23 is a ten-fold increase compared to the amount of Rs 1,521 crore recorded in exporting military hardware in 2016-17.

“India’s defence exports have reached an alltime high of Rs 15, 920 crore in FY 2022-2023. It is a remarkable achievement for the country,” Defence Minister Rajnath Singh said on Twitter.

“Under the inspiring leadership of PM Shri @narendramodi, our defence exports will continue to grow exponentially,” he said.

In a tweet, Modi described the achievement as a clear manifestation

of India’s talent and the enthusiasm towards ‘Make in India’.

“It also shows the reforms in this sector over the last few years are delivering good results. Our Government will keep supporting efforts to make India a defence production hub,” he said.

The key platforms that India has been exporting are Dornier -228 aircraft, 155 mm Advanced Towed Artillery Guns (ATAGs), Brahmos missiles, Akash missile system, radars, mine protected vehicles, armoured vehicles, Pinaka rockets and launchers, ammunition, thermal imagers and various

Kohima police traffic advisory for G20 meet

(From p-1) by the white longitudinal marking on the left and right side of any major road.

components of avionics and small arms.

There is growing global demand for Light Combat Aircraft Tejas, light combat helicopters and aircraft carrier, MRO (maintenance, repair and operations) facilities, the ministry said. It said India is exporting military hardware to over 85 countries.

“The Indian industry has shown its capability of design and development to the world, with 100 firms exporting defence products at present. The rising defence exports and participation of 104 countries in Aero India 2023 are proof of India’s growing defence manufacturing capabilities,” the ministry said.

“Through consistent policy initiatives of the government and tremendous contribution of the defence industry, India has achieved a remarkable milestone in defence exports in 2022-23. The exports have reached an all-time high of approximately Rs 16,000 crore,

NSF seeks CM’s intervention on...

(From p-1)

It pointed out that there was “absolutely no mention” of the minimum threshold anywhere in the regulation. The federation has, therefore, urged the chief minister to immediate in helping the thousands of aspirants in the state for equal job opportunity and meritocracy in the process of selection to Group C posts by lowering the vivavoce marks to 5%.

Further, NSF urged the state government to revise and resolve the Reservation Policy in the state within the legally permissible jurisdiction without delay.

Inner Line Permit

(ILP): NSF said that implementation of ILP system has been “far from effective” in the state. It stated

that even the online ILP system was far from serving its purpose.

NSF asserted that a robust system needed to be put in place to check the influx of illegal immigrants in the state. The federation suggested setting up a state level committee/commission with the mandate to monitor the implementation of ILP system in the state.

Youth empowerment: NSF stated that there was an alarming rise of the population of the educated unemployed youths in the state. The federation underlined the urgent need to set up more skill training institutes and well as nurturing of sporting talents in the state.

NSF has, therefore, appealed to the government to take up more measures,

which would ensure the welfare of the student and youth community.

e-Governance: Stressing the need for e-Governance, the federation maintained that effective implementation of e-Governance would bring about transparency in governance.

It stated that access to accurate and updated information with regard to various state government’s functionaries, departments (including District Administration) and agencies “will reign in the impetus required to effective governance.”

In this regard, the federation has strongly advocated e-governance as a tool to bring “transparency as a powerful agent to check corruption in the governance of the state.”

almost Rs 3,000 crore more than the previous financial year,” it said.

India exported military hardware worth Rs 8,434 crore in 2020-21, Rs 9,115 crore in 2019-20 and Rs 10,745 crore in 2018-19, according to official data. The amount in 2017-18 was Rs 4,682 crore.

The government has set a target of achieving defence manufacturing worth Rs 1,75,000 crore including defence exports of Rs 35,000 crore by 2024-25.

In the last few years, the government has taken a series of measures to promote domestic defence production.

“To give a push to defence exports, the government has taken a number of policy initiatives and brought reforms over the last 5-6 years. Export procedures have been simplified and made industry friendly with end-to-end online export authorisation curtailing delays and bringing ease of doing business,” the ministry said.

Parking for car passes: vehicles with car pass ‘Z’ would be parked at the CCH; vehicles with car pass ‘D’ would be parked at the location (melaground) opposite CCH and vehicles with car pass ‘Y’ would be parked at the Multi-Level Car Parking at Old Medical Directorate.

Parking at Banquet Hall: vehicles with car pass ‘Z’ would be parked at the CM’s official complex; vehicles with car pass ‘D’ would be parked outside the CM’s official complex and vehicles with car pass ‘Y’ would be parked opposite the Multi-Purpose Hall below Legislators Home. Parking at Kisama Heritage Village: vehicles with car pass ‘Z’ and ‘D’ would be

parked at the main parking lot in the Heritage Village and along the Main arena; vehicles with car pass ‘Y’ would be parked at the Kisama Amphitheatre and others and vehicles without car pass would be parked at the parking lot opposite 2nd Gate.

Further, police informed that parking facilities would be available at multi-level car parking lot at Old NST & Old Medical Directorate free of cost from April 3-6, 2023. Vehicle owners are advised to use the facilities to avoid any inconvenience and congestion.

Parking lot near Hotel Crescent International will be reserved for delegates of the B-20 Summit.

‘No Entry’ for heavy vehicles within Kohima town would be enforced from 6am to 9pm for three days. The restriction would be enforced at interstate Khuzama check gate and

Duzdza bridge. Kohima police have sought cooperation from all citizens to ensure smooth conduct of the G20 Business Summit.

‘No Drone Zone’: As part of the security arrangements for the G20 business summit, the Kohima police have declared the whole of Kohima district under Kohima municipal as “No Drone Zone” from April 4-6. Kohima police PRO informed that flying of any remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) such as drones, unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) etc would be restricted. Police cautioned that violation of the directive would amount to suspension or cancellation of UIN/ UAOP of the RPA issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation and would be prosecuted under relevant section of laws.

Therie regrets that people vote for money & power

(From p-1)

“Nagaland election is not a democratic election. It is auction of votes and playing with proxy votes”, he said.

Therie also claimed he has not heard of any Presiding Officer or Polling Officer “stopping proxy votes.”

Though he has resigned from the post of NPCC president, Therie said he continues to be a Congress member as his faith in secular India could not be taken away. Therie said he will continue to work for the present and future generations to enjoy freedom of faith and hope.

He also thanked Mrs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi for reposing trust in him and also AICC president

State prepared to tackle Covid...

(From p-1)

He also said that tests were being conducted based on symptoms. Dr Nyan exuded confidence that the state is prepared to deal with the Covid crises.

On vaccination, State Immunization Officer (SIO) Dr. Imkongtemsu Longchar said that since vaccination was not mandatory, the percentage was lower than expected. He, however, said that the vaccination exercise was still on and available at all PHC/CHCs and district hospitals. He, therefore, appealed to all those eligible to can get themselves vaccinated. The officials maintained that the people would now have to learn how to live with Covid-19 as it was here to stay. They only way to tackle Covid is to stay cautious and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour. State awaits NMC nod to start medical college

More heatwave...

Meanwhile, Kikheto informed that the National Medical Commission (NMC) has completed the inspection of Nagaland Institute Medical Science and Research (NIMSR) and the final approval to start academic session was awaited.

He said that during the first visit of NMC officials several issues were raised for non-compliance of recruitment and non-completion of some infrastructures. The second visit was very positive as the government could fulfil most of the required criteria. Kikheto also said that the NMC had appreciated NHAK for being one of the best government-run hospitals in the country. He also informed that the recruitment of faculties and other staff would be completed by April end and efforts were being made to complete the infrastructure by June.

(From p-1) Based on data collected from 1971 to 2020, the country on an average receives 39.2 mm of rainfall in April. Normal to above-normal precipitation is expected over most parts of northwest, central and peninsular region, while below-normal rain is predicted in east and northeast India. La Nina conditions, cooling of the waters in the Pacific Ocean near South America that favours the Indian monsoon, have weakened, according to the IMD. “Forecast indicates ENSO neutral conditions are likely from April to June. A transition to El Niño is favoured by July-September, with chances of El Niño increasing through the fall,” Mahapatra said. El Niño, the warming of the waters in the Pacific Ocean near South America, is associated with the weakening of monsoon winds and less rainfall in India. However, the Met office said that several models indicate the development of a positive Indian Ocean Dipole (IOD) in the coming months. The Bureau of Meteorology model also indicates the development of positive IOD by May 2023.

IOD is defined by the difference in the sea surface temperatures between the western part of the Indian Ocean near Africa and the eastern part of the Indian Ocean near Indonesia. A positive IOD is considered good for the Indian monsoon.

Mallikarjun Kharge for his support. Therie also expressed happiness that S. Supongmeren Jamir has been appointed as NPCC president to succeed him. He said Supongmeren worked closely with him and described the new NPCC president as a down to earth man with no ego. Therie said Supongmeren has gained experience about the function and governance of the party and who has also been tested by fire and water as he understands what victory and defeat meant since he had also been elected as MLA. Therie also said Supongmeren would be more affable and therefore wished him all success in his new assignment.

FTP seeks to push rupee trade, boost exports to USD 2 trillion by 2030

growth considering the current global scenario while services exports may see a quantum jump in the current fiscal.

“We have to meet our exports targets going forward,” the minister said, adding that “we will need to work a bit harder” on goods exports.

“It shouldn’t be that by 2030, services exports cross USD 1 trillion while you (merchandise exports) lag behind. I am confident that we will cross USD 2 trillion by 2030,” Goyal said.

Further, he said the FTP is dynamic and has been kept open-ended to accommodate the emerging needs of the time.

He stated that the policy had been under discussion for a long time and has been formulated after multiple stakeholders’ consultations. Goyal said the Department of Commerce will be making a massive focused outreach to the world, either sectorally or country-wise, over the next 4-5 months.

The FTP aims at internationalisation of trade in Indian rupee. It allows international trade settlement in INR and required changes have been introduced for grant of export benefits and fulfilment of Export Obligation (EO) for export realisations in the domestic currency as per the Reserve Bank of India (RBI).

“If there are countries where there is currency failure or dollar shortage, we are willing to trade in the rupee with them,” Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal said.

He also stressed that Indian exporters will have to become globally competitive and need not depend on subsidies.

In the interest of trade and industry and to motivate exporters, the FTP provides relief to exporters who are unable to fulfill their EO against the Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme and Advance Authorisations.

land

sUmi CommUniT y DUBaGaon

ruffle

Rajnath Singh

SNIPPETS

4 Pak soldiers killed in terror attack

KARACHI,

APR 1

(PTI): At least four Pakistan Army soldiers were killed on Saturday in a terror attack along the Pakistan-Iran border in Balochistan’s Kech district, according to the military’s media wing. “On April 1, 2023, a group of terrorists operating from the Iranian side attacked a routine border patrol of Pakistani security forces along the Pakistan-Iran Border in Jalgai Sector, district Kech,” an InterServices Public Relations (ISPR) statement said. The ISPR said that “necessary contact” with the Iranian side was being made for “effective action against terrorists” on their territory and to prevent such incidents in the future. Interior Minister Rana Sanaullah condemned the attack and paid tribute to those killed.

“The sons of the country are laying down their lives to protect their land, the whole nation salutes them, the nation is united in the war against terrorism,” he tweeted, adding that “this scourge will be eradicated”. In January, four security personnel were killed during “terrorist activity” from across the Pakistan-Iran border in Balochistan’s Panjgur district.

5.2 magnitude

earthquake hits Nepal

KATHMANDU, APR

1 (PTI): A moderate intensity earthquake was recorded with its epicentre at Suri in the Dolakha district of Nepal on Saturday morning. The earthquake of 5.2 magnitude was recorded at 11.27 am in Dolakha, 180 km east of Kathmandu, according to the National Seismological Centre here. The tremor was also experienced in neighbouring Okhaldhunga, Ramechhap, Sindhupal Chowk, and Nuwakot districts as well as the Kathmandu Valley. However, there were no immediate reports of any damage or human casualty from the earthquake.

At least 4 killed in Norway avalanches

COPENHAGEN, APR 1 (IANS): Multiple avalanches killed at least four people and left several others missing in the NordTroms area of northern Norway, according to media reports. The Norwegian authorities described the situation as extremely serious and advised people to avoid travelling in the affected areas, Xinhua news agency reported, citing reports by the Norwegian newspaper Aftenposten. According to press reports, the death toll may increase, as rescue operations have been severely hampered by bad weather conditions, with ground crews unable to enter some of the affected areas.

Tornadoes kill at least 11 across US

WYNNE, APR 1 (AP): Unrelenting tornadoes that tore through parts of the South and Midwest killed at least 11 people, collapsed the roof of a packed theater during a heavy metal concert in Illinois, and left small towns and big cities throughout the region bewildered Saturday by the damage.

Tornadoes touched down into the night, laying waste to homes and businesses and stripping bark and limbs off trees, as part of a sprawling storm system that also brought wildfires to the southern Plains and blizzard conditions to the Upper Midwest.

The dead included four in the small town of Wynne, Arkansas, Cross County Coroner Eli Long told KAIT-TV. Other deaths were reported in Alabama, Illinois, Indiana, Mississippi the Little Rock area.

Wynne City Councilmember Lisa Powell Carter said the town about 50 miles (80 kilometers) west of Memphis, Tennessee, was without power and roads were full of debris.

“I’m in a panic trying to get home, but we can’t get home,” she said Friday night. “Wynne is so demolished. ... There’s houses

destroyed, trees down on streets.”

In Belvidere, Illinois, a tornado collapsed the roof of the Apollo Theatre as 260 people attended a heavy metal concert, killing one person and injuring 28, five of them severely, officials said.

People rushed to lift the collapsed part of the ceiling and pull people out of the rubble, Gabrielle Lewellyn, who had just entered the theater, told WTVO-TV.

“They dragged someone out from the rubble, and I sat with him and I held his hand and I was (telling him) It’s going to be OK.’ I didn’t really know much else what to do,” Lewellyn said.

The venue’s Facebook

Israeli police fatally shoot man at Jerusalem’s holiest site

shopping center that included a Kroger grocery store. It then crossed the Arkansas River into North Little Rock and surrounding cities, where widespread damage was reported to homes, businesses and vehicles.

Little Rock resident Niki Scott took cover in the bathroom after her husband called to warn her of a tornado. She could hear glass shattering and emerged to find that her house was one of the few on her street that didn’t have a tree on it.

J ERUSALEM, APR 1 (AP): Israeli police shot and killed a man who they alleged tried to snatch an officer’s gun at an entrance to a Jerusalem holy site early on Saturday, raising fears of further violence during a time of heightened tensions at the flashpoint compound.

page said the bands scheduled to perform were Morbid Angel, Crypta, Skeletal Remains and Revocation.

The storms also killed three people in Sullivan County, Indiana, Emergency Management Director Jim Pirtle said in an email. Some residents were missing in the county seat, Sullivan, near the Illinois line about 95 miles (150 kilometers) southwest of Indianapolis.

In the Little Rock area, at least one person was killed and more than two dozen were hurt, some critically, authorities said.

The tornado in Little Rock tore first through neighbourhoods in the western part of the Arkansas capital and shredded a small

“It’s just like everyone says. It got really quiet, then it got really loud,” Scott said afterward, as chainsaws roared and sirens blared.

In the evening, officials in Pulaski County announced a confirmed fatality in North Little Rock.

Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders activated 100 members of the National Guard to help local authorities respond throughout the state.

A suspected tornado killed a woman in northern Alabama’s Madison County as it destroyed several buildings, said county official Mac McCutcheon. And in northern Mississippi’s Pontotoc County, the state emergency management agency confirmed one death and four injuries.

Palestinian worshippers at the entrance to the site on Saturday morning had a different account, saying that police shot the man at least 10 times after he tried to prevent them from harassing a woman who was on her way to the holy compound, home to Al-Aqsa Mosque in the heart of Jerusalem’s Old City — the third holiest shrine in Islam. The compound, revered by Jews as the Temple Mount, is also the most sacred site in Judaism.

The police said the slain man was 26-year-old Mohammed Alasibi from Hura, a Bedouin Arab village in southern Israel. The village council called for a thorough investigation of his killing and a general strike Saturday in protest.

Hours after the incident, the muddy stone alleyway leading to Al-Aqsa Mosque was still stained

Taliban close women-run Afghan station for playing music

JALALABAD

(AF -

GHANISTAN), APR 1 (AP): A women-run radio station in Afghanistan’s northeast has been shut down for playing music during the holy month of Ramadan, a Taliban official said on Saturday.

Sadai Banowan, which means women’s voice in Dari, is Afghanistan’s only women-run station and started 10 years ago. It has eight staff, six of them female.

Moezuddin Ahmadi, the director for Information and Culture in Badakhshan province, said the station violated the “laws and regulations of the Islamic Emirate” several times by broadcast -

ing songs and music during Ramadan and was shuttered because of the

breach.

“If this radio station accepts the policy of the Is-

lamic Emirate of Afghanistan and gives a guarantee that it will not repeat such a thing again, we will allow it to operate again,” said Ahmadi.

Station head Najia Sorosh denied there was any violation, saying there was no need for the closure and called it a conspiracy. The Taliban “told us that you have broadcast music. We have not broadcast any kind of music”, she said.

Sorosh said at 11.40 am on Thursday representatives from the Ministry of Information and Culture and the Vice and Virtue Directorate arrived at the station and shut it down. She said station staff have contacted Vice

and Virtue but officials there said they do not have any additional information about the closing.

Many journalists lost their jobs after the Taliban takeover in August 2021. Media outlets closed over lack of funds or because staff left the country, according to the Afghan Independent Journalists Association.

The Taliban have barred women from most forms of employment and education beyond the sixth grade, including university. There is no official ban on music. During their previous rule in the late 1990s, the Taliban barred most television, radio and newspapers in the country.

Office Of the KiNiMi KUGhUKO KUQhAKULU, hQ. DiMAPUR Felicitation

ROME, APR 1 (AP): A chipper-sounding Pope Francis was discharged Saturday from the Rome hospital where he was treated for bronchitis, quipping to journalists before being driven away that he’s “still alive.”

Francis, 86, was hospitalised at Gemelli Polyclinic on Wednesday following his weekly public audience in St Peter’s Square after reportedly experiencing breathing difficulties. The pontiff received antibiotics administered intravenously during his stay, the Vatican said.

In a sign of his improved health, the Vatican released details of Francis’ Holy Week schedule. It said he would preside at this

With immense pride and honour, the Kinimi Kughuko Kuqhakulu extends its heartfelt congratulations to the following persons for their achievements in various fields.

1. Shri K h octo Sema , IFS (Retd) , for being appointed as Chairman, Nagaland Expert Assessment Committee under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Govt. of India.

Israeli police close a path leading to the Al-Aqsa Mosque compound after shots were fired in Jerusalem, Saturday. (AP)

with blood.

Alasibi’s family said he was a physician who had recently passed his exams and earned his MD in Romania. He returned to his hometown a month ago, his cousin said, and was caring for his sick father as he worked to get certified in Israel.

“He is a polite, kind man from a family of doctors who was going to AlAqsa for spiritual reasons,” his cousin Fahad Alasibi said. “If you want us to believe that he tried to attack police, then show us the security footage.”

A police spokesperson pushed back on Palestinian accounts, insisting there was no woman walking to the compound at midnight

because the complex was closed to visitors under an agreement with an Islamic trust called the Waqf controlled by Jordan.

Nonetheless, a few dozen people have been trying to sleep at the mosque overnight during the Islamic holy month of Ramadan, prompting Israeli police to intervene and try to evict the worshippers. The police spokesperson said Alasibi first aroused suspicion walking toward the shuttered compound. After being stopped for questioning, the spokesperson said Alasibi jumped on one of the officers and grabbed his gun, managing to fire two bullets toward policemen as the officer struggled to restrain him.

Office Of the TIKHIR UNION KOHIMA Kohima:797001, Nagaland “Unity and Prosperity”

Ref. No.. Date 1st April 2023

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE

With immense joy and honour, the Tikhir Union Kohima extends our hearty congratulations to Shri. S. Kiusumong tikhir for being appointed as the OSD (Backward) to Chief Minister, Nagaland vide Home Department letter No. SAB-16/26/89 (Pt) E dated 30th March 2023.

The Union wishes him a good health and prays that the Almighty God continue to bless him as he takes up his new assignment.

Further, the Union is immensely grateful to Hon’ble Chief Minister, Nagaland Shri. Neiphiu Rio, for his continuous love and support shown to the Tikhir people and enabling the appointment of Shri. S. Kiusumong Tikhir to the prestigious post of OSD. (t tSUthONG) (t. JONGSeN)

President, TUK General Secy. TUK

OFFICE OF THE VILLAGE COUNCIL KüTSAPO

Dist. Phek-797108, Nagaland CIRCULAR

This is for general information that whosoever has purchased land i.e Forest Land, Jhum Land or Terrace Field from any one of the Kütsapomi Citizen, the Kütsapo Village Council directs all individuals/group of individuals to register their land from the office of the Village Council Kütsapo w.e.f 31st March to 15th July 2023.

weekend’s Palm Sunday Mass and at Easter Mass on April 9, both held in St. Peter’s Square and expected to draw tens of thousands of faithful. A Vatican cardinal will be at the altar to celebrate both Masses, a recent practice due to the pontiff having a troublesome knee issue. But Francis is scheduled to celebrate Holy Thursday Mass, which this year will be held in a juvenile prison in Rome.

2. Shri Shikato N Kinimi, for being promoted to the post of Addl. Director under the Department of Horticulture, Govt. of Nagaland. The KKK further wishes them the best in their future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/Avito Kinimi ihoshe Kinimi chairman Secretary DP-1422/23

OFFICE OF THE OLD CHANGSU UNION KOHIMA

KOHIMA -797001, NAGALAND FELICITATION

With due gratitude to God, the Old Changsu Union Kohima with immense pride and joy extends heartfelt congratulations to the following for their achievement and brought laurels to the community:-

1. Mr. Thungbemo Patton, S/o Tsumongo Patton, promoted to Assistant Director (Class-I) under Department of Women Resource Development.

2. Miss N. Rosly Kithan, D/o Lt. Nzio Kithan, promoted to Head Pharmacist (Class-I) under Health & Family Welfare Department

WASHINGTON, APR 1

(PTI): Donald Trump raised over USD 4 million towards his 2024 presidential run in 24 hours after a Manhattan grand jury indicted the former US president on charges related to paying off a porn star, his office has said.

According to the former president’s campaign, over 25 per cent of donations came from first-time donors to the Trump Campaign, further solidifying his status as the clear frontrunner in the Republican primary.

“This incredible surge of grassroots contributions confirms that the American people see the indictment of President Trump as a disgraceful weaponisation

of our justice system by a Soros-funded prosecutor,” it said in a statement on Friday.

“With an average contribution of only USD 34, Trump’s 2024 campaign is funded by an unmatched coalition of hardworking patriots who are fed up with special interest donors like Soros spending billions of dollars to influence our elec-

tions,” it said.

Americans from across all 50 states donated to President Trump’s campaign within the first five hours of the “sham indictment”, the statement said.

The grand jury on Thursday voted to indict Trump, a Republican, for his role in paying money to porn star Stormy Daniels in an attempt to buy her silence over an alleged affair.

Trump, who is the first former US president to face a criminal charge, will be arraigned on Tuesday.

The indictment remains under seal and it is not clear what crimes and how many criminal counts Trump has been charged with.

3. Mrs. Lyingbeni Lotha, D/o Lilamo Humtsoe, promoted to Senior Pharmacist (Class- II) under Health & Family Welfare Department.

4. Mr. Thungchio Y Enny, S/o Yamosao Enny, promoted to Senior Pharmacist (Class- II) under Health & Family Welfare Department.

5. Mr. Elans Ngullie, S/o Wochamo Ngullie, promoted to Deputy Manager, Reliance Jio infocom.

6. Mr. Lirhonthung E Kithan, S/o Etangbemo Kithan on being elected President, Lotha Students' Union (LSU) (2023-26).

7. Mr. Limathung N Yanthan, S/o Y. Nlumo Yanthan on being elected President, Lotha Youth Hoho (2022-25).

8. Miss Nchumpeni C Shitiri, D/o Chonbemo Shitiri on completion of M.Tech from Korea National University of Transportation, Chungju, South Korea.

9. Miss Benchelo M Enny, D/o Mhonthung Enny," Gold Medalist in M.Sc Forestry (Environmnent Management), Mizoram University, Aizawl.

10.

Should anybody fail to register their land within the stipulated time, the Kütsapo Village Council shall confiscate their land for which the Village Council shall not be held responsible.

1. Jhum land per acre Rs 2000/-

2. Forest land price per acre Rs 5000/-

3. TRC field per acre Rs.50 per tin

4. 5% tax from vendors.

NB : To be renewed after five years.

Sd/(K. SHIEVOTSO RHAKHO) Chairman Village Council Kütsapo K-709/23

Office Of the LONGJANG MEDEMSANGER PUTU MENDEN (Longjang Village council)

P.O. impur, B. P.O. Longjang, Mokokchung, Nagaland Felicitation

The Longjang Medemsanger Putu Menden would like to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to all the electorates of the 23 Impur A/C who casted their valuable votes in favor of Shri t.N. Mannen and electing him in the recently held 14th NLA election.

We also have the honor to congratulate him for his success, and extend our prayers and wishes that our Almighty God continue to guide and lead him in bringing peace, harmony, prosperity and development in our constituency in particular and the Nagas in general.

Miss Rhonbeni C Lotha, D/o Chanbemo Shitiri, Gold Medalist in B.A Psychology, The Union further wishes and prays that, Almighty God bless them with good health and wisdom and achieve more success in all their future endeavor.

Damage from a late-night tornado is seen in Sullivan, Ind., Saturday. (AP)

Pope Francis leaves hospital; ‘Still alive,’ he quips

After indictment, Trump raises over USD 4 million in 24 hours

Najia Sorosh head of Sadai Banowan a women-run radio station, speaks with Staff in studio in Afghan, Tuesday. (AP)

Pope Francis

Donald Trump

BTS member J-Hope to serve actively in Korean Army

K-pop suburban BTS’ member J-Hope will join the South Korean Army as an active duty soldier, the band’s agency said Saturday.

“J-Hope will be enlisting in the Army as an active-duty soldier to fulfill his mandatory military service,” BigHit Music said on Weverse, a K-pop fan community platform, reports Yonhap, a news agency. It, however, said there will be no separate event for fans on the day of his enlistment.

The date and location of the military unit where the K-pop star will be serving were not disclosed.

The agency urged fans to refrain from visiting the site to prevent safety accidents caused by over-

NE Film Festival controversy: Directors, Ministry, organisers weigh in

It all started with a poster featuring yesteryears Bollywood celebs like Mahima Chaudhry, Padmini Kolhapure, Poonam Dhillon and Gulshan Grover. All stars in their own right but do they represent North East India?, reports

The Quint.

The poster was on display at the venue in the recently concluded North-East Film Festival (NEFF) 2023 in Mumbai. An initiative by the Sikkim Film Promotion Board and National Film Development Corporation of India (NFDC).

crowding.

Last month, the member said during a live broadcast on the same platform that the date for his enlistment was already fixed but did not provide details.

He will become the second member of BTS to enroll in the military, following the oldest member, Jin, who began his military service in December. In South Korea, all

WhatsApp bans record over 45 lakh bad accounts in India in Feb

Meta-owned WhatsApp banned a record over 45 lakh bad accounts in India in the month of February, in compliance with the new IT Rules 2021, the company informed on Saturday.

Between February 1 and February 28, “4,597,400 WhatsApp accounts were banned and 1,298,000 of these accounts were proactively banned, before any reports from users”, WhatsApp said in its monthly compliance report.

The most popular messaging platform, which has nearly 500 million users

in the country, received another record 2,804 complaint reports in February in the country, and the records “actioned” were 504.

“This user-safety report contains details of the user complaints received and the corresponding action taken by WhatsApp, as well as WhatsApp’s own preventive actions to combat abuse on our platform,” said a company spokesperson.

“We will continue with transparency to our work and include information about our efforts in future reports,” the spokesperson added.

able-bodied men are required to serve in the military for about two years. The 29-year-old released ‘On The Street’ featuring American rapper and producer J. Cole, on March 3. The solo track topped the iTunes Top Songs charts of 80 territories around the world and debuted at No. 60 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100 songs chart. (IANS)

Madonna licks guitar as she adds more dates to 40th anniv tour

Singer Madonna has been seen sticking her tongue out and licking a guitar as she revealed she is adding more dates to her 40th anniversary world tour.

The ‘Material Girl’ singer took to her social media to share the clip where she was wearing a large bomber jacket over a bright neon green shirt, reports ‘Mirror.co.uk’.

She paired her look with fishnet tights and a pair of retro wraparound sunglasses in all black.

1 Experienced individuals with good writing skills for Media publication house

Work Profile: Editing, feature writing etc

2 Full-time video Editor with sound knowledge of using video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro, Da Vinci etc creating content etc

Interested persons can contact: 9436003559

As per ‘Mirror.co.uk’, the star styled her red hair in loose waves and went for a light makeup look including a nude glossy pout.

Accessorising her look, Madonna wore a sparkly diamond-encrusted pendant necklace and a pair of gold cross ear rings. She then held her guitar and licked it as she captioned the post: “Is it possible to fall in love with your guitar?”

Earlier in the year, Madonna announced that she would be going on a world tour to celebrate her four decade career. (IANS)

It’s being alleged that there were no posters with cutouts of artistes and filmmakers from North East. The three-day festival showcased feature-length movies, short films and documentaries from the region.

To start out with, The Quint highlighted about the misrepresentation. While speaking to filmmakers and other participants, it emerged that the poster controversy was the so called tip of the iceberg, while they also alleged the North East Film Festival had many more problems.

Addressing the poster controversy National Award-winning filmmaker and film critic Utpal Borpujari, whose documentary won an award at the festival, said, “The poster in question comprised of guests who were invited to the opening and closing ceremonies. There was one person from the North East in the poster, a Naga singer who compered the opening ceremony and also sang. In that case, it should have been mentioned. I feel that there should have been posters in the venue with cutouts of film personalities from the North East like Danny Denzongpa, Adil Hussain and Seema Biswas, who have contributed in a big way to Indian cinema”.

Borpujari said, “This is not the first time that a North East film festival has been organised by the ministry- it was done in 2014-16 too in Delhi and Pune, with a different name. It’s a good initiative, but there can be a lot of room for improvement when it comes to the organisation and execution. I understand that there was a time constraint, but as filmmakers we expect it to be done in a professional and comfortable way”.

“Also, if there’s a budget available, there should have been a prize money for films that have won. A lot of young filmmakers who come from remote areas don’t make any money from their movies, this prize money encourages them to pursue with their filmmaking endevours “, the director added.

Pooja Sharma, Chairperson of the Sikkim Film Promotion Board, said that the organisers were quite happy with the outcome given that there was a huge time constraint.

“…We had a very short time to put the festival together, and we are happy with the outcome. We had celebrities like Randeep Hooda, Poonam Dhillon, Padmini Kolhapure attending the festival and around 1000 people turned up every day,” she said.

However, a director, on the condition of anonymity, told The Quint that just seven people who he had invited for the screening of his movie had turned up.

National award winning filmmaker Pradip Kurbah, who’s based out of Shillong, was not very pleased with the lack of communication from the organisers. “I got a call from the organisers to be a part of the jury. I was surprised because the call came around 17 March, and the festival was supposed to start from

the 24th. I thought I had to watch around six movies, but when they sent me the films, they were 31 of them! There were short films, feature length ones as well as documentaries”.

Pradip added that he was also unaware that he was supposed to be a panelist for a session.

Pradip continued, “It’s a good initiative by the I&B ministry. But outsourcing the management to people who have no clue how to organise a film festival is a problem. You are getting films from the North East and screening them in Bombay, so at least consult us”. He also touched upon the selection criteria of films. “I was surprised seeing the list of short films that were sent to me. Most of the movies are already there on YouTube, so why would they be a part of a festival?”

“Also, there were no films from Meghalaya! When NFDC is a part of this festival, why did they outsource it?”

Another Assamese filmmaker, Shantanu Sen, who won the best director (bronze) award at the festival, highlighted the problems that the invited filmmakers faced in Mumbai. “I had to share my room with another filmmaker. I am perfectly okay with that but how can I be made to share the same bed with a person I don’t even know?”

He added, “I got a phone call from the festival organisers, and there was no official email from them. I have been a part of several festivals before but that’s never been the case”.

“But I must say that Armstrong Pame was gracious enough to apologise to the filmmakers at the festivals for any inconvenience, and said that it had to be hurriedly organized before the end of this financial

year. He has promised that all these issues would be addressed and rectified in the future edition,” Shantanu responded.

Rebecca Changkija Sema, founder of Find Studioz, has been in the event management space for a decade and was in charge of organising the festival. She refuted Pradip Kurbah’s claims about not being very communicative about the panel.

“An official mail had gone from our end. We didn’t have enough time and it took us at least ten days to collect over 200 films. We had called Pradip Kurbah and he said he was keen to attend. But we had to replace him because we didn’t get any further confirmation from him”.

She even addressed claims of jury members not being given enough time to watch the movies. “We didn’t force the jury to do anything. We were being pressurized by the ministry to get the results from the jury, but whoever asked for more time we gave it to them. We didn’t interfere”.

About the poster controversy Rebecca said, “It was part of the creative design. Those were the guests we had invited because we wanted to fill up the gap. We

had been asked by the I&B ministry and the NDFC to invite as many celebrities as possible”.

Manipuri filmmaker Haobam Paban Kumar, while appreciating the efforts, also highlighted that there’s a lot that can be improved.

Armstrong Pame, director Films at the Information and Broadcasting Ministry explained why there was such a hurry to organise the festival. “Most of us work in the government sector and March, being the end of the financial year, is an extremely busy month. Also, budget allocations had to be utilised by 31 March 2023. We had been planning the festival since January, but other things came up so we had to put this together in a hurry”.

Speaking about the budget Pame said “For the North East Film Festival, we were allocated a budget of around one crore. It includes travel, accommodation, screening of films and the entire execution. Considering the constraints, I was quite happy with the participation - most of the panel discussions had great attendance.

(Exclusive report by Tridip Mandal & Swati Chopra, originally published in The Quint)

DB-427/23

With immense pride and honour, we the Chen Area Theological Fellowship convey our heartiest congratulations to REV. THRANGMO WALIM on being ordained to be the first among the Konyak Women under KBBB. We further extend our best wishes for her future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/(YANCHING WALIM) (WAKEI KONYAK) Co-ordinator, C.A.T.F. President, C.A.T.F.

OLD CHANGSU KITHAN UNION WOKHA TOWN

DB -475/23

FELICITATION

Old Changsu Kithan Union Wokha Town (OCKUWT) conveys our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Lirhonthung E Kithan for being elected as the President of Lotha Students’ Union.

We pray that God’s wisdom, courage and good health to guide you as you embark upon the responsibilities and challenges to serve the Lotha Students Community and also wish you all the best for your noble future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/-

R. Konthungo Kithan Dr. N. Abenthung Kithan Chairman, OCKUWT Secretary, OCKUWT

Man City thump Liverpool to stay in title hunt

2024 Water Polo European C’ships in Israel

JERUSALEM, APRIL 1

(IANS): The Israeli coastal city of Netanya will host the 2024 Men’s European Water Polo Championship, the European Swimming League (LEN) and the Israel Water Polo Association said.

The games will be played at the Wingate Institute Olympic swimming pool in Netanya from January 3 to 16 next year, reports Xinhua. The men’s tournament will include 16 teams, while 12 teams will participate in the women’s competition.

Uefa asked to review treatment of travelling supporters in Italy

NAPLEA S, APR 1

(AGENCIES): Uefa has been asked to look into the treatment of England fans who attended last week’s 2-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Italy in Naples, reports BBC Sports.

Bus issues were followed by four ticket checks at the heavily-policed Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

England fans told the BBC they were charged at by police and struck with batons when trying to enter the ground.

After the match, Three Lions supporters were kept in the stadium for an hour after full-time.

MANCHESTER, APR 1 (AGENCIES):

ing winners.

Manchester

City maintained the pressure on Premier League leaders Arsenal by shrugging off the absence of the injured Erling Haaland to outclass Liverpool with a magnificent display at Etihad Stadium.

City’s 42-goal striker was ruled out with a groin injury, but Pep Guardiola’s reigning champions demonstrated their all-round strength by coming from a goal down against a Liverpool side who have made life so difficult for them in the past, to run out convinc-

Liverpool caught City with a counter-attack after 17 minutes to take the lead, Diogo Jota making the break before Mohamed Salah applied a thumping finish.

City responded in devastating fashion with the outstanding Jack Grealish, who made a crucial intervention on Salah when Liverpool had the chance to double their lead, crossing for Julian Alvarez to equalise after 27 minutes. Alvarez was the creator as City went ahead 53 seconds after the break, his

raking pass finding Riyad Mahrez, who crossed for Kevin de Bruyne to slide home from close range.

John Stones delivered a masterclass in an unaccustomed role which saw him advance into midfield but also drop back into defence when required, and with City in total control Ilkay Gundogan added the third after a goalmouth skirmish. Grealish deserved a goal and it duly arrived in the 74th minute when he timed his arrival perfectly to turn in De Bruyne’s cross as Liverpool ended beaten and bedraggled.

The original plan was to hold the championship in October 2023 in the Israeli coastal city of Tel Aviv, but the location and dates were changed due to technical and financial issues.

The new decision also ensures that the European club competition season can take place as smoothly as possible in an exceptionally busy season for national teams, according to LEN.

In the previous European championship held in Split from August to September 2022, host Croatia won the men’s title, while Spain took the women’s gold.

The England Supporters Travel Club, run by the Football Association, said in an email to fans: “We know many of you are unhappy at what went on, both before and after the game against Italy.

“We have received some very detailed accounts since the match and share many of the concerns and frustrations.

“On Monday, we met with a representative from the travelling UK Policing to hear their view and discuss the circumstances. They too faced a very chal-

1st Open Badminton Tourney of Konyak Aoleang held

lenging situation, a s did our staff on the ground.

“The Football Supporters’ Association has also raised significant concerns. “Taking all of this into account, we are asking Uefa to conduct a review of what happened on Thursday night. We will keep you posted on how this unfolds.”

England recorded

their first victory in Italy since 1961, with Harry Kane becoming the nation’s all-time record goalscorer in the win.

“We appreciate the time you give, and the expenses incurred in following England,” the ESTC continued. “Our paramount concern is your safety and wellbeing. We work hard to make sure

travelling to watch the team is as enjoyable as possible.

“On this occasion it was not, despite the months we spent planning while working in good faith with the authorities in Naples.

“We are sorry that what should have been a wonderful occasion watching our first win in Italy since 1961 was not, for many of you.”

DIMAPUR, APR 1

(NPN): Deputy Commissioner of Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma graced the inaugural function of the 1st Open Badminton Tournament of Aoleang as special guest

on April 1 at Badminton Stadium, Mon. The tournament was organized by Mon District Badminton Association Officer Club Mon A press release by in-

formation assistant Mon stated that DC Mon, in his address expressed his gratitude to the pioneers who first laid their ideas of Badminton at Mon and also MDBA and Officer Club

for organizing the Tournament. He said every festival is linked with the economic life of our society, adding that some celebrate on post-harvest and the other on pre cultivation and the Aoleang festival is also celebrated to mark the end of the year and invoke God’s blessing for the New Year. He encouraged youngsters to enjoy, expose yourself and develop while playing. Delivering the Keynote address, Er. Tingten Konyak, said badminton is one of the best games, where there is no age limitation. It also helps in developing health and mind. He also added that winning and losing doesn’t matter and that participating is very important. He en -

ITF Mysuru Open 2023: Mukund SasikumarVishnu Vardhan pair bags doubles title

has been a remarkable journey. During the pandemic, my life hit the rock bottom again but I was decided that irrespective of how this week had gone, this will be a new start to an unforgettable journey this year and I hope to return here soon but hopefully you will see me in bigger tournaments,” said Mukund after the final match.

MYSURU, APRIL 1

India’s Mukund

(IANS):

Sasikumar and Vishnu Vardhan showed admirable enduring powers on their way to the doubles title in the Cycle Pure Agarbathi

ITF Mysuru Open 2023 at the Mysore Tennis Club on Saturday.

In the final on Saturday, they defeated the topseeded Indian pair of B. Ritvick Choudary and Nikki Poonacha 6-3, 6-4 in 1 hour and 10 minutes.

Mukund and Vishnu warded off seven break points in the match while they converted two opportunities to break their opponents to ease their way to the title.

“First of all, I am very happy to return to Mysore Tennis Club. I was here as a 12-year-old and I was also the winner of the first International tournament here in 2012. Now, I am very happy to win the doubles title, so I think I partially defended

my title,” said Vishnu Vardhan after the match.

“This is my first title post-Covid and thanks a lot to Mukund for helping me with that. It was fun sharing the court with him and thanks to Mukund’s mom for supporting us off the court. It is always fun to play against Niki and Ritvick, who had beaten me in the last three ITF events, so I could get my revenge this week,” he added.

“Both Niki and Ritvick are very hard-working players and I wish both of you reach higher stages soon. And Vishnu, I have seen him for several years now and he gives 100 per cent all the time and treats all the matches with the same importance.

“A little story now, when I came here with my mom in 2012 I was reconsidering playing tennis professionally and from that point to be in the Grand Slam ranking and India No 1, it

It was the second match of the day for Mukund and Vishnu and they showed great powers of concentration to stay focused on the task. They also won more than 80 per cent of points on both first and second serves, indicating the consistency in their game.

Earlier in the day, Mukund and Vishnu romped into the doubles final upsetting the second-seeded Australia-Ukraine pair of Blake Ellis and Vladyslav Orlov 6-4, 7-5.

The USD 25,000 event is being hosted by the Karnataka State Lawn Tennis Association (KSLTA).

In the singles, India’s campaign ended when Mysuru lad S D Prajwal Dev went down fighting to George Loffhagen of Britain 5-7, 4-6 in a tight semifinal match that lasted precisely two hours.

Loffhagen will face eighth seeded Australian Blake Ellis, who shocked second seeded American Oliver Crawford 7-5, 6-3 in the other last four clash. The final will be played on

Sunday.

Results:

Singles (semis): George Loffhagen (GBR) beat SD

Prajwal Dev (IND) 7-5, 6-4;

(8) Ellis Blake (AUS) beat

(2) Oliver Crawford (USA) 7-5, 6-3

Doubles (semis): Mukund

Sasikumar (IND)/Vishnu

Vardhan (IND) beat (2)

Blake Ellis (AUS)/Vladyslav Orlov (UKR) 6-4, 7-5

Doubles (final): Mukund

Sasikumar (IND)/Vishnu

Vardhan (IND) beat Ritvick Choudary/Niki Poonacha (IND) 6-3, 6-4

couraged players to take such tournaments as an opportunity and play with discipline and improve themselves.

President of MDBA, Y. Pongba welcomed the special guest Ajit Kumar Verma, invitees, and players from different places for the coming. He specially thanked the DC Mon for giving an idea to organize this tournament and requested the members to cooperate, to continue in the years to come.

A song was presented by Mr. Wanmei and Friends. The Deputy Commissioner Mon declared the 1st ever Open Badminton Tournament of Aoleang exhibition match played between OCM Vs MDBA.

MADRID, APRIL 1 (IANS): FC Barcelona coach Xavi Hernandez on Friday said that he wants Lionel Messi to return to the club for next season. Speculation about a possible return to Barca from Paris Saint-Germain for Messi has been growing in recent weeks, and declarations from Barca vice-president Rafa Yuste, who commented “destiny is wise” when asked about the Argentinean, have only served to fuel that speculation, reports Xinhua. When asked about Messi in his press conference ahead of Saturday’s La Liga visit to Elche, Xavi was initially reluctant to respond.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We, the bereaved family of Late Thungti Chongshen would like to express our profound gratitude to each and every individual, different organisations, churches, friends and well wishers who stood by us physically, financially and through prayers during his prolonged illness and demise on the 2nd March 2023.

We cannot thank each and everyone in person but your kindness and love will forever be remembered in our hearts.

DP-1428/23

Loving Mother, Brother, In-Laws, Nephews, Nieces and Relatives

“I don’t think it’s the moment to talk about Leo’s return. I am his friend and I speak to him frequently, but it’s not the moment for his good, nor the good of the club, or the squad,” he said. However, after those initial declarations, Xavi added, “It is a question that

we are dealing with. We are friends, but it’s being worked on and I hope it can be done.” “I would like him (Messi) to come back to help us. This is the club of his life, he is the best player in the history of the club and the best player in the history of football.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“When I was my father’s son, tender and the only one in the sight of my mother, He also taught me, and said to me, Let your heart retain my words, keep my commands, and live” Proverbs 4:3-4.

Late KHRIEKO NAGI

Born : 1993 Died : 30-03-2023

We, the bereaved family of Late Khrieko Nagi would like to express our deepest gratitude to all who stood by us through prayers and comforted us physically, emotionally and financially during sudden illness and demise of our beloved son.

Words are insufficient to repay, yet it’s our humble prayer that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

K-707/23

Loving Dad, Mom, Brother & Sisters

1st DEAT H A NNIVE R SA RY

Late TSONSUMI MURRY DP-1390/23

A year has passed, since you left us for your forever home in heaven. But the pain of losing you is still immeasurable. Your message of love, forgiveness, kindness, joy, care and peace still lingers afresh in our hearts, and we fondly remember and miss you every day and shall continue to cherish you in our hearts.

Loving Husband, Children & Relatives

Manchester City’s Jack Grealish celebrates scoring the fourth goal against Liverpool.

England fans inside Napoli’s Diego Armando Maradona Stadium.

I would like Messi back to help us, says Barcelona coach Xavi

Xavi Hernandez and LioneL Messi.

Mukund Sasikumar and Vishnu Vardhan.

DC Mon, Ajit Kumar Verma declaring a match open during the inaugural function of 1st Open Badminton Tournament of Aoleang at Badminton Stadium Mon.

IPL: Mayers sizzles, Wood rattles DC as LSG romp home by 50 runs

LUCKNOW, APR 1 (PTI): Mark Wood scarred the Delhi Capitals top-order with scorching pace as his five-wicket haul beautifully complemented debutant Kyle Mayers’ superb 73 in Lucknow Super Giants’ comfortable 50 run win in their IPL opener, here on Saturday.

Mayers, who got a chance to showcase his exploits because of Quinton de Kock’s absence, hit seven sixes in his 38-ball knock which was largely responsible for solid 193/6 in 20 overs. In reply, Delhi Capitals managed only 143 for 9 with David Warner (56 off 48 balls) fight hardly being any sort of consolation.

Wood (5/14 in 4 overs) bowled back-to-back lethal in-cutters at 147 clicks which Prithvi Shaw (12) and Mitchell Marsh (0) failed to even bring their respective bats down before the ball hit the ‘wood’ work.

In case of Sarfaraz Khan (4), his weakness against pacey short-pitched stuff is well documented and Wood directed one at his body, which could have blown his head off and he

tr ied a non-existent ramp shot getting himself into a tangle and the easiest of catches was taken at fine-leg boundary.

From 41 for no loss to 48 for 3, it happened in a space of couple of overs DC weren’t able to make a comeback after Wood had destroyed their confidence with raw pace.

Skipper Warner and Rilee Rossouw (30 off 20 balls) did add 40 runs before a freak dismissal off Ravi Bishnoi’s (2/31 in 4 overs) delivery brought about his downfall.

Bishnoi and ‘Impact Substitute’ Krishnappa Gowtham (0/19 in 4 overs) bowled admirably well in

dew-laden conditions and the later in fact showed his multi-skill worth with a last ball six during LSG’s batting innings. DC, on the day, didn’t look the part as the momentum slipped out of their grasp, way too many times. The 16 sixes conceded by DC bowlers was a testimony to their inconsistency. They did enjoy a good bowling Powerplay, Mayers announced his grand entry on IPL stage with a scintillating knock.

The left-hander from Barbados, who was included in absence of South African opener Quinton De Kock, made Capitals pay a heavy price for dropping him on

Right knee injury may cut short Williamson’s IPL stint

receiving on-field treatment and did not come back to ba with B Sai Sudharsan coming in as a substitute fielder first and later he took Williamson’s place in the Titans’ playing XI under the Impact Player rule.

An IPL source told PTI that there is little chance for Williamson to take further part in the IPL though the assessment of his injury is still going on.

AHMEDABAD, APR 1

(PTI): New Zealand captain Kane Williamson’s further participation in the ongoing IPL has been put under doubt due to a right knee injury that he suffered during his team’s winning effort against Chennai Super Kings here.

The 32-year-old got injured following a nasty fall while fielding on the boundary during the CSK innings. He had limped off the field in the 13th over on Friday. The extent of his in-

jury is not yet known, but going by what was seen on Friday night, it did not seem a minor injury.

Williamson, who was making his Gujarat Titans debut, intercepted a ball headed for a possible six off CSK opener Ruturaj Gaikwad’s bat.

He managed to palm the ball into the field of play before it bounced onto the boundary ropes. But he fell awkwardly on the ground and clutched his right knee in pain. He was taken off after

“Williamson will probably require ACL reconstruction and could be out of competitive cricket for indefinite period of time,” said the IPL source.

Titans captain Hardik Pandya had said at the postmatch press conference that he did not know how serious was the injury.

“It is knee (injury) for sure but I don’t have any update about what exactly has happened. I don’t know how serious the injury is and how much time it will take (to heal). Right now there is no time frame,” Pandya said.

14, by blazing his way to a 28-ball fifty.

Deepak Hooda (17, 18b) at the other end was a mere spectator to Mayers’ fury as they stitched 79 runs in 42 balls to accelerate the run-rate in the middle overs.

The duo departed in the space of one ball, while Marcus Stoinis (12) got out cheaply in the middle overs.

But LSG maintained the momentum with Nicholas Pooran (36; 21b) and Krunal Pandya (15 not out; 13b) taking the charge, before Ayush Badoni’s mini assault (18; 7b, 1x4, 2x6) and a last ball six from ‘Impact Substitute’ Krishnappa Gowtham yielded 22 runs from the 20th over bowled by Chetan Sakariya (2/53).

The last five overs produced 66 runs, primarily due to Pooran and Badoni using long handles to good effect. Playing their first-ever home game since joining IPL last year, LSG were in a spot of bother with DC bowlers making full use of the two-paced tricky Ekana wicket after opting to bowl.

It took LSG openers, KL Rahul and Mayers, 16 balls to get going and hit their first boundary.

Punjab Kings beat KKR via DLS method in rain-hit IPL season-opener

MOHALI, APR 1 (PTI):

Punjab Kings’ costliest recruit Sam Curran dismissed the dangerous Andre Russell at the nick of time to ensure a seven-run victory over Kolkata Knight Riders via Duckworth-Lewis method in a rain-hit afternoon encounter of Indian Premier League, here on Saturday.

Chasing a target of 192, KKR were left stranded at 146 for 7 after 16 overs when heavy downpour put spanner on their hardwork. The DLS par score at that time was 153.

Had KKR not lost Russell (35 off 19 balls), who was looking to walk away with the game and then Venkatesh Iyer to Arshdeep Singh in the next over, the par score would have been lower before heavens opened up. The two wickets in the 15th and 16th over proved to be decisive as KKR needed 46 off 24 balls at that stage with Shardul Thakur (8 not out) and Sunil Narine (7 not out) were at the crease.

Kolkata needed 62 from 32 balls when Curran dismissed an on-song Rus-

sell and Arshdeep removed the ‘Impact Substitute’ Venkatesh Iyer (34) which proved to be turning point. Russell was holed at deep mid-wicket and Iyer was snapped at point.

The burly West Indian Russell had ignited KKR’s hopes of a turnaround with three fours and two sixes, while Iyer made the first real impact with in his 28 ball knock that had three fours and a six.

KKR had a poor start as they were reduced to 29/3 inside the first five overs but a 46-run stand for the fourth wicket between Iyer and skipper Nitish Rana

(24) brought them back in contest. Then a 50-run partnership between Iyer and Russell put them on course for a possible chase.

But KKR just did not have enough firepower in them on the day and Arshdeep’s brilliant figures of 3/19 in 3 overs was a gamechanger for the ‘Red Devils’.

Arshdeep bowled an eventful second over, striking on the first ball to have Mandeep Singh (2) caught at deep mid-wicket by Curran. After Anukul Roy hit him for a four, the India pacer had the left-handed batter caught at short midwicket.

Miami Open

nounced Russians will be allowed back.

Medvedev has won 23 of 24 matches — the lone loss to Alcaraz — and is in his fifth straight final.

Also Friday, No. 15 seed Petra Kvitova beat unseeded Sorana Cirstea 7-5, 6-3 in the second women’s semifinal. Kvitova will face Elena Rybakina in the final.

MIAMI GARDENS (FLORIDA), APR 1 (AP):

Tenth-seeded Jannick Sinner of Italy stunned topranked Carlos Alcaraz in the Miami Open semifinals, rallying from a set down to beat the defending champion, 6-7 (5), 6-4, 6-2 in a three-hour thriller. Sinner ended Alcaraz’s winning streak at 10 matches on Friday night.

Sinner’s powerfully steady baseline game wore down Alcaraz, who appeared to be cramping early in the decisive third set while he also dealt with an apparent finger injury. He will lose

1ST NECDC cricket tournament: rain play spoilsport

SEMI-FINAL MATCH UPDATES

the No. 1 ranking to Novak Djokovic. Sinner, the 21-yearold who made the Miami Open final last year but hasn’t been past the quarterfinals of a major, will face fourth-seeded Daniil Medvedev of Russia in the championship match Sunday. Medvedev has beaten Sinner in all five meetings. Alcaraz had been so dominant recently, he hadn’t lost a set since February before Sinner’s rally in the Miami humidity.

The Alcaraz hype train has been so breakaway NBA stars Luka Doncic and

Jimmy Butler showed up to watch the Spanish star from the teal seats.

Alcaraz also fought Sinner in Indian Wells in the semifinals, and it was a taut match but not quite like this. These two young guns are poised for a long and spectacular rivalry. Sinner’s victory ended Alcaraz’s hope of becoming the first man since Roger Federer in 2017 to win the Sunshine Double of Indian Wells and Miami. Medvedev beat fellow Russian Karen Khachanov 7-6 (5), 3-6, 6-3 on the same day Wimbledon an-

Alcaraz prevailed in the first set in a tiebreaker but that took a lot out of Alcaraz’s 19-year-old legs. Between points in the third set, Alcaraz was stretching noticeably during the third set, trying to stave off cramps and waved to the crowd for support.

Despite Alcaraz getting the second set back on serve, Sinner stunned Alcaraz in the ninth game, breaking him at love to go up 5-4 and then closing it out. Alcaraz had won 21 straight sets.

An ATP trainer came out to attend to Alcaraz midway through the second set, examining one of his fingers before the cramps set in.

Earlier in the first half, Bhanuka Rajapaksa slammed a quickfire 50 to guide Punjab Kings to a challenging 191 for five against Kolkata Knight Riders.

Rajapaksa added 86 runs for the second wicket with captain Shikhar Dhawan (40) to lay a strong platform, with Sam Curran (26 not out) providing late flurry on a batting friendly wicket.

Punjab dominated the first h alf of the innings with aggressive batting and looked primed to cross 200, but KKR managed to pull things back in control with regular wickets after a sturdy 86-run association between Rajapaksa and Dhawan.

The left-handed Sri Lankan Rajapaksa made the most of wrong lines bowled to him by KKR bowlers, racing to the first half-century for PBKS this season.

Riding on the momentum provided by Prabhsimran Singh (23) at the top, Rajapaksa ensured Punjab maintained the domination while Dhawan played the second fiddle throughout his stay.

AUGUSTA, APR 1 (AP):

Aaron Wise has withdrawn from the Masters, posting on social media that he needs time away to focus on his mental health. He will not be replaced in the field, which now is 88 players.

“Golf is just as much a mental game as it is one of physical skill, and the mental piece of it has been a struggle for me recently,” Wise posted on Instagram.

“I don’t take the significance of playing at Augusta lightly, but I know that I need to take some time away to focus on my mental health so I can get back to competing at a level I am proud of.”

Wise has not played the Masters since his only trip in 2019, when he qualified by winning the AT&T Byron Nelson the year before. He won one match but didn’t make it out of group play at the Dell Match Play last week. He had missed the cut in four of his previous five tournaments.

DIMAPUR, APR 1: Rain played spoilt sport in the semi-final matches on both the grounds where the semi-final match played between Nagaland and Meghalaya had to be abandoned because of soggy ground conditions at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium. The match was able to resume at 01:15 pm and was reduced to 35 overs per side.

Nagaland vs Meghalaya

After winning the toss, Meghalaya sent Nagaland team in to bat first. Nagaland were reeling at 58 runs for the loss 3 wickets in 20.4 overs when the rains interrupted the match.

Hem Bahadur Chetri was on 22 runs along with Hokaito Zhimomi on 4 runs after having lost Yugandhar Singh for 5 runs, Jonath an Rongsen for 9 runs and Sedezhalie Rupreo for 11 runs.

The match could not restart as the soggy ground made it impossible for the match to be played. The on-field umpires and the match officials decided have decided to have a rematch on April 2 at Nagaland Cricket Stadium at 08:45 am.

Manipur vs Sikkim

In the other Semi-finals at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Manipur won

the toss and elected to field first.

Sikkim had an unfortunate start with their top batting order- Anwesh 8 runs, Arun Chettri 0 run, Nilesh Lamichanay 6 runs, Pranesh Chettri 0 run and Palzor Tamang 8 runs getting out cheaply without troubling the score board.

It was Ashish Thapa who steadied the innings and played an important knock of 41 runs. He was ably supported by Lee Yong Lepcha 22 runs, Ankur Malik 26 runs and Tarun Sharma 17 runs to help post a competitive 144 runs. The match had to be

stopped due to rain in the 23rd over with Sikkim batting at 75 runs losing 5 wickets with Ashish Thapa batting on 28 runs and Lee Yong Lepcha batting on 14 runs . When play resumed, both the players were able to stitch a 50-run partnership in 75 balls.

Rajkumar Rex Singh and Bisworjit Singh were brilliant with the bowling once again as they scalped 3 wickets each while Jotin Pheiroijam and Bikash Singh took a wicket each for Manipur.

In their run-chase, Manipur batters had an easy sail as their batsmen displayed great maturity to chase down the target of 145 in just 28.3 overs. It was an overall teamwork batting display for Manipur as Karnajit Yumnam 18 runs, Md. Basir Rahman 22 runs, Longjam Ronald 16 runs, Langlonyamba 43 runs, Jotin Pheiroijam 15 runs, Pukhrambam 9 runs and Kishan Laishram 15 runs all contributed for an easy win the match and book a spot the finals of the 1st NECDC Interstate Senior Men’s Friendship Tournament to be played on April 3.

3 from Combat Academy take part in Matrix Fight Night

DIMAPUR, APR 1 (NPN):

Three mixed martial artists representing The Combat Academy Nagaland, participated at the 11th edition of the recently concluded Matrix Fight Night event held at The Talkatora Stadium in New Delhi on 31st March. Matrix Fight Night is the leading and biggest MMA promotion in the country right now.

A press release by the manager of The Combat Academy Nagaland, Victor Angami stated that the three fighters, Limasunep Imchen, Mairidin Newmai, and Longtsukumba Ao, all made their professional debut in the Flyweight, Bantamweight and Featherweight category respectively. Limasunep lost to Nongmaithem Bonjovi via a guillotine choke, while Mairidin Newmai won by unanimous decision after three rounds against Mandeep Prajapati. Longtsukumba Ao lost his bout via RNC (rear naked choke) submission.

Previously, Imkong Jamir, Arsenba Ozukum and Avizo Lanamai, all representing The Combat Academy, have also participated in the 9th and 10th editions of Matrix Fight Night.

The event was also telecasted ‘Live’ on Disney Hotstar Plus.

Purvottar Bharat Parikrama car rally reaches Kohima

DIMAPUR, APR 1 (NPN): The Purvottar Bharat Parikrama car rally reached Kohima on Saturday after covering 2200 Km across four states (West Bengal, Sikkim, Assam & Arunachal Pradesh) in the past nine days. The car rallyists included a PVC awardee, Sub Maj and Hony Capt Yogendra Singh Yadav, PVC (Retd).

A press release by PRO defence stated that on reaching Kohima, the rallyists paid homage to the brave soldiers at the WWII memorial and felicitated the families of valiant soldiers who laid their life for the nation.

The families of Capt (Late) Neikezhakuo Kenguruse, MVC, and Hony Capt Imliakum Ao, MVC were also felicitated during the event. A motivational talk was also given by Sub Maj & Hony Capt Yogendra Singh Yadav, PVC (Retd) to t NCC cadets and school students.

The interaction was received well by the students and it motivated them to contribute to nation-building.

Purvottar Bharat Parikrama rally is traversing through Northeastern states of India to commemorate ‘Azadi Ka Amrit Mahostav’.

The car rally was flagged off by Army Commander HQ Eastern Command Lt Gen RP Kalita, on March 22 on the eve of Shaheed Diwas.

The rally will cover over approximately 4000 Kms and has covered arduous terrain to include Nathu-la in Sikkim, Se-la, and Bum-la in Arunachal Pradesh, and now is traveling states south of Bharamputra River.

The initiative aims to promote national unity, camaraderie, and national integration among people of different states, religions, and cultures bringing together different sections of society and building a “New India” that is stronger and more prosperous.

It also focuses on enhancing awareness about India’s rich history and cultural heritage among the youth of the region.

The event will be a great platform to showcase the cultural diversity of the Northeastern region and encourage tourism.

Sinner stuns top-ranked Alcaraz in

SFs Golfer Aaron cites mental health issues

Kane Williamson being taken off the field. (PTI)

A semi final match in progress.

Daniil Medvedev Jannick Sinner

Arshdeep Singh of Punjab Kings celebrates the wicket of Kolkata Knight Riders batsman A Russel.

LSG bowler Mark Wood, who took 5 wickets, celebrates with teammates after winning the match. (PTI)

Rallyist at Kohima WW-II War Memorial.