30 May 2023

Nagaland Post

Russian ballistic missiles strike Kyiv in daylight

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Amit Shah reaches violence-hit Manipur, chairs high-level meet

IMPHAL, MAY 29

(AGENCIES): Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday chaired a meeting with Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh and ministers of the state, senior leaders, and officials here to assess the situation and plan further steps to restore normalcy in the region.

On the first day of his four-day long visit to the state, Shah held a meeting in the presence of Union Minister for State Home Affairs Nityanand Rai, Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla, and Intelligence Bureau chief Tapan Deka among other officials concerned in the state as well as the Centre.

The meeting aimed at assessing the situation in Manipur and plan further

steps to restore normalcy

there. Shah is expected to hold several rounds of security meetings to assess the prevailing situation, speak with all stakeholders and

civil society organisations, and finalise strategies to restore peace and normalcy at the earliest, an official said.

Sources said Shah is likely to hold meetings with

the Meiteis and Kukis together for a discussion over ways to resolve the situation.

“The communities will be assured of safety and asked to lay down arms so

Mbappe named Ligue 1 Player of the Year for 4th time

25 armed miscreants arrested with weapons in Manipur: Army

that a conducive atmosphere can be prepared to resolve things through talks. Kukis are already in talks with the government for a peace deal. They have been demanding some autonomy in their areas which will be considered,” a home ministry official said, as per The India Express report.

Top officials also said that Shah may visit some of the districts populated by both Meities and Kuki tribals, who have been in conflict since May 3. Some of these districts are located on the Myanmar borders.

Sources in Manipur said the situation continues to remain tense and sporadic violence is being reported even now from areas around the boundary between the Valley and hill districts.

DIMAPUR, MAY 29 (NPN): PRO (Defence) informed that the Army arrested 25 armed men in separate incidents along with weapons and war-like stores, who were allegedly planning to carry out attacks in Imphal’s east district. The armed men were caught by Army’s multiple Mobile Vehicle Check Posts (MVCP).

“On receiving specific information about armed miscreants venturing out to burn houses in Sanasabi, Gwaltabi and ShabunkholKhunao in the hilly region of Imphal East District, the Army mobilised columns on May 28 to establish multiple MVCP and undertake search operations in the area. While operating in the area, the Army columns were fired upon from automatic weapons by miscreants who were trying to burn the houses,” it said.

However, the army apprehended 22 of them with weapons and other war-like stores. Five 12 bore double barrel rifles, three singlebarrel rifles, one countrymade weapon with double bore and one muzzle-loaded weapon were recovered, PRO said.

Meanwhile at Imphal East, a car with four passengers were stopped on Sunday. On being challenged, they got down from

the car and attempted to run, but three were caught, PRO said. An INSAS Rifle with a magazine, 60 rounds of 5.56 mm ammunition, a Chinese hand grenade, and one detonator were recovered. PRO also said that Sugnu and Serou villages of Kakching district witnessed violent clashes on Sunday which saw the army intervening to rescue people affected.

Office vandalism: NSF stages sit-in protest; threatens to intensify stir State logs 1 fresh case of Covid

Correspondents

KOHIMA, MAY 29

(NPN): Mounting pressure on the state government, NSF on Monday launched staged a sit-it protest outside the vandalised office in protest against the state government’s alleged failure to nab the culprits within the 24hour ultimatum set by the federation. NSF members, students and well wishers took part in the protest.

In an effort to mount pressure on the government to arrest all those involved in the May 27 vandalisation of its office NSF Naga

1 gets 20 yrs jail for rape of minor

DIMAPUR, MAY 29

(NPN): Special Judge POCSO Tuensang has sentenced a man to 20 years rigorous imprisonment for kidnapping and raping a minor girl, age about five years.

In a press release, additional public prosecutor Tuensang, Kenile Kent, informed that Special Judge POCSO Tuensang, Longshithung Ezung, passed the judgement and order on May 22, 2023.

The accused identified as Berimong Yim of Kuthur village, was sentenced for committing offence u/s 376 AB I.P.C and 6 POCSO Act. The accused would also undergo five years (S.I) for committing offence u/s 363 I.P.C and pay a fine of Rs.10,000. APP Tuensang stated that the period of sentence would run consecutively, which would be 25 years in total.

Students’ Federation (NSF) reiterated that the student community would intensify its agitation if the authorities fail to arrest them .

According to Kohima police, three persons were arrested so far and two vehicles -- an excavator and a gypsy-were seized. An of-

GUWAHATI, MAY 29 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually flagged off the North East’s first Vande Bharat Express from Guwahati to New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal on Monday.

Modi symbolically waved a green flag on screen, to launch the train from Guwahati station where Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria and chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma were present.

The Vande Bharat Express will boost tourism, education, trade and employment opportunities in the northeast, Modi said on the occasion.

During the last nine years, North East has witnessed infrastructure development with all states connected with the railway network, Modi said. “Infrastructure is for all without any discrimination, reflecting true social justice and secularism”, Modi said.

ficial said that investigation was still on and no further details were divulged.

Protestors displayed placards that read: “Naga Students’ Federation is the rightful organisation to inherit Naga Club building”, “Naga Club vandalization at night is an act of terrorism”, “Attacking a property/house is not acceptable under Naga customary law”, “Anti-Nagas should be arrested immediately”, “Attacking student offices with dao is an intention to take lives of students”, etc . NSF president Kegwayhun Tep expressed dis-

pleasure at the State government for not doing enough to catch the culprits within 24 hours. He said many people were not aware that the people who destroyed the office “came with the intention to kill us” as they carried dao and lathi.

Giving a status of the case, Tep said that some of the members of the Naga Club were granted bail by the court during the hearing on Monday which was also live-streamed by the Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench.

When asked about the status of the investigation by

Lawyers body want cooling off period for judges before accepting pol. appointments

NEW DELHI, MAY 29 (PTI): A lawyers’ body on Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking a declaration on a cooling off period of two years for apex court and high court judges before they can accept post-retirement political appointment such as gubernatorial positions, contending acceptance of political offices is adversely affecting public perception about independence of judiciary.

Bombay Lawyers Association, in its plea referred to the appointment of former apex court judge Justice S Abdul Nazeer as governor of Andhra Pradesh on February 12 this year as the reason for filing the case.

They referred to several instances of former judges accepting post-retirement offers of the political executive and said, “The acceptance of political appointments by the Judges of this Court and High Courts after retirement

without any cooling off period is adversely affecting public perception about independence of judiciary.”

“In more recent times, Chief Justice (since retired) P Sathasivam was appointed as Governor of Kerala, Justice Ranjan Gogoi (ex-CJI) was nominated to Rajya Sabha and Justice Abdul Nazeer was appointed as Governor of Andhra Pradesh,” association said in its plea. It sought a direction to declare it was a constitutional requirement that “after retirement there should be two years cooling off period for the Judges” from accepting any other political appointment”. The plea also sought a direction to the Centre to impose a condition at the time of appointment that after retirement there would be a cooling off period of two years for the judges of the higher courts before they accept a political office.

Kohima-Jessami road: KVC for resumption of works

DIMAPUR, MAY 29

(NPN): Kikruma village council (KVC) Phek district has appealed to the NHIDCL, Project Management Unit (PMU)- Pfutsero to resume construction works and maintenance of Kohima-Jessami road on NH-29 before the onset of monsoon.

In a letter to the general manager PMU-Pfutsero, KVC chairman Thipuzhoyo Thira, secretary Duhuta Vero and VDB secretary Besungoyo Puro said that people of the area were thrilled when the road projects was sanction in 2020. However, they said people were now anxious about the complete halt in construction works

for the past two months and the potential impact it could have on the area. KVC reminded that the

region was prone to landslides as witnessed during last year’s monsoon season. It stated that people were dis-

tressed and worried about the termination of the contractor and decision to completely halt construction works at the onset of monsoon.

With the suspension of works in package II, KVC expressed apprehension that the entire highway construction works have come to a grinding halt. It said that stoppage of work would result in a complete dislocation and derailment of connectivity between Kezo Town-Kikruma connecting Pfutsero town potentially leading to large-scale unrest and unhappiness amongst the population in the service area of the highway project.

the SIT, Tep said that they were informed about the arrest of two more persons besides the driver of the excavator.

“This morning we were told that the authorities have written to all those involved in the incident to surrender themselves, however, there is no news about any arrests being made,” Tep added.

Meanwhile, NSF has convened an emergency seniors’ consultative meeting on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at the conference hall, Angami Public Organisation building, Kohima.

(Cont’d on p-8)

DIMAPUR, MAY 29

(NPN): Nagaland on Monday recorded one fresh case of Covid-19 pushing the total caseload to 36026.

According to health department bulletin, the fresh case was reported from Mokokchung. The department also informed that two persons have recuperated from the disease in Kohima.

With this, the state currently has four active cases.

The death toll remained unchanged at 782 (including 5 non-Covid deaths but with positivity).

Meanwhile, India has logged 310 new coronavirus

infections, while the active cases have decreased to 4,709 from 4,972, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Monday.

The death toll has increased to 5,31,866 with two deaths, the data updated at 8 am stated.

The Covid case tally was recorded at 4.49 crore (4,49,90,054)

The active cases now comprise 0.01 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has been recorded at 98.80 per cent, the ministry said.

Amit Shah chairs a meeting with Manipur chief minister N. Biren Singh, state ministers, senior leaders and officials, in Imphal on Monday evening. (PTI)

Three held with INSAS rifle, grendae and other items in Imphal. (PRO)

NSF functionaries, students and others during the protest. (NP)

A section of road affected by landside during monsoon season 2022. (KVC)

Modi flags off NE’s first ‘Vande Bharat’ express

‘Large population an asset’: Moatoshi

NEWS IN BRIEF

Social work at Noklak: In view of the onset of the monsoon season, Deputy Commissioner Noklak, Arikumba has informed that mass social work will be held on June 3 in and around Noklak town. Following departments have been requested to carry out the work accordingly: Clearance of drainage on the roadside- EE, PWD(R&B). Check the Electric poles- SDO/JE Power. Spray Disinfectant/mosquito repellent in required areas- CMO, medical. Keep school surrounding clean and healthy- SDEO Education. Check trees susceptible to storms in and around the settlementsForest Ranger/Ward Chairman/Village Council. All concerned have been requested to cooperate and take part positively to keep the district safe and healthy during the monsoon.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAY 29

(NPN): Advisor of Labour, Employment & Skill Development and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, on Monday said there was a time when large population was considered a burden to the state as there were more mouths to feed but contrary to the assumption, a large population was actually an asset, even more if it was more of young population.

Moatoshi was speaking as chief guest at the 10th Founding Anniversary programme of Pinnacle Skills, at AIDA Hall, Don Bosco Higher Secondary School

Dimapur. He pointed out that nearly 40% of Indian population was aged between 13 to 35 years, which was defined as youth under National Youth Policy and with population increasing the government of India laid down many policies to be “Skill Ready” population.

The advisor also acknowledged the Pinnacle Skills on its 10th Anniversary and thanked CEO, Pinnacle Skills, Dr. Yan Murry and his associates for sincere stewardship in leading and guiding the Pinnacle Skill and achieving the milestone. He said Nagaland was facing a grim future and difficult times ahead since many youths, both educated and uneducated, were unemployed. Longkumer therefore said it should be the responsibility and concern for everyone and stressed on finding ways and means to solve this problem. He pointed that Nagaland was 4th amongst 36 state UTs in India with highest unemployment rate according to annual Periodic Labour Force Survey for 2021-2022, a report released by Government of India on February 24, 2023.

He expressed happiness to note that Pinnacle Skill have stepped in at the

right time. He also assured to work together in wherever possible and expressed hope on tackling many situations by collaboration and co-operation with commitment.

Delivering welcome address, CEO, Pinnacle Skills, Dr Yan Murry, informed that the institution had provided employment to over 8000 youths since its inception. Earlier, the programme was chaired by Sr Manager, Operations, Pinnacle Skills, Nagatoli Achumi and invocation offered by pastor, Covenant Baptist Church Dimapur, Yabang Longkumer.

Short speeches were also delivered by chairman, Pinnacle Skills, Dr John Murry, head, Business Development & Placement Skills, Debojyoti Sarkar, and vote of thanks by head operations, Pinnacle Skills, Ajung Thonger.

BSF Chedema and NSACS organise awareness programme on HIV & AIDS

A year has passed since you left us for heavenly abode but you are always in our heart. There is not even a single day that goes by without thinking of you. Your love and precious values will always guide and walk with us forever.

“ABA You are loved beyond words and missed beyond measure”

MKC-211/23

Loving Wife, Children, Grandchildren and Family Members.

2nd Death a nniversary

IN LOV I NG ME M ORY of Late Hesheto Kapo

TSUD convenes meet: Tenyimi Students Union Dimapur (TSUD) has convened a meeting on June 3 at 3 p.m. at Tenyimi complex, Dimapur. In this connection, all respective subordinate bodies have been requested to attend the meeting. Colleges with no Tenyimi student’s bodies have been requested to send two representatives. It may be noted that TSUD held its 2nd union assembly, at Chakro Angami Kuda union office. At the assembly, the house decided to have a meeting with all colleges and universities within the jurisdiction of Dimapur, Niuland and Chumukedima for its coming event.

ANTA Wokha general meet: All Nagaland Taxi Association (ANTA) Wokha Unit has convened a general meeting on June 4 at 1 pm at Lotha Hoho Ki conference hall Wokha. ANTA Wokha Unit has informed all taxi drivers and owners, members and counter owners to attend the meeting.

ANTHU Zbto meeting: All Hindi teachers under Zunheboto unit has convened a meeting on June 3 at 10:30 am at VDB Hall near Town Hall Zunheboto. ANTHU informed that strict action will be initiated against absentees.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Correspondent

KOHIMA, MAY 29 (AGENCIES): In a joint effort, 37 Battalion BSF Chedema with Nagaland State AIDS Control Society (NSACS) organised an HIV and AIDS awareness programme on May 29.

Around 100 participants including officers, troops and family members of BSF at -

tended the programme. 2nd in Command BSF, S P Singh, welcomed the resource persons and staffs from NSACS and appreciated the effort on how NSACS reached out to the people and educating them on HIV and AIDS related issues.

The resource persons for the programme were, Dr. Menokho Zao, Mr. Inato (Dy

Director, NSACS) and Mr. Rokovizo (Adl Director, NSACS). During the programme, various aspects relating to issues like, spread of HIV, preventive measures, syndromes, treatment etc were highlighted by the resource persons. After the programme, a voluntary free HIV blood test was conducted by the NSACS teams for the participants.

NCD, TSUD condemn vandalism of NSF office

DIMAPUR: Naga Council Dimapur (NCD) and Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD) have condemned the act of vandalism of Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) office on May 27.

NCD president, Etsungmomo Kikon and general secretary, LK. Peter Anal termed the act as uncivilized and said that intentionally damaging the respectable image of NSF was highly condemnable. NCD said the house where the office

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

of NSF has been functioning was hand-made Naga Heritage structure worth-preserving for the years to come. The council further appealed to law enforcing agencies to book the miscreants and take necessary action according to the law of the land.

TSUD: Tenyimi Students’ Union Dimapur (TSUD) has strongly condemned the destruction of offices of Naga Students’ Federation and All Nagaland College Students’ Union in the wee hours on

May 27.

TSUD in a condemnation note by its president, Vibozo and assistant general secretary, Asinuo Dahou said the action was an insult not only to the NSF, the apex body of the Naga Students Units but also to all the Nagas in general. TSDU appealed to the concerned authority to take necessary action at the earliest. The union also assured unwavering support to the NSF in “whatever measures and course of action that may be initiated”

Late Thungchamo Lotha

1930 to May 25, 2023

We wish to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who have shared in our grief at the demise of our Beloved Father Lt. Thungchamo Lotha. As we continue our journey of healing, we will remember the overwhelming love and support shown towards us and the honour given to him as he left us to be with our Lord. We pray that his love for God & people will continue to inspire us to deeper faith and service, until we meet again in the presence of our Lord. He is survived by 7 children, 6 daughters in-law and 24 grandchildren.

May our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

WC-122/23

~Loved Ones~

We the family members of Lt. WODEMO KIKON would like to express our profound gratitude to all who stood by us physically, emotionally and financially and your unceasing prayers at the sudden demise.

Though we are unable to mention each and everyone personally, we pray that our Almighty God bless each and everyone abundantly.

WC-119/23

Loving children, families and relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We the family members of Lt.Mrs Kenny Zhimo (Akatoli) are very deeply indebted to all the individuals, friends, well wishers, churches, organisations, fellowships, unions and Doctors who stood by us physically, morally, spiritually and financially through the course of her illness and sad demise on 15th April 2023.We cannot repay back all the love tender care and support extended to her/us. We pray that God Almighty shower his bountiful blessings upon each and everyone of you.

We are unable to acknowledge all of you individually, but we know that you all will bear our shortcomings.

Given below is the short list of individuals and groups to whom we are especially grateful.

15.09.1960 – 30.05.2021

Today, we pause to honor the second anniversary of our beloved dad's passing. We reflect on the profound impact he had on our lives. His love, wisdom, and guidance continue to inspire us every day.

Though the pain of his absence remains, we find solace in the cherished memories we shared. Dad's spirit lives on in our hearts, shaping us into resilient and compassionate individuals.

We gather as a family, united by love, to honor his memory.

Rest peacefully, dear Dad. Your legacy lives on, and we carry your love with us always.

K-1148/23

With heartfelt remembrance, Wife, Children & Relatives

“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.” Romans 14:8 Your loving, Husband, Daughters, Parents, Brother, In-laws and Relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born: 1950 Died: 26/5/23

The family of Late Amongla Martha Tevo, would like to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us following our sad loss. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to the many friends, neighbours, various unions, organizations and well-wishers who visited our home, attended the wake service and burial and who provided emotional and practical support for us at this difficult time. For those who telephoned, travelled long distances and sent messages of condolences, as well as those who made charitable donations, we are truly grateful. A special word of thanks to all those who helped in any way, your contribution made our loss more bearable. As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. May the Almighty God bless each and everyone of you abundantly. Loving husband, daughters and grandchildren

K-1216/23

Lt.Mrs Kenny Zhimo (Akatoli)

Born 16/02/1984 – Died 15/04/2023

1. G.Kaito Aye, Hon’ble Minister, R & B, GON

2. Dr.Hokuto Zhimo, former NPSC Chairman

3. Dr.Kheshito Zhimo,Rtd.Addl. Director H& FW

4. Khekaho Aye,Sr.Treasury Officer, Dimapur

5. Hukato Murru, Sukhai Village

6. Nillo Zhimo, Kilonser GPRN/ NSCN

7. ACP Traffic Control Room Dimapur

8. ABSI Toshi Traffic Control Dimapur

9. Chekiye Village, Block –II

10. Shoixe Union Dimapur

11. Nagaland Baptist College, Dimapur

12. Shoixe Village Baptist Church, (Local Women & Youth Department)

13. NBCHA & NBCHA , Women Department

14. Kulolau Vekuhomi kuposhukulu

15. Chekiye Village Baptist Church

16. Asukhuto Village Baptist Church (Local Women & Youth Department)

17. Vekuho New Baptist Church

18. Phulesheto Baptist Church Loving Husband & Family Members

1sT DEATh ANNivErsAry of Mr. T. Sashi Jamir

Moatoshi Longkumer, Dr Yan Murry and others at 10th founding anniversary of Pinnacle Skills.

NSACS members and BSF personnel at the awareness programme.

NEXT

Nagaland has 31 active leprosy cases

DIMAPUR: Commissioner & secretary Health and Family Welfare (H&FW), Y.Kikheto Sema informed that at present Nagaland has 31 active cases of leprosy out of which 90 percent were from Dimapur and 80 percent of which were from non-Naga migrant workers.

A DIPR report informed that Kihekto said this while addressing review meeting-cum-training progamme of National Leprosy Eradication Programme (NLEP) for Northeastern states held at Hotel De Oriental, Kohima on May 29.

However, the commissioner and secretary said that India was making progress and new leprosy cases were declining every year and the country has set target to become leprosy free by 2027 three years ahead of SDG.

Kikheto further said that government alone cannot achieve the targets and needed the support and coordination of all the stakeholders.

Principal advisor (NCDC), MoHFW government of India, Dr. Anil Kumar, who was the guest

of honour, appreciated the hard work of all the workers under the NLEP and presented the current updated data of leprosy cases around the world. He expressed concern on having 80 percent of the world leprosy cases in India but was confident that with new initiatives being undertaken the numbers would drop in the coming years.

Short speeches were also delivered by ILEP India Co-ordinator (GLRA India) Dr. Srilekha Penna, National Professional Officer (leprosy), WHO India, Dr.Rashmi Shukla and Deputy Director General (leprosy), Central Leprosy Division, Ministry of

Assessment camp for PWDs of Peren

Health & Family Welfare, government of India Dr. Sudarsan Mandal.

Earlier, CMO (NFSG), Central Leprosy Division, Dr. Lily Gangmei, delivered the welcome address and highlighted the aims and objectives of the review meeting and mentioned that the training would cover subjects such as National Strategic Plan (NSP), Roadmap for Leprosy 2023-27 and Nikusth 2.0.

The two-day NLEP North Eastern States regional review meeting cum training programme will be attended by doctors and representatives of the NLEP from all the North Eastern States.

WDCCI information on ILP

DIMAPUR: Wokha District Chamber of Commerce & Industry (WDCCI) has informed all nonindigenous people engaged in business activities and all those skilled, unskilled labours including workers within Wokha district to obtain a valid Inner Line Permit (ILP) from the concerned authority.

WDCCI president, Renpithung Kikon and general secretary, S. Aben Ngullie informed that it will not encourage those non-indigenous business individual or group to carry out business activities without proper valid ILP in the district.

WDCCI also informed that it may carry out a random checking of ILP documents, as and when required and if any individual apprehended without proper documents will be forwarded to the administration and it expect the authority to do the needful within 24 hours.

Therefore, WDCCI appealed to all denizens to extend cooperation at the time of carrying out such activities within the district and landlords have been urged to verify and obtain required documents from the non-indigenous inhabitants before renting out their properties.

LOUs of LH-2 holds first coordination meeting

DIMAPUR: The first coordination meeting of Land Owners Unions of National Highways-2 was held at Sumi Community Hall, Majkong Ward, Mokokchung Town under the banner of “defending our common heritage” with Takoyuba, senior advocate and former MLA, as main speaker.

Nagaland on development track under Modi-led BJP govt: Temjen

DIMAPUR: An Assistance to Disabled Persons (ADIP) camp for provision of assistive devices to Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) was held on May 24 at Peren Town.

A press release by Differently Abled People’s Organisation (DAPO)

Peren informed that the camp was organised by the District Disability Rehabilitation Centre (DDRC), District Hospi-

tal Dimapur in collaboration with the National institute for Locomotor Disabilities (NILD), Kolkata.

The camp was supported by the office of the State Commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Nagaland, Deputy Commissioner, Medical Superintendent, Chief Medical Officer and DAPO of Peren district.

During the camp, PWDs availed the follow-

ing benefits --assessment and disability certificate, unique disability ID, assessment for provision of ideal Assistive devices for each PWD, Education on PWD rights and others.

Altogether 142 PWDs, 62 hearing impaired, 15 visually impaired, 28 locomotor, two intellectual disability, 11 cerebral palsy and 24 multiple disability benefited from the camp.

In a joint statement, Chubasenba, president (NH-2) LOU 156 km to 220 km, Mokokchung and Kiyeto Yeptho, chairman LOU NH-2, VK Area, Zunheboto stated that the landowners discussed various issues facing the affected landowners in the ongoing construction of NH stretching from Doyang Bridge in the south from 105 Km to 125 Km in V.K.Range, and from 155 Km to 220 Km in the north ending at Jhansi.

According to the signatories, the landowners appreciated the state government for constituting the Nagaland State Land Acquisition Authority (SLAA) with the chief minister and 24 others as the Authority.

They said that constitut-

ing SLAA was the need of the hour, adding that it would avoid litigations in court, resolve all issues pertaining to land acquisition in amicable manner, expedite the completion of the infrastructure project at the earliest and recognise the rights of the landowners by the authority in fair and transparent manner.

The meeting mainly deliberated on land compensation and damage to property attached to the earth with special emphasis on Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013, including the role of NHAI, NHIDCL, BRO, and State PWD.

Further, the members resolved to work through mutual cooperation in defending the common heritage in cooperation with the various concerned authorities of the state at all level and the central government. The meeting was attended by the office bearers of respective unions from different villages.

Vertical Garden inaugurated at Dimapur

He further expressed hope th at the landmark would not only enhance the scenic beauty of the city but also contribute to the economic growth and development.

The advisor also requested everyone to recognize the landmark as a representation of commitment towards sustainability and environment steward.

He later acknowledged the initiative and team effort of TBD and other organizations in achieving the milestone, pointing out that it was a testimony when everyone come together by leaving aside the differences and work for a common goal.

KOHIMA, MAY 29 (PTI):

Nagaland minister and state BJP president Temjen

Imna Along on Monday claimed that Nagaland was on the track of development and progress under the saffron party’s government at the Centre helmed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Addressing a press conference on the nine years of the Modi government, he said the Centre is committed to equitable development of all regions of the state. He claimed that the Modi government is committed to serving the underserved, empowering

women, providing opportunities to the youth and celebrating the farmer.

Along claimed that while Rs 2 lakh crore was spent on infrastructural projects in the Northeast from Independence till 2014, the Modi government has spent Rs 7 lakh crore on it in the last eight years. He said that Look East Policy has been rechristened as Act East Policy, while AFSPA has been withdrawn from large parts of Northeast and the Fifteenth Finance Commission has given Nagaland a grant of Rs 4,773 crore in 2022-23, up from Rs 1,283 crore in 2009-10.

After a gap of 100 years, Nagaland got its second railway station along the Dhansari-Shokhuvi line in the form of Shokhuvi, while the 82-km-long broad-gauge route from Dhansiri in Assam to Zubza in Kohima is being built by the government, he said. Along said that recently, 15 National Highway projects have been inaugurated in Nagaland covering a length of 266 km. The projects will cost a total of Rs 4,127 crore. He said the Centre has completed 53 infrastructure projects in Nagaland since 2015, and is in the process of completing 142 more.

AR organize yoga camps

DIMAPUR: To commemorate the 9th International Yoga Day, various battalions of Assam Rifles under the aegis of HQ IGAR (North) organized a yoga camp in Kohima and Tuensang. Kohima battalion organised a yoga camp for the children and families of garrison at Kohima on May 28. During the event,

the families were taught about yoga asanas and their benefits. The event was attended by 55 families and 18 children.

At, Chieswema, troops and families took active participation in the yoga workshop as a precursor to the upcoming International Yoga Day. Various Yog Asanas were practiced during

the event.

In Tuensang, the yoga camo was organsied for families and children under the initiative of “Har Angaan Yoga” on May 27. The Yoga camp was attended by 30 families and 27 children. Various postures of yoga and its benefits were imparted to all the attendees.

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, MAY 29

(NPN): Vertical Garden, between Old Dhansari Bridge Point and Urban Haat, constructed with the donation from Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC), Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) and advisor, Moatoshi Longkumer and initiated by Team Better Dimapur (TBD) was inaugurated on May 29.

The Vertical Garden was constructed under National Clean Air Pro -

gramme (NCAP), and inaugurated by advisor, Labour, Employment & Skill Development and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer.

Addressing the gathering Longkumer said the inaugural programme of the garden symbolized the culmination of the hard work, dedication, planning and cooperation from intellectual, visionaries, architects, and labor of those who have worked tirelessly to bring this landmark to life. He also acknowledged the TBD for carrying out the noble task

in making Dimpaur more beautiful.

Longkumer said the garden represented the heart and soul of all community and serve as a testimony to collective ideology and experiences of the people.

He expressed hope that the garden would serve as a landmark and beacon for inspiration, source of pride for Dimapur and a welcoming sight for visitors from around the world. “It will become the iconic symbol that defines our city”, he stated.

Delivering a short speech, administrator, DMC, W Manpai Phom, appealed everyone to maintain the facility so as to serve its purpose.

He also acknowledged TBD for their support and dedication in trying to make Dimapur better and cleaner place to live in.

Meanwhile, Phom also spoke on how DMC on it part was on the process of coming up with detailed project to bring out changes and improvements in waste management and

other aspects to make Dimapur a cleaner place to reside. He noted that it was high time to come together and collaborate in keeping the city clean.

Delivering the keynote address, president, TBD, Mhonjan Humtsoe, said the work for the facility started on November 2022, and completed with a cost of Rs. 6,25,862.

He noted that DMC and NPCB donated Rs. 2,98,000, while the rest of the money were donated by advisor, Labour, Employment & Skill Development and Excise, Moatoshi Longkumer, Inner Wheel, NGOs and other well-wishers.

Earlier, the programme was chaired by assistant general secretary, TBD, Adrian Mahung, and invocation by pastor, Kingdom Culture Church, Visasier Kevichusa.

Short speeches were also delivered by member secretary, NPCB, Hukato Chishi and president, Inner Wheel, Anamika Saha, while a special number was delivered by general secretary, TBD, Vika Yeptho, and vote of thanks by president, Naga Women Hoho Dimapur, Meinuo Kire.

To review and ensure early completion of pending works and shifting of staff, minister of Housing and Mechanical, P Bashangmongba Chang on May 27 visited the staff quarter, Dwarka Delhi. He was accompanied by OSD to CM, EE PWD (Housing) and JE PWD (Housing).

As part of ‘World Environment Day 2023’ celebration, No. 2 training battalion of Assam Rifles Training Centre and School (ARTCS) Dimapur conducted a cycle rally on May 28.

Moatoshi Longkumer along with members of TBD and others. (NP)

ADIP camp for provision of assistive devices to Persons with Disabilities in Peren.

Y. Kikheto Sema speaking at the National Leprosy Eradication Programme in Kohima. (DIPR)

(2nd from left) Temjen Imna Along and others addressing the press conference.

Vande Bharat will boost tourism in Assam, NE: Himanta Biswa

GUWAHATI, MAY 29

(IANS): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday said that the Vande Bharat Express which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier in the day, will prove beneficial for the development of tourism in the state and the northeastern region. The 18th Vande Bharat Express which became operational on Monday, will connect Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri station in West Bengal.

This route witnesses heavy passenger traffic as a lot of people travel regularly on the route.

Addressing reporters, the Chief Minister said: “The semi high speed train will further strengthen the connection between Assam and Bengal. We are very happy. Tourists can travel to the state with further

ease and it will boost our tourism sector. The other states of northeast will also get benefits from this newly launched train service.”

Vande Bharat will cut short the travel time between Guwahati and New Jalpaiguri by at least an hour.

Also in a series of tweets, Sarma had said

OFFICE OF THE GA/PROJECT COLONY COUNCIL UNION

WOKHA : NAGALAND F ELICITATION

The GA/Project Colony Council Union (GAPCCU) congratulates Miss Wonchilo T Khuvung, D/o Late Thungalee Khuvung and Mrs Zubeni Khuvung for bringing laurels to the Colony and to the whole Lotha community by securing the Top No 3 position in the recently declared HSSLC results in Science Stream with a pass percentage of 95% from St. John Hr. Sec. Residential School, Dimapur. GAPCCU wishes her more success in all her future endeavours.

Y.M. Odyuo M. Nrithung Humtsoe

Chairman, GAPCCU Gen. Secy., GAPCCU

OFFICE OF THE DIMAPUR

ORANGKONG UNION

this was a “turning point in efforts to modernise northeast’s rail network since 2014 -- from high speed train connectivity to 400 per cent increase in railway expenditure”. “With robust implementation of PMGatishakti, various roads, air & water connectivity projects, NE has become

Light intensity 4.4-magnitude quake jolts Assam

GUWAHATI, MAY 29

Tripura benefitted most in NE from Act East policy: CM Manik Saha

AGARTALA, MAY 28

physically and emotionally very close to the rest of the country,” Sarma said. While virtually flagging off the train, Prime Minister Modi said: “Vande Bharat will provide connectivity to Maa Kamakhya Temple, Kaziranga, Manas National Park, and Pobitora Wildlife Sanctuary. Furthermore, it will enhance travel and tourism in Shillong, Cherrapunji in Meghalaya and Tawang and Pasighat in Arunachal Pradesh.”

A large crowd had gathered in the Guwahati railway station to witness the inaugural run of the semi high-speed train which will begin its regular run from Wednesday onwards.

Union Ministers Ashwini Vaishnaw, Sarbananda Sonowal and other dignitaries were present on the occasion.

FELICITATION

(IANS): A light intensity earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale jolted Assam on Monday. According to the National Centre for Seismology, the epicentre of the quake was at Sonitpur district at a depth of 15 km from the surface. According to an official statement, the quake struck at around 8 a.m. On Sunday, a 3.6-magnitude quake jolted Meghalaya. The epicentre was in the West Khasi Hills district, with a depth of 10 km from the surface.

(PTI): Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Monday asserted that his state has benefitted the most in the Northeast from the Centre’s Act East policy. He said the Maitri Setu, which connects Tripura with Chittagong Port and was inaugurated two years ago, will soon be fully operationalised, and the Agartala-Akhaura rail link will be opened by year-end.

“Be it connectivity boom or infrastructure building or welfare activities, Tripura benefitted the

Manik Saha

most among the northeastern states since 2014,” he said at a programme marking the nine years of BJP government at the Centre.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi extended broad

gauge railway services to the frontier state, Today, 12 express trains and four local trains run from Agartala,” he said.

Stating that the survey for constructing another railway line in Tripura is underway, he said that of the target of constructing 888 km of national highway, 374.04 km have already been built.

“At least 12-13 flights are operating from the Maharaja Bir Bikram airport, from where international flights will take off from next month,” he said.

160 people arrested in Assam for smuggling fake gold

GUWAHATI, MAY 29

(IANS): At least 160 people have been arrested on charges of fake gold smuggling in Assam in the last two weeks, police said on Monday. According to an official statement by the Assam Police, the highest number of arrests took place in Lakhimpur district with 63

people already under custody, followed by 45 arrests in Sonitpur.

After top female cop

Junmoni Rabha died in a road accident earlier this month, allegations had surfaced that she was investigating a case related to fake gold smuggling and that her death was staged.

DGP G.P. Singh then said that rackets involving fake gold and counterfeit currency notes would be wiped out of Assam within a month. Police began a statewide crackdown following the instructions of Rabha, who was killed on May 20 after her car collided head on with a container truck

on the highway in Nagaon district’s Kaliabor area. Rabha’s mother and other family members have alleged that she was killed by miscreants and they blamed a few police officers for her death. The state government has handed over Rabha’s case to the CBI.

O FFICE OF THE W OKHA V ILLAGE C OUNCIL W OKHA: N AGALAND-797111

FELICITATION

RÜVUOMENUO SORHIE

6th RANK HOLDER, HSSLC 2023

We, the Huruotsumia Youth Organization, upper L. Khel Kohima Village are overjoyed with pride and extend heartiest congratulations to Miss Rüvuomenuo Sorhie daughter of Ruokuotuolie Sorhie and Neiphrenuo Sorhie for securing the Top 6th position (Arts stream) in the recently declared HSSLC results 2023. Applauding her achievement as inspirational and uplifting, the organization further beseech God’s blessings and guidance in all her future endeavours . The HYO also congratulates all others clearing their HSLC and HSSLC exams and wishing them all a bright and a successful future.

Huruotsumia Youth Organization

L.Khel Kohima Village

K-1226/23

O FFICE OF THE MANGMETONG STUDENT’S UNION (MKT)

B.P.O: Mangmetong P.O: Mokokchung- 798601, Nagaland

With immense pride and honour, the Office of the Wokha Village Council, Wokha Village Students’ Union, Wokha Village Youth Organization, Wokha Village Eloe Ekhung, Wokha Village Govt. Employees Union and Wokha Village Elders’ Forum would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to MR. KHYOBEN N.A ERUI Son of MR & MRS. NCHUMBEMO & ACHUMLO ERUI for bringing laurels to our village by securing Top 13th Position in HSLC exam 2023. We would also like to congratulate all the students’ from our village who have qualified in the recently declared HSLC and HSSLC results 2023, and wishes them success in all their future endeavors.

DB-694/23

Sd/-

(K. VANDAN ERUI) Chairman Wokha Village Council

S. IMDAN MOILI PHOM

The Dimapur Orangkong Union would like to convey warmest congratulations to Miss. S. IMDAN MOILI PHOM daughter of Mr & Mrs. N. SUNGI PHOM for securing Top 9th position in HSLC Exam 2023. We extend our best wishes as she continues to pursue her academic goals for more success.

Sd/- Sd/-

S. YANGER ANGH P. HONGYA President, DOU General Secretary, DOU

F ELICITATION DP-2446/23

FELICITATION

The Chen Union Dimapur with immense pride heartily congratulates Miss Potan K Konyak , D/o Kuhshih Konyak from Chen Wetnyu village for securing the top 15th position in HSLC and Miss Nonya Konyak, D/o K Ngam-ih from Chingkao Chingnyu village for securing the top 2nd position in HSSLC (Arts Stream) in the recently declared HSLC and HSSLC examination 2023.

The Union further wishes success in their future endeavors.

(T P YAEIH) (ONYEI ANTEHU) President, CUD Gen. Scy., CUD

OFFICE OF THE DIMAPUR SÜNGRATSÜ STUDENTS’ UNION DIMAPUR - NAGALAND FELICITATION

The, Mangmetong Students Union (MKT) with immense pride and honor, extends our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Talinungsang Imchen, S/o Mr. & Mrs. Moameren Imchen MBOSE HSSLC Top 6th (Arts) & Alt. English State topper and Miss. Imlimerenla Pongen D/o Mr.& Mrs. Temjensowa Pongen NBSE HSSLC Top 8th (Arts) for their exceptional achievements.

The Union further congratulates its member students who have successfully completed and brought laurels during the 10th and 12th examinations conducted by various Boards across the country. It is the prayer of the Union that God’s favor and blessings be upon in all their future endeavors.

Sd/- Sd/-

Tinuyangba Jamir Chubayanger Imchen President Gen. Secy

OFFICE OF THE CHANGKI KAKETSÜRI LONGJEM

Headquarters: Changki P.O. Mangkolemba

Mokokchung : Nagaland “Tesoyim Pongi Atemkü” FELICITATION

Rejoicing in God’s faithfulness and taking joy in the hard work, determination and perseverance that bears testament to their success, our sincere Congratulations to :-

Ms. MULUNGSULA CHANGKIRI, D/o Mr & Mrs Limatemsu Changkiri HSLC 10th Rank; Subject Topper in English, Mathematics & Social Sciences

MKC-208/23

With immense pride and honour, we the Dimapur Süngratsü Students’ Union would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Yimkum I Ozükum, S/o Mr. Imtilepzük Ozükum and Mrs. Merainla Aier, for clearing the prestigious UPSC Civil Service Examination 2022 with All India Ranking 203. We take utmost pride in your achievement and wish God’s favour upon you in all your future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/-

(Tsungrozen Walling) (Aliwala R. Molier) President DSSU General Secretary DSSU

Ms. MOLUNGBEN LONGKUMER, D/o Mr & Mrs Temsulong Longkumer HSLC 17th Rank

CKL also celebrates the achievement and success of each Changkian student for their academic feat in the recently declared NBSE Board Examination 2023. God’s continued abundance and fulfillment be upon them in all their endeavors and may they continue to aspire & inspire.

Miss. Potan K Konyak Miss. Nonya Konyak

Union Railways Minister Vaishnaw, Union Minister Sonowal and Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, in Guwahati. (PTI)

Public block movement of SF in Imphal valley

Correspondent

IMPHAL, MAY 29: People in the Manipur valley continued to block roads in order to disturb movement of security forces, especially Central paramilitary forces on Monday in spite of repeated appeals from the government as well as civil society organizations. People blocking the roads, however, allowed movement of civilians even though four-wheelers were checked at some instances.

The blockers said that they were checking the vehicles if security forces in civvies were transporting arms and ammunition.

Among others, people residing on the sides of Imphal-Ukhrul road have been blocking the stretch of the road and its diversion routes after a fierce gunfight between the militants and villagers of Thamnapokpi and its adjoining areas of Imphal East bordering Kangpokpi and Ukhrul districts on Saturday night.

With state forces rushing the area, the militants were flushed out with injuries to some villagers.

The situation, however, remained tense as according to the villagers, the militants were camping at the nearby hilltops.

Since then, the people along the sides of the Imphal-Ukhrul road have

imposed blockade on the movement on the interdistrict road while saying that Central security forces were likely to enter the area to assist the militants.

The same roads continued to block at various places right from the city areas till today.

They were blocking the road to prevent movement of Central security forces, a woman leader taking part in the blockade at Khurai Lamlong Bazar told this correspondent.

She added that movement of people as well as state police and security forces were exempted.

She alleged that they were not satisfied with the Central security forces’ “biased” action in dealing with the violence incidence.

“The Central security forces rushed to the violenthit sites only to protect the militants and not the villag-

ers,” she said. Another woman alleged that the Central forces did nothing to protect the civilians. Instead, they were backing the militants in the killing of unarmed civilians.

The people also blocked the Tinsid Road, the only road that can be used as a diversion route of the Imphal-Ukhrul road.

The stretch of Tidim Road (Imphal-Churachandpur Road) also remained blocked at various places to prevent the movement of Central security forces.

While blocking the road, vehicles of the state police and security forces were also forced to check if any Central security personnel were in the vehicles. At some instances, there erupted heated arguments between the blockaders and security personnel. However, no untoward incident was reported till date.

Meghalaya VPP Chief’s hunger

strike

Normal vehicular movement remained blocked at almost all the main roads connecting Imphal with other districts of the state. Besides remaining sitting on the road, people also stretched logs, iron pipes, piled stones and debris.

During a news conference on Sunday, chief minister N Biren Singh appealed to the people not to indulge in blocking the roads that will hinder the movement of the security forces while asserting that they were to protect the life and properties of the people.

He further urged people to remain indoors and prayed for the security forces while asserting they were fighting against the armed terrorists who were attacking unarmed civilians and also challenging the territorial integrity of the state.

The Coordination Committee on Manipur Integrity (COCOMI), at a news conference on Monday appealed to the people to stop blocking roads as it will disturb the movement of transportation of casualties in the arm confrontation with the militants and movement of vehicles carrying relief materials.

COCOMI media coordinator Somendro Thokchom reiterated that the current crisis in Manipur was not an ethnic clash

Tribes in Delhi demand Centre’s intervention in Mnp

NEW DELHI, MAY 29

(PTI): Hundreds of women from the Hmar, Kuki, Mizo and Zomi tribes staged a protest at Jantar Mantar here on Monday, demanding a “fair intervention” by the central government to put an end to the prevailing tensions in Manipur. The protesters gathered at the demonstration site holding posters and national flags and raised slogans demanding justice. They continued the protest even as it rained.

“When I woke up this morning, I saw our chief minister has said Kukis are terrorists... We have been made homeless in our own home,” one of the protesters said from a dais.

“We are Indians, our forefathers have been freedom fighters,” another protester added, amid chants of “We Are Indians” from the crowd.

“We are not illegal immigrants,” she added.

The protesters raised slogans, saying they trust the central government, not the state government.

Ethnic clashes, which have claimed over 75 lives, first broke out in Manipur after a ‘Tribal Solidarity

March’ was organised in the hill districts on May 3 to protest against the Meitei community’s demand for Scheduled Tribe (ST) status. The violence was preceded by tension over the eviction of Kuki villagers from reserve forest land, which had led to a series of

Meghalaya lawmakers discuss

‘digital connectivity’ with German MP

Correspondent

SHILLONG, MAY 29: Transport infrastructure and digital connectivity are crucial elements that are vital for the proper functioning of modern societies and recognizing the need for improved transport and digital connectivity infrastructure in Meghalaya, six lawmakers engaged in a dialogue here today with visiting German MP, Florian Muller, aiming to bring about development in these two sectors in the state.

“The MLAs from Meghalaya, including sports and youth affairs minister Shakliar Warjri, Santa Mary Shylla, Damanbait Lamare, Charles Marngar, Ian Botham Sangma, and Gabriel Wahlang, had a discussion on the topics of ‘Digital Connectivity’ and ‘Transport in India,’ specifically focusing on the state of Meghalaya, with Florian Müller, MP, Member of the German Parliamentary of the CDU/ CSU parliamentary group, and Adrian Haack, Resident Representative to India of the KonradAdenauer-Stiffung, New Delhi,” an official statement said.

According to the statement, Florian Müller, the German MP, highlighted the interdependence be -

tween transport infrastructure and digital connectivity, emphasizing that they rely on each other for effective operation.

“He mentioned that the development of modern transport infrastructure has facilitated faster and more efficient movement of goods and people globally,” the statement said.

“Müller emphasized that robust digital connectivity is essential to ensure the smooth functioning of all aspects of transport infrastructure, including transportation management systems, traffic monitoring and control, and communication between drivers and passengers,” it added.

During the interactive session, the Meghalaya MLAs expressed their concerns about the inadequate transportation infrastructure in the state and pointed out that “despite it being more than 50 years now since attaining statehood, many villages in Meghalaya still lack proper road connectivity,” the official statement revealed.

Sports and youth affairs minister Shakliar Warjri acknowledged the significant improvement in road infrastructure in the state over the past five years and emphasized that it is crucial for the Meghalaya government to continue

investing in these areas to ensure continuous growth and development, the statement added.

Earlier today, in a collaborative panel discussion on ‘Cyber-security in Comparative Indian and European Contexts’ organized by the office of International Affairs of North Eastern Hill University (NEHU) and chaired by Vice-chancellor Prabha Shankar Shukla, Konrad Adenauer Stiftung and German Christian Democratic Union (CDU) Party Member of Parliament Mr. Florian Müller, the need for a more secure virtual and digital world was underscored.

“Attended by large number of students, researchers and faculty of NEHU, the MP narrated his experience of representing a mountainous province of Attendorn of Western Germany located on the foothills of Alps in Bundestag and found parallel with Shillong and Meghalaya,” a media release stated.

Securing data about genetic resources, climactic specialties and overall natural environment of a mountainous ecosystem in the digital world is a prime necessity of securing economy and culture, the German MP stated.

between two communities but a crisis arising out of an attempt to create a “narcoterrorist state” to be carved out of present territory of Manipur.

Narco-terrorists are challenging Manipur’s territorial integrity and India’s internal security, he said while welcoming declaration of the Kuki militants as terrorists by the Manipur government.

The Indian government should declare the militants currently indulging in killing of civilians and torching of houses in a rampant manner as terrorists as already done by the Manipur government, he demanded.

He further said that COCOMI welcomed the visit of the Union home minister Amit Shah even though the Centre was delayed in responding to the crisis in the state.

Even though the Centre was delayed in responding to the crisis in the state, the visit of the home minister will surely come up with a solution to end the crisis, he hoped.

The media coordinator also appealed to the government to take up firm and rigid action against the illegal immigrant militants who were involved in killing, arson and looting of properties in the state at the earliest.

for review of job policy enters 7th day

Correspondent

SHILLONG, MAY 29: Meghalaya’s opposition

Voice of the People Party (VPP) legislator Ardent Miller Basaiawmoit’s hunger strike demanding for a review of 1972 job reservation policy entered the seventh day on Monday. “I will not withdraw my hunger strike until the government agrees to review this outdated job reservation policy and not on the reservation roster system,” Basaiawmoit said.

“I have told you that we are ready to sit across the table with the government provided that the agenda of the discussion is on job reservation policy. But the government is adamant to listen to this genuine demand of our people to review job reservation policy,” the VPP legislator said.

“The more the government is muted on this issue, the more problems will be for the government. This agitation will spill over to other parts of Khasi-Jaiñtia Hills,” he said.

Meanwhile, VPP legislator Brightstarwell Marbaniang informed that the party has rejected the government’s invitation to Basaiawmoit to be part of a meeting regarding the roster system.

He added: “The government has not shown its willingness to discuss the reservation policy. We know that this issue will affect our youths, especially in terms of getting a job and those pursuing in different fields.”

The nascent VPP, which won four seats in the February 27 Meghalaya Assembly elections, has been demanding for a review of the job reservation policy, saying that the state is “outdated” and “unfair” to the indigenous Khasi-Jaiñtia Hills population which has outnumbered the of the tribal Garos over the years.

Since the inception of Meghalaya in 1972, the state has followed the 40:40:5:15 job reservation policy. The policy earmarks 40 percent each for the indigenous people of Khasi-Jaiñtia Hills and Garo Hills, five per -

cent more is reserved for other Scheduled Tribes and Scheduled Castes tribes of the state and the rest 15 percent is open for general candidates.

Asked about his health condition after a weeklong fasting, Basaiawmoit said, “I am perfectly fine by the grace of God throughout my life.”

Health and Family Welfare Minister Dr. Mazel Ampareen Lyngdoh, who had met Basaiawmoit last week requesting him to end his fast, said on Monday that the health condition of the VPP legislator is “stable”.

A team of doctors, monitoring the health condition of the VPP Chief who started his indefinite hunger strike at 9.30 am on May 23, said that Basaiawmoit is weak but stable.

7collegestudentskilledinGuwahatiroadaccident

GUWAHATI, MAY 29

(PTI): Seven students of Assam Engineering College were killed on Monday after their car hit a road divider and then collided with another vehicle in Guwahati, police said.

Six others were injured in the road accident, a senior officer said.

The accident occurred in the Jalukbari area of the city when the speeding car of the students hit a road divider and then collided with a pick-up van, he said.

Ten third-year students left the college premises in the car early this morning.

Niyar

Sarma said he has spoken to the authorities of the hospital where the injured persons are undergoing treatment.

All possible medical assistance is being provided to those injured, who are now “stable and out of danger”, he said.

smaller agitations. Meiteis account for about 53 per cent of Manipur’s population and live mostly in the Imphal Valley. Tribals Nagas and Kukis constitute another 40 per cent of the population and reside in the hill districts.

Fire in NRL refinery

GUWAHATI, MAY 29

(PTI): A fire broke out in the hydrocracker unit of Numaligarh Refinery Limited in Assam’s Golaghat district on Monday, an official said.

The fire has been brought under control and there is no report of casualties or injuries, NRL spokesperson Madhuchanda Addhikari told PTI.

The fire broke out in Vessel VV-4 of the refinery’s hydrocarbon unit at around 7.20 p m and fire fighters were immediately rushed to the spot to douse the fire, she said.

The cause of the fire is yet to be known and preliminary investigation into it has begun, she said.

“Seven students died on the spot, while three others were admitted to the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) in critical condition,” the officer said.

The deceased have been identified as Arindam Bhallal, Rajkiran Bhuyan,

Three occupants of the pick-up van, including the driver, were also critically injured and admitted to the hospital, the officer said.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma, who represents the Jalukbari constituency in the state assembly, visited the accident site.

Taking to Twitter, Sarma said, “Extremely an-

Himanta reallocates portfolios

GUWAHATI, MAY 29 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Monday reallocated the portfolios of two ministers and took over the department of indigenous and tribal faith and culture, except the directorates of library and museum and archaeology, an official notification said.

Jogen Mohan was given the ministry of mines and minerals along with his earlier portfolios of revenue and disaster management and hill areas development.

Nandita Gorlosa, who had earlier held the portfolios of mines and minerals and indigenous and tribal faith and culture will now be in charge of power, co-

operation, sports and youth welfare department, the notification said.

She will also continue to hold charge of the directorate of archaeology which is under the indigenous and tribal faith and culture portfolio, it said.

The portfolios of the other members of Sarma’s ministry remain unaltered, it added. Besides Sarma, there are 15 members in the cabinet.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND DIRECTORATE OF SCHOOL EDUCATION

NAGALAND :: KOHIMA NOTIFICATION

Dated Kohima, the 24th May 2023

NO. ED/PLN/PVT-SCHOOL/REG/2023 : : It is hereby notified for the information of all private schools having classes ranging from PrePrimary upto Elementary level permitted by the Department of School Education that Registration Number for schools will be issued from the Directorate from the 5th of June 2023 (Monday) till the 28th of June 2023 (Wednesday). Therefore, all Heads of Schools are informed to check the Department’s Website: https//education.nagaland.gov.in for more details.

guished by the loss of young and precious lives in the road accident at Jalukbari.

My deepest condolences to their parents and families.”

He urged the parents whose children stay in hostels of the college to be in constant touch with their wards and appealed to the authorities of the institution to ensure that the hostel superintendents are more stringent in their supervision.

Director General of Police G P Singh told reporters that “prima facie it appears to be a case of drunken driving but I cannot say with surety unless the investigations are complete”.

An inquiry will be conducted by both the police and the transport department into the accident, he said.

“We will further strengthen enforcement against drunken driving but it is also the responsibility of guardians and college authorities to be more vigilant regarding the activities of their wards,” he added.

WHITEDOVE BAKING TRAINING CENTRE

Near Duncan Bosti Junction Dimpaur Nagaland

Under Sarathi Welfare Society. Affi, To NYKS

MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS GOVT. OF INDIA BAKING CLASS

Want To Start Your Business through Home Baking?

Or Planning to start your own BAKERY?

Call 8837301511 for ADMISSION Details

No. NU/ENGG-177/R/WS/2012-1819

Dated: 29th May 2023

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST (EOI)

The University desires to install Pressure Type Iron Removal Filtration Plant (IRFP) at Hqrs. Lumami. Hence, Quotations with Detailed Project Report (DPR) are invited from registered firms/dealers who have successfully installed and commissioned similar works in the past 3(three) years. The firms/dealers are requested to submit duly sealed documents to the Registrar, Nagaland University, Hqrs. Lumami on or before 6th June 2023.

A road blockade along Tinsid road in Imphal East to prevent movement of security forces.

VPP MLAs and supporters led by party president Ardent Basaiawmoit started an indefinite hunger strike on May 23.

People belonging to the Kuki tribe protest against the killing of tribals in violence-hit Manipur, in New Delhi, Monday, May 29, 2023. (PTI)

Deka, Kaushik Deka, Emon Gayan, Upangshu Sarma and Kaushik Mohan.

Locals gather near the mangled remains of a Scorpio after it met an accident, at Jalukbari in Guwahati, Monday. (PTI)

Himanta Biswa Sarma

Trust deficit in Manipur

Nearly a month of bloody violence in Manipur has claimed 75 lives while the beleaguered chief minister N.Biren Singh put the figure at nearly “40 armed militants” killed by security forces since army and security forces began operations to bring peace and normalcy in the state. After days of ethnic violence and arson, the Biren Singh-led government finally woke up and issued a ‘shoot at sight order’ even as the Centre on May 4 promulgated Article 355 in Manipur to take charge of the security in the state. What has been witnessed during the weeks of violence was the unmistakable evidence that under the pretext of ethnic strife, some elements targeted churches by burning them besides committing sacrilege at religious places. There are many who view the recent actions of the Biren Singh led BJP government as intentionally flirting with lighting the spark of communalism, that had been dormant for so long. This was seen in the April 11,2023 incident when the Biren Singh government bulldozed three churches at Imphal’s tribal colony under the plea of demolition of “illegal constructions” on government land. Whether this action provided enough inspiration or justification to anti-Christian elements for torching more than 120 churches is a matter of debate. The Manipur government then opted for a ‘hands-off’ strategy when attacks on church buildings and religious symbols went on. The attacks were clear intentions to send a message not only to Kuki Christians but Christians who make up 41% of the population in Manipur. A large number of Meteis have embraced Christianity during the past decades and these targeted attacks on churches seem to suggest that it was intended to show strong disapproval. There have been various reports in the media that the uneasy relationship between inhabitants in the valley and the hills was due to the lopsided arrangement. For instance, it was argued that the hills which comprise of 89% of the geographical area only have 20 MLAs from these areas .On the other hand, the valley, which comprises just 11% area, has 40 seats is cornering around 80% of the funds meant for the development in the state. If this was the bone of contention then this justifies the initial actions and later lack of it by the Biren Singh government. As commented earlier, the inaction of the Manipur government was a fit case for the Centre to dismiss the Biren Singh government or sacking him from the post of chief minister and placing the state under direct Central rule as per 356 of the Constitution of India, which states that if a state government is unable to function according to Constitutional provisions, the Union government can take direct control of the state machinery. However, the BJP government at the Centre appears to be willing to give the BJP state government in Manipur a long rope. If the promise of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to bring justice in Manipur is genuine, then it has to start from the top with the chief minister of the state, who, like Nero did nothing while Manipur burned. The continuation of violence even after the Centre took over seucirty under Article 355, indicate that adding to the problem is the trust deficit on the Biren Singh government.

DailyDevotion

Untroubled Relationship

In that day you will ask in My name…for the Father Himself loves you… —John 16:26-27

“In that day you will ask in My name…,” that is, in My nature. Not “You will use My name as some magic word,” but— “You will be so intimate with Me that you will be one with Me.” “That day” is not a day in the next life, but a day meant for here and now. “…for the Father Himself loves you…”— the Father’s love is evidence that our union with Jesus is complete and absolute. Our Lord does not mean that our lives will be free from external difficulties and uncertainties, but that just as He knew the Father’s heart and mind, we too can be lifted by Him into heavenly places through the baptism of the Holy Spirit, so that He can reveal the teachings of God to us.

“…whatever you ask the Father in My name…” (John 16:23). “That day” is a day of peace and an untroubled relationship between God and His saint. Just as Jesus stood unblemished and pure in the presence of His Father, we too by the mighty power and effectiveness of the baptism of the Holy Spirit can be lifted into that relationship— “…that they may be one just as We are one…” (John 17:22).

“…He will give you” (John 16:23). Jesus said that because of His name God will recognize and respond to our prayers. What a great challenge and invitation— to pray in His name! Through the resurrection and ascension power of Jesus, and through the Holy Spirit He has sent, we can be lifted into such a relationship. Once in that wonderful position, having been placed there by Jesus Christ, we can pray to God in Jesus’ name— in His nature. This is a gift granted to us through the Holy Spirit, and Jesus said, “…whatever you ask the Father in My name He will give you.” The sovereign character of Jesus Christ is tested and proved by His own statements.

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

Ill deeds are doubled with an evil word.

An analogy of the Naga Club Building

Imagine that you own a building with several flats. Your building was used as a Morung for the collective good of the Naga people, and for hosting travellers from distant villages that fostered unity and brotherhood, and for many meetings that later on shaped the political course of your society. The times and situation became politically turbulent and because of the hostile military actions, you couldn’t reside in your building nor make use of it for further meetings or host travelling guests. The armed forces took control of your building forcefully and illegally and later handed it over to it’s benefactor, the state Govt. who accommodated the Forest dept. When the Forest dept moved out of the building and before another dept moved in, because the situation was not conducive for you to move into your building, you ask a younger trusted fellowmen to lock the building on your behalf. That fellowmen requested to rent a flat in your building and live as a tenant. You agreed. That tenant doesn’t pay rent for about 40 years, but you still allow him to stay because you consider him as a younger fellowmen and also because both of you work for the welfare of the same people. Now over time your building grows old and is severely dilapidated and has undergone severe depreciation and you want to demolish and rebuild it. You made repeated request to the tenant to vacate but the same tenant refuse to move out. Not only did he not move out, but he also claim to be the custodian of your building which is unlawful as a defaulting tenant. Over and above that, he

even tries to make a land patta by transferring your ownership into his own name, but which the lawful Govt authorities refused stating that the building and the land belongs to you. So in your case, the tenant becomes the custodian (chowkidar) of your building and even tried to usurp and take ownership of your building and the land. You have been asking for a meeting with this tenant for 6-7 years but he refuses to meet you stating that it would legitimize your ownership of your property. You communicate your noble intentions clearly that you want to rebuild your building not for your benefit but for the greater good of the Naga people as it had served in the past, and also to build a modern building befitting the stature and the rich legacy that the building has contributed to serve the Nagas and to commemorate and preserve the legacy of those moments of the Naga history. Still the tenant remains obstinate and refuses to vacate. Furthermore, you also learn that the same tenant has started sub-renting other parts of your building and even made some additional construction around your building and realizing the rent for his self. In the course of time, you reach a prominent landmark in your life and want to erect a monolith near your building to commemorate it. But the tenant does not permit you to do so. How would you as the legitimate owner feel about your building, and your tenant?

This is exactly the situation wherein, the Naga Club as the owner and the NSF as the tenant, are in.

Small steps: Finding meaning within!

Concluding note: The assertion of ownership of the Naga club building is neither to claim it as a property for personal gain of the office incumbents nor for any tribe as had clearly been pronounced by A Kevichusa, and reiterated by the Naga Club, but to take the responsibility of rebuilding the Naga club building into a monumental multi storey complex befitting the priceless legacy of the Nagas and give it back to the people, to let it serve as a common Naga property just as it had been in the past, thereby restoring it’s past rich legacy, and to bring all Nagas together under one roof for better understanding and cooperation to usher societal harmony for peace, development and progress for the greater good of the society and of which the NSF and many other organisation was, and is, and will be very much a part of the shared legacy. Only those who are against the interest of the Nagas will oppose such a move to bring all the Nagas under one roof. In pursuit of this noble purpose, the land patta, the building construction permit, the construction committee, the finance committee etc is all set in place and ready for the task. We still hope that if the NSF truly stands for the interest of the Naga people, they will shed their misgivings and apprehension whatsoever it may be, and try to understand this benevolent vision and be a part of the mission instead of obstructing the noble initiative for the collective good of all Nagas.

Issued by: Information and publicity Cell, Naga Club

One of the most beneficial skills one can learn in life is how to consistently put yourself in a good position. Strong positions are not an accident. Everyone wants to live a more mindful life. We want to enhance our consciousness so that we can grow but as the saying goes, we don’t get what we want but rather what we deserve is a pure parable and a reflection of oneself on how, one embrace the little moments and learn from it too. Everyone is well aware and knows that they need a strong foundation to build a house that can weather a storm but not everyone knows how we can create that foundation. The answer is as simple as it is frustrating. The position you find yourself in today is the accumulation of the small choices that you’ve been making for years. If that’s the case, why doesn’t everyone make choices that will put them in a good position in the future? The ordinary choices that guarantee a strong future go unnoticed. There is no pat on the back for doing the right thing just as there is no slap on the wrist for doing the wrong thing. For instance, Eating a chocolate bar right now won’t make you unhealthy. Just as not eating it won’t make you healthy. Saving money today won’t make you rich, just as not saving it won’t make you poor. Reading a chapter of a great book today won’t solve your problems just as not reading it won’t make them worse.

So not doing the obvious thing you know you should do, the thing that positions you for future success rarely hurts you right away. The small choices we make on a daily basis either work for us or against us. One choice puts time on your side. The other ensures it’s working against you. Time amplifies what you feed it. On the first day, the difference between the choices that help us and the choices that hurt us isn’t noticeable. But as the days turn to weeks, weeks into years, and years into decades, the small choices create massively different results. Whenever this idea is brought up, people are quick to interject. “But I do these things and I don’t get the results.” And it’s true, most

of us make the right choices most of the time. But most of the time isn’t the same as all of the time. For your choices to compound, you need to be consistent. Intensity will only carry you in the short term but if you want compounding results you need consistency. In the absence of immediate rewards, we can keep up the intensity for a while but most of us become inconsistent. A lack of consistency keeps ordinary people from extraordinary results. It’s like we’re rolling a boulder halfway up the hill, only to throw our hands in the air and go home. When we show up the next day, we see the boulder at the bottom of the hill. Not only did this undermine our progress but it makes getting started even harder. Excelling at the small choices that compound over time perpetually leaves you in favorable circumstances. If you want results you need to be willing to pay the price. The price is both easier than you imagine and harder than you think. The price is consistently doing the small choices that put you on the path to success for years. The price is knowing that time is working on your side even when the results don’t show it, yet! When you look below the surface, giant leaps aren’t really giant leaps at all. They’re a series of ordinary choices that suddenly become noticeable. Don’t rush yourself. Taking small steps reduce and help you avoid doing mistakes, and if you do mistakes, they are small and easier to fix. Don’t feel guilty about taking small steps. Often, it is wiser to take small steps. Achieving a large goal may feel like a giant leap, but it’s important to remember that the journey itself is also important. It’s important that you enjoy it. Focus on one step and then focus on the next step and so on. Small steps are big step towards your next goal. This will help keep you on track without creating unnecessary anxiety or stress. If you only look for the magic moments, you’ll miss how ordinary becomes extraordinary.

T Amangmeren Jamir, BA 6 semester, Political Science Department, Immanuel College, Lengrijan, Dimapur

AI could threaten some jobs, but it is more likely to become our personal assistant

BT recently announced that it would be reducing its staff by 55,000, with around 11,000 of these related to the use of artificial intelligence (AI). The remainder of the cuts were due to business efficiencies, such as replacing copper cables with more reliable fibre optic alternatives.

The point regarding AI raises several questions about its effect on the wider economy: what jobs will be most affected by the technology, how will these changes happen and how will these changes be felt?

The development of technology and its associated impact on job security has been a recurring theme since the industrial revolution. Where mechanisation was once the cause of anxiety about job losses, today it is more capable AI algorithms. But for many or most categories of job, retaining humans will remain vital for the foreseeable future.

The technology behind this current revolution is primarily what is known as a large language model (LLM), which is capable of producing relatively human-like responses to questions. It is the basis for OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google’s Bard system and Microsoft’s Bing AI.

These are all neural networks: mathematical computing systems

crudely modelled on the way nerve cells (neurons) fire in the human brain. These complex neural networks are trained on – or familiarised with – text, often sourced from the internet. The training process enables a user to ask a question in conversational language and for the algorithm to break the question down into components. These components are then processed to generate a response that is appropriate to the question asked. The result is a system that’s able to provide sensible sounding answers to any question it gets asked. The implications are more wide-ranging than they might seem.

Humans in the loop

In the same way that GPS navigation for a driver can replace the need for them to know a route, AI provides an opportunity for workers to have all the information they need at their fingertips, without “Googling”.

Effectively, it removes humans from the loop, meaning any situation where a person’s job involves looking up an item and making links between them could be at risk. The most obvious example here is call centre jobs. However, it remains possible that members of the public would not accept an AI solving their

problems, even if call waiting times became much shorter.

Any manual job has a very remote risk of replacement. While robotics is becoming more capable and dexterous, it operates in highly constrained environments. It relies on sensors giving information about the world and then making decisions on this imperfect data.

AI isn’t ready for this workspace just yet, the world is a messy and uncertain place that adaptable humans excel in. Plumbers, electricians and complex jobs in manufacturing – for example, automotive or aircraft – face little or no competition in the long-term. However, AI’s true impact is likely to be felt in terms of efficiency savings rather than outright job replacement. The technology is likely to find quick traction as an assistant to humans. This is already happening, especially in domains such as software development. Rather than using Google to find out how to write a particular piece of code, it’s much more efficient to ask ChatGPT. The solution that comes back can be tailored strictly to a person’s requirements, delivered efficiently and without unnecessary detail.

Safety-critical systems

This type of application will

become more commonplace as future AI tools become true intelligent assistants. Whether companies use this as an excuse to look to reduce workforces becomes dependent on their workload.

As the UK is suffering a shortage of Stem (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) graduates, especially in disciplines such as engineering, it’s unlikely that there will be a loss of jobs in this area, just a more efficient manner of tackling the current workload. This relies on staff making the most of the opportunities that the technology affords. Naturally, there will always be scepticism, and the adoption of AI into the development of safetycritical systems, such as medicine, will take a considerable amount of time. This is because trust in the developer is key, and the simplest way that it develops is through having a human at the heart of the process.

This is critical, as these LLMs are trained using the internet, so biases and errors are woven in. These can arise accidentally, for example, through a person to a particular event simply because they share the same name as someone else. More seriously, they may also occur through malicious intent, deliberately allowing training data to be presented

that is wrong or even intentionally misleading.

Cybersecurity becomes an increasing concern as systems become more networked, as does the source of data used to build the AI. LLMs rely on open information as a building block that is refined by interaction. This raises the possibility of new methods for attacking systems by creating deliberate falsehoods.

For example, hackers could create malicious sites and put them in places where they are likely to be picked up by an AI chatbot. Because of the requirement to train the systems on lots of data, it’s difficult to verify everything is correct.

This means that, as workers, we need to look to harness the capability of AI systems and use them to their full potential. This means always questioning what we receive from them, rather than just trusting their output blindly. This period brings to mind the early days of GPS, when the systems often led users down roads unsuitable for their vehicles.

If we apply a sceptical mindset to how we use this new tool, we’ll maximise its capability while simultaneously growing the workforce – as we’ve seen through all the previous industrial revolutions.

(The Conversation)

Climate change first ‘went viral’ exactly 70 years ago

We have grown so used to many things. To the pictures of wildfires and cremated animals, to the ice sheets calving into the ocean, to the promises of world leaders that they will heed the “last chance” warning of the scientists.

It’s hard for anyone under the age of 40 to remember a time when carbon dioxide build-up, whether it was “the greenhouse effect”, or “global warming” or “climate change” or now “climate crisis”, wasn’t in the news. The long hot summer of 1988 – 35 years ago – is held as the moment that world leaders began to mouth the right pieties.

Presidential candidate (and soon to be president)

George H.W. Bush said he would use the “White House effect” to fix the Greenhouse Effect (he didn’t). UK prime minister Margaret Thatcher warned of a giant experiment being conducted “with the system of this planet itself”. Thirty-five years. But it was actually 35 years before that – fully 70 years ago this month – that the danger of carbon dioxide build-up in the atmosphere first travelled around the world.

That carbon dioxide trapped heat was uncontro-

versial. Irish scientist John Tyndall (possibly drawing on the work of an American, Eunice Foote) had shown that it did back in the mid1800s.

In 1895, Swedish Nobel prize winner Svante Arrhenius had suggested that – over hundreds of years – the build-up of carbon dioxide released when humans burn oil, coal and gas might trap so much heat as to melt the tundra and make freezing winters a thing of the past. His work was challenged, but the idea occasionally popped up in popular journals. In 1938 English steam engineer Guy Callendar suggested to the Royal Society in London that warming was underway.

But it was in early May, 1953, at a meeting of the American Geophysical Union, that Canadian physicist Gilbert Plass – who had been corresponding with Callendar – told the gathered scientists that trouble was afoot.

Plass said that:

The large increase in industrial activity during the present century is discharging so much carbon dioxide into the atmosphere that the average temperature is rising at the rate of 1.5 degrees per century.

This got picked up by the Associated Press and other wire services and appeared in newspapers all around the world (even as far afield as the Sydney Morning Herald). Plass’s warning also popped up in Newsweek on May 18 and in Time on May 25.

The fact that the world was warming was already uncontroversial among scientists. But the emphatic connection with carbon dioxide made by Plass, as opposed to competing theories such as orbital wobbles or sunspot activity, was newsworthy.

Plass had become interested in the question of carbon dioxide buildup while working for the Ford Motor Company.

He looked at how carbon dioxide actually functions in the real world, not just at sea level (without getting too technical. Many scientists had dismissed Arrhenius’s earlier work on the basis of false confidence that carbon dioxide worked the same there as in the stratosphere).

Plass kept working on the issue, with technical and popular publications through the rest of the 1950s.

In 1956, he had an academic article on “the carbon dioxide theory of climate change” published in the

Swedish scientific journal Tellus, and also a popular article in the American Scientist.

And he was present at the first major meetings to discuss carbon dioxide build up.

Meanwhile, the carbon dioxide theory started getting more coverage among science journalists. One, George Wendt, wrote up the findings in the then well-regarded UNESCO Courier, and this got excerpted in the Irish Times in 1954, the same year that British journalists started mentioning it.

In 1957 the then-new magazine New Scientist mentioned it. By the end of the 1950s, anyone who read a newspaper could have been aware of the basic idea.

Throughout the 50s and 60s US, Swedish, German and Soviet scientists were examining the issue. In 1965 President Lyndon Johnson even namechecked carbon dioxide build-up in an address to Congress.

By the end of the 1960s international collaboration was beginning, though there was caution still.

For instance, in April 1969 the American scientist Charles Keeling, who had been measuring atmospheric carbon dioxide concentrations at a Hawaiian observatory, re-

vealed that he had been asked to change the title of a lecture from, “If carbon dioxide from fossil fuels is changing man’s environment, what will we do about it?” to “Is carbon dioxide from fossil fuel changing man’s environment?”

For climate historians like me, the 1970s are a fascinating period of intense measurement, modelling, observation and thinking which, by the end of the decade, produced a working consensus that there was serious trouble ahead. In effect, Plass had nailed it.

When Plass spoke out, the atmospheric concentration of carbon dioxide was at about 310 parts per million. Today, they’re 423 or so. Every year, as we burn more oil, coal and gas, the concentration climbs and more heat is trapped.

By the time Plass’s warning is 100 years old, the concentrations will be much higher. There’s a very good chance we will have gone over the 2°C warming level that used to be regarded as “safe”. (The Conversation) FZH

Miya bazar road

Sir, I recently came across an advertisement calling for admissions in your esteem daily by an institute with its address as ‘ Purana Bazaar B, Block- 5, Miya Bazaar Road ‘. it is disheartening to come across such names, viz. Miya Bazaar, Miya Bazaar road, Miya Colony, etc. which have been popping up around Dimapur area. Are we bereft of any sensible names or words for our market, colony, roads etc. and willingly accept such names. The responsible authorities or concern should take up the issue and rectify it in the interest of our Naga Society. Kuknalim.

Francis Kikon, Naharbari, Dimapur

SNIPPETS 8 labourers electrocuted to death in Jharkhand

DHANBAD, MAY 29

(IANS): At least eight labourers were electrocuted to death while installing a pole near the Nichitpur Railway gate in Jharkhand’s Dhanbad district on Monday, an official said. The incident occurred when the pole -- which labourers were trying to install -- fell on a high tension wire of 25,000 volts and they came in contact with the wire. The incident took place at Nichitpur railway gate located between Dhanbad and Gomoh on HowrahNew Delhi rail route.

Woman raped by minor boy in UP

PRATAPGARH (UP), MAY 29 (PTI): A 19-yearold woman returning home after attending a wedding was allegedly raped in Kandhai police station area here, police said on Monday. The incident took place Sunday night when a 17-year-old boy caught hold of the woman, took her to a secluded spot and raped her, Additional Superintendent of Police (East) Vidyasagar Mishra said. The victim informed her family about the incident after which a case was lodged. “The boy is being questioned,” Mishra said.

10 people killed in road accident

MYSURU (K’TAKA), MAY 29 (PTI): Ten people died and at least three persons were injured in a road accident involving a car and private bus in T Narasipura taluk here on Monday, police said. The incident took place near Kuruburu village on Kollegala-T Narasipura main road. According to sources, the car has been completely crushed due to the impact of the accident in what seems to be a headon collision between the two vehicles.

Drug worth 2.5 cr seized in UP

BAHRAICH (UP), MAY 29 (PTI): Two alleged drug smugglers were arrested here on Monday and 250 grams of smack worth around Rs 2.5 crores was seized from them, police said. The accused have been identified as Sharif, a resident of Barabanki and Sadiq Ali alias Bahlwan, from Bahraich, Superintendent of Police Prashant Verma said. Based on intelligence input, police searched two people in the Mansoorganj area of the city and recovered the narcotics from the two accused, he said.

Man held for

bludgeoning healer to death

PALGHAR, MAY 29

(PTI): A man has been arrested for allegedly bludgeoning a 60-year-old healer to death in Maharashtra’s Palghar district, police said on Monday. The police arrested the accused from Shirsad village in the district on Sunday, an official said. The victim Bhiva Bikya Wayda was found dead on the side of the road leading up to Usagaon lake on May 25, senior inspector Prafulla Wagh of Mandvi police station said.

Couple booked for duping farmer of Rs 12.8L

MUMBAI, MAY 29

(PTI): An offence has been registered against a couple for allegedly duping a farmer from Latur of Rs 12.8 lakh by promising to get his sons jobs with the Central Railway, police said on Monday. The police on Saturday registered a case under section 420 (cheating) and other relevant provisions of the Indian Penal Code against the couple, an official from Vakola police station said.

Owaisi criticises PM for taking only Hindu priests inside new Parliament

HYDERABAD,

MAY 29

(PTI): AIMIM president Asaduddin Owaisi has hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi over the inauguration of the new Parliament saying he took only Hindu ‘pujaris’ (priests) inside the building and charged that the event seemed like the “coronation of a Sultan of Delhi”.

Addressing a public meeting in Adilabad town of Telangana on Sunday, Owaisi asked why the Prime Minister did not take religious leaders of other faiths inside the new Parliament after its inauguration.

“The opening of new Parliament building happened. I saw on TV, Prime Minister was going inside the Parliament and 18-20 Hindu pujaris are following him (inside the Parliament) chanting mantras. Prime Minister, you took only the Hindu pujaris. Why did the Prime Minister not take Christian pastor, Muslim maulana and religious leaders of other religions inside (the new Parliament)?” the Hyderabad

MP asked. “Prime Minister, India does not have a single religion. India follows every religion. It is regrettable that the PM took religious leaders of only one faith into the new Lok Sabha. I wish you were big-hearted to also take Christians, Sikhs, Muslims, and Jains (religious leaders) inside,” Owaisi said. “It did not seem like opening of new Parliament building but looked like the coronation of the Sultan of Delhi. Is this secularism of India? Prime Minister should not have done this. Mr Modi, you are the Prime Minister of Hindus,

Aavin to hike procurement price to ward off Amul threat

BJP with WFI chief emboldens criminals to commit atrocities on women: Cong

NEW DELHI, MAY 29

not want the saffron party to rise in the state.

CHENNAI, MAY 29

(IANS): Tamil Nadu milk cooperative Aavin, controlled by the state government, is in the process of increasing the milk procurement price from farmers, it was announced on Monday.

This is, in a way, intended to ward off the threat posed by Gujarat-headquartered milk cooperative, Amul which is aggressively foraying into the Tamil Nadu market by procuring milk from farmers there and establishing a plant in Andhra Pradesh close to the Tamil Nadu border.

Tamil Nadu Dairy Development Minister Mano Thangaraj told IANS that Aavin was in the process of taking various measures to correct some of the problems that have arisen in the past regarding procurement

of milk from vendors. He said that appropriate measures would be taken to provide fair prices to the farmers taking into account the cost of milk production and protecting their welfare.

The minister said that measures would be taken to improve Aavin management, computerisation and automation, mechanisation, and maintenance of the welfare of cooperatives and livestock.

The Aavin management is being directed to reduce the credit to the milk farmers from the present 90 days as Amul is promising payment within 10 days on procurement of milk. It is to be noted that Aavin is presently taking 90 days to credit the milk procurement money to the farmers and cooperatives.

J.N. AIER COLLEGE

C’ Khel 4th Mile,Diphupar Chümoukedima : Nagaland SITUATION VACANT

Applicants are invited for the post of Lecturer in Sociology Department.

Eligibility:-

1. MA Sociology with NET.

2. Shortlisted candidates will be called for Interview. Application along with photocopies of necessary documents should be submitted in the office or by e-mail at: jnaiercollege@gmail.com

For more detail, contact at: +91 8731845133, +91 7005255141

Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, tribals and Prime Minister of 130 crore people. You are not Prime Minister of any single religion,” Owaisi said.

The grand inauguration of the new Parliament in New Delhi on Sunday included a havan, a multifaith prayer ceremony and the installation of the Sengol (sceptre) in a special enclosure in the Lok Sabha chamber.

Regarding the Telangana polls slated to be held later in the year, Owaisi said the AIMIM played a role in defeating BJP in the 2014 and 2018 state Assembly elections and does

Patnaik launches AI initiatives

BHUBANESWAR, MAY

29 (PTI): Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik Monday launched ‘Odisha for Artificial Intelligence’ and ‘Artificial Intelligence for Youth’ initiatives at a programme here.

Launching it, the chief minister said in the first phase it will be implemented in Bhubaneswar, Puri and Cuttack cities, they said.

The government has focused on technology driven transformation, which is one of the key components of its 5-T (team work, technology, transparency, timely completion leading to transformation) initiative, he said.

The initiative will augment digital literacy of the masses and make them familiar with the next generation cutting edge technology. It will also create an ecosystem fostering research, innovation and application across sectors, he said.

Patnaik asked all government departments to take advantage of these programmes and train officials. Electronics and IT Minister Tusharkanti Behera highlighted the state’s initiative in technology that is transforming Odisha in different sectors.

The AIMIM chief said he would discuss with the people and party leaders to take a decision on how many Assembly seats it would contest in the upcoming elections in Telangana indicating plans on fielding candidates in constituencies outside the old city of Hyderabad (AIMIM stronghold). “I have come to consult you and Majlis leaders and then decide on it,” he said. He said the AIMIM has been fighting the BJP to protect India, secularism, and ‘Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb’ (syncretic culture of Hindus and Muslims) in Telangana.

“They (those accusing the AIMIM) blame Owaisi of cutting into their votes. Did AIMIM contest from Adilabad, Nizamabad, Karimnagar and Secunderabad Lok Sabha seats (in 2019 elections), but the BJP won there. I did not fight and BJP won there. And who is blamed?” Owaisi asked.

(PTI): The Congress on Monday claimed the BJP’s alleged support to its MP and WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh was emboldening criminals to commit crimes against women such as the one in which a girl was stabbed and then bludgeoned to death with a slab in northwest Delhi.

The Opposition party also slammed the BJP-led central government over filing of FIRs against protesting wrestlers by the police while waiting for a week to book Singh for alleged sexual offences.

At a press conference at the AICC headquarters here, Congress leader Alka Lamba also claimed the reactions to a photo tweeted by Union minister Smriti Irani from the new Parliament building’s inauguration were “hidden” on her social media account after some users posted photos of the wrestlers being allegedly manhandled by the police.

She also alleged the BJP’s IT department tampered with the photos of wrestlers through an app and tarnished the image

of the c ountry’s players.

Lamba accused the BJP of indulging in character assassination and trying to “sell lies”.

Referring to the brutal stabbing of a 16-year-old girl in full public view in northwest Delhi’s Shahbad Dairy area, Lamba said the question is from where the criminals are getting this kind of courage.

“The BJP MP has an FIR of POCSO against him and when action is not taken and the BJP stands with such people, criminals get a boost as they believe that the government will stand with them,” she alleged.

Lamba called for the arrest of Singh, asserting if

action is not taken against him, the confidence of criminals will be further boosted. Congress spokesperson Shama Mohamed also lambasted the government, saying that when women wrestlers were being “manhandled”, an offender was sitting in Parliamant, an apparent reference to Singh.

“It took one week to file an FIR against a sexual offender and few hour to file FIIR against those who did us proud by winning medals,” she said. She also hit out the BJP dispensation over the wrestlers not being allowed to protest at Jantar Mantar and alleged that the government was acting in a dictatorial manner.

HC junks plea challenging RBI decision on Rs 2K note

NEW DELHI, MAY 29

(PTI): The Delhi High Court on Monday dismissed a petition challenging the notifications enabling the exchange of Rs 2,000 denomination currency notes without any requisition slip and ID proof, saying it has been done to avoid inconvenience to citizens, and the court cannot sit as an appellate authority on a policy decision.

The high court maintained it cannot be said that the government’s decision is perverse or arbitrary or it encourages black money, money laundering, profiteering or abets corruption.

A bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Subramonium Prasad said this is purely a policy decision of the government and courts should not sit as an appellate authority over the decision taken by the government.

The high court said the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) is devoid of merits and dismissed the petition filed by advocate Ashwini Kumar Upadhyay who challenged the notifications by the RBI and SBI enabling exchange of Rs 2,000 banknotes without requisition slip and identity proof.

The petitioner had claimed a large amount of

currency notes has reached either an individual’s locker or has been hoarded by separatists, terrorists, Maoists, drug smugglers, mining mafias and corrupt people.

The plea asserted the notifications were arbitrary, irrational and offended Article 14 of the Constitution (equality before law).

The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) defended before the high court its notification, saying it is not demonetisation but a statutory exercise. It said the decision was taken to allow exchange of Rs 2,000 denomination currency notes for operational convenience and the court cannot interfere in such matters.

Upadhyay had clarified that he was not challenging the decision to withdraw

Rs 2,000 banknote but assailed the exchange of the currency without any slip or identity proof.

On May 19, the RBI had announced withdrawal of Rs 2,000 currency notes from circulation, and said existing notes in circulation can either be deposited in bank accounts or exchanged by September 30.

The bank notes in Rs 2,000 denomination will, however, continue to be a legal tender, the RBI had said in a statement.

The high court, in its judgement, said the government’s decision is only to withdraw Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes from circulation for the reason that the purpose of issuing these notes has been achieved, which was to meet

the currency requirement of the economy in an expeditious manner in November, 2016 when all Rs 500 and Rs 1,000 denomination banknotes ceased to remain legal tender.

To meet the situation at that point of time, the government took a decision to bring banknotes of Rs 2,000 denomination to ensure adequate supply of money to meet the day-to-day requirements of the people, it said.

“Six years after the said decision, the government has now decided to withdraw Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes from circulation which is not being used commonly. Banknotes of Rs 2,000 shall continue to be a legal tender and this policy is only for exchange of banknotes having denomination of Rs 2,000 with other banknotes.

“In order to facilitate the exchange of Rs 2,000 denomination banknotes with other denomination banknotes, the government has given a window of four months to the citizens and in order to avoid inconvenience to citizens, the government is not insisting of providing any kind of identification,” the high court said.

PM Narendra Modi with high priests of various ‘adheenams’ in Tamil Nadu, in New Delhi, Sunday. (PTI)

Alka Lamba and Shama Mohamed during a press conference in New Delhi, Monday. (PTI)

Governance gaps found in some banks: Das

MUMBAI, MAY 29 (PTI):

The Reserve Bank has found gaps in banks’ corporate governance despite issuing guidelines on the matter, Governor Shaktikanta Das said on Monday.

Addressing directors of bank boards, Das said such gaps, which have been mitigated, could have caused “some degree of volatility”.

He also hit out strongly against “smart accounting” to conceal stress and bloat financial performance.

“It is...a matter of concern that despite these guidelines on corporate governance, we have come across gaps in governance of certain banks, with the potential to cause some degree of volatility in the banking sector,” Das said at the meeting specially convened by the Reserve Bank. Bank boards and management should not allow such gaps to creep in, he said, adding that the RBI

has taken up such matters with the banks at an individual level in the past.

It is the joint responsibility of the chairman of the board and the directors, both whole-time and non-executive or part-time directors, to ensure robust governance in banks, the governor noted.

The RBI has also found banks adopting “smart accounting methods” to “artificially boost financial performance”, Das said, revealing more about the modus operandi.

Banks try to conceal the real status of stressed loans by getting two lenders together to evergreen each other’s loans by sale and buyback of loans or debt instruments, persuading good borrowers to enter into structured deals with a stressed borrower to conceal the stress, adjust borrower’s repayment obligations by using inter nal or office ac-

Shaktikanta Das

counts, he said. “We have also come across a few examples where one method of evergreening, after being pointed out by the regulator, was replaced by another method. Such practices beg the question as to whose interest such smart methods serve. I have mentioned these instances to sensitise all of you to keep a watch on such practices,” he said. Without naming any particular case, Das said the RBI has noticed the dominance of chief executives in board discussions and decision-making and rued

that the boards do not assert themselves.

“We would not like this type of situation to develop. At the same time, there should not be a situation where the CEO is inhibited from doing his duties,” he added. Das advised banks to be cautious in the pursuit of their growth strategies, pricing and portfolio composition.

“Over-aggressive growth, under-pricing or over-pricing of products both on the credit and deposit sides, concentration or lack of adequate diversification in deposit/ credit profile can expose the banks to higher risks and vulnerabilities,” he said.

The governor also said that while the Reserve Bank has nudged banks to adjust their business strategies in some cases where they were creating “avoidable vulner-

Rupee falls 4 paise to close at 82.64 against US dollar

abilities” by being aggressive, the central bank does not interfere in the commercial decision-making of the banks.

Employees cannot be rewarded for increasing short-term profits without adequate recognition of the risks and long-term consequences, Das said. In the remarks that come weeks after turbulence in the American banking sector, Das also asked bank boards to be wary about basic aspects like asset-liability mismatches, saying as suboptimal ALM can lead to serious liquidity risks and destabilising effects on the bank itself.

“...developments in the USA have also demonstrated that aggressive growth strategies with disproportionate or excessive focus on the bottom lines and/or market capitalisation often leads to build up of vulnerabilities,”

Office vandalism: NSF stages sit-in protest; threatens to intensify stir

(From p-1)

In this regard, NSF has requested all senior leaders of the federation to attend the meeting and present their thoughts in the interest of the federation in particular and the Nagas in general.

The federation informed that the protest would continue on Tuesday as well.

NPF Legislator and former NSF president Achumbemo who also took part in the sit-in protest said that if an organisation like NSF was not safe, then citizens could not be expected to be safe. He cautioned that if someone did not subscribe to another person’s point of view and ransackedhis or her home, then Naga society could not exist with such a mindset.

He demanded that the police bring the perpetrators to justice.

Former minister Neiba Kronu said that such kind of behaviour was not expected in a civilised society and therefore should be avoided in the near future.

Addressing as section of the media after interacting with NSF officials at the protest site, Kronu, also a former president of NSF, maintained that those who had vandalised the NSF office should realise that such actions were not

appreciated by the people. “From now on we all have to understand each other and together let us rebuild it so that it would become a grand building,” Kronu suggested.

Speaking on the occasion, former NSF president Christopher Ltu remarked that he had never witnessed such a situation before. He recalled that the standoff between the Naga Club and NSF started in 2018 and the former had requested for a meeting in this regard.

He said that the then organising committee of Naga Club had come to his office to discuss organisinga celebration to mark 100 years of the club. But, the office bearers of the federation had declined to meet them as they did not know how these people were appointed or selected as leaders and they had come claiming themselves to be office bearers of Naga Club.

He elaborated: “We had not heard of Naga Club for decades. But all of the sudden, some people just come up claiming that they are from the club.”

Ltu said the so-called members of Naga Club came again two days prior to celebration of the 100-year celebrations. They

wanted to celebrate together, but the NSF declined because the club refused to honour the agreement put forward by the citizens and elders concerned.

“In their written statement, they had mentioned about the monolith be set up at the present site and came after dark with JCB and started digging, so we stopped them.

That is not the way, If they wanted to set up the monolith in a right manner, they should have come in the broad daylight. Their cowardice act is strongly condemnable. This space and building belong to the entire Naga community and they should respect this,” he asserted.

He mentioned that the All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) and the Kohima Press Club (KPC), whose officesare also housed in the same building, should stand up together and show the adversaries that they would not succumb to the evil designs of the adversaries.

He requested every individual, federation and units to come and stand with NSF as this was an act of anti-Nagas, adding it was time to see who was against the Nagas.

North East Students’ Organisation (NESO) secretary general and former NSF president MutsikhoyoYhobu, who was also present, condemned the act of vandalism and said that he had never heard about any such incident before.

He also mentioned that he had never heard of the new Naga Club or its contribution to the Naga society. “They might have done something for their community, but no one has heard about them doing anything for the Nagas,” he added.

He said he felt very sorry because the miscreants had vandalised not only an office, but the history of Nagas. “History cannot be hijacked by few people. The Naga history is very clear and nobody can take away the history. The incident will make the Nagas stronger, ”he asserted and appealed to the authority to take action at the earliest.

Chakhesang Students’Union president Avezo Kevin Kapu, Rengma Students’Union president Daniel Kent and Lotha Students’Union president Lirhonthung E Kithan too expressed concern and assured to stand in solidarity with the NSF.

MUMBAI, MAY 29 (PTI):

The rupee depreciated 4 paise to close at 82.64 (provisional) against the US dollar on Monday, tracking a strong American currency against major rivals overseas. However, a firm trend in domestic equities, foreign capital inflows and lower crude prices restricted the fall in the domestic unit, forex traders said.

Meanwhile, the dollar strengthened as investors were upbeat on the tentative agreement between US President Joe Biden and Republican House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on the debt ceiling, which is likely to face voting on Wednesday before getting sealed.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the local unit opened strong at 82.57 against the US dollar. During intra-day, the Indian currency touched the peak

of 82.51 and the lowest level of 82.67.

The currency finally settled at 82.64 (provisional) against the US dollar, registering a fall of 4 paise over its previous close.

On Friday, the rupee closed at 82.60 against the US currency.

The dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.02 per cent to 104.23.

Global oil benchmark Brent crude futures declined 0.40 per cent to USD 76.64 per barrel.

On the domestic equity market front, the 30-share BSE Sensex advanced 344.69 points or 0.55 per cent to close at 62,846.38 points, and the broader NSE Nifty rose 99.30 points or 0.54 per cent to 18,598.65 points.

(From p-1)

On NHIDCL terminating the agreement of the construction contractor of M/s. KCPL and instructing KCPL to stop the construction work abruptly, KVC said that with the suspension of works, even regular maintenance works have come to a standstill.

Therefore, KVC has urged those responsible for the project’s execution to take immediate action and resume construction works and maintenance before the onset of monsoon to prevent situation like previous year’s monsoon which created havoc for the commuters from landslides which occurred at over 60 locations.

KVC expressed hope that the responsible authority would address the matter with urgency and take prompt steps to reinstate construction works before the onset of monsoon.

Lost Notice

SNIPPETS

Police rescues 21 tourists from Dal Lake SRINAGAR, MAY 29 (PTI): Police on Monday rescued 21 tourists from the Dal Lake here after they were stranded in the water body due to strong winds. The police advised people to avoid going inside the lake during inclement weather. Many parts of the the Kashmir, including Srinagar, were lashed by rains late in the afternoon.

Woman held for kidnapping, flesh trade in Patna PATNA, MAY 29 (IANS): Patna police arrested a woman called Bacchi Devi for running a flesh trade racket and kidnapping, an official said on Monday. The alleged woman is said to be a leader of a political party and she was running the flesh trade racket from a flat belonging to a police personal deployed in Gaya. The incident came to light after a minor girl who was working as a domestic help in Chitkohra locality in Patna, went missing for a week.

Farmers dose crops with country liquor in MP

BHOPAL, MAY 29

(AGENCIES): Alcohol may not be good for health, but farmers in Narmadapuram district of Madhya Pradesh are considering it a boon for cultivating pulses. Besides moong, farmers are also using it for turmeric and a few other crops. While farmers vouch for alcohol as a pesticide, agricultural scientists have a different opinion. Most farmers are using 100 ml of country liquor mixed with 15 litres of water and spraying their crop once after sowing. While most say it is better and cheaper than chemical fertilisers, some farmers even claim it gives a better crop yield.

Man sentenced to death for SA, killing minor boy

MATHURA, MAY 29 (AGENCIES): A POCSO court in Mathura on Monday awarded a death sentence to a man for sexually assaulting and killing a nine-year-old boy, a government official said. According to the prosecution, an FIR was filed in Sadar Bazar Police Station by the father of the minor boy about his disappearance from the Aurangabad area of Mathura on April 9. The following day, on the basis of CCTV footage, police arrested Saif, a resident of Kanpur, presently living in Aurangabad.

Armed men rob petrol pump of Rs.

40L in Punjab

FATEHGARH SAHIB, MAY 29 (PTI): Four armed persons robbed a petrol pump in Bhatmajra village here on Monday of Rs. 40 lakh, said police. The incident took place when a pump employee along with a gunman was going to a bank to deposit the money, they said.

WOKHA

Girl stabbed to death in Delhi; AAP, BJP start political slugfest

NEW DELHI, MAY 29

(PTI): A 16-year-old girl was stabbed over 20 times and bludgeoned to death by a youth in a busy bylane as passersby looked on in northwest Delhi’s Shahbad Dairy area - an incident that has drawn massive outrage as the video of the horrific killing appeared online.

Delhi Police said the accused, 20-year-old Sahil, was arrested from Bulandshahr in Uttar Pradesh on Monday.

He and the victim, Sakshi, were in a “relationship” but had a quarrel on Saturday. The victim had gone shopping on Sunday evening for the birthday party of her friend’s child when she was accosted by the accused in the densely populated neighbourhood, they said. A nearly 90-second video of the incident that was shared online showed the accused pinning the victim to a wall with one

hand and stabbing her repeatedly. He did not stop even when the girl slumped to the ground, jabbing the knife into her over 20 times, kicking her and then slamming a cement slab on her repeatedly.

In a shocking display of public apathy, people can be seen passing by, with some bystanders staring in alarm, but not doing anything to stop the brutal attack.

The accused is seen walking away from the victim in a casual manner, only to turn back and again hit her with the slab before leaving the site.

Rajnath Singh attends swearingin ceremony of Nigerian President

ABUJA, MAY 29 (PTI):

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Monday represented India at the swearing-in ceremony of Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Tinubu, 71, was sworn in as Nigeria’s president in Abuja, the capital city, in the presence of thousands of Nigerians and several heads of government. He succeeded Muhammadu Buhari. Tinubu, a former governor of the country’s commercial capital, Lagos, was declared the winner of the February 25 presidential election on March 1. India was among the select non-African nations

that were represented in the ‘swearing-in ceremony’ at the Ministerial level, reflecting the high priority and strength of our bilateral relations with Nigeria, the Defence Ministry in New Delhi said in a statement. Singh arrived here on Sunday on a three-day visit, marking the first-ever visit of an Indian defence minister to the African country.

In addition to senior officials of the Ministry of Defence, Singh’s delegation to Nigeria included top executives of Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Goa Shipyard Limited (GSL).

“I have never seen such a frightening case. What was the fault of the 16-year-old girl that she was brutally killed on the road? Several people saw this but did not pay heed. No one is afraid of the police and the law in Delhi,” Delhi Commission for Women Chairperson Swati Maliwal said.

Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and other AAP leaders attacked Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena, saying it was his responsibility to maintain law and order in the city, while the Delhi BJP claimed it was a case of “love jihad” and slammed the AAP for “trying to portray” it as an “ordinary” murder and a law and order issue.

Calling the incident “extremely disturbing and appalling”, the National Commission for Women said its chairperson Rekha Sharma has written to the Commissioner of Police of Delhi to conduct a fair and time-bound investigation in

Ordinance row: Delhi, Punjab Cong meet Kharge, suggest not to support AAP

the matter. The Commission has formed a threemember team headed by member Delina Khongdup to look into the matter. Delhi Police PRO Suman Nalwa said the accused Sahil worked as a fridge and AC mechanic. He lived in a rented accommodation with his parents and three siblings in Shahbad Dairy area.

A case under Section 302 (murder) of the Indian Penal Code has been registered at Shahbad Dairy police station on the complaint by the victim’s father, the police added.

The police suspect that “strained relationship” of the accused with Sakshi could be a possible reason behind the crime.

“Only after ascertaining the chats and call details record of the victim with Sahil, the period of their relationship and how they became friends would be established,” a police officer said.

NEW DELHI, MAY 29 (PTI): Congress leaders from Delhi and Punjab met the party leadership here on Monday and suggested not supporting the Aam Aadmi Party on the Delhi services ordinance issue, sources said.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge had convened separate meetings of leaders from the two states for seeking their opinion on the matter.

Former Congress president Rahul Gandhi was also present during the meetings.

The sources said a majority of the leaders told the leadership to have no truck with Arvind Kejriwal, calling him a “B-team” of the BJP and claiming he harmed the Congress’ interests not only in Delhi and Punjab but other states as well. From the Delhi Congress, around 7-8 senior leaders attended the meeting, they said.

“All leaders clearly said the AAP shouldn’t be

supported in the matter of Ordinance but the final call is with the high command.

However, the Delhi Congress views the matter of ordinance as a state government issue and not as an issue of any individual or as a matter of showing support to the AAP,” a source in the party told PTI.

The meeting comes in the wake of Kejriwal requesting a meeting with Kharge and Gandhi to seek their support against an Ordinance brought by the Centre which effectively nullified a Supreme Court order that gave to the Delhi government the power of transferring bureaucrats in the city.

Kharge has reportedly conveyed to Kejriwal he will take a call on the matter after having a word with state party leaders.

The sources said the Congress leadership will also meet party leaders from other states before deciding its position.

Punjab Congress president Amrinder Singh Raja Warring told reporters after the meeting they have put across their views before the party high command and left the final decision to it.

“All the leaders have said the party high command will decide and we have left it to party chief Mallikarjun Kharge to take the final decision,” Raja Warring told reporters after the meeting.

Former party chief Navjot Sidhu said what transpired during the meeting was a secret and only the Congress chief or Rahul Gandhi would divulge the details.

He, however, said India’s Constitution is a sacred ‘granth’ and he took inspiration from it.

“But, I can say emphatically that the values of the Constitution are at its lowest ebb,” he said, citing instances where the Centre “trampled upon” the Constitution.

BJP wins both seats in UP Vidhan Parishad by-polls

LUCKNOW, MAY 29

BELAGAVI (KARNATAKA), MAY 29 (IANS):

Former Deputy Chief Minister Laxman Savadi, who was denied cabinet berth by the Congress party, stated that no one is a sage or relinquisher in politics.

Laxman Savadi, who joined Congress from BJP before elections and helped break Lingayat vote bank of BJP, expressed his unhappiness over being denied cabinet post for the first time. Speaking to reporters, Laxman Savadi stated Chief Minister Siddaramaiah’s cabinet has 34 ministers including the CM. This time,

IMD predicts rain, thunderstorm

across

experienced Congress leaders are selected and they have been given representation. “We have joined the Congress party recently. One should have vision and patience in politics,” he maintained. “If these two things are intact, one can pursue politics. I had expectations.

In politics, no one is a sage, a relinquisher. One will have a desire to become a minister, Dy CM or CM,” he said. Further indirectly commenting on assurance of suitable positions to him, Laxman Savadi stated that one who is a judge can’t become a patte wala (staff) in the court. Sources explain that the party had offered him to become a chairman of a board or a corporation and he had refused to accept it. Laxman Savadi had won with a thumping margin of 70,000 votes over the BJP candidate from Athani seat in Belagavi district.

(IANS): The BJP has won both the seats it contested in the Vidhan Parishad byelections in Uttar Pradesh.

BJP candidates Padamsen Chaudhary and Manvendra Singh have been declared elected to the UP Vidhan Parishad, defeating Ram Jatan Rajbhar and Ram Karan Nirmal of Samajwadi Party, respectively. While Chaudhury got 279 votes, Singh garnered 280 votes.

One seat was declared vacant after the death of Banwari Lal whose tenure as an MLC was to end on July 26, 2028. Lal died on

February 15 this year. Another vacancy occurred after Laxman Prasad Acharya resigned on February 15 following his appointment as Sikkim Governor. His tenure was till January 30, 2027. Both the seats were held by the BJP. According to the returning officer, a total of 396 votes were cast against a strength of 403 votes. The Congress, which has two MLAs, and the BSP with one MLA did not cast their vote. Besides, three SP MLAs who are in jail did not cast their votes. They are - Irfan Solanki, Abbas Ansari and Ramakant Yadav.

country Day after coffin jibe, RJD mocks ‘Sengol’ installation

seen holding a metal wand.

DELHI, MAY 29 (AGENCIES):

NEW

Relief from scorching heat is on the cards as the weather department had predicted rainfall and thunderstorm for northwest India. In its weather bulletin, India Meteorological Department said that rainfall and thunderstorm activity is likely to continue over Northwest India till 31st May and decrease gradually thereafter. “A cyclonic circulation lies over southwest Rajasthan & adjoining Pakistan in lower tropospheric levels. The east-west trough runs from the cyclonic circulation over southwest Rajasthan to central parts of south Uttar Pradesh in lower tropospheric levels. A north-south trough runs from cyclonic circulation over south Chhattisgarh to interior Tamil Nadu in lower tropospheric levels,” said the IMD.

Met department said taht the Northern Limit of Southwest Monsoon continues to have favourable conditions for further advance of southwest monsoon into some more parts of south, Bay of Bengal, Andaman Sea and Andaman & Nicobar Islands

TOWN KHUVUNG EKHUNG CONGRATULATIONS

With immense pride and honour, we the Wokha Town Khuvung Ekhung would like to extend our heartiest gratitude to;

1. Miss. Wonchilo T Khuvung for Top 3 in the HSSLC Examination (Science Stream).

2. All the candidates of Khuvung Clan who have cleared HSLC & HSSLC Examination 2023.

3. Miss. Nzanti R. Khuvung posted as Chief Manager (Main Branch SBI, Wokha).

May your growth, drive and perseverance rewards be an inspiration to old & new generations alike, and may God bless thee all in your future endeavours.

Sd/-

(Y. Phyobemo Khuvung) (A. Phyolumo Khuvung)

Chairman General Secretary

during next 24 hours. The weather department said that light/moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall with thunderstorm, lightning and occasional gusty winds/ squall (40-50 gusting to 60kmph) are very likely over Northwest India till 31st May. It said that the peak activity will be recorded on 30th May and gradual reduction from 1st June.

“Hailstorm very likely at isolated places over north Rajasthan, Jammu division, Himachal Pradesh on 29th & 30 th and over Uttarakhand during 29th -31st May, Punjab on 29th May.

Thundersquall/Gusty Wind speed reaching 60-70 kmph very likely at isolated places over Haryana, Delhi on 29th; Rajasthan on 29th & 30 th; Uttarakhand on 31st May. Heavy rainfall very likely at isolated places over north Rajasthan on 29th May; Jammu & Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh on 31st May,” reads the weather bulletin.

The Met department predicted light/moderate isolated to scattered rainfall with thunderstorm/ lightning/gusty winds over Madhya Pradesh during next 2 days and reduction thereafter.

FELICITATION

We the Mepfhüo Clan of Kohima Village L.Khel would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Mr. CHATHAVITUO MEPFHÜO S/o Mr. Ruokuosietuo Mepfhüo for securing 2 Gold Medals in Sub Junior Power Lifting Competition held at Panehkula, Chandigarh.

1st in 90-100 kg Category

1st in Single Category deadlift event.

We extend our best wishes and continue to shine brighter and strive for more success in his future endeavours.

K-1214/23

THE

OFFICE OF

WESTERN KIKRüMA VILLAGER'S ASSOCIATION

CHUMOUKEDIMA - DIMAPUR : NAGALAND FELICITATION

We, the Western Kikrüma Villager's Association Chumoukedima - Dimapur would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Ms. Vevotolü Kezo, D/o Mr. Khupo Kezo for coming out successful in the recently declared UPSC results, ranking top 387th AIR and ranking top 7th among the Scheduled Tribes.

The Association wishes her the best in all her future endeavours.

Sd/-

(Thipunepra Puro) (Vesato Kezo)

Secy.

PATNA, MAY 29 (IANS):

A day after comparing the shape of the new Parliament building to that of a coffin, the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) on Monday uploaded another controversial tweet mocking the installation

of the ‘Sengol’ in the new Parliament House by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The RJD posted an image of late actor Amrish Puri as villain Shera Singh from the 1987 film ‘Loha’, in which the Puri could be

Office of the SHANRHUMTHUNG AND YIMELI RUI

Tsungiki : Wokha

FELICITATION

With deep sense of honour and pride the Shanrhumthung and Yimeli Rui extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. W Shanchothung Kikon on being appointed as Kilonser NSCN/GPRN (IM). The SY Rui also expresses its gratitude to NSCN/GPRN (IM) for the trust and privilege given to its bonafide member to serve the nation.

The SY Rui further extends its prayers and best wishes for his future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/-

Sanrhubemo Kikon Nyimtsemo Kikon Chairman Secretary WC-124/23

OFFICE O F THE AWOTSAKILIMI STUDENTS' UNION FELICITATION

The Awotsakilimi Students' Union would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Nilovito H Shikhu, S/o Mr. Hukiye N Shikhu and Mrs. Z Nagaholi Awomi for securing Top 2 Rank with 95.8% (Science Stream) and also a state Computer Science topper with 100 marks in the recently declared HSSLC examination conducted by NBSE. Your achievements serve as an inspiration to us all, and we are proud of your accomplishments.

The union further congratulates all the successful candidates of HSLC and HSSLC examination 2023 and wishes the best in their future endeavours.

(Bepeto I Achumi) (Alibo G Achumi) President Gen. Secy.

“Have you seen this movie lately in which a big actor is holding some familiar object in his hand? Please tell the name of the artiste and the film,” read the caption.

However, the RJD did not clarify on the comparison of the photograph with any other event.

‘Loha’ starring Dharmendra, Shatrughan Sinha, Amrish Puri and Karan Kapoor in lead roles released in theaters in January 1987.

It is not clear whether RJD was comparing the object held by Puri with the Sengol held by PM Modi.

When contacted, RJD spokesperson Mritunjay Tiwari said: “It is a symbolic tweet meant for an egotistical person who will lose power soon. Amrish Puri played a villain who lost the battle at the end of the film.”

Nikhil Anand, national General Secretary of BJP’s OBC wing said in a written statement: “Bihar’s villain and his team RJD’s agenda is ‘Lathi Bhanjawan’ and ‘Tel Pilawan’. But dear fools, Sengol is not meant for ‘lathi’ or ‘mugdar’. Please don’t use late popular actor Amrish Puri for cheap and superficial politics.”

OFFICE OF THE QUEEN MARY HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND FELICITATION

The Queen Mary Higher Secondary School Alumni congratulates the following students with special mention for their Outstanding Achievement in the HSLC and HSSLC Examination conducted by NBSE in the year 2023.

1. Miss Imlimerenla Pongen, 8th position (HSSLC, Arts)

2. Miss Tiatetla Jamir with 10th position (HSSLC, Science)

3. Mr Likhuli Sangtam, for securing state highest mark in Mathematics(100 marks, HSLC)

4. Miss Alemkala for securing state highest mark in Social Science (100 marks, HSLC)

5. Miss Alina Jamir for securing state highest mark in Social Sciences (100 marks, HSLC)

6. Miss Zuluienla T. Jamir for securing state highest mark in Ao (97 marks, HSLC) and GOVERNOR’S AWARDS FOR ACHIEVERS IN MILS AND Mat RC Award.

7. Miss Akumnaro Walling for securing state highest mark in EVS( 100 marks, HSLC)

8. Miss Nungtetmenla Jamir for securing the state highest mark in Ao (97 marks, HSSLC, Arts) and GOVERNOR’S AWARDS FOR ACHIEVERS IN MILS)

9. Mr. Toshimanen for securing the state highest mark in Mathematics (100 marks, HSSLC Science).

The Alumni Association also congratulates all the successful Students of Queen Mary Higher Secondary School who have passed out with flying colours.

Further the Association takes this privilege to thank all the teachers, parents and school Administration for your relentless effort and sacrifice.

Last but not least, the Alumni Association takes joy in your triumph and prays to the Almighty to guide you in all your future endeavours.

Laxman Savadi

Accused Sahil

No one is a sage in politics, says ex-K’taka Dy CM Laxman Savadi

for several regions

the

9 years of Modi govt: BJP leaders highlight Modi govt’s successes

NEW DELHI, MAY 29

(PTI): Senior BJP leaders, including Union ministers and chief ministers, highlighted the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government in a nationwide outreach on Monday to mark its nine years in office, with Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur expressing confidence of its re-election in 2024.

From India’s “rising” global stature to emphasis on national security, welfare measures like housing and toilets for the poor, boost to piped water supply, infrastructure growth and efforts to ramp up the manufacturing sector were among the initiatives cited at the press conferences they held in every state of the country.

The BJP said in a statement that the country has witnessed “unprecedented” development in every sector with the mantra of “nation first” guiding Modi’s policies.

Gajendra Singh Shekhawat and others releases a report card on the achievement of 9 years of central govt, in Patna. (PTI)

Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath said in Lucknow that the Modi government’s nine years have brought India safe borders and world-class infrastructure and increased its global esteem.

“In the last nine years, the Modi government has given the nation four strong pillars, which are respect, internal and external security, the welfare of the underprivileged, and infrastructure development,” Adityanath said at a press

Govt auditor reelected as external auditor at WHO

NEW DELHI, MAY 29 (PTI): Comptroller and Auditor General of

India

9 years of Modi govt: Cong accuses BJP of ‘looting’ people

NEW DELHI, MAY 29

conference organised on the completion of nine years of the Modi government.

Adityanath said that the last nine years have seen the emergence of a “new India”. Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said in Guwahati that before 2014, the allocation for the railways for the northeast was Rs 2,000 crore but it has increased to Rs 10,200 crore under the Modi government, helping expedite projects in the region.

Modi also virtually

Kerala govt’s extravagance reason for state’s financial crisis: Centre

THIRUVANANTHA -

PURAM, MAY 29 (PTI):

The BJP-led union government on Monday refuted the allegations of the ruling-Left government in Kerala that it had reduced the borrowing capacity of the state and instead blamed the LDF administration’s “financial mismanagement and extravagance” for the state’s debts. Union Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs and External Affairs V Muraleedharan claimed it was the “financial mismanagement and extravagance” of the LDF government that resulted in the financial crisis the state was facing and why it had a huge debt. He termed as an “extravagance” the honorarium approved for expelled Congress leader K V Thomas,

V Muraleedharan

now appointed as the state’s representative in New Delhi, and the foreign trips of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and the state’s ministers. The minister further said that some of the neighbouring countries of India were in dire economic straits due to their financial policies and as the Centre did not want a similar situation here, restrictions were placed on borrowings by states. “So I would like to ask the state finance minister

Bajrang Dal workers, cattle smugglers exchange fire

GURUGRAM, MAY 29

(PTI): Bajrang Dal work-

ers and cattle smugglers exchanged fire after a latenight car chase on the Kundli-Manesar-Palwal (KMP) expressway, according to an FIR lodged by police.

Police said three cows and a calf were rescued from the black Scorpio, on which alleged cow smugglers had pasted Haryana Police stickers.

The incident happened around 3 am on Monday in the Farukhnagar area, they said, adding that the vehicle has been seized.

According to the FIR registered on the basis of a complaint filed by Bajrang Dal member Tinku, he along with other workers reached the Farrukhnagar toll after receiving the information that the smugglers will load the animals in their car and go towards Rajasthan through the expressway.

After noticing the vehicle, they attempted to stop it but the driver sped away.

The rear tyres of the car burst during the 8-km chase and the smugglers started firing at the cow vigilantes, Tinku alleged.

FELICITATION

flagged off the semi-highspeed Vande Bharat Express which will travel between between Guwahati in Assam and New Jalpaiguri in West Bengal.

Tribal Affairs Minister Arjun Munda said in Raipur that the speed and scale of development and growth in the last nine years is unmatched.

In this context, he also highlighted various measures to combat the Covid-19 pandemic, including manufacturing of vaccines, and stressed that India’s efforts were acknowledged globally.

Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia told reporters in the national capital that India has forged an image as a self-reliant country while focusing on the uplift and welfare of the poor in the last nine years.

The Modi government is working with a focus on service, good governance and the uplift of the poor, he said.

Girish Chandra Murmu has been reelected as the external auditor of the World Health Organization (WHO) for a four-year term from 2024 to 2027. CAG is already holding this position in WHO for a four-year term from 2019 to 2023.

“The present election was held on May 29, 2023 in the 76th World Health Assembly in Geneva, where the CAG of India was reelected with an overwhelming majority (114 out of 156 votes) in the first round of voting itself,” the CAG said in a statement. CAG’s appointment is a recognition of its standing among the international community as well as its professionalism, high standards, global audit experience and strong national credentials, it added.

“This resounding victory was made possible by the sustained support and tireless efforts of the Permanent Representative of India to The United Nations at Geneva, his officers and a special team of handpicked officers from CAG,” it said.

EC asks 5 poll-bound states to update electoral rolls

NEW DELHI, MAY 29

(PTI): Attacking the Modi government which completed nine years in office last week, the Congress on Monday accused it of “looting” people’s earnings through “deadly inflation” while making “arrogant claims” about controlling rising prices.

The Opposition party also said the next few days “ministers and drum-beaters” would harp on the so-called “grand achievements” of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure despite the life and livelihood of those living on the edge of poverty not changing for the better.

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge took a dig at the government, accusing it of “looting” people’s earnings through “deadly inflation” while making “arrogant claims” about it.

“With deadly inflation in nine years, the BJP looted the public’s earnings! GST impacted everything important, spoiled the budget,

Mallikarjun Kharge

made life difficult!” Kharge said in a tweet in Hindi.

“Arrogant claims -‘inflation is not visible’ or ‘we do not eat this expensive thing at all’. Journey from ‘Acche Din’ to ‘Amrit Kaal’, due to inflation, the amount of public loot has increased!” Kharge said.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh hit out at the government and listed what he said were “real achievements” of the government such as increase in price of basic commodities.

“Over the next few days and weeks we will be inundated by ministers and drum-beaters harping on about the so-called ‘grand achievements’ of Prime Minister Modi over the last

9 years. But those living on the edge of poverty, barely being able to afford basic necessities will only be asking one thing — has our life and livelihood changed for the better? The answer is NO,” Ramesh said on Twitter.

“Here are the real ‘achievements’ of the Modi govt: Since 2014, Growth Rate for Real Wages- Agriculture labourers: 0.8%; Non-agricultural labourers: 0.2%; Construction workers: minus 0.02%. Meanwhile, price increase for basic commodities since 2014 -- LPG: 169%; Petrol: 57%; Diesel: 78%; Mustard oil: 58%; Atta: 56%; Milk: 51%,” he tweeted.

The fact is incomes have stagnated across the board, except of course for a special someone, Ramesh said and claimed that businessman Gautam Adani’s wealth had increased by 1,225 per cent since 2014. The Congress general secretary also shared an article on near-stagnation of real wages in the informal sector.

K’taka govt to snub bureaucrats with RSS affiliations: Sources

and the chief minister not to foist the blame for it on the central government,” Muraleedharan told reporters at a press conference held by him here. The union minister said he was not sure whether Chief Minister Vijayan and State Finance Minister K N Balagopal were blaming the Centre “because they lacked knowledge about such matters” or if it was a “deliberate and conscious” attempt to mislead the public.

While Vijayan on Sunday lashed out at the BJPruled central government by terming its alleged move to reduce Kerala’s borrowing capacity by half as “sadistic”, Balagopal, two days before that, had contended that it was “part of the union government’s political vendetta”.

(PTI): The Election Commission has asked chief electoral officers of pollbound states of Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Telangana, Rajasthan and Mizoram to carry out a fresh special summary revision to update the electoral rolls.

In its May 24 dated letter to the five chief electoral officers (CEOs), the poll body said the assembly polls in these states are “due later this year”.

It also cited provisions of the Representation of the People Act to state that the electoral roll should be revised with reference to the qualifying date before each assembly election of a state. “Accordingly, to maximise the registra-

NATIONALIST DEMOCRATIC PROGRESSIVE PARTY

MON REGION

"Facta Non Verba" Regd. No. 56/222/2017-17/PPS-I

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The office of the NDPP Mon region with immense pride and honour conveys our heartiest congratulations for the appointment of Mr. Tingpai as the New Party President under the Office of NDPP Mon Region. We look forward to his effort and functioning of the party duties with high expectations under the leadership of Shri. Chingwang Konyak President NDPP Nagaland and Hon'ble Chief Minister Nagaland Shri. Neiphiu Rio.

(Sangti) (Dpho) Secretary Vice-President

The Mangmetong Senso Telongjem Mokokchung, Mangmetongtsür Telongjem Mokokchung and Mangmetong Students’ Union Mokokchung with immense pride and profound gratitude extends our heartfelt congratulations to:

1. Mr. TALINUNGSANG IMCHEN S/o Mr. Moameren Imchen and Mrs. Sentirenla, for achieving Top-6 position and also Subject Topper in Alternative English in the HSSLC (Arts Stream) Examination, 2023 of Meghalaya Board of School Education (MBOSE) from St. Edmund’s Higher Secondary School, Shillong.

2. Ms. IMLIMERENLA PONGEN, D/o Mr. Temjensoa Pongen and Mrs. Imdanglemla Jamir, for securing Top-8 position in the HSSLC (Arts Stream) Examination, 2023 conducted by the Nagaland Board of School Education (NBSE) from Queen Mary Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung.

We also warmly congratulate all the successful candidates who have cleared the HSLC and HSSLC Examinations, 2023.

May our Almighty God bless you all in every endeavors of your life.

Sd/- Sd/- Sd/-

Mr. Lanutoba Imchen Mrs. Tekatsungla Mr. Dembo Longchar President President President Mangmetong Senso Telongjem Mangmetongtsür Telongjem Mangmetong Students’ Union Mokokchung Mokokchung Mokokchung

tion of all eligible citizens, who are attaining the age of 18 years on or before October 1, 2023 and with the purpose of improving the health of the electoral roll, the Commission has decided to carry out 2nd Special Summary Revision of Photo Electoral Rolls with reference to October 1, 2023 as the qualifying date in your state,” the letter read. Till recently, January 1 was the only qualifying date for those turning 18 to register as voters, but following changes in the election law, January 1, April 1, July 1 and October 1 are the four cut-off dates now. Earlier, those turning 18 on or after January 2 year had to wait for the entire year to register as voters.

BENGALURU, MAY 29

(IANS): The Congress government in Karnataka is all set to identify and snub bureaucrats affiliated to the RSS, according to sources.

The sources said that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and his deputy D.K. Shivakumar have got the list of officers in various departments, who have close ties with the RSS and enjoyed the backing of the previous BJP government.

Shivakumar had openly warned the police department on saffronisation and gave clear instructions on strictly adhering to the rule book.

The state government has also received a clear-cut instruction from the Congress High Command ito get rid of RSS sympathisers

KUWO CHISHI CLAN USUTOMI FELICITATION

Asu KUWO CHISHI CLAN of Usutomi village, extends our heartiest congratulations to MISS INOTOLI, daughter of LUTOVI CHISHI & ZHEVINI AWOMI for SECURING TOP 8th POSITION (Arts Stream) IN HSSLC EXAM 2023. Your brilliant academic performance has brought us laurels and makes us proud. We would also like to congratulate all the successful candidates from our family in HSLC & HSSLC examination 2023 and wish you all a bright future.

On behalf of the Kuwo Chishi Clan. Sd/- Sd/(Er. VIKIYE N.CHISHI) (AHOKHU CHISHI)

OFFICE O F THE

NIH O T O VILLAGE STUDE N T S ’ UN I ON

D IMAPUR – 797112 : NAGALA N D

F ELICITATI ON

We, the Nihoto Village Students’ Union take immense pride and honour to congratulate all the successful students of HSLC and HSSLC. We would like to acknowledge the following students as well as subject distinction holders of both HSLC and HSSLC.

1. Nilo. H. Achumi (HSLC) : Social Science & Environmental Education

2. Vinani Zhimo (HSLC) : English

3. Nimugha Awomi(HSSLC) : History, Pol. Science, Education & ITV

4. Tokiho Yeptho (HSSLC) : History, Pol. Science, Education & Sociology.

5. Nikitoli Swu (HSSLC) : Fine Arts & English

6. Pukivi Zhimo (HSSLC) : Pol. Science & History

7. Limugha Yeptho (HSSLC) : Education

8. Alibo Yeptho (HSLC)

9. Mughali Shohe (HSLC)

10. Olen Awomi (HSLC)

11. Salomi. H. Aye (HSSLC)

12. V. Niukali (HSSLC) The Union further wishes you all, the very best for your future endeavours.

(Kivika Achumi)

(Lino K. Swu) (President) (Media Secretary) NVSU NVSU

DP-2425/23

from the bureaucracy, the sources added. One of the major targets is the Home Department through which the BJP had carried out its Hindutva agenda and attacked the opposition, mainly Congress leaders.

Shivakumar has demanded the arrest of for-

mer state DGP Praveen Sood for allowing the setting up of a facade in the name of Nanje Gowda and Uri Gowda, both historical figures. Hindu activists had also claimed that they killed Tipu Sultan, the ruler of erstwhile Mysuru State.

OFFICE O F THE

D IMAPUR UN GERT S UR T EL ON G J EM

D IMAPUR – 797112 : NAGALA N D

F ELICITATI ON

T HE D IMAPUR UN GERT S ÜR T EL ON G J EM with immense Pride and Honour would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to :

1. MR. IMNAAKUM IMSONG, S/o Mr. IMSONGMEREN and Mrs. LIMANENLA for securing TOP-11(B) position in the recently declared HSLC examination.

2. MR. SHINGANGMEREN IMSONG, S/o LT. MR. IMLIYAPANG IMSONG and MRS. IMNAMONGLA for securing subject topper in Social Science (100 Marks)

3. DR. LATONGLILA JAMIR, D/o LT. CHUBANUNGBA and MRS. RONGSENMONGLA for getting the post of Associate Professor Department of Environmental Science Nagaland University, through open recruitment to teaching posts, Nagaland University. The union further congratulates all the successful candidates of HSLC and HSSLC Examination 2023 and extends best wishes and success in all their future endeavors.

Sd/- Sd/(ODIENLA) (M ASUNGLA JAMIR) SECRETARY PRESIDENT

FELICITATION

The office of the Atoizu Range Students’ Union (ARSU) is thrilled and delighted to congratulate and also expresses heartfelt appreciation to all the successful candidates in the recent HSLC and HSSLC and further wishes them great success in their future endeavours.

HSLC (Class 10) 2023

STATE TOPERS

1. MUGHAKATO CHISHI NBSE Top 20. (95.83 %) (St. John Higher Secondary Residential School, Dimapur)

SUBJECT TOPPERS

1. TONAKA K KHALA NBSE S.S Subject topper with 100 marks (Don Bosco higher Secondary School, Kohima )

2. HOTOLI A ASSUMI NBSE M.I.L subject topper with 92 marks (Bloom Field Higher Secondary School, Zunheboto) HSSLC (CLASS 12) 2023

STATE TOPPERS

1. NILOVITO H SHIKHU NBSE (Science Stream) Top 2 (95.80 %) (St. John Higher Secondary Residential School, Dimapur)

SUBJECT TOPPERS

1. TOKIKHE YEPTHO NBSE Subject Topper in economics with 100 marks,( Model Higher Secondary School, Kohima)

The union also wants to acknowledge the Parents, Teachers and Institutions for their relentless pursuit in achieving incredible milestone.

Therefore, we also like to congratulate all the state candidates who have successfully cleared their HSLC & HSSLC Examination 2023. Herato Aye Sumika H Chishi Secretary Education

Dy. CM D.K. Shivakumar and CM Siddaramaiah.

SNIPPETS

8 killed as tractor trolley falls into gorge

JAIPUR, MAY 29

(PTI): Eight persons were killed and 26 others injured when a tractor trolley carrying them fell into a gorge in Rajasthan’s Jhunjhunu district, police said. The incident took place in the Udaipurwati area on Monday evening when the victims were returning from a hilltop temple. The tractor trolley fell into the gorge, leaving eight persons dead, Jhunjhunu

Additional Superintendent of Police Tejpal Singh said, all the injured are admitted at different hospitals in Jhunjhunu and Sikar districts.

2 killed as truck hits motorcycle

NEW DELHI, MAY

29 (IANS): Two persons have died after the motorcycle they were riding was hit by a truck in the national capital’s Kalindi Kunj area, an official said on Monday.

The accident took place on Sunday. The deceased were identified as Vishal Sharma (23) and Nayan (24) -- both residents of Faridabad in Haryana. A senior police officer said that on Sunday, a call regarding a fatal accident was received at Kalindi Kunj police station following which a police team was dispatched to the spot.

Four killed in road accident in J&K’s Doda

JAMMU, MAY 29

(IANS) : Four people were killed and one injured in a road accident in J&K’s Doda district on Monday, officials said. Official sources said that a vehicle dropped into the Raggi River in Doda district after the driver lost control. “A rescue operation was immediately started and rescuers fished out four dead bodies while one person was rescued in injured condition.

“The vehicle was going from Pul-Doda to Jammu when it met the accident,” a source said.

Man booked for giving wife triple talaq

NAGPUR, MAY 29

(PTI): A man was booked in Nagpur for allegedly giving his wife divorce through the triple talaq method, which has been banned, a police official said on Monday. The man, identified as Ayaz Sheikh (34) of Bhandara, gave divorce to his wife over phone, after which she filed a case with Sakkardara police station, the official said. The man and the 26-year-old woman had got married in 2015 but the former was torturing and harassing her, the official said quoting the complaint.

3 killed after vehicle rolls 300 feet down

BHADARWAH/JAMMU, MAY 29 (PTI):

Three people were killed and one person went missing after a vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road and rolled 300 feet down on the bank of river Chenab in Jammu and Kashmir’s Doda district on Monday evening, officials said. One person was also injured in the incident that took place at Raggi Nallah on BatoteKishtwar highway, they said. Doda SSP Abdul Qayoom, who is personally leading the rescue operation, said that a vehicle was on its way from Pul-Doda to Jammu, when the driver reportedly lost its control while overtaking another vehicle and skidded off the road and landed on the bank of Chenab after 300-feet fall.

Gehlot, Pilot agree to go together: Cong’s unity pitch ahead of Raj polls

NEW DELHI, MAY 29

(PTI): Amid a festering leadership tussle in the Congress’ Rajasthan unit, the party Monday said Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and his former deputy Sachin Pilot have agreed to fight the upcoming assembly elections unitedly and have left all issues to be resolved by the party high command.

Top Congress leadership led by party chief Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi held marathon discussions with Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Pilot joined them later in the evening.

The Congress’ incharge of state affairs Sukhjinder Randhawa was also present at the meeting.

The party sought to project that all was fine in its Rajasthan unit with sources claiming that the party has worked out a formula for both the state leaders to work together and fight the assembly elections unitedly.

Addressing reporters after the meeting at Kharge’s 10, Rajaji Marg, residence, party general secretary K C Venugopal said both the leaders held lengthy discussions with Kharge and Gandhi about the upcoming Rajasthan election.

“We have decided to fight the election unitedly.

Both are in agreement that the Congress party has to

Bengal’s lone Cong MLA joins TMC

“Both the leaders Ashok ji and Sachin ji agreed to the proposal on these things,” he also said. Asked what proposal he was talking out, Venugopal said, “Both have left it to the (party) high command. The high command will take the decision and both have agreed.”

KOLKATA, MAY 29 (PTI): The Congress party which ruled West Bengal for 20 years since independence, lost its lone MLA in the state assembly, Bayron Biswas, as he crossed over to the ruling TMC on Monday, joining the party in the presence of its general secretary Abhishek Banerjee.

work together and definitely we will win the election in Rajasthan,” he said, flanked by Gehlot and Pilot. “It is very clear that Rajasthan is going to be a strong state for the Congress party. We are going to win. Therefore, both Gehlot ji and Sachin ji have decided to go together. The Congress party will fight elections unitedly,” Venugopal said.

Cong, CPI(M) question invite to TMC for June 12 Oppn meet in Patna

KOLKATA, MAY 29

(IANS): As leaders of all major opposition parties in the country are slated to attend a crucial meeting convened by the Bihar chief minister and JD(U) leader, Nitish Kumar at Patna on June 12, the leadership of the Congress and Left Front in West Bengal have questioned the justification of inviting Trinamool Congress to that meeting.

State Congress president in West Bengal, veteran party Lok Sabha member Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury had gone a step ahead in claiming that whatever might be the outcome of the meeting on June 12, Congress will continue to oppose Trinamool Congress in West Bengal.

“In West Bengal our movement is against the BJP and Trinamool Congress and that will continue. Trinamool Congress is actually a pawn of the BJP to create fissures in the opposition alliance,” he said.

The CPI(M) central committee member, Sujan

Chakraborty said that although it is a good initiative to unite all opposition forces against the BJP, the question is whether Trinamool Congress has the credibility to be included in that initiative.

“Trinamool Congress indirectly helped BJP in the elections for the President and Vice- President of India. In times of crisis, Trinamool Congress has always provided clandestine support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” he said CPI(M) Rajya Sabha member and senior advocate of the Calcutta High Court Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya said that the necessity of a grand opposition alliance is always desirable and only those political forces willing to oppose the BJP true to their spirits should be included in that.

“BJP will always try to implant Trojan Horses within the opposition front. In such a situation the inclusion of Trinamool Congress in that process will not be a desirable step. Rather, the model of Left Front and

Congress understanding in West Bengal should be followed nationally,” he said.

Trinamool Congress leaders like the party Rajya Sabha member Dr Santanu Sen, however feel that the arguments of CPI(M) and the Congress leadership in West Bengal are totally insignificant since they have no relevance. “When the entire country has identified Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee as the leader of the opposition, then what the CPI(M) and Congress leaders in West Bengal say does not really matter,” he said.

The leader of the opposition in West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari said that Congress’ opposition to Trinamool Congress in West Bengal is just eyewash. “On one hand the Adhir Ranjan is speaking of opposing Trinamool Congress in West Bengal, on the other hand Congress leader Abhishek Manu Singhvi is the main saviour of Trinamool Congress and West Bengal government in the Supreme Court,” he said.

On what formula has been decided, he said, “We decided that both the leaders have agreed to go together and it will be a joint fight against the BJP. We will win the state.” Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh later tweeted, “The Congress party is well on its way to repeating its Karnataka success in Rajasthan as well.”

Later in a tweet, Venugopal said, “Our team in Rajasthan will unitedly fight the 2023 elections and break the decades-long tradition of alternating governments by registering a thumping victory!”

At the function to join the ruling party in Ghatal in Medinipur, Bayron claimed that the Congress to which he had owed allegiance for long, had played no role in his victory, which he said he “won because of my goodwill.”

Bayron, a local ‘bidi’ magnate, had won the Sagardighi seat earlier this year in a by-election, worsting his TMC rival, much to the consternation of the ruling camp. “If the Congress’ organisation was so strong in the Sagardighi assembly segment, the party would have won the seat in 2021 (state general elections). But that did not happen. I won the seat because of my goodwill,” he said, adding

for good measure that he felt the Congress in Bengal is “averse” to fight against the BJP and which is why he had preferred to join TMC.

Predictably Bengal

Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury Monday lashed out bitterly at Bayron Biswas for his desertion, stating, “If we had not been there with you (Bayron Biswas), you would not be what you are (an MLA) today”.

TMC’s Banerjee

NEW DELHI, MAY 29

(PTI): The CBI has filed a corruption case against British aerospace and defence company Rolls Royce PLC, top executives of its Indian unit and arms dealers for alleged “kickbacks” in the procurement of Hawk 115 Advanced Jet Trainer aircraft for the Indian Air Force and Navy, officials said.

The CBI has registered a case against Tim Jones, Director Rolls Royce India, alleged arms dealers Sudhir Choudhrie and his son Bhanu Choudhrie, Rolls Royce Plc and British Aerospace Systems under IPC section 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 420 (cheating) and provisions of Prevention of Corruption Act after completing a six-year-old preliminary enquiry registered in December 2016.

Email sent to Rolls Royce seeking comments remained unanswered.

A British court order in 2017 also mentioned the alleged involvement of intermediaries and payment of commission by the company for swinging the deal, they said.

EAM discuss security of consulates with UK minister

NEW DELHI, MAY 29 (AGENCIES): Foreign minister S Jaishankar has asked visiting UK minister Lord Tariq Ahmad to ensure security of India’s diplomatic missions in the UK and prevent misuse of democratic freedoms.

“Met with UK MoS Lord Tariq Ahmad and underlined the obligation to ensure security of our diplomatic missions and prevent misuse go democratic freedoms,” Dr S Jaishankar tweeted.

Later in the day, Lord Ahmad, UK’s Minister of State for Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Affairs, visited the North Block to meet Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla.

“UK and India share a strong friendship and common values. Had positive discussions with senior officials in Delhi around keeping UK India collaboration on science and technology,

trade, justice and G 20,” Lord Ahmad tweeted after meeting G20 Sherpa Amitabh Kanth, Chief Coordinator Harsh Singhla and Union Home Secretary Ajay Bhalla.

NDTV has learnt the Union Home Ministry has asserted that action needs to be taken against “Pro-Khalistani supporters” responsible for vandalisation at the Indian High Commission in March.

Earlier this month, a

team of National Investigation Agency officials landed in the UK and met officials of Scotland Yard and Metropolitan Police in London.

“Details about suspects and digital evidence related to attack was discussed,” a senior official said.

On March 19, proKhalistan protesters broke windows of the High Commission in London and forcibly removed the Indian flag. The incident had led to outrage in India and the for-

govt does not differentiate between states’

BENGAL, MAY 29 (PTI):

Union Minister Mansukh Mandaviya on Monday refuted allegations of ‘stepmotherly’ treatment to TMC-ruled West Bengal said that the BJP-led government at the Centre never differentiates between states ruled by non-BJP parties.

Listing the achievements of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government, which completed nine

years in office last week, the union minister for health and family welfare and chemicals said the country has scaled new heights in all parameters of development and asserted that a new chapter of remarkable growth and fast-paced development has started across the country. Mandaviya said the Modi government has not only strengthened democracy in its real sense

by empowering the marginalised sections in the last nine years but has also taken “revolutionary steps” for the welfare of the people.

“We don’t believe in differentiating between states just for political reasons. The Centre is committed to the overall development of West Bengal. Funds will never be an issue when it comes to development and people’s welfare.”

eign ministry had issued a demarche accusing the UK of not providing the mission adequate security despite repeated requests.

In what was seen as a retaliatory gesture, the Delhi Police withdrew security barricades placed outside the British High Commission.

In April, the Home Ministry had handed over the probe to the National Investigation Agency after a meeting with representatives from Britain. The National Investigation Agency had subsequently opened its inquiry into the incident. But relations were slowly restored after the London metropolitan police increased presence around the mission, and the British High Commissioner Alex Ellis expressed regret, saying more recently that he too would have been “equally angry” over such an incident.

It is alleged that during 2003-12, these accused entered into a conspiracy with unidentified public servants who “abused their official positions” in lieu of “huge bribes, commissions and kickbacks” paid by Rolls Royce to approve the aircraft purchase.

The company paid intermediaries, even though the agreements, integrity pacts and associated documents of the deal “prohibited such payments”, the CBI FIR has alleged. The Cabinet Committee on Security (CCS) had approved the procurement of 66 Hawk 115 AJTs on September 3, 2003, under which 24 BAE Hawk 115Y AJTs in flyaway condition with all the accoutrement

along with material for 42 aircraft to be manufactured by HAL were cleared for GBP 734.21 million, equivalent to Rs 5653.44 crore (calculated at Rs 77 per GBP), was sanctioned. Procurement of 42 aircraft, to be licence manufactured by HAL at an additional cost of GBP 308.247 million, equivalent to Rs 1944 crore, and a payment of GBP 7.5 million to Rolls Royce as a Manufacturer’s licence fee was also cleared.

Subsequent contracts signed with Rolls Royce/ BAE had an integrity clause that barred the engagement of any middlemen or payment of a commission. In case of violation, the company could have been debarred for any Government

claimed that with the joining of

the “rainbow

of the BJP and the Congress” to oppose the TMC has been defeated in the state.

“We all know about the unethical rainbow alliance that was forged through tacit understanding between the BJP and the Congress in Bengal. With the joining of Biswas, this rainbow alliance now stands defeated. The Congress has to decide whom they want to fight.

CBI books Rolls Royce for alleged corruption in AJT deal

of India work for the next five years besides penalty. The contracts also included a penal clause for using undue influence where the supplier had to give an undertaking that no commission or fee was paid to any person in relation to the contract.

HAL delivered 42 aircraft to the Indian Air Force between August 2008 and May 2012.

In January 2008, HAL requested the Defence Ministry approval for the licence manufacturing of 57 additional Hawk Aircraft, of which 40 were for the Air Force and 17 for the Navy, for Rs 9502 crore.

A contract was signed between HAL and BAE on August 30, 2010, which also contained a clause prohibiting the use of undue influence and payment of a commission. HAL delivered the aircraft between March 2013 and July 2016.

In 2012, media reports alleging corruption in the Rolls Royce operations surfaced, resulting in an investigation by the Serious Fraud Office, London.

No one touched wrestlers till protest was at designated spot: Thakur

AHMEDABAD, MAY 29 (PTI): A day after Delhi police action against protesting wrestlers as they marched towards the new Parliament building, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday said they were not touched till the protest was confined to the designated spot at Jantar Mantar. Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sangeeta Phogat, Sakshi Malik and several others were detained by Delhi police on Sunday when they attempted to move towards the new Parliament building for a women’s ‘Mahapanchayat’.

The wrestlers, who had been protesting at Jantar Mantar since April 23 seeking the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for allegedly sexually harassing women

Anurag Thakur

grapplers, were detained and later let off on Sunday.

Later, however, an FIR was registered against the protesting wrestlers for allegedly ignoring police warning that creating ruckus during the opening of the new Parliament building would “harm national prestige” and will not be tolerated, officials had said.

Addressing a press conference here to highlight the achievements in the nine years of the Narendra Modi government, Thakur said

an FIR had already been registered on the allegations of the wrestlers as directed by the Supreme Court.

“No one stopped them from holding protests at a place allotted to them (by authorities). No one stopped them when they organised a candle march at that designated place,” he said.

Since an FIR has been registered by Delhi police as directed by the SC, they should come forward and record their statements and appropriate action will be taken upon the completion of the probe, the minister added.

“It was a historic moment for the people of India as we celebrated Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. India, considered as the mother of democracy, was receiving its new Parliament building,” he said.

Won’t tolerate hate politics: Karnataka CM

BENGALURU, MAY 29

(PTI): There is no question of compromise on the issue of protecting the harmony and secular heritage of Karnataka, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said on Monday as he asserted that hate politics will not be tolerated and the environment of fear would be eradicated. Those who take the law into their hands and carry out communal riots

will be punished according to the statute, he said. Moral policing which weakens the moral strength of the police will not be allowed and the education sector will not be allowed to be “adulterated” in the name of New Education Policy, Siddaramaiah said. The Chief Minister gave these assurances in a meeting held with more than 40 writers and heads

of various organisations at his home office ‘Krishna’ here.

He also congratulated the writers for taking a firm stand against the BJP, which is putting the country at risk and destroying the pluralism of this soil and for volunteering to warn the people in this regard during the election, his office said in a release.

The act of polluting

children’s minds through texts and lessons cannot be condoned, Siddaramaiah said. “As the academic year has started, we will discuss and take action so that the education of the children is not disturbed,” he said. He also assured that “false cases” against Kannada activists, farmerslabour-Dalit movements, literary figures and writers will be withdrawn.

Biswas,

alliance

Abhishek Banerjee with MLA from Sagardighi Bayron Biswas, in Paschim Medinipur district, Monday. (PTI)

K.C. Venugopal with party leaders Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot after a meeting, in New Delhi, Monday. (PTI)

Tariq Ahmad and S Jaishankar

‘BJP

Russian ballistic missiles strike Kyiv in daylight

KYIV, MAY 29 (AP): Explosions rattled Kyiv during daylight Monday as Russian ballistic missiles took aim at the Ukrainian capital, hours after a more common nighttime barrage of the city by drones and cruise missiles.

Russian forces fired 11 ballistic and cruise missiles at Kyiv at about 11:30 a.m. (0830 GMT; 4:30 a.m. EDT), according to Ukraine’s chief of staff, Valerii Zaluzhnyi. All of them were shot down, he said, and puffs of white smoke could be seen in the blue sky over the city from street level. Debris from the intercepted missiles fell in Kyiv’s central and northern districts during the morning, landing in the middle of traffic on a city road and also starting a fire on a building’s roof, the Kyiv military administration said. At least one civilian was reported hurt. The blasts unnerved some locals, already under strain after being awakened by the night attack.

“After what happened last night, I react sharply to every siren now. I was terrified, and I’m still trembling,” shared Alina Ksenofontova, a 50-year-old woman who took refuge in the Kyiv subway with her dog Bublik. The central station, Tetatralna, was crowded with sheltering locals.

Artem Zhyla, a

targets as Russian forces bombarded Kyiv with a combination of drones and cruise missiles in their 15th nighttime attack on the capital so far this month, said Serhii Popko, the head of Kyiv’s military administration. On Saturday night, Kyiv was subjected to the largest drone attack since the start of Russia’s war. At least one person was killed, local officials said.

Kremlin’s strategy of long-range bombardment has brought many sleepless nights for Ukrainians.

Uganda enacts harsh antiLGBTQ law including death penalty

KAMPALA, MAY 29 (AGENCIES): Uganda’s

President Yoweri Museveni has signed one of the world’s toughest anti-LGBTQ laws, including the death penalty for “aggravated homosexuality”, drawing Western condemnations and risking sanctions from aid donors.

Same-sex relations were already illegal in Uganda, as in more than 30 African countries, but the new law goes much further.

transmission of a terminal illness like HIV/AIDS through gay sex. It also decrees a 20-year sentence for “promoting” homosexuality. “The Ugandan president has today legalised statesponsored homophobia and transphobia,” said Clare Byarugaba, a Ugandan rights activist. “It’s a very dark and sad day for the LGBTIQ community, our allies and all of Uganda.”

That’s when I realized something terrible was happening,” he said. Like many others in the capital, he feels exhausted and stressed.

However, he has no intentions of giving up and plans to attend his yoga class to recharge. “This is certainly not enough to break us,” he said. Russia used Iskander short-range missiles in the

morning attack, the spokesman for Ukraine’s air force said on local television.

The missiles were fired from north of Kyiv, Yurii Ihnat said without clarifying if he meant Russian territory. Kyiv lies around 380 kilometres from the Russian border. The Russian Defence Ministry said that early Monday it launched a series of strikes targeting Ukrainian air bases with precision long-range airlaunched missiles. The strikes destroyed command posts, radars, aircraft and

ammunition stockpiles, it claimed. It didn’t say anything about hitting cities or other civilian areas.

Municipal workers remove debris of a traffic light broken by a part of a missile which landed on a street during a Russian strike in Kyiv, May 29. (Reuters) 24-year-old who provides legal services abroad, took his laptop with him and kept working underground. “I heard two or three explosions, went to the bathroom, and then I heard five or seven more explosions.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba warned against indifference, saying the repeated strikes on civilian areas amounted to “war crimes.” “Russia’s drone and missile attacks on peaceful Ukrainian cities cannot be seen as usual, no matter how frequent they grow,” he tweeted in English. During the previous night, Ukraine air defenses brought down more than 40

Over the winter, Russian forces aimed their missiles and drones at power plants and other infrastructure. The apparent goal was to weaken Ukraine’s resolve and compel the Ukrainian government to negotiate peace on Moscow’s terms, but Ukrainians swiftly and defiantly repaired the damage. In recent months, Ukraine has been receiving advanced air defence systems from its Western allies, improving its ability to fend off bombardments by the Kremlin’s forces.

Across the country, the Ukrainian air force said that over Sunday night it shot down 37 out of 40 cruise missiles and 29 out of 35 drones launched by the Kremlin’s forces.

It stipulates capital punishment for “serial offenders” against the law and

She and other activists have vowed a legal challenge to the law, which Museveni was shown signing at his desk with a golden

pen in a photo tweeted by the presidency. The 78-yearold leader has called homosexuality a “deviation from normal” and urged lawmakers to resist “imperialist” pressure. Museveni had sent the original bill passed in March back to lawmakers, asking them to tone down some provisions. But his ultimate approval was not seen as in doubt in a conservative country where anti-LGBTQ attitudes have hardened in recent years, in part due to campaigning by Western evangelical church groups.

With immense pride and honour the Wokha Town Yanthamo Ekhung and Wokha Town Yanthamo Eloe Khumshum would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Miss. MHARHONYINGI R ODYUO, D/o Mr. P. Renthungo Odyuo and Mrs. Avungi R Odyuo for securing Top 7th Position (Science Stream) in the recently declared HSSLC Examination 2023.

The Ekhung further congratulates all the successful candidates of HSLC and HSSLC Examinations 2023 and wishes them all the best in their future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/Chumbeni B Ngullie Phanchamo Ngullie Secretary, WTYEK Chairman, WTYE

K-1172/23

WOKHA TOWN YANTHAMO EKHUNG WOKHA : NAGALAND FELICITATION

Scorsese meets Pope, announces he will make a film on Jesus

Martin Scorsese is on a post-Cannes tour of Italy where over the weekend, the director, known for having a religious bent, met Pope Francis and announced that he will make a film about Jesus, reports ‘Variety’.

Scorsese was till recently at the Cannes Film Festival, where his film with Robert De Niro and Leonardo DiCaprio, “Killers of the Flower Moon”, received a long standing ovation after it was screened.

“I have responded to the Pope’s appeal to artistes in the only way I know how: by imagining and writing a screenplay for a film about Jesus,”

Scorsese said on Saturday during a Rome conference at the Vatican, according to multiple reports quoted by ‘Variety’.

“And I’m about to start making it,” the director added, suggesting that this could be his next film.

Also on Saturday, before attending the conference -- titled “The Global Aesthetics of the Catholic Imagination” --Scorsese and his wife Helen Morris met Pope Francis during a brief private audience at the Vatican.

Celebrating a Golden Journey

Mr. Talichuba Imchen & Mrs. T Akala (Longjang)

The Jesuit publication “La Civilta Cattolica” and Georgetown University had organised the conference.

Antonio Spadaro, the religious periodical’s editor, said on the publication’s website that during their conversation at the confabulations Scorsese alternated between references to his films and personal anecdotes and explained “How the Holy Father’s appeal ‘to let us see Jesus’ moved him”.

Scorsese, notes ‘Variety’, cited his admiration for Pier Paolo Pasolini’s

“The Gospel According to St Matthew”. He also talked about the meaning of his own 1988 epic “The Last Temptation of Christ” and of “the subsequent step in his research on the figure of Jesus” represented by his smaller-scale 2016 drama “Silence” about the persecution of Jesuits in 17th-century Japan.

That film was screened in 2016 at the Vatican. Francis is the first Jesuit pope and is known to have joined the Jesuit order hoping to become a missionary in Japan. (IANS)

Singer Lana Del Rey had an unlikely concern onstage as she made her first live performance in more than three years. Taking the stage at the MITA Festival 2023 in Rio De Janeiro on Saturday, May 27, the six-time Grammy nominee may have left her fans scratching their heads as she stopped the show because she lost her vape, reports aceshowbiz. com. In a video of her viral interaction with the audience, the 37-year-old quickly paused her show to ask for her fans’ help to find her missing vape. “And also if you see my vape onstage... Can you find my vape onstage,” she asked in between songs. As fans rushed to point it out for her, Lana excitedly asked, “You did? Where, though?” Learning that it was impossible for her to reach for the vape from where she was standing, she decided to forgo it. “Oh, all the way in the pit? F**k it,” she exclaimed, before continuing her performance. (IANS)

God was wise and gracious in putting you two together.

On this milestone anniversary, you are celebrating what many have dreamed of but few have shared... the beauty of God’s gift of enduring love.

Happy 50tH anniversary

Loving children, grand children & in-laws.

OFFICE OF THE AOLI OZUKUM MUNGDANG

HQ, Mokokchung, NAGALAND

Ref. no. AOM/Gen-A/2023-01

Date : 30/05/2023

Fe LI c I tAt ION

With immense pride and honour, The office of the AOLI OZUKUM MUNGDANG would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to the following Individuals on their remarkable achievements for successfully passing out the recently declared UPSC-2022 Civil Services Examination.

Mr. YIMKUM I OZUKUM (SUNGRATSU) Miss. W.AOTULA (LONGPA)

S/o Mr Imtilepzuk Ozukum & Mrs Merainla Aier D/o Mr. T. Watimeren Ozukum & Mrs. Kining All INDIA RANKING-203 ALL INDIA RANKING-874

The Mungdang further extends our prayers and best wishes for your future endeavours.

WATISUTSUNG OZUKUM LONGKA OZUKUM PRESIDENT, AOM GENERAL SECRETARY, AOM

OFFICE OF THE Changtongya Students’

Union

P.O. Changtongya -- 798613, Dist. Mokokchung, Nagaland Regd. No.908 “To Achieve Destination”

Miss Jungshinungla FELICITATION

With immense pride and joy, We the Changtongya Student’s Union would like to convey our heartiest congratulation to Miss Jungshinungla, D/o Mr. Imotiba Longkumer Changtongya, a Student of Christian Standard Higher Secondary School, Changtongya, for securing TOP 11 and State Subject Topper in Social Science during the recently declared HSLC examination results 2023 conducted by the NBSE.

The CKT would further like to extend our congratulations to the Changtongya – B Government High School for securing 100% passed results.

The Office of the CKT would also like to convey our heartiest congratulations to all the Changtongya Students who have successfully passed the recently declared HSLC and HSSLC examination results conducted by the NBSE.

Sd/- Sd/-

Longjakrep Jamir Tiarenba Jamir President, CKT General Secretary, CKT

Sonu

Sood to help set up a school for underprivileged children in Bihar

Sonu Sood recently met an engineer from Bihar’s Katihar who quit his job and started a school for orphaned children and named it after the actor and philanthropist.

Sonu will be providing a new building for this school and higher education to underprivileged children.

In February this year, Sonu was surprised to read about 27-year-old engineer Birendra Kumar Mahato quitting his full-time job to open a school for orphaned children, and that he named it after the actor. Moved

by Mahato’s endeavour to provide free education and food to 110 children, the actor met Mahato and the children at the school which also functions as a shelter home.

The actor spent time with Mahato to understand

the needs of the school, from ration to quality education, building awareness to bridging the education gap between rich and poor. By the end of the day, Sonu started work on new building for the school so that it can house more underprivileged children, and ensure there is food for every child.

“Increasing access to education is one of the best ways to combat poverty. We aim to educate children from the marginalised sections of the society so that they have a better chance at job opportunities.” (IANS)

Lana Del Rey stops show in Brazil to find her missing vape

Dimapur retain Sr. men’s cricket trophy AIFF D’ License course underway at Thenyizu

Santosh and Hem Bahadur picked up 2 wickets each while Hoponkyu Sangtam and Tohuka Zhimo settled for 1 wicket each. With this, Dimapur bowled out Niuland with only 89 runs on the board in 24.0 overs and defended their title with a convincing 126 runs victory.

DIMAPUR, MAY 29

(NPN): Defending champions Dimapur defeated Niuland by 126 runs to retain their inter-district senior men’s cricket trophy at the Nagaland Cricket Stadium on Monday.

After winning the toss, Dimapur opted to bat first where Shamphri Terang and Ben Ozukum contributed 17 and 32 runs respectively. However, Dimapur lost Hem Bahadur Chetri who was in sublime form for a nought. Sanjay 44 runs and Oren Ngullie 45 runs played an important innings as they helped the Dimapur team compose a competitive total of 215 runs on the board in 50 overs. Temjentoshi 12 runs and Tohuka Zhimo 18 runs also made important contributions for the Dimapur.

For the Niuland bowling unit, Vino G Zhimomi struck again as he claimed 3 important wickets in his

10 overs spell conceding only 29 runs with 1 maiden over. He was supported by Akavi A Yeptho and Jalal who picked 2 wickets each while Anil Gupta settled with 1 wicket.

The Niuland team were brilliant and showed much commitment with their fielding as they managed to restrict Dimapur for 215 runs for them to chase when they came out for batting.

After the lunch break, Niuland team set out for the run chase but it was team Dimapur who struck first as Afzal Hussain was caught at wide long-on by Hem off Hoponkyu bowling for a nought. However, Vishal Sahani 12 runs, Wahid Ali 15 runs and Sunil Sharma 14 runs gave Niuland some rays of hope but they were not able to convert their runs to a big one and lost their wickets in quick succession to a tricky bowling

YantHaMo VillaGe coUncil FELICITATION

spell of the Dimapur team. Niuland’s captain and the man in sublime form Hokaito Zhimomi made a valiant effort at the end with 33 runs but it was never enough and with his dismissal, the title race also ended for Niuland. Tahmeed Rahman shone with the ball for Dimapur as he scalped 4 wickets in 8 overs,

Man of the match for the final was awarded to Tahmeed Rahman for his impressive bowling and picking up 4 wickets in 8 overs with an economy rate of 2.88.

In individual category, Best Bowler was bagged by Vino G Zhimomi (Niuland); Best Batsman by Sedezhalie Rupreo (Chümoukedima); Best wicket keeper by Afzal Hussain (Niuland) and Man of the Series by Hokaito Zhimomi (Niuland).

DIMAPUR, MAY 29

(NPN): A six-day long All India Football Federation (AIFF) D’ License Course got underway at Thenyizu village under Phek district on Monday. The course is being initiated by Chokri Area Sports and Games Association (CAGSA) under the guidance of Football Association Phek District.

Altogether, 22 football coaches from Tuensang, Kohima, Peren, Dimapur and Phek district are taking part in the week-long coaching camp. AIFF D coach educator and AFC A licensed coach, N William Koso, is the instructor for the course.

CAGSA president, Sekho Dawhuo said the diploma course was initiated as CAGSA felt the need to have qualified coaches to mould the young players at

Office Of the Upper KhOmi StUdentS UniOn

Phek : Nagaland

Motto: Popularity & Defense Felicitation

The Upper Khomi Students Union and Upper Khomi Village Council blissfully accord our heartiest congratulations to Miss Khotolu Curha, D/o Vemusu Curha for securing Top 6 rank with 97.83% in HSLC 2023 NBSE making it a remarkable achievement being first amongst the Khomi.

Furthermore, we also would like to convey our expression of happiness and congratulations to the students of GHS Khomi and the teaching staff and faculty for achieving cent percent pass percentage.

Indeed our sincere appreciation and gratitude also goes out to all the qualified students of HSLC/HSSLC 2023 for uplifting the spirit of our students community through your achievements. The union wishes you all a bright future in your endeavours.

Nuvecho Vero Mulevo Nienu Kuchohu Curha VCC Chairman Upper Khomi Educational Secretary UKSU` President UKSU

Felicitation

With immense pride and honour, we the Yanthamo Village Council would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Miss. Mharhonyingi R Odyuo D/o P. Renthungo Odyuo and Mrs. Avungi R Odyuo for securing 7th Rank (Science Stream) in the recently declared HSSLC 2023.

The Council wishes all success in her future endeavours for bringing laurels to the Village Community in particular and Lothas in general.

Sd/- Sd/-

Yitsabemo Odyuo Nchumbemo M Ngullie Chairman, YVC Council Secretary

Felicitation

The First topper from Sowa Village

Ms. Mayborn

L Konyak

Top 17th HSLC

The Sowa Students’ Union and Sowa Village Council extends our heartfelt congratulations to all the successful candidates of the HSLC and HSSLC examination2023.

The Union and Council also take immense pride in felicitating Ms. Mayborn L Konyak, D/o Shri. Langme Konyak for securing the Top 17th position in the HSLC examination under NBSE 2023. We express our profound gratitude for bringing laurels to the people of Sowa in particular and Konyaks in general.

Best wishes in all your future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/(KONNYEi) (KAMWANG) President, Sowa Students’ Union Chairman, Sowa Village Council

WC-120/23

We, the Kangching Union Kohima and Kangching Students’ Union Kohima would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr. Lungshen C. Ailly, S/o Mr. P. Chizuk Phom & Mrs. Tsiebou Metha for securing Top 18th Rank in the recently declared HSLC Examination 2023 under NBSE.

We further congratulate all the successful candidates of HSLC and HSSLC Examination 2023 and wish them success in all their future endeavors.

P.i Yanger Phom Konyep Lakpan President President Kangching Union Kohima Kangching Students’ Union Kohima

grassroots level.

He hoped that with the coming of FIFA’s “football for schools” in Nagaland, he felt the need to have trained coaches in the area and the state to render ser-

vice as needed.

While hoping the coaches will have a memorable stay in the village, he urged them to make the best use of the training course as they will be

the coaches to mould the young players. He wished that the coaches will soon produce quality footballers in the state by giving their best effort in their coaching career.

The AIFF-D License Coaching Course provides the ideal introduction to football coaching at grassroot level. A D-Licence holder will be able to coach in grassroots football, college and school teams, district and inter-city championships etc. The coaching course comprises theory and practical lessons in the football pitch. After the completion, those candidates who qualify in both the theory and practical exams will be awarded the AIFF “D” Coaching Certificate.

OFFICE OF THE THENYIZUMI UNION KOHIMA Felicitation

Ms. Metsilu Swiho Ms. Vetolu Yomi Mr. Aseto James Kapu

The Thenyizumi Union Kohima with great joy & thankfulness to God extends our heartiest congratulations to the following bonafide members in their academic excellence:

1.

Ms. Metsilu Swiho D/o Lt. Kevepoyi Swiho (HSLC Top 7 position securing 97.67%)

2. Ms. Vetolu Yomi D/o Sezota Yomi (HSLC Top 18 position securing 96.00%)

3. Mr. Aseto James Kapu S/o Lt. Sevotso Kapu (HSSLC-Science Top 10 position securing 92.40%) Further the Union conveys our best wishes to all the successful members who have cleared the recently conducted HSLC & HSSLC (NBSE & CBSE) examinations 2023!

Sd/- Besuhu Dawhuo Vesekho Thisa Chairman Secretary

USÜTOMI KIPHIMI KÜQHAKULU P.S SATAKHA, DIST. ZUNHEBOTO “Akighiche kudau jukucho” FELICITATION

With immense pride and honor, the Usütomi Students' Union (UKK) extends our heartiest congratulations to Miss Inatoli D/o Mr. Lutovi Chishi D.B & Mrs. Zhevini of Usütomi Village for securing Top 8(b) position (Arts Stream) in HSSLC Examination 2023 conducted by NBSE.

The UKK further congratulates all the successful students of HSLC & HSSLC (NBSE & CBSE) and conveys our best wishes in all their future endeavors.

Hukuto A Chophy Shekiye H Chophi President UKK Gen.Secy UKK K-1210/23

OFFICE OF THE neW SocÜnoMa StUDentS' Union FELICITATION

The New Socünoma Students' Union extends its heartiest congratulations to Mr. Viphrezo Vüprü S/o Mr. Keviselie and Mrs. Megoseü Vüprü for securing the Top 9 position from Mezhür Higher Secondary School, Kohima in the recently declared HSLC examination 2023 conducted by NBSE.

The Union further congratulates all the successful students of HSLC and HSSLC examinations and extends our best wishes in all their future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/Thepfüseko Chalieu Keviphino Rürhia President NSSU Gen. Secretary NSSU

OffiCE Of THE SacHÜtSo YoUtH clUB, KiDiMA Felicitation

TEPESANU SACHÜ

VEVOTOLÜ KEZO

With immense joy, we the Sachütso Youth Club, Kidima, express our heartiest congratulations to:

1. Miss. TEPESANU SACHÜ D/o Mr. Kroval Sachü for securing Top 20 (b) in HSLC Examination 2023

2. Miss. VEVOTOLÜ KEZO D/o Mr. Khüpo Kezo of Kikruma Village for clearing UPSC CSE 2022. The Club further wishes them success in their future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/Asato Sachü Vimetsinu Visa President General Secretary

OFFICE OF THE RIONGSANGER PUTU MENDEN Yimjenkimong Village District – Mokokchung-Nagaland

FELICITATION

The Office of the NKK takes immense pride in congratulating the exceptional individuals who have demonstrated remarkable academic excellence Mr. Isato

FELICITATION

,

Sheqi, for securing 1st position

The Riongsanger Putu Menden (Village Council) of Yimjenkimong village is very much pleased and honored to convey our heartiest congratulations to Miss IMKONGNUKLA AO for her brilliant success in cracking the most prestigious UPSC Civil Service Exam 2022.

This achievement of your hard work and efforts has brought laurels to the entire village community and we are indeed very proud of you. We pray that our God Almighty continue to bless in all your future endeavors.

Sd: Sd: Meyionen Ozukum C. Imyu Walling Secretary Chairman

Mr Isato Sheqi Miss Lonika Swu Miss Lika Swu

Sheqi

S/o Kiyevi

of the prestigious Governor's Award for GHSS in Science Stream from Razhükhrie Govt. Hr. Sec. School, Kohima. Miss Lonika Swu, D/o Kanito Swu, Subject Topper in Social Science (100 Marks) in HSLC from Christ King Hr. Sec. School, Kohima. Miss Lika Swu, D/o Viyikha Swu, Subject Topper in Environmental Education (100 Marks) in HSLC from Stella Hr. Sec. School, Kohima.

The Union further extends our heartfelt congratulations to all the successful students of HSLC and HSSLC examination 2023.Your achievements stand as a testament to your relentless hard work and determination and we wish you all the very best for your future endeavors.

DP-2432/23 K-1223/23

Champions Dimapur with organizers and others after the prize distribution, Monday.

CAGSA president Sekho Dawhuo and instructor William Koso along with the coaches at Thenyizu ground on Monday.

Mbappe named Ligue 1 Player of the Year for 4th time

PARIS, MAY 29 (IANS): Paris St Germain’s Kylian Mbappe takes home the trophy -- Ligue 1 Player of the Year -- for the record fourth consecutive year.

Voted Ligue 1’s best player in 2019, 2021 and 2022, becomes the first player to win the trophy four seasons in a row.

After another exceptional season, the Paris Saint-Germain forward boasts 28 goals and 5 assists in the league.

“It’s a pleasure, I always wanted to win, to write my name into the league’s history. But even with all the ambition I have I didn’t expect to win so quickly,” Mbappe was quoted by France 24.

For the seventh consecutive year, a Paris SaintGermain player has won the trophy for Player of the Year, following in the footsteps of Zlatan Ibrahimovic (2016), Edinson Cavani (2017), Neymar Jr (2018) and Kylian Mbappe (2019, 2021 and 2022).

Nominated last season in the same category, Nuno Mendes was named UNFP 2023 Ligue 1 Young Player of the Year. At just 20 years of age, the Portuguese full-

French Open: Djokovic off to winning start

PARIS, MAY 29 (IANS):

Former Champion Novak Djokovic started his campaign to capture a record 23rd Grand Slam title and the World No.1 ranking with a comprehensive win in the men’s singles first round at the French Open here on Monday.

Two-time French Open champion Djokovic, who also has a chance of becoming the first man in the history of Open Era tennis to achieve the triple career Grand Slam, dispatched Aleksandar Kovacevic 6-3, 6-2, 7-6(1) in the first round on Court Philippe Chatrier at the Roland Garros here.

Italian world No.130

IPL 2023 final: CSK clinch fifth title, win against Gujarat Titans by 5 wickets

3-5 to force a tie-break, Djokovic held firm to complete a first-round win in which he converted five of his 12 break points and struck 41 winners to Kovacevic’s 25.

The World No. 114 Kovacevic, showed flashes of his best level throughout the two-hour, 26-minute encounter. Yet he was unable to match the consistency of Djokovic from the baseline and had no answer to the third seed’s razorsharp returns.

Despite an uncharacteristic lapse from Djokovic in the third set, the World No. 3 maintained a high level of play throughout his victory.

RAVINDRA JADEJA HITS WINNING RUN FOR CSK

NEW DELHI, MAY 29 (AGENCIES):

In a match that ended at 1:35 AM local time, Chennai Super Kings (CSK) sealed victory in a dramatic last-ball finish with Ravindra Jadeja being the hero of the night. They beat Gujarat Titans (GT) by five-wicket to seal their fifth IPL title.

struggling to dry the ground despite a shower that lasted only 20 minutes. Eventually, the players stepped back on the field at 12:10 AM, with CSK needing 171 runs to win in a 15-over clash.

back played a large role in clinching a record-breaking 11 French championship for the capital club, providing six assists and scoring one goal in 23 matches.

Franck Haise of RC Lens was named coach of the season after leading the club to second place and a return to Champions League football for the first time in two decades. Moreover, four PSG players -- Mbappe, Achraf Hakimi, Lionel Messi and Mendes -- have been named in the Ligue 1 Team of the

Year. With 16 assists and 16 goals in 31 matches this term, Messi was named in the Best XI for the first time. Mendes followed up his Best Young Player gong by being named the best left-back in the competition for the second year in a row. After a 1-1 draw at Strasbourg, PSG made history as they crowned French Champions for the record 11th time on Saturday, piping AS SaintEtienne’s record of 10 titles.

Formula 1: Verstappen beats Alonso to win Monaco GP

MONACO, MAY 29

(IANS): Dutch driver Max Verstappen kept Red Bull’s 2023 winning record intact by finishing ahead of Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and Esteban Ocon of Alpine in a chaotic finish caused by rain shower in the Monaco Grand Prix on Sunday.

Defending Drivers’ champion Verstappen made a clean getaway when the race began to maintain his pole position advantage over Alonso into the first corner on the street circuit.

But as the race developed and the planned oneand-only stops approached, a rain shower hit the track to turn the encounter on its head, causing a flurry of off-track excursions, brushes with the barriers and pit lane activity.

Alonso pitted while only a portion of the track

Max Verstappen

was damp and initially took on mediums, but intensifying rainfall meant he was forced back in for intermediates, which the rest of the field clambered for as well.

Verstappen then survived a contact with the wall before pitting, got back into a rhythm in the mixed conditions and controlled proceedings to the chequered flag.

Despite that extra stop, Alonso had enough in hand

to retain second position and score Aston Martin’s best result of the season so far, with Ocon converting his eye-catching qualifying performance into the final podium spot.

Mercedes’ updated W14s racked up a solid haul of points as Lewis Hamilton and George Russell took fourth and fifth positions, respectively, the latter’s fivesecond time penalty for clashing with Sergio Perez when he rejoined the track from an off in the slippery conditions not affecting his finishing position.

Home favourite Charles Leclerc crossed the line where he started in sixth, having been given a three-place grid penalty for impeding Lando Norris in qualifying, followed by the other Alpine of Pierre Gasly and Ferrari teammate Carlos Sainz.

Fabio Fognini knocked out No.10 seed Felix AugerAliassime 6-4, 6-4, 6-3 to reach the second round for the 12th time in his career.

Playing against the legend Djokovic, Kovacevic made a confident start to his Grand Slam main draw debut, but he was unable to hold his illustrious opponent back after Djokovic claimed the first break of the match in the sixth game. Despite a third-set turnaround in which the American rallied from

Neeraj Chopra pulls out of FBK Games with an injury

NEW DELHI, MAY 29

(IANS): Olympic champion Neeraj Chopra has pulled out of the upcoming FBK Games in Hengelo, the Netherlands due to a muscle strain he sustained during training.

Chopra started his season by winning the Doha Diamond League 2023 with a world-leading effort of 88.67m on his first attempt at the Qatar Sports Club, on May 5.

FBK could have been the second event of the season for the World Championships silver medallist.

Taking to Twitter, Neeraj wrote: “Injuries are part of the journey, but it’s never easy. Recently, I sustained a muscle strain during my training. Following a medical evaluation, me and my team have decided to avoid any risks which can aggravate the injury.

He struck his groundstrokes cleanly off both wings and won 82 per cent (37/45) of points behind his first serve in the match.

By winning the title here, Djokovic can move ahead of Rafael Nadal in the Grand Slam titles race with his second major triumph of the season in Paris (he also triumphed at January’s Australian Open).

His next challenge in the French capital is a second-round clash with World No. 83 Marton Fucsovics.

Earlier, CSK skipper MS Dhoni won the toss and chose to bowl first, mindful of exactly what ended up happening, i.e., rain stopping play. GT got off to a brilliant start as Shubman Gill and Wriddhiman Saha put up a 62-run opening stand in the powerplay. This was the highest-ever score in the first six overs of an IPL final, beating the Mumbai Indians (MI) record in the 2015 final against the same opponent. Gill gave GT a quick start, but this time he could not make it big as he departed after making 39 runs in 20 balls. Gill finished with 890 runs in the 2023 season of the league, which is the second-highest tally by an individual batter ever in a single season, only behind Virat Kohli’s sensational 973 run tally in 2016.

Saha got his second half-century of the season with a knock of 54 in 39balls. However, GT’s young sensation, R Sai Sudharsan, was the hero for the defending champions. Sudharsan made an incredible knock of 96 in 47 balls to help the Gujaratbased outfit post a huge score of 214 on the board.

Just three balls into the chase, the game was stopped due to rain and saw a delay of more than two hours, with the groundstaff

Ruturaj Gaikwad and Devon Conway gave CSK a quick start by scoring 52 runs in the powerplay and ultimately putting up an opening partnership of 74 runs before Noor Ahmed took the important wicket of Gaikwad in the 7th over to give GT an opening back in the game. The young Afghan spinner also got the wicket of Conway in the same over to put the pressure back on CSK.

In the final game of his career, Ambati Rayudu ensured CSK cruised towards the target by smashing 16 runs off the first three balls of the 13th over, which set the stage perfectly for a vintage MS Dhoni finish. The match headed for a grandstand finish with CSK needed 14 runs of Mohit’s last over. The game looked in GT’s bag with CSK needing 10 in 2 balls before Ravindra Jadeja took the home in a dramatic finish.

India enter Jr Asia Cup semis with 17-0 win over Thailand

SALALAH (OMAN), MAY 29 (PTI): Defending champions India moved into the semifinals of the Men’s Junior Asia Cup with a 17-0 win over Thailand in their last Pool A match.

India, who are likely to top the four-team Pool A with 10 points from four games after victories over Chinese Taipei, Japan and Thailand and a 1-1 draw against Pakistan, were unstoppable with Angad Bir Singh scoring four goals (13th, 33rd, 47th, 55th min).

They will know about their semifinal opponents later on Monday when Pool B leaders Malaysia are scheduled to play Oman and Pakistan will take on Japan in Pool A.

Pakistan could push India to second spot in Pool A if they beat Japan in their last group match by more than 14 goals.

Besides Angad, the

other goal-getters for India late on Sunday night were Yogember Rawat (17th), captain Uttam Singh (24th, 31st), Amandeep Lakra (26th, 29th), Araijeet Singh Hundal (36th), Vishnukant Singh (38th), Bobby Singh Dhami (45th), Sharda Nand Tiwari (46th),

Visuals of action against wrestlers leave Abhinav Bindra distraught

sexually harassing women grapplers, were detained and later let off on Sunday.

Later, however, an FIR was registered against the protesting wrestlers for allegedly ignoring police warning that creating ruckus during the opening of the new Parliament building would “harm national prestige” and will not be tolerated, officials had said.

NEW DELHI/AHMED -

ABAD, MAY 29 (PTI): India’s first individual Olympic gold medallist shooter Abhinav Bindra has denounced the police action against the country’s top wrestlers at Jantar Mantar, saying the “horrifying images” had left him “sleepless” and “haunted”.

Unprecedented scenes of police dragging Olympic and world championships medallists, including Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sangeeta Phogat, were witnessed when the wrestlers and their supporters breached the security cordon during their march towards the new Parliament building for the planned women’s ‘Mahapanchayat’. The wrestlers are demanding the arrest of outgoing WFI president Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for allegedly sexually harassing several women wrestlers,

including a minor.

They had called for a women’s Mahapanchayat at the new Parliament building at a time when it was being inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

“Last night was sleepless, haunted by the horrifying images of my fellow Indian wrestlers protesting,” tweeted Bindra, even as India’s most successful footballer Sunil Chhetri and former India all-rounder Irfan Pathan too criticised the action against the wrestlers.

“It’s high time we establish independent safeguarding measures across sporting organizations. We must ensure that if such situations arise, they are dealt with utmost sensitivity and respect. Every athlete deserves a safe and empowering environment,” added Bindra, the 2008 Beijing Olympics gold medallist in air rifle.

Noonetouchedthem tillprotestwasat designatedspot:Thakur

A day after Delhi police action against protesting wrestlers as they marched towards the new Parliament building, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur on Monday said they were not touched till the protest was confined to the designated spot at Jantar Mantar.

Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sangeeta Phogat, Sakshi Malik and several others were detained by Delhi police on Sunday when they attempted to move towards the new Parliament building for a women’s ‘Mahapanchayat’.

The wrestlers, who had been protesting at Jantar Mantar since April 23 seeking the arrest of Wrestling Federation of India chief and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh for allegedly

Wrestlersyettomeetafterreleasefrompolice

Addressing a press conference here to highlight the achievements in the nine years of the Narendra Modi government, Thakur said an FIR had already been registered on the allegations of the wrestlers as directed by the Supreme Court.

“No one stopped them from holding protests at a place allotted to them (by authorities). No one stopped them when they organised a candle march at that designated place,” he said.

Since an FIR has been registered by Delhi police as directed by the SC, they should come forward and record their statements and appropriate action will be taken upon the completion of the probe, the minister added. “It was a historic moment for the people of India as we celebrated Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav. India, considered as the mother of democracy, was receiving its new Parliament building,” he said.

Released late last night from police detention, the wrestlers are still contemplating their next move even as they continued to get support from sporting fraternity after police action against top grapplers was unequivocally condemned by political and sports personalities.

Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, Sangeeta Phogat, Sakshi Malik and several others were detained by Delhi police on Sunday when they attempted to move towards the new Parliament building for women’s ‘Mahapanchayat’.

Disturbing videos of police action against elite wrestlers emerged from Jantar Mantar, which will now

remain out of bound for them. The wrestlers are demanding arrest of WFI chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

“We will let you know soon what our next move will be. We are still gathering ourselves. I was released at 11pm and Bajrang was released around mid-night. We are yet to meet at a common place. We will soon discuss it,” said one of the protesting wrestlers.

The police, which has filed FIRs against the trio of Bajrang, Vinesh, Sakshi and several others for violation of law and order, has made it clear that they will not allow the wrestlers to return to Jantar Mantar.

Amandeep (47th), Rohit (49th), Sunit Lakra (54th) and Rajinder Singh (56th).

India began the contest with confidence, attacking Thailand with monotonous regularity, but were unable to break through in the early exchanges. Thailand not only soaked up

the pressure but also made some forays into the rival territory.

However, the defending champions edged ahead just before the end of the first quarter when Angad (13th) found the back of the net. Yogember Rawat doubled the advantage in the 17th minute and before the half ended, captain Uttam (24th) had also got on the score-sheet, scoring from close range.

Uttam (31st) made it 6-0 in the first minute of the third quarter, rifling it into the top corner from the right, and moments later Angad (33rd) too got his second for the night.

India were leading 10-0 before the start of the final quarter.

India continued to attack with full force as Sharda Nand Tiwari (46th), Amandeep (47th) and Angad (47th) struck in quick succession to make it 13-0.

Chelsea FC appoint Mauricio Pochettino as new manager

LONDON, MAY 29

(IANS): Chelsea Football Club on Monday appointed former Tottenham and Paris St-Germain boss Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager. The 51-year-old Pochettino will start in his new role on July 1, 2023, on a two-year contract, with an option of a further year.

“Chelsea Football Club is pleased to confirm Mauricio Pochettino will become head coach of the men’s team from the beginning of the 2023/24 season,” the club said in a statement.

The Argentine will work with Chelsea’s cosporting directors Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart.

“Mauricio’s experience, standards of excellence, leadership qualities and character will serve Chelsea Football Club well as we move forward. He is a winning coach, who has worked at the highest levels, in multiple leagues and languages. His ethos, tactical approach and commitment to development all made him the exceptional candidate,” Winstanley and Stewart said in a statement.

Notably, Pochettino is Chelsea’s sixth permanent manager in five years following the sacking of Thomas Tuchel and Graham Potter earlier this season, which led to Frank Lampard taking charge on a temporary basis. Interim boss Lampard took Chelsea to 12th in the Premier League -- their lowest finish for more than 25 years.

Pochettino is also the fourth boss of new owner Todd Boehly’s reign after the American took over at Stamford Bridge last July.

Mauricio has several seasons of Premier League experience in addition to coaching in Spain and France. He was most recently in charge at Paris Saint-Germain and guided the club to a Ligue 1 title and the Coupe de France. His staff will include Jesus Perez, Miguel d’Agostino, Toni Jimenez and Sebastiano Pochettino.

Kylian Mbappe

Vinesh Phogat, Sangeeta Phogat and Bajrang Punia with supporters during their march towards new Parl building. (PTI)

Match in action between India and Thailand.

Abhinav Bindra

Security personnel detain Vinesh Phogat and Sangeeta Phogat.

Mauricio Pochettino

CSK ace all-rounder Ravindra Jadeja celebrates. (Twitter)