31 May

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 174

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, MAY 31, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

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India fighting Covid with all its might: PM

NEW DELHI, MAY 30 (PTI): Asserting that India is fighting Covid-19 with all its might, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to a number of people ranging from those engaged in transporting medical oxygen to lab technician, and said the country’s resolve to prevail over the virus is equal to the magnitude of the challenge it faces.

In his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast, the Prime Minister noted that the country was also faced with several natural disasters, including cyclones, landslide and earthquakes, during the pandemic, and said more lives were saved than the past with the Centre, states and local administration coming together to carry out relief and rescue operations.

With the demand for medical oxygen rising exponentially during the recent surge in Covid-19 cases and many states and hospitals complaining of its shortage, the prime minister said the production of the liquid medical oxygen (LMO) has risen by over 10 times to nearly 9,500 MT daily from 900 MT earlier.

“The demand for oxygen surged all of a sudden. This was a very big challenge, and delivering medical oxygen to remote parts of the country was indeed a huge task,” he said, noting that many plants manufacturing industrial oxygen were located in the eastern parts of the country and lauded those, including cryogenic tanker drivers, the oxygen express (train) crew and Air Force pilots, involved in its transportation.

Narendra Modi

In his address, he also praised farmers for generating record produce, and said the agricultural sector protected itself from the adverse effects of the pandemic to a great extent.

The farmers produced record output and the government procured a record amount of crops as well, he said, adding that farmers at several places got more than the minimum support price (MSP) for mustard.

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Speaking of the arrangements his government made to allow farmers to transport their produce to different markets, Modi said “Kisan Rail” has so far ferried nearly 2 lakh tonnes of produce. Now the farmers are able to send fruits, vegetables, grains to other remote parts of the country at a very low cost, he added.

Some products are being sent abroad as well, he said and mentioned that jackfruits from Tripura are now being exported to London and so is Bihar’s Shahi Litchi.

In his conversation with people involved in transporting oxygen materials/equipment, the Prime Minister spoke to Dinesh Upadhyay, who drive oxygen tankers, Shirisha Gajni, a loco pilot of an all-woman crew

oxygen express, and Group Captain Patnaik from the Air Force and lauded their service to the nation.

Noting that there was only one coronavirus testing laboratory in the country initially, Modi however said that today more than 2,500 labs are in operation.

Modi said more than 20 lakh tests are being carried out in a single day now with over 33 crore samples having been tested in the country so far.

The prime minister than spoke to lab technician Prakash Kandpal who shared his experience.

Modi also asked people to continue to adhere to rules related to wearing masks and taking vaccines, saying there should be no letup in our efforts. “This indeed is the path to our victory,” he said.

international, Page 7

State logs 192 fresh Covid-19 cases; 13 deaths

State Health department hit by shortage of staff

D I M A P U R , M AY 3 0 (NPN): Nagaland on Sunday recorded 192 fresh Covid positive cases while 13 more patients succumbed to the contagion.

Of the fresh cases, Dimapur recorded 80 cases, Kohima and Mokokchung 33 each, Zunheboto-12, Mon-11, seven from Phek, six from Wokha, Kiphire, Peren and Tuensang three each and one from Longleng, taking the total caseload to 21563.

Further, eight more patients died in Dimapur due to Covid-19 infections and one each in Kiphire, Kohima, Mokokchung, Mon and Peren, taking the death toll to 363-- 351 due to Covid and 12 non-Covid deaths but with Covid positivity.

Correspondent

Take vaccine at ‘first available State records lowest vax coverage in 45-yr plus category opportunity’: WHO to Indians COVID-19 VACCINATION STATUS of NAGALAND AS ON MAY 30, 2021 Correspondent

NEW DELHI, MAY 30 ( AG E N C I E S ) : Wo r l d Health Organisation (WHO) Regional Director for South East Asia Dr Poonam Khetrapal Singh today issued a word of caution as India is witnessing a “plateau” in daily COVID19 cases, advising people to get the shots at the first available opportunity.

“Lesson learned from this surge is at no cost can we let our guards down.

We must take COVID-19 vaccine at first available opportunity. While we can’t predict next surge but we can prevent it, which we must,” said Dr Poonam

KO H I M A , M AY 3 0 (NPN): Nagaland has acquired the dubious national distinction of being the State with the lowest recorded coverage of vaccination in the age-group 45 and above in the country.

C o n f i r m i n g t h i s, State immunisation officer (UIP), health & family welfare (H&FW) department Dr Ritu Thurr told Nagaland Post that as per 2011 census, there were 4,54,527 individuals above the age of 45 in the State of which, 1,21,961 had taken the first jab, while 15,977 completed their second dose as on May 30, 3 p.m.

He acknowledged that the coverage was lowest in the country.

Nevertheless, he exuded confidence that the coverage rate would infar to 34,31,83,748, the crease by June-July since ministry said. the vaccination drive would The number of active cases has reduced to 21,14,508, comprising 7.58 per cent of the total infections, while the national NEW DELHI, MAY 30 COVID-19 recovery rate (PTI): Serum Institute of has improved to 91.25 per India (SII) has informed cent, it said. the government that it will The count of the daily be able to manufacture and new cases is the lowest in supply nine to 10 crore 46 days. India had recorded doses of Covishield in June, 1,61, 736 infections on April official sources said on 13. The number of people Sunday amid complaint by who have recuperated from States about the shortage the disease has surged to of anti-coronavirus vac2,54,54,320, while the case cine jabs. fatality rate stands at 1.17 In a recent letter to per cent, the data stated.

Union Home Minister Amit India crossed the grim Shah, SII said its employees milestone of two crore infec- have been working round tions on May 4. The health the clock in spite of various ministry stressed that more challenges because of the than 70 per cent of the pandemic. deaths occurred due to co“We are pleased to inform that in the month morbidities.

Khetrapal Singh.

“This surge has put an immense burden on already overwhelmed health services. We’re now witnessing a plateau and even a decline in cases in some parts of India. Situation continues to be of concern and challenge,” she added while commending the Indian efforts and advising the people to remain vigilant about the pandemic.

India’s daily COVID19 cases continue to decline further as 1,65,553 fresh infections were recorded in the last 24 hours, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

This is it!

K Y M C

Public

Private

TOTAL

Public

Private

TOTAL

15066

416

15482

10112

68

10180

Frontline Workers (FLWs)

58258

72

58330

27919

51

27970

45 years & Above

119321

2640

121961

15825

152

15977

18 to 44 years

18728

18728

0

214501

53856

271

54127

TOTAL

211373

3128

Heavy rainfall likely over NE storm with lightning and gusty winds (speed reaching 30-40 kmph) was very likely at isolated places over SubHimalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Odisha, Andaman & Nicobar Islands, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura.

On June 1, heavy rainfall at isolated places was likely over Sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, Odisha, Arunachal Pradesh, Assam & Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram & Tripura and Kerala & Mahe.

SII promises 9-10 cr Covishield doses in June NPFLP takes a dig at PDA govt; questions sealing of hospitals

Poor internet service hampering online exam: ENCSU

Total doses administered in State

be taken to rural areas for “outreach sessions” and village councils and student unions would come forward to assist in the process.

Thurr said that enough awareness had been created in all districts and at block levels, but regretted that many still had some hesitancy and were adopting a “wait and watch” policy.

He hoped that things would improve soon.

He said vaccination had been made mandatory for healthcare workers,

of June we will be able to manufacture and supply nine to 10 crore doses of our Covishield vaccine to the country as compared to our production capacity of 6.5 crore doses in May,” Prakash Kumar Singh, the Director of Government and Regulatory Affairs at SII, said in the letter.

“We assure you that with the support of the Government of India and under your kind guidance, we are trying our best by utilising all of our resources to increase our production capacity of Covishield in the coming month also.”

In early May, SII had

while those who had registered but not vaccinated were being directed to vaccinate themselves.

Out of the 25,007 healthcare workers who had registered in the State, 15,482 of them have taken the first dose and 10,180 taken the second dose. (See table for details) Altogether, 2,68,591 individuals have been administered about both the first and second doses.

Expressing happiness at seeing the people’s eager-

communicated to the Centre that production of Covishield would be ramped up to 6.5 crore in June, seven crore in July and 10 crore each in August and September.

India is currently using made-in-India vaccines-- Covishield manufactured by SII and Covaxin of Bharat Biotech-- in its COVID-19 immunisation programme.

The Russian Sputnik V is the third vaccine to get approval from the Drug Controller General of India (DCGI) for emergency use and is being used in a few private hospitals.

268628

ness in the 18-44 category and coming forward for the vaccination, Thurr remarked that vaccination for all age groups, especially for those 45 and above, should not be a problem as there were enough vaccines.

He said the H&FW department has earmarked 10% onsite registration, especially in rural areas, owing to poor internet connectivity and exuded confidence to see positive response with the new initiative.

D I M A P U R , M AY 3 0 (NPN): Hitting out at the PDA government over its “colossal failure” in running the state, NPF Legislature Party (NPFLP) Sunday alleged that the “misgoverning” the State by PDA was “galore and horrendous to say the least.” In a statement, NPFLP spokesperson Imkong L Imchen said the government seemed to limp and lag behind in countless areas when the whole world was on a war footing against invisible enemy in the form of a virus.

Asserting that the war against virus was best fought by medical fraternity and the hospitals, Imchen, however, said that “sealing” of hospitals time and again due to detection of Covid positive cases was distressing.

Imchen questioned on what logical reasoning and advice were hospitals sealed and patients not allowed to get admitted? He said hospitals rather than working to help the sick get sealed and refused to see people seeking medical assistance.

(Full text on p-4)

D I M A P U R , M AY 3 0 (NPN): Eastern Nagaland College Students’ Union (ENCSU) Sunday said that poor internet service in Eastern Nagaland areas was hampering the ongoing NU online examination for undergraduate students.

ENCSU president Serichum J Sangtam and general secretary Sanglekhamba C Chang said that the union received complaints from students, parents and public concerning poor internet connectivity across Eastern Na(Cont’d on p-6) galand.

Pvt hospitals in Dimapur share burden on Covid patients TRNYF blames Mariani MLA for border incident Staff Reporter

“In the end, we’ll have to eat only rice and dal if this lockdown continues.”

Health Care Workers (HCWs)

2ND DOSE

D I M A P U R , M AY 3 0 (NPN): Fairly widespread to widespread rainfall/thunderstorms with heavy rainfall at isolated places likely over Northeast India.

According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre of the India Meteorological Department (IMD), due to strengthening of southerly winds, fairly widespread to widespread rainfall activity with isolated heavy falls were very likely over North Eastern states and adjoining East India from May 30, 2021.

On May 31, thunder-

India records 1.65L Covid cases, lowest in 46 days PTI: India recorded a single-day rise of 1,65,553 new COVID-19 cases, the lowest in 46 days, taking the country’s infection tally to 2,78,94,800, according to Union Health Ministry data updated on Sunday.

The daily positivity declined to 8.02 per cent, remaining below the 10 per cent-mark for the sixth consecutive day, while the weekly positivity rate dropped to 9.36 per cent, it said.

The death toll due to the disease climbed to 3,25,972 in the country with 3,460 fatalities being recorded in a span of 24 hours, the data updated at 8 am showed.

A l s o, 2 0 , 6 3 , 8 3 9 COVID-19 tests were conducted in the country on Saturday, taking the total number of such exams so

1ST DOSE

CATEGORY

KO H I M A , M AY 3 0 (NPN): The State government’s ban on appointment is apparently having a negative impact, especially in the Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) department where many posts of nurses, drivers and peons are reportedly lying vacant on account of periodical retirements.

Health department sources informed Nagaland Post that the posts of 60 Auxiliary Nursing and Midwifery (ANMs), drivers and peons were lying vacant now due to periodical retirements, but the government was yet to respond to the department’s proposal for new appointments.

But given the current crisis, the sources opined t h a t t h e g ove r n m e n t should seriously consider the proposal of the essential service departments like H&FW, adding that many complaints had been received on shortage of nurses from many health units.

It may be mentioned

that the State cabinet in its meeting on April 7 had decided to collect data within two weeks from various departments on the essential posts that needed to be filled up and, upon completion of the process, the cabinet decided to take up the issue again for further discussion.

Meanwhile, the sources alleged that many primary health centres (PHCs) and sub-centres were set up politically without assessing the ground reality because of which, complaints of absence of doctors and nurses, peons and others were on the rise.

It may be recalled that the state government on May 17 appointed 56 medical graduates/practitioners as medical officers (MOs) on a temporary basis, based on the recommendations made by Health & Family Welfare department.

Later, on May 23 Health minister, in a tweet, informed that the department had posted another 56 newly recruited young medical officer’s to various health care centres across the state.

DIM APUR, MAY 30 (NPN): While the State’s health infrastructure is currently being overburdened with rising Covid-19 cases, private hospitals and nursing homes, though with limited staff and facilities are contributing in a major way to help ease the situation, especially in Dimapur district.

Private hospitals like Olive Christian Hospital & Research Centre, Nikos Hospital & Research Cen-

tre, Eden Medical Centre, Faith Hospital and Institute of Medical Sciences, Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research Centre and Zion Hospital have made adequate preparations for treating Covid-19 patients by creating separate Covid wards.

Olive Christian Hospital & Research Centre’s Covid centre coordinator Dr Heman Prasad told Nagaland Post that the hospital had reserved 40 beds for Covid patients, of which 35 were oxygen-supported

beds and five non-oxygen supported beds.

The hospital had 35 oxygen cylinders (20 type ‘B’ and 15 type ‘D’), Prasad added.

He mentioned that though currently the hospital did not have intensive care unit (ICU) facility dedicated to Covid, there was a plan to have the facility, if required.

Similarly, at Eden Medical Centre, there are 25 Covid beds, 11 intensive care unit beds with one ventilator and 14 high

dependency units (HDUs), besides 69 oxygen cylinders (29 type ‘B’ and 40 type ‘D’). And barring one ICU bed, almost all the beds were occupied till the filling of this report.

Further, Faith Hospital and Institute of Medical Sciences PRO said the hospital had altogether 70 oxygen cylinders, 33 type ‘D’ cylinders and 37 type ‘B’ cylinders, besides having six ventilators. And out of the 41 Covid beds, 31 beds have been occupied, he (Cont’d on p-6) added.

D I M A P U R , M AY 3 0 (NPN): Reacting to the recent border incident involving Mariani MLA Rupjyoti Kurmi, the Tsürangkong Range Naga Youth Front (TRNYF) Sunday said it was “greatly disturbed to hear about the intimidations by the goons” of the MLA aided by Assam police at Vikuto village on May 27.

In a press release, TRNYF president Bendangwati and general secretary Shiluyongdang stated that the MLA, as seen in the video being circulated, was

“clearly inside the border at his own whims and fancies” disregarding the protocols and provoking the citizens of Nagaland.

TRNYF alleged that recent incident was not the first time that Rupjyoti Kurmi had indulged in “such theatrics and misadventures” in the border areas. “He keeps using it from time to time just to benefit his political ambitions,” TRNYF claimed, adding that he suddenly becomes very active just before elections and starts provok-

ing the innocent public of both the states.

It said that May 27 incident was one of MLA’s many tactics just to fool his electorate that he was doing something after his recent victory.

Pointing out that the border issue between Nagaland and Assam was sub judice, the TRNYF, however, said that it would not succumb to the tactics of “a desperate politician who capatalises on the border issue by fooling the innocent public.” (Cont’d on p-6) K Y M C

2

state

nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Should lockdown continue till covid cases are greatly reduced?

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

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

A

B

C

65% 30% 5%

Next poll

Q: Is Lockdown achieving

its objective in decreasing rate of new covid infections?

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST May 31

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Light fog

32 26

Partly cloudy

25 20

Guwahati Partly cloudy

28 25

Imphal

Mostly clear

27 19

Itanagar

Partly cloudy

27 22

Shillong

Partly cloudy

20 17

Kohima

Partly cloudy

20 17

Dimapur

Some clouds

27 23

Mkg

Partly cloudy

23 19

Tuensang Partly cloudy

18 15

Some clouds

24 21

Zunheboto Partly cloudy

20 17

Wokha

COVID-19 pandemic: Advisories and activities

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

Aizawl

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MAY 31, 2021

DLST condemns

DIMAPUR: Dimapur Langpangkong Senso Telongjem (DLST) said it was shocked to learn the physical abuse of a minor by a couple at Sematilla, Dimapur. Condemning the act, DLST said any form of discipline involving violence was unacceptable and that such practice has no place in a civilised society. Stating that the union condemns such practices in strongest terms, DLST said it has adopted zero tolerance approach towards any sort of violence against children even in the future.

(L-R) DC and chairman DTF COVID-19 Mokokchung, SP Mokokchung and others after inspecting the COVID Hospital. GBs and colonies chairmen hold special prayer for frontline workers and others.

DIMAPUR: As the second wave of COVID-19 pandemic surge in Nagaland, government of Nagaland and district administrations have continued to issue directives and advisories for the safety of public. Many civil society organisations, churches and other faith-based organisations have also come forward in the fight against the pandemic.

Mokokchung: Deputy Commissioner (DC) and chairman District Task Force (DTF) COVID-19 Mokokchung, Limawapang Jamir

along with Superintendent of Police (SP) Mokokchung, Vishal and other officials visited COVID-19 Hospital Mokokchung on May 30.

The team interacted with the doctors and health workers on duty in the presence of Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Mokokchung, Dr. R Chubala Aier and Medical Superintendent (MS) IMDH, Dr. Limatula Aier.

Active case finding in Mkg: DC and chairman DTF COVID19 Mokokchung, Limawapang Jamir has informed citizens of

Mokokchung that the DTF would be conducting the active case Ffinding for COVID-19 in all the wards of Mokokchung Town on May 31 and June 1.

In this regard, all citizens have been asked to stay at home and refrain from venturing out unless for medical and other emergencies. DC has also asked citizens to cooperate with the medical department and respective ward authorities for the smooth conduct of the exercise.

Zunheboto: Maintaining

COVID-19 pandemic protocol, a special prayer was organised Sunday by Zunheboto Town Sumi Baptist Church (ZSTBC) at Zunheboto Town with Town GBs and chairmen of all colonies.

A press statement by ZTSBC informed that ZTSBC (SBAKAizuto) Pastor Rev. Dr Daniel Chishi prayed for the frontline workers, COVID victims, COVID patients and others.

In his message, Rev. Dr. Daniel called for cooperation and support in the fight against the virus.

ZTTLMC asks SSAALWC to halt protest; seeks cooperation DIMAPUR: Zunheboto Town Two-Lane Monitoring Committee (ZTTLMC) has requested stakeholders under SARDP Sumi Area Affected Landowners Welfare Committee (SSAALWC) to halt their protest and provide an exemplary action focusing on upcoming generations.

In a press statement, ZTTLMC said it strongly supports SSAALWC for compensation incurred in the destruction of valuable immovable assets in process of road development under their area.

While extending support to Deputy Commissioner (DC) Zunheboto order dated May 27, 2021, the committee also acknowledged the landowners of Xuivi, Satakha Village, KiyekhuandYemishe villages for their “emancipation towards the ongoing two lane construction”.

ZTTLMC also asserted the pending case of compensation by the Maytas&Gayatri

at High Court.

The committee has appealed the landowners to support the two-lane road construction without any obstruction so as to complete the quality work within stipulated time allotted to the construction company.

ZTTLMC reminded that the committee was set up during the first joint meeting of Zunheboto Area Public Organistaion (ZAPO), ZunhebotoTokukujoKukami (ZTK), ZunhebotoSumiTotimiHoho (ZSTH) and Zunheboto Range Students’ Union (ZRSU) under the aegis of Zunheboto Town GBs Association (ZTGBA) on April 30.

The committee asserted that its core objective was to supervise and monitor for the quality workmanship and has requested all concern to pave way for the smooth development of two-lane construction from Chakhabama to Zunheboto.

Various organisations, individuals and others convey condolence messages DIMAPUR: Chakhesang Public Organisation (CPO) has expressed sadness over the sudden demise of late Vetsürayi Tetseo, vice president, Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) who passed away on May 29 at Pfutsero Town.

In a condolence message, CPO said in Tetseo’s demise the community has lost a bright and upcoming leader who was truly a dedicated person and command in handling various issues.

Further, CPO hoped that the Almighty God would grant solace and comfort to the bereaved family members and prayed for the soul to rest in eternal peace with the Lord.

Neiba Kronu: Minister for planning and co-ordination,

land revenue and parliamentary affairs, Neiba Kronu has expressed shock at the demise oflate Vetsürayi Tetseo, vice president, Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF).

In a condolence message, Kronu described late Tetseo as an honest, humble and dedicated leader who rendered his service for the welfare of the community in various capacities. In his demise, Kronu said the community has lost a good leader who always worked for the upliftment of the society.

Further, Kronu prayed that God would grant peace and consolation to the bereaved family members in their hour of grief and the departed to rest in peace.

In a separate condolence

message, Kronu has also mourned the demise of late Vekropa Chotso, retired additional secretary who passed away on May 28. Kronu said late Chotso was an understanding, humble and honest person who served the finance department till his service tenure.

Further, Kronu has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

TVC: Thipuzumi Village Council (TVC) has mourned the sudden demise of Vetsurayi Tetseo, vice president Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF).

In a condolence message, TVC described late Vetsurayi as an upright person and a young dynamic visionary leader. In his demise, TVC said the village

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not be in want. He restores my soul. He guides me in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.

Psalms 23:1-4

in particular and Chakhesang community in general has lost a promising leader.

Further, TVC has conveyed condolence to the bereaved family members and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

PDSA: Phek District Sports Association (PDSA) said it was deeply saddened by the sudden demise of late Vetsurayi Tetseo.

In a condolence message, PDSA described late Teseo said a sincere and a dedicated leader who gave his best for the society in various capacities. In his demise, PDSA said the community has lost a tall leader. Further, PDSA has prayed that the Almighty grant solace to the bereaved family.

YAA: Yimchungrü Akherü Arihako (YAA) has expressed

shock at the untimely demise of late K.K. Vicky, former vice president YAA on May 30 in Kohima.

In a condolence message, YAA said late Vicky served the YAA office as vice president during 1997-2000 with utmost devotion and that his contributions and achievements during tenure shall always be honoured and remembered. In his death, YAA said it has lost an ardent guardian.

Further, YAA has conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that Almighty God would give them the strength to withstand the irreparable loss. YAA also prayed that the departed soul would find rest in God’s grace.

NPF minority wing: Naga

People’s Front (NPF) minority wing (central) has mourned the sudden demise of professor Jagadish Chandra Das, retired principal Sd Jain College and retired vice principal of Kohima Science College on May 29 at his Sodepur, West Bengal residence, at the age of 78 years.

In a condolence message, NPF minority wing said late J C Das was an intellectual, an educationist and dedicated administrator during his service life.

The minority wing has conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God would give them courage and strength to bear the grievous loss. It prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

LATE N. KHEHOTO CHISHI HD G.B LOKOBO VILLAGE (05/01/1952 – 13/05/2021) We, the family of Late N. Khehoto Chishi express our sincere gratitude to everyone who stood by us through prayers, thoughtfulness, generosity and support at the sudden demise of our beloved father.

Our salute to: a doting father, a loving husband, a great mentor, a selfless giver and above all an exemplary leader. Dad, we are going to live each day in the hope that we measure up to the legacy you have left behind and do you proud.

We convey our special gratitude to: 1. Brothers, sisters & relatives 15. Inohito, GM SBI (Dimapur) of Late N. Khehoto Chishi 16. Tokugha, Joint Director (Kohima) 2. Dr Tokugha Rochill, Nurses and 17. Dr. Akaho, Deputy CMO (Zunheboto) staff of Y. Rochill Hospital.

18. Hukheto, H.M G.H.S Apukito 3. Sumi Kukami Hoho 19. Akaho Yeptho (Hoito Village) 4. Sumi Hoho 20. Inashe, Hd. G.B (Awotsakili) 5. Sumi Kiphimi Kuqakulu 21. Hokuto, G.B (Naghuto) 6. Chuwokha Kughuko Kuqakulu 22. Awotsakili Baptist Akukuhou 7. K.T Sukhalu, Advisor, School Education 23. Alaphumi Village Council, Shichimi Village 8. Er Picto, MLA Council.

9. Doshehe Y. Sema, Ex. Minister 24. Aizuto Central Baptist Church 10. Deputy Commissioner, Officers 25. Anderson Theological College Aizuto and Staff-DC Office Zbto 26. Apukito Baptist Akukuhou 11. Lukheyi Sema, DGP Rtd 27. Lokobomi Union Zbto, Akuluto 12. Aron, SDO (Dimapur) 28. Lokobomi Baptist Akukuhou 13. Er. Vikishe (Dimapur) 29. Lokobomi Village Council, 14. Er. Kevika Chisho (Kohima) Lokobomi Students Union, SHG, VLO We regret our inability to thank each and everyone individually but we pray God’s choicest blessing be upon you.

“Death leaves a heartache no one can heal. Love leaves a memory no one can steal.”

We will hold you in our Hearts forever.

Loving wife, children and family members

Late Er. Chingi Phom (04-09-1971 to 12-05-2021) Sad was the parting of the one we love so dear.

We’re left with sweet memories of him once here.

In some small way, every single day precious memories of him will come our way.

Unseen and unheard, but always near his divine spirit is just as dear.

The family of Late Er. Chingi Phom wishes to acknowledge the many expression of sympathy and gestures of kindness bestowed upon our family following the wistful demise of our beloved, on the 12th of May 2021.

We are grateful to God for his life, your friendship, your kindness and prayers. We take comfort in your sincere words of solace and kind messages of empathy shared through various social platforms. Your physical, material, emotional and spiritual support during this time of profound grief and sorrow is very much appreciated and of great comfort to us.

We are deeply indebted to Diphupar Village Council, Phom Baptist Attoi Diphupar and Tamlu Buhu Union, Dimapur for enabling conduct of final rites and the home going service for our dear beloved.

We are finding strength in knowing that earth has no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. May God bless you richly for blessing us.

From, Loving Wife, Sons, Mom, Brothers, In-Laws, Niece & Nephews.

DP-2588

DP-2587

K Y M C

K Y M C

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MAY 31, 2021

Mnp to support children orphaned by COVID-19 Correspondent

IMPHAL, May 30: Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh on Sunday announced a scheme for children orphaned by COVID-19.

Singh announced the introduction of the “Chief Minister’s Bal Seva Scheme (Chief Minister gi Anganggi Tengbang)” in an official video released extending greetings to the people of the state on the occasion of completion of seven years of NDA government at the Centre. The scheme is meant for the kids, who have lost both the parents/surviving parent/legal guardians/ adoptive parent due to the pandemic.

Under the scheme, the chief minister said, the state government would provide a maintenance amount of Rs 3500 per month if any such child wishes to stay in the non-institutional care, that is, under the care of an extended family or guardian.

In case the child does not have any extended family or grandparents or guard-

N Biren Singh

ians to live with, the kid would be kept in a child care institution, he stated.

It may be mentioned that the government of India is providing Rs 2160 per child per month to the child care institutions as maintenance grant for children below 10 years of age and not having an extended family or guardian.

Regarding protection of property rights of such children, Singh informed that stamp duty would be exempted in the registration of deceased parents’ property (land) in their name.

Land revenue would also be exempted for such

transferred land till the child attends the age of 21 years, he added. Singh further added that the scheme would also ensure specific institutional care and education for adolescent girls.

They would be given preference for admission in Kasturba Gandhi Balika Vidyalayas (KGBV) to ensure sensitive care, proper protection and free education.

The chief minister further said that laptops would be provided as a one-time special assistance to such children, who are studying in Class 11 or above or undergoing a vocational course after completing Class 10.

Greeting the people on the completion of seven years of NDA government, the chief minister also appreciated the Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi for their committed hard work towards bringing development in the past seven years and their dedicated efforts to fight COVID-19 pandemic.

Several test COVID-19 positive in Shillong Raj Bhavan

Correspondent

Shillong, May 30: There has been a rise in COVID-19 positive cases among the staff and families in the Raj Bhavan in Shillong, officials revealed on Sunday.

“On May 28, there was a mass testing of high risk contacts of COVID-19 positive cases in Raj Bhavan who had earlier tested positive on 24 May, 2021. There were 18 positive cases as on 24 May,” Secretary to Governor, Pravin Bakshi said.

“Yesterday as per test results made available, out of 80 high risk contacts tested, 25 have been declared positive. This takes the total figure of positive cases amongst staffers and their family members to 43. Out of these 43 there are 10 children below the age of 15 years. There are 3 who are with co-morbodities,” he said.

Bakshi said the second wave

of COVID-19 has been challenging for the Raj Bhavan as even a month back at one time there were 28 positive cases out of which 23 have since recovered In the current active cases, the top Raj Bhavan official said most of the positive cases are personal staff working in the main building and in service of Governor Shri Satya Pal Malik.

“Under the guidance and supervision of Governor- Raj Bhavan secretariat and doctor are closely monitoring the situation and extending help to the affected persons with medical counseling and other support to the families.

Raj Bhavan extends sincere gratitude to the State Government and Health and Family Welfare Department for the regular testing of high risk cases and monitoring of the patients as well as the vaccination drive organised for Raj Bhavan staff,” Bakshi said.

Sikkim extends lockdown till June 7 Gangtok, May 30 (PTI): The Sikkim government on Sunday extended its statewide lockdown for another week -- till June 7 amid the surge in COVID-19 cases. The Himalayan state reported 264 more COVID-19 cases, pushing the tally to 15,171, while three fresh fatalities raised the toll to 250, a bulletin released by the health department said. Officials said the decision to extend the shutdown was taken at a high-level review meeting here, which was chaired by Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang and attended by cabinet ministers, Chief Secretary Suresh Chandra Gupta among others.

Certain relaxations have been granted during the week-long lockdown, starting June 1. Shops selling groceries and vegetables have been allowed to operate from 7 am to noon -- two hours more than what it was in the previous weeks, an official release said.

The state government has also eased curbs on agricultural activities at gram panchayat units, the release by the Information and Public Relations Department said. All centralized construction activities by local labourers shall be permitted during the week.

At the meeting, the chief minister expressed concern over the rapid spread of COVID-19 in rural areas and sought strict surveillance by local police personnel in villages. He asked the police to take strict action against those found breaching health protocol, the release added.

Sikkim currently has 3,961 active COVID-19 cases, while 10,746 patients have recovered from the disease. Two hundred and fourteen people have migrated out of the state.

Of the 264 new cases, East Sikkim registered 123 cases, followed

by South Sikkim at 79, West Sikkim at 56 and North Sikkim at six.

3

Northeast/State

Around 25,000 vaccine doses left for 18-44 years: Himanta Guwahati, May 30 (PTI): Hinting at shortage of COVID-19 vaccines for the 18-44 age group in Assam, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday said the state has only 20,000- 25,000 doses left as of now for the younger population.

Visiting the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH) here, Sarma also said the state aims to inoculate around 30 per cent of its entire population by August 15 provided it receives the required doses.

“There is no vaccine for the 18-44 age group at this moment and only 20,00025,000 doses are left. I spoke to the two companies (who supply vaccines) yesterday and they promised to send seven lakh vaccines for this group in June,” he told reporters here. Covishield and Covaxin, manufactured

by Serum Institute of India and Bharat Biotech respectively, are the only vaccines available in Assam and most parts of the country.

Sarma said with the next consignment of vaccines for the 18-44 age group likely to reach As-

sam around June 5-6, the pace of vaccination for the younger population will be slow till the first week of the next month and appealed to youths to “have patience”.

He said the state will receive seven lakh vaccines for the 18-44 age group in June compared to 4.5 lakh in May. The Chief Minister, however, said the vaccination for people aged 45 years and above will continue without any impact.

Sarma also said the state aims to vaccinate 30 per cent of the eligible people from the total 3.2 crore population in Assam by August 15 provided it can get the required doses.

“Our aim is to inoculate 1.1-1.2 crore people by August 15 if we get vaccines.

We hope that the availability of vaccines will improve by that time,” he added. Talking about overall rate of vaccination, he said: “It is likely to increase by 30 per cent in June compared to May, which will further increase by 50 per cent in July. In August, we hope to have a surplus of vaccines, meaning anyone will be able to have it (when they) walk-in.”

East Khasi Hills leads in tobacco-related cancer

Correspondent

Shillong, May 30: Meghalaya’s East Khasi Hills district has the highest relative proportion of cancer associated with use of tobacco in the country with 70.4 percent and 46.5 percent of males and females respectively, the National Health Mission (NHM), Meghalaya mentioned in a statement issued on the eve of ‘World No Tobacco Day’.

“In Meghalaya, 53.7 percent of men, 9.5 percent of women and 31.6 percent of all adults currently smoke tobacco,” the report said, adding that 11.6 percent of men, 29.1 percent of women and 20.3 percent of all adults currently consume smokeless tobacco while 59.8 percent of men, 34.2 percent of women and 47.0 percent of all adults either smoke tobacco and/ or use smokeless tobacco,” the report read.

“The data signifies a very alarming sign of the prevalence of tobacco consumption and the menace

through it if the users are not concerned enough to take a firm decision to just stop using tobacco. Therefore, calling every individual user to reaffirm their commitment to quit the use of tobacco in any form.

Quitting can be challenging, especially for the ones who are captivated with the addiction to tobacco. However, if our commitment is strong, nothing can stop us because there are still a lot of reasons to quit,” the NHM exhorted.

Every year, May 31 is observed as the World No Tobacco Day with the motive to instill and strengthen the fight against the production and use of tobacco in any form and to draw global attention to the tobacco epidemic and the preventable death and disease it causes.

WHO has recently launched a year-long global campaign for World No Tobacco Day 2021 with the theme “Commit to Quit”, that aims to support people in their attempts to give up tobacco through vari-

NORTHEAST COVID-19 UPDATE Ex-MLA, journalist among 17 Covid deaths in Manipur IMPHAL, MAY 30: A former legislator and a senior journalist were among 17 persons who succumbed to corona virus in Manipur in the past 24 hours.

A family source said that former Congress MLA Wangkheimayum Brajabidhu Singh from Lamshang breathed his last at a hospital in Imphal on Sunday morning.

A three time MLA, Singh represented Lamsang Assembly constituency of Imphal West district in the state Assembly Legislative Assembly since 2002.

He lost the elections in the last 2017 elections to the state Assembly.

He was the seventh former legislator who died due to health complications due to COVID-19 infection.

Editor of “Eikhoigi Panthung”, a monthly journal Sagolsem Hemanta also succumbed to the corona virus at a private hospital in Imphal early today.

Hemanta was once president of the All Manipur Working Journalists’ Union (AMWJU).

The Standing Committee of AMWJU condoled the demise of its former president by observing a two-minute silence which was followed by a candlelight vigil at the premises of Manipur Press Club, Imphal in the evening.

Meanwhile, Manipur reported yet again its biggest singleday spike of COVID-19 cases with 1,032 infections and 17 deaths on Sunday, taking the infection tally to 49,882 and death toll to 793.

The state touched the new

Arunachal reports 461 new COVID-19 cases, 3 more deaths I ta nag ar , M ay 3 0 (PTI): At least 461 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, pushing the tally in the northeastern state to 26,778, a senior health department official said on Sunday.

The death toll rose to 114 after three more persons, including an 18-month old child, succumbed to the infection in the past 24 hours, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said, adding that they had comorbidities.

As many as 394 more people were cured of the disease on Saturday, taking the total number of recoveries in the state to 22,746.

The recovery rate among coronavirus patients in the

state stands at 84.94 per cent.

Arunachal Pradesh now has 3,918 active cases.

COVID-19 in the state so far, including 7,441 on Saturday, and the positivity rate stands at 6.02 per cent, the State Surveillance Officer said.

State Immunisation Officer Dr Dimong Padung said that 3,40,630 people have been inoculated since the beginning of the vaccination drive in January.

Keeping in view the spurt in coronavirus cases, the State Disaster Management Authority, in a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu on Friday, decided to extend the existing lockdown in seven districts for seven days till June 7.

high just a day after logging a record 1,007 cases and 15 deaths.

The latest bulletin of the state health department said 563 people were discharged today, taking the tally to 40,607, leaving 8,482 active cases. The recovery rate stood at 81.40% against previous day’s 81.97%, Imphal West district where four deaths were reported continued to account for the most number of new infections with 310.

Of the 17 patients who died due to COVID-19 complications in the last 24 hours, five each were from Imphal East and Churachandpur, four from Imphal West, two from Kakching and one from Ukhrul district, the health department said.

(Correspondent)

M’laya logs 614 new Covid cases, 7 fresh fatalities Shillong, May 29 (PTI): Meghalaya’s COVID-19 tally mounted to 34,448 on Saturday after 614 new cases were reported, while seven more fatalities took the death toll to 551, a health department official said.

The state now has 7,741 active cases. Health Services Director Aman War said that 890 patients recovered from the viral infection during the day, taking the total number of cured people to 26,156.

Of the new deaths, five were from East Khasi Hills district, and one each in Ri Bhoi and South West Garo Hills districts.

Meghalaya has conducted over 5.98 lakh tests for COVID-19 to date, he said.

Till Friday, around 4.59 lakh people have been inoculated, with over 83,000 people receiving both doses of the Covishield vaccine, War said.

Assam reports 5,613 new COVID-19 cases, 77 deaths Guwahati, May 29 (PTI): Assam reported 5,613 new COVID-19 cases and 77 deaths on Saturday, as per an official bulletin.

The state has so far reported 4,03,623 cases and 3,245 deaths, as per the National Health Mission.

There are 54,948 active cases in the state at present.

Tinsukia reported the highest eleven deaths, replacing Kamrup Metro which has been on the top of the tally till date.

Cachar district reported seven deaths, while five people each died in Kamrup Metro, Nagaon and Barpeta.

The number of recov-

Aizawl, May 30 (PTI): Mizoram reported the highest single-day spike of 329 COVID-19 cases, pushing the tally in the state to 11,988 on Sunday, an official said.

The COVID-19 death toll in the state rose to 36 with one more person succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, official data said.

More than 47 children, two Border Security Force (BSF) jawans and a healthcare worker were among the newly infected people, the official data revealed.

Mizoram currently has 3,089 active COVID-19, while 8,863 people have recovered from the disease, it said.

The coronavirus recovery rate in the state now is 73.94 per cent.

The northeastern has so far tested 3,89,007 samples for COVID-19, including 4,109 in the last 24 hours.

Meanwhile, state immunization officer Dr Lalzawmi said that 2,56,741 people have been administered the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine, of which 52,067 people have received both doses till Saturday.

BJP Nagaland MM commemorates Why treating frontline workers in ‘despicable’ manner, NPP to State Govt seven years of ‘Modi government’ those who were putting their lives at risk to save numerous lives were actually being denied their right, the party in a statement asserted that it was a crime to deny them their salary.

These brave frontline workers should actually be the first to be given their remuneration, it added.

National People’s Party said the current government should better step down with grace and give way for those who could and were willing to do so, if it was incapable and unable to handle the recurrent crisis.

Demanding that the government not put lives of people at stake by being a slave to their ego, the party stated categorically that if those sitting at power were not able to empathise with the sufferings of frontline workers, they should ask the civil society to step in as there were many who were willing to give donations and contribute in easing the grievances of the brave frontline workers, provided the funds were not misused and there was full accountability.

National People’s Pa r t y a l s o ex p r e s s e d

scepticism over the State government’s measures to handle the various loopholes of lockdown and asked whether it was coming up with constructive measures to help the needy and affected now that the lockdown had been extended.

Pointing out that daily wage earners had been extremely burdened by the lockdown, the party asked the government whether it was looking after their needs, distributing free essential commodities equally and whether it was able to reach out at the grassroots level.

DIMAPUR: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Nagaland Minority Morcha (MM) commemorated seven years of “Modi government” by holding a virtual meeting of the state morchas state office bearers, district and mandal presidents, general secretaries and media convenors on May 27.

It may be noted that BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government has completed seven years at the Centre.

In a press release, BJP Nagaland MM informed that members of the morcha particularly in Dimapur, Kohima and Mokokchung are actively assisting

and contributing during COVID-19 pandemic.

The release informed that in the meeting the members also discussed various activities through which the morcha would assist during the pandemic.

At the meeting, Bharatiya Janata Party Nagaland general secretary, Khevishe Sema appreciated and exhorted the morcha members for serving the people in commemoration of seven years of “Modi’s governance”.

Earlier, state president minority morcha, Deep Kumar delivered the welcome address and state morcha

ered patients discharged during the day is 3,905 and the total number of recoveries is 3,44,083.

In all, 32,45,384 people received the first dose of the COVID vaccines in the state and of them, 8,26,894 got the second dose.

Chief Minister Hinanta Biswa Sarma said that the situation in the state was expected to improve within the next five to six days and the government will review the restrictions imposed on June 5.

He said that there may be a possibility of partial relaxations from June 7 but most of the restrictions will continue to remain in force till June 15.

Mizoram reports highest singleday spike of 329 Covid cases

State

DIMAPUR: Reacting to the recent revelation that newly-appointed doctors and frontline workers were not getting their salary on time, National People’s Par ty (NPP) Nagaland unit has questioned the State Government and health & family welfare (H&FW) department why such despicable treatment was being given to them when they were bravely facing Covid-19 pandemic by risking their lives and sacrificing their comforts for the society at large.

Terming it as “ridiculously appalling” that

ous initiatives and digital solutions.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has led tobacco users wanting to quit. However, quitting tobacco is challenging, especially with the added social and economic stresses brought about by the pandemic,” the NHM report under the National Tobacco Control Programme noted.

“There are immediate and long-term health benefits to quitting tobacco. After just 20 minutes of quitting smoking, the heart rate drops. Within 12 hours, the carbon monoxide level in the blood drops to normal.

Within 2–12 weeks, the circulation improves and lung function increases. Within 1–9 months, coughing and shortness of breath decrease. Within 5–15 years, the risk of getting a stroke is reduced to that of a non-smoker. Within 10 years, the lung cancer death rate is about half that of a smoker. Within 15 years, the risk of heart disease is that of a non-smoker,” the NHM said.

vice presidents, secretaries and other offered suggestions to combat COVID-19 pandemic.

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXxI NO. 174 Dimapur, MONDAY, MAY 31, 2021

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Well deserved awards

t was a proud moment when two conservationist groups from Nagaland won prestigious awards from different organisations this year. The awards should certainly serve to inspire people and also should make the state government seriously ponder about the ‘doers’ in society. Conservationist Nuklu Phom with his team, Lemsachenlok Society, was one of the six Whitley Award winners, 2021. The Whitley Awards from the Global South by UK-based charity the Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN) are considered as the Green Oscar awards. Nuklu Phom who engaged with communities with his team at Lemsachenlok Society in Nagaland was earlier awarded with the India Biodiversity Award 2018. The other group from Nagaland Khonoma Nature Conservation & Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS) won the prestigious India Biodiversity Awards 2021 under the category “Sustainable Use of Biological Resources.” There are eight categories under India Biodiversity Awards. The Lemsachenlok (A Thinking, working, Planning, Fund raising Society) organization, was formed by churchman-turned bio-diversity conservationist- Nuklo Phom. After several years of deliberations and at times, frustrating efforts, Nuklo finally got together three villages in Longleng district- Yaongyimchen, Alayong and Sanglu to form Yaongyimchen Community Biodiversity Conserved Area(YCBCA).

The YCBCA formed Lemsachenlok in 2007 and took up the issue of bio-diversity conservation. Nuklu had a very difficult time trying to convince the villagers to be participants for sustainable development through harmonious coexistence with nature. Villagers exploit forest lands for agriculture, collecting and selling firewood and timber including hunting of wild animals. So it was a very difficult task to convince people to give up their livelihood. Lemsachenlok has been gradually transformed and today, the area has become a safe haven for birds and also one of the major roosting site for Amur Falcons in the state. It is a habitat for 85 species of animals such as Amur falcons, 15 species of frogs, as well as leopards, barking deer, serows and otters etc. The Khonoma Nature Conservation and Tragopan Sanctuary (KNCTS), which was awarded for “Sustainable Use of Biological Resources, has been at the forefront of conservation in the area. KNCTS is a conservation reserve and a protected area in Kohima district. The total area notified under this park is around 25 square kilometres (9.7 sq mi); some of villages and hamlets are adjacent to this park: Khonoma, Mezoma, Dzülake. KNTCS is a non-traditional institution, established on December 11, 1998 and instrumental in organizing, monitoring, conserving and preserving the bio-diversity in Khonoma area, which is also home to many endemic and vulnerable species of flora and fauna. Khonoma area has its unique and sustainable alder-based jhum cultivation which has been practiced since time immemorial. The village has successfully been conserving its forest and sustainably using its resources for the last two decades. KNTCS is also playing a very important role in preservation of age-old stone and wood houses and its people aware and committed towards sustainable development. Today, Khonoma in particular is a jewel in the crown of Nagaland as it regarded as a ‘must-see’ natural tourism hub. Protection of flora and fauna is not only about the species but also the future of the people, their culture and their heritage.

The government ,unlike in other states, does not have any legitimate right over land as they belong to the people. This aspect has contributed negatively towards conservation. The two groups are shining examples of how the initiatives of a few can impact a whole generation and making all the difference.

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.

Quotes

Give light and people will find the way. ~ Ella Baker

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MAY 31, 2021

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Job-losses, demand fall hit India: RBI

he repeated natural disasters and covid19 lockdowns are taking a heavy toll on India’s economy and hit the informal sectors most.

The central relief to three states Gujarat, West Bengal and Odisha is Rs 2000 crore in addition to states also allocating part funds.

The raging second covid wave is impacting states’ finances. The centre has released Rs 8837.6 crore in advance as the first installment of its share to state disaster response fund (SDRF) for 2020-21. It is a huge sum for a country subsisting budget expenses on debt.

The World Bank (WB) gave $1 billion (Rs 72,000 crore) support to to India’s health sector. The second tranche of $250 million is to be released this year. There is also a $ 400 million International Development Association soft loan.

The RBI says at endMarch 2020, India’s external debt was placed at US$ 558.5 billion, recording an increase of US$ 15.4 billion over its level at endMarch 2019. India’s overall debt is $ 2628.49 dollars or Rs 3.80 lakh crore as on March 2021. Debt servicing cost has also increased.

Interestingly enough no

money was raised through “masala bonds” as rupeedenominated bonds (RDB) are called in a choppy global market and tight domestic monetary conditions.

External commercial borrowings during March 2021 amount to $ 9.23 billion.

It will be a difficult task to devolve Rs 3 trillion till 2026 to the states as suggested by the 15th Finance Commission (FFC).

While its debt burden is growing, the domestic situation is a matter of concern. The UNICEF South Asia regional director George Laryea-Adjei has warned that the scale and speed of the covid19 surge is “outstripping” India and its neighbours’ abilities to provide lifesaving treatment to the people and “there is risk of fragile health systems collapsing”.

Even the RBI has expressed concern on India’s growth prospects in its annual report this week as it depends on how fast the country can arrest the second pandemic wave. It sees uncertainties and the only hope is from the bumper rabi crop or agriculture sector and some activities in housing, road construction, freight transportation and the IT.

Interpreted it means most other sectors remain stagnant or in many cases like the SMEs and the unorganised or informal sector in trouble.

World Bank in its latest study, The Long Shadow of Informality: Challenges and Policies, says that India has the highest share, over 70 percent, and onethird of GDP, of informal employment along with Bangladesh and Pakistan.

These workers are excluded from labour l aw s a n d Shivaji social protections schemes. They lose jobs and face extreme poverty and food insecurity as the pandemic has intensified.

This diminishes the ability to mobilise the fiscal resources for conducting macro-economic policies and build human capital for long-term development.

Government expenditures also were lower by as much as 10 percentage points of GDP. Similarly, central banks’ ability to support economies is constrained by the underdeveloped financial systems associated with widespread informality. Though world body reports praise India’s free food programmes during the first phase, not

continued in the second one, finds even the central bank constrained. It virtually clubs the country with the emerging markets and developing economies (EMDE).

The other concern is that most informal workers are predominantly women and young people (in reality it shies of saying children). They have little recourse to social safety and suffer severe income losses.

“Limited access to social safety nets Sarkar has meant that many participants in the informal sector have neither been able to afford to stay at home nor adhere to socialdistancing requirements” WB observes.

“High levels of informality lead to weaker development outcomes.

Countries with larger informal sectors have lower per-capita incomes, greater poverty, greater income inequality, less developed financial markets, and weaker investment and are farther away from achieving the goals of sustainable development”, it says.

The report is critical of heavy regulatory and tax burdens being imposed leading to the rise in numbers of informal employment. It castigates Europe,

Central Asia, Latin America, the Caribbean, West Asia and North Africa tax excesses.

India needs to learn from the observation as it is resorting to increase taxes of all kinds during these difficult days and even medicines and vaccines have at least 5 to 18 percent taxes. The state governments are increasing annual taxes on houses by over 5 percent and many other facilities including tolls and fuel charges thawing growth. The various stipulations of GST and its penalties need to be eased if the country has to grow.

A stark revelation is that since 2018 the numbers in the informal sector is growing though since 1990 to 2018 it registered a fall. This is a pointer to a global slowdown and Indian finances have seen falling during the last three years adding poverty in absolute numbers. Even the jobless in the IT sector and manufacturing has swelled. Many gainfully employed till a year ago are now without an income support. The CMIE recently reported that over 80 percent people have suffered income losses.

These are critical areas the government natu-

rally finds it an uphill task to turn the table. It has severely hit demand and leading to crisis in almost all spheres of life worsened by high price rises. The RBI recognises the problem in its annual report. It says “The recovery of the economy from covid19 will critically depend on the robust revival of private demand that may be led by the consumption in the short-run but will require acceleration of investment to sustain the recovery,” the report added. That remains a problem for the centre and states.

The WB suggests that steps have to be taken to improve governance and business climates and harps on streamlining the taxation system for lowering the cost of production and help increase operational margins.

The central government has repeatedly been suggested to review its high taxation and extortionist approaches. Unless the lowest in the rung – the unorganised daily wagers – are empowered expecting better condition to remain a drea, And yes, it has also to give up cosmetic avoidable debt-funded expenditures like the Central vista of Delhi. The panacea is simple if adhered to.

NPFLP slams PDA govt’s handling of pandemic To ease Covid curbs, rely on district-level guidelines

T

he NPF Legislature Party is aggrieved and appalled to witness the colossal failure of the PDA Government in running the State. The misgoverning the State of Nagaland by PDA is galore and horrendous to say the least. When the whole world is on war footing against invisible enemy in the form of a virus, the government of Nagaland seems to limp and lag behind in countless area. This war against a virus is best fought by medical fraternity and the hospitals however it is distressing to see time and again about ‘sealing’ of hospitals due to detection of COVID positive cases. On what logical reasoning and advice are hospitals sealed and patients not allowed to get admitted?

Isn’t there a precautionary and preventive mechanism to sanitise the hospitals on a regular basis so that the hospitals itself does not become a super spreader of the virus?

Rather than working to help the sick, hospitals gets sealed and refuse to see people who come to hospitals for medical assistance. It is no wonder that this government is ever ready to seal off hospitals and offices in the State but would not dare to do the same for the Treasury & Accounts department and also the banking institutions as this would mean no extra earning for the greedy lot that runs the government.

It is a fact that the corona virus is deadly and needs an all-out effort to contain further spread and infection yet the mortality rate from other sickness and disease is no less than that of COVID. The PDA government’s lack of direction and wisdom has

put many lives at risk and brought many tears of sorrow and grief to Naga families who are unable to get access to the basic medical assistance other than COVID related. It is unprincipled and hazardous to copy and do exactly like others without considering the ground reality of one’s own State condition and shortcomings.

The amount of money received by the State Government from the Central Government and also the freewill donations by the Church bodies, NGOs and individuals have vanished into thin air unaccounted in the name of COVID. Besides the negligible amount parted to the respective District Task Forces in the State during the first wave of the pandemic, what financial assistance is accorded to them? What incentives are being given to the frontline workers viz. the medical fraternity, the state security forces and the various other groups who are tirelessly working for the general welfare of the people of the State? The Chief Minister of the State as head of the Government should be held accountable for all the misappropriation of funds in the name of this pandemic. I reiterate that the pro rata cut on all non-development funds of 15% in 2020-21 and 20% in 2021-22 from all departments is nothing but a sheer daylight theft of public money and not to mention the tax on petroleum products as COVID cess in the year 2020.

On the appointment of Medical Officers under the department of Health and Family Welfare, all recruitment guidelines and norms are flouted and randomly in

a kneejerk reaction appointments are given. Nevertheless if this will help in the fight against the pandemic all options should be explored. Yet, it also remains a fact that these Medical Officers are denied of their remuneration for months after joining and being placed in the field. Case in point, the MOs appointed in the month of December 2020 received salary only in the last week of April 2021 and continues to be denied further payments till date. Where are all the money gone? If Doctors and Nurses cannot be paid on time even after all the sacrifices and hard work they put in, what moral authority does this government have to be still running the affairs of the State?

Medical Officers are being appointed in huge numbers but some hospitals in the State still does not have any Doctors posted? So for what cause and purposes are these appointments made?

Are these Doctors not appointed to utilise their services in the State of Nagaland? It is sad to read about the case of Shamator and Tening hospitals wherein there is no doctor in the hospital. It must be pointed out for context that these two hospitals fall under the constituency of ruling NDPP MLAs. If hospitals run in the absence of doctors and other medical personnel, what hope can the people have in their fight against COVID? The apathy of PDA government for the general welfare and well-being of the people of Nagaland is glaring case of a failed state.

Imkong L Imchen.

Spokesperson, NPF Legislature Party

S

ince the Covid-19 pandemic hit India, our response strategy has been around the mantra “test, test, test”.

India has increased its testing capacity by using RT-PCR and Rapid Antigen Test kits, along with an innovative combination of different platforms. These strategies helped us reach 1.2 million tests per day in September 2020 and a further peak of 2.2 million tests per day in May. This was also accompanied with the introduction of two India-made vaccines in January.

Now, with India in the midst of a second surge, the state governments have implemented restrictive measures. While these have mostly been successful in curbing the spread of infection, restrictions cannot be a sustainable solution. So, what then should constitute an evidence-based response to the situation? What can be considered as a neither too-late nor tooearly easing of restrictions, as each option has its associated consequences?

The answer lies in a decentralised pandemic response that focuses on three pillars — district-level test positivity rate, vaccination coverage, and a bottom-up decision-making process. During the first wave, centralisation, to some extent, was critical — since we were dealing with a novel virus and regulatory processes had to be set up. But now, with wide heterogeneity in disease transmission between states, these decisions need to be more decentralised and contingent on local-level data. Restrictive measures on movement, mass gatherings, and social events are being governed at the district level. We need to further engage districts to make these recommendations based on district-level data and trends. But while monitoring is key, evaluation tools should be easy to use, shunning a long list of asks that keeps delaying the decision to ease things. Instead, what we should focus on are three key parameters.

Pillar one should focus on districts with a test positivity rate (TPR) of less than 5%. TPR reflects the percentage of all Sars-CoV-2 tests performed that are positive. This will continue to be the key indicator for making informed decisions.

As per the World Health Organization (WHO), the epidemic should be consid-

Why is smoking and chewing Tobacco bad for you during Covid pandemic?

T

he world Health Organisation has chosen the theme “Commit to quit” for World no Tobacco day 2021 because of the reason that Covid pandemic has driven thousands of smokers across the globe to seek help to quit. This is because of the fact that smokers are prone to develop severe complication when they get infected with Covid 19 virus. The claims that smokers are less vulnerable to Covid 19 which appeared in social medias and some journals often come from researchers with conflict of interest with Tobacco Industry and so they have to be taken with pinch of salt.

It is unlikely that damaged lungs and weakened immunity which smokers develop, will ever help you to fight other infections better let alone Corona virus. Smokers also have greater chance of transferring virus from hand to mouth as they touch their lips often. Even though the WHO emphasis is on smoking but Chewing of tobacco, Gutka, and paan and is no less dangerous as far as transmission is concerned as indiscriminate spitting in public places, homes could increase the chance of droplet infection and contamination of surfaces. This is extremely dangerous as chewing of tobacco

and paan is a favourite pastime of many in Nagaland. The people who use smokeless tobacco often soil their masks and they also remove them frequently thus increasing the chance of contamination. Since Covid 19 cases are going up every day and may not be going away any time soon, it is important that we take all safety measures and also change out attitude towards tobacco which only take your money and give you diseases in return. Tobacco use is bad for all seasons but it could be worst during pandemic like Covid 19.

Dr C Tetseo, Joint director and State nodal officer NTCP Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of

ered under control, when the positivity average over two weeks is less than 5%.

Districts should liaise closely with state government on TPR, ensuring quality of restrictions and make recommendations accordingly.

Pillar two rests on adequate vaccine coverage for priority and vulnerable groups, and should be a parameter while considering opening up. Vaccinations among the most vulnerable population groups need to be ramped up to ensure that there are fewer deaths, even if the cases surge. The reality is that the supply of vaccines will take a few months to reach the level of adequacy in terms of doses. However, the judicious use of what is available now, and ensuring their administration where they are needed most (frontline workers, including health care professionals, those above 60 years, and those who are above 45 years and with co-morbidities) need to be prioritised.

At least 70% of these priority groups need to be covered while a district is working its way out through restrictive measures to reach the TPR threshold of less than 5%.

Pillar three is community ownership.

Without community ownership — where people follow Covid-appropriate behaviour such as masking up and maintaining physical distance — all administrative measures are bound to fail.

The pandemic has forced us to think differently about the norms that govern responses to it. While we live in silos and ask for continued restrictive measures or new treatment and prevention to be adopted every day, we must consider the impact of these on lives and livelihoods. Therefore, our response to the pandemic must be driven by local data, and executed and monitored by a flexible administration and an empowered community.

Dr Samiran Panda, head, epidemiology and communicable diseases division, Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and director, ICMR-National AIDS Research Institute, Pune.

Professor (Dr.) Balram Bhargava, director-general, ICMR. (The views expressed are personal)

Reader’s Post

Use social media responsibly

Sir,

A lot of our youths today have been brainwashed by the so-called “Social media”. For the sake of popularity or fame or as what they call “feeds sake”, they’ve been letting these giants control their minds. Instead of using the internet in a better light such as to learn facts, new discoveries or latest inventions, most of today’s generation misuse the internet. With sheer amount of knowledge, they post away without actually analysing the impact it would have on their own mental health or on others. Just like Paras the Youtuber, it would not be long before their ignorance would lead them to trouble. Therefore in the pursuit of spreading awareness, I would like to urge all our youths to think twice before posting anything online and to use social media very responsibly.

Arila Sangtam, Dimapur this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

‘India fighting Covid with all its might’ In his address, he also praised farmers for generating record produce, and said the agricultural sector protected itself from the adverse effects of the pandemic to a great extent.

The farmers produced record output and the government procured a record amount of crops as well, he said, adding that farmers at several places got more than the minimum support price (MSP) for mustard.

Speaking of the arrangements his government made to allow farmers to transport their produce to different markets, Modi said “Kisan Rail” has so far ferried nearly 2 lakh tonnes of produce. Now the farmers are able to send fruits, vegetables, grains to other remote parts of the country at a very low cost, he added.

Some products are being sent abroad as well, he said and mentioned that jackfruits from Tripura are now being exported to London and so is Bihar’s Shahi

Litchi.

In his conversation with people involved in transporting oxygen, Modi spoke to Dinesh Upadhyay, who drive oxygen tankers, Shirisha Gajni, a loco pilot of an all-woman crew oxygen express, and Group Captain Patnaik from the Air Force and lauded their service to the nation.

Noting that there was only one coronavirus testing lab in the country initially but today more than 2,500 labs are in operation, Modi said more than 20 lakh tests are being carried out in a single day now with over 33 crore samples having been tested in the country so far.

The prime minister than spoke to lab technician Prakash Kandpal who shared his experience.

Modi also asked people to continue to adhere to rules related to wearing masks and taking vaccines, saying there should be no letup in our efforts. “This indeed is the path to our victory,” he said.

Sasikala hints at efforts to regain control of AIADMK, a political comeback

Monsoon onset over Kerala to be delayed: IMD

NEW DELHI, MAY 30 (PTI): Asserting that India is fighting COVID-19 with all its might, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday spoke to a number of people ranging from those engaged in transporting medical oxygen to lab technician, and said the country’s resolve to prevail over the virus is equal to the magnitude of the challenge it faces.

In his monthly Mann ki Baat broadcast, Modi noted that the country was also faced with several natural disasters, including cyclones, landslide and earthquakes, during the pandemic, and said more lives were saved than the past with the Centre, states and local administration coming together to carry out relief and rescue operations.

With the demand for medical oxygen rising exponentially during the recent surge in COVID-19 cases and many states and hospitals complaining of its shortage, the prime minister said the production of the liquid

CHENNAI, MAY 30 (PTI): V K Sasikala, eased out from the AIADMK years ago, has hinted at resumption of efforts to regain control of the party, a political comeback, by telling her supporters that there would soon be a “good decision.”

After announcing ahead of the April 6 Assembly polls, that she would stay away from politics, Sasikala said she could not see the party getting ruined due to “infighting.”

Her reference to the fued, though has no direct mention of the AIADMK or its leadership, it is seen as a pointer to alleged differences between top two leaders, K Palaniswami and O Panneerselvam.

Confidante of late Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa, Sasikala’s brief conversation with two of her loyalists over phone has surfaced and this has dropped hints about her rethink.

In the first audio clip she could be heard saying, “we will for sure streamline the party...certainly, I will come.”

In the second, she could be heard telling the supporter that the party, apparently

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MAY 31, 2021

Narendra Modi

medical oxygen (LMO) has risen by over 10 times to nearly 9,500 MT daily from 900 MT earlier.

“The demand for oxygen surged all of a sudden. This was a very big challenge, and delivering medical oxygen to remote parts of the country was indeed a huge task,” he said, noting that many plants manufacturing industrial oxygen were located in the eastern parts of the country and lauded those, including cryogenic tanker drivers, the oxygen express (train) crew and Air Force pilots, involved in its transportation.

V K Sasikala

a reference to AIADMK, was built through hard work of leaders including her and it was anguishing to see “them fighting,” and she could not be a mute spectator to the party getting ruined due to it.

Hence, Sasikala said she would come soon and meet supporters after the second wave of coronavirus faded. The party could be brought back to a good shape and there was no need to worry.

There would soon be a good decision and she shall come soon, she said.

This is seen as a hint at resumption of efforts to regain control of AIADMK, which she and her nephew Dhinakaran lost years ago, after she was imprisoned in 2017 February following conviction in a dispropor-

tionate assets case.

Known as EPS and OPS, Palaniswami and Panneerselvam do not reportedly see eye to eye and they have been issuing statements individually on political matters but give joint- statements on party matters.

AIADMK spokesperson and state joint secretary of legal wing, R M Babu Murugavel said, “we have got nothing to with her comments.”

The reference Sasikala was making, including infighting would have relevance only for the AMMK and the matter is related to that party alone and the AIADMK has got nothing to do with her comments, he told PTI. In March this year, Sasikala had said that “she will stay away from politics,” but would pray for of Jayalalithaa’s “golden rule”.

Sasikala became AIADMK interim general secretary following Jayalalaithaa’s demise in 2016 and this appointment was rescinded at a general council meet in 2017 and it also announced invalidation of all the appointments made

by Dhinakaran.

NEW DELHI, MAY 30 (AGENCIES): The arrival of monsoon over Kerala is likely to delayed by two days and it is now expected to make an onset over the state by June 3, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) said on Sunday.

According to PTI report, the IMD director general M Mohapatra said there is cyclonic circulation along the Karnataka coast which is hindering the progress of the southwest monsoon.

“The southwesterly winds could strengthen further gradually from June 1, resulting in likely enhancement in rainfall activity over Kerala. Hence the monsoon onset over Kerala is likely to take place around June 3,” the IMD said.

Due to strengthening of lower level southwesterly winds, fairly widespread rainfall activity with isolated heavy falls are very likely over northeastern states during next five days.

The normal onset date for monsoon over Kerala is June 1. This marks the start of the four-month rainfall season for the country.

4 electrocuted at wedding function in UP

UP: Shocking video shows Covid patient’s body being thrown in river

Sitapur (UP), May 30 (IANS): Four people were electrocuted and four others sustained severe burn injuries when the pole of a tent, under which they were standing, came in contact with a high-tension power line during a wedding function in Uttar Pradesh.

The incident took place on Saturday in Hanumanpur village under the Kamlapur police circle.

Three of the victims were identified as Mayaram, 52, Ram Autar, 38, and Ramchandra, 40.

The identity of one of the fourth deceased could not be ascertained, the police said.

According to reports, the wedding was being solemnized when strong winds, accompanied by rains, lashed the area.

A nearby tent was uprooted and its pole hit the high-tension line, bringing it down.

BALRAMPUR, MAY 30 (AGENCIES): A shocking video of a body of Covid patient being thrown in a river has surfaced from Uttar Pradesh, where thousands of bodies buried in shallow graves by the Ganga and some dumped in the river made headlines around the world a couple of weeks ago, NDTV report stated.

The centre has ordered several northern states to ensure that dead bodies are not disposed of in rivers.

In a letter, the centre had also asked states to increase patrol along riverbanks to stop the practice, which appears to be proliferating due to poverty and lack of awareness.

The incident was shot by a couple of people who were driving by the spot in Balrampur district on May 28.

On camera, two men, one of them in a PPE suit, are seen lifting a body on

Body of a Covid patient being thrown into the river (NDTV).

the bridge over river Rapti.

The man in the PPE suit can be seen tinkering with the body-- probably trying to get it out of the body bag.

The chief medical officer of Balrampur later confirmed that the body was indeed of a Covid patient, and the relatives were trying to dump it in the river. Two of the relatives have been arrested.

A case has been filed against the relatives the

body has been handed back to them.

“Preliminary investigations have revealed that the patient was admitted to hospital on May 25, and he died three days later on May 28. As per Covid protocol, the body was handed over to his relatives. Preliminary investigations reveal that the relatives threw the body into the river. We have filed a case and strict action will be taken,” said Balrampur CMO VB Singh.

29 missing in U’khand tragedy declared dead Lakhimpur Kheri (Uttar Pradesh), May 30 (IANS): Nearly 29 labourers from Uttar Pradesh, who were working at Tapovan-Vishnugad hydropower project in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli and went missing when a glacier burst triggered a massive flash flood on February 7, have finally been declared “dead”.

This will bring closure for the families, who will also now receive compensation under various schemes.

The next of kin to the deceased labourers will get Rs 29 lakh each -- Rs 20 lakh from National Ther-

mal Power Corporation (NTPC), Rs 4 lakh from Uttarakhand Disaster Relief Fund, Rs 1 lakh under a beneficiary scheme of the Uttarakhand government and Rs 2 lakh each from Uttar Pradesh government and the Centre.

Thirty-three labourers from Lakhimpur Kheri district and one from Shahjahanpur district were washed away by the flash flood.

Five bodies were later recovered. They were identified as Jalal Ali, 20, Vimlesh, 23, Avdhesh, 19, Suraj, 21, (all from Lakhimpur Kheri) and Sher Singh from Shahjahanpur. The remaining bodies could not

be recovered.

On February 23, the Uttarakhand government had issued a notification authorising nearly 140 people still missing, to be declared “presumed dead”.

After the missing 140 people were considered dead in March by the neighbouring state government, the required information was provided to them by the Kheri administration.

Thereafter, a gazette was published in newspapers on April 23 to ‘seek objection’. With no objection received, the death certificates were issued by Uttarakhand authorities.

Among the 29 missing

labourers, 13 were from Ichchanagar, eight from Bhairampur and one each from neighbouring villages.

Their families are yet to receive the death certificates.

When contacted, Nighasan Sub Divisional Magistrate, Om Prakash Gupta, said, “All the formalities are complete. The 29 missing labourers have been declared dead. No objections were raised after the gazette was published a month ago. The death certificate and the compensation will be provided by the Uttarakhand government and the NTPC.”

BJP blames MVA for SC rejecting OBC quota in local polls

MUMBAI, MAY 30 (AGENCIES): BJP on Sunday said that the negligent attitude and sheer apathy shown by the Maha Vikas Aghadi has led to the Supreme Court rejecting the state’s review petition on OBC reservation in local body elections.

With the SC’s rejection, reservation given to OBCs in local body elections has come to an end. This has happened despite several reminders and follow-ups with the state government, leader of opposition Devendra Fadnavis has alleged.

In a letter to chief minister Uddhav Thackeray, Fadnavis alleged

that the state was never serious on the issue of reservation to OBCs. It became evident when the state sought different dates for hearing on eight occasions and this happened within 15 months of time.

During one of the hearings, the SC had suggested that the state should justify the reservation by appointing the backward class commission and working on empirical data. But nothing in this direction was done by the state government, he has alleged.

Fadnavis has also said that he raised the issue on the floor of the

state assembly on March 5 this year.

“Even during a meeting chaired by you (the CM), I advocated a need for the appointment of the backward class commission in the presence of the state advocate general, secretary of the law and judiciary department and other officials. Despite that, nothing was done and now with the SC judgment, not a single seat can be kept reserved for the OBCs in local body elections.

He has also appealed to the state government to initiate necessary steps to provide political reservation to OBCs.

While BJP workers help people during Covid, some parties lowering country’s morale: JP Nadda

Covid-related protocols.

He underlined that as part of the campaign, BJP MLAs and MPs, including Union ministers, are participating in relief works in at least two villages.

In their endeavour to serve the people, Nadda said, party workers have

Vaccination in pvt hotels must be stopped: Centre

New Delhi, May 30 (IANS): Taking congnisance of reports regarding some private hospitals giving package for Covid-19 vaccination in collaboration with luxury hotels, the Centre directed states to stop the violation of guidelines and take action against such institutions.

In a letter to states and Union Territories on Saturday, Union Health Ministry said, “vaccination carried out in star hotels is contrary to the guidelines and must be stopped immediately”.

“Necessary legal and

administrative actions should be initiated against such institutions. Therefore, you are also requested to monitor and ensure that National Covid Vaccination drive is carried out as per the prescribed guidelines.”

It is directed that the officials should monitor and ensure that Covid vaccination guidelines are followed while carrying out the

world’s largest exercise.

Under the guidelines, vaccination can be carried out at “government and private Covid vaccination centres, workplaces, near to home covid vaccination centre for elderly and differently-abled persons to be organised at group housing societies, RWA offices, community centres, panchayat bhawans, school and colleges, old age homes etc on a temporary basis.”

Covid vaccination packages by luxury hotels - which include a comfortable stay, healthy break-

fast, dinner and wifi, along with “vaccination by experts from a renowned hospital and clinical consultation on request” - have drawn criticism on social media.

Raising acute vaccine shortage, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia on Saturday said, “how private hospitals were getting the doses if centre does not have enough stocks for states”. Sisodia said it was vaccine shortage that has forced the state government to suspend the inoculation programme for the 18-44 years age group.

this pandemic.

“Some are ‘sadhak’ (doers), while some are ‘badhak’ (obstructors). Such people are also in Delhi. But we don’t have to get bothered by them and continue in our endeavour to serve people and help them during the pandemic,” he said.

These obstructors absolve themselves of their responsibilities amid a crisis and pass on the buck to others, Nadda said.

Taking on opposition leaders over their statements about the vaccination drive against Covid, the BJP chief said that they were the ones who questioned vaccines to create doubts in the minds of people.“Those making a

noise about COVID-19 vaccine now, are the ones who earlier raised doubts about vaccines,” he said. “We are serving and they (opposition) are creating hurdles.

Some political parties issued irresponsible statements on lockdown and vaccination and worked to lower the morale of the country,” the BJP chief said.

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J P Nadda

also set a target of collecting 50,000 units of blood through donation drives.

Targeting the opposition, the BJP president said it is in quarantine, implying that its leaders are missing from the ground.

“In this pandemic, BJP workers without being bothered about their wellbeing are standing with the people.

But the opposition has gone into lockdown and quarantined itself. It is visible only in virtual press conferences or on Twitter,” Nadda said.

Urging party workers to continue helping people, the BJP chief, without naming leaders, attacked the opposition, saying they are behaving like obstructors in

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and not get bothered by “obstructors” who absolve themselves from their responsibility. The BJP is observing the anniversary of its government at the Centre as “Seva Diwas” and in view of the COVID-19 pandemic, the party has decided not to celebrate the day, but instead organise relief works under the campaign ‘Sewa Hi Sangathan Hai’.

Crores of BJP workers are carrying out Covid prevention and relief works by distributing masks, sanitisers, food packets and spreading awareness about vaccines in more than one lakh villages and hamlets, Nadda said, adding that all this is being done while following

DP-2589

New Delhi, May 30 (PTI): BJP chief J P Nadda on Sunday said while crores of party workers serve people by helping them with Covid relief material, the opposition has “quarantined” itself and works to lower the morale of the country during the pandemic.

BJP leaders and workers are marking the seventh anniversary of the Modi government on Sunday by carrying out Covid prevention and relief work in one lakh villages.

Nadda, while addressing BJP workers virtually, told them to continue working like “doers”, help people during the pandemic

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Modi govt harmful for country: Cong

NEW DELHI, MAY 30 (PTI): The Narendra Modi dispensation is harmful for the country as it has failed on every front and betrayed people’s trust, the Congress charged on Sunday on the seventh anniversary of the government.

“The truth is Modi government’s seven years are a story of immeasurable pain, insurmountable devastation and unfathomable agony and anguish for a nation of 140 crore people,” the party said.

The opposition party released a seven-point charge-sheet of “blunders” it accused the government of committing, and alleged that the Modi dispensation abdicated its responsibilities towards people.

The Congress listed out what it called the major failures of the government, including a declining economy, rising unemployment and inflation, and COVID19 mismanagement.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi said the government needs to have the right intention, policy and

Rahul Gandhi

Randeep Surjewala

determination to fight the coronavirus and not just a monthly talk.

“You need the right intention, policy and determination to fight Corona and not just a pointless talk once in a month,” Gandhi said in a tweet in Hindi, on a day when Prime Minister Modi delivered his monthly “Mann ki baat” radio address.

Congress general secretary and chief spokesperson Randeep Surjewala said the last seven years have been a story of unprecedented devastation, abdication of responsibility and abandonment of India’s people by a government that was

showered with all the love and affection.

“This government is harmful for the country as it has betrayed the faith of people of India. It is betraying the trust and the innate faith the people reposed in prime minister Narendra Modi,” he said.

“This is a deception of the worst kind heaped upon 140 crore Indians by a government they elected based on innumerable promises.

After seven years time has come to do stock taking.

Time has come to ask why the country is suffering,” he said.

The Congress also came out with a 4.5-minute

video, “Bharat Mata ki Kahani”, listing out the “failures” of the government in the last seven years.

“The truth is Modi government’s seven years are a story of immeasurable pain, insurmountable devastation and unfathomable agony and anguish for a nation of 140 crore people.

The Modi government has abandoned its people and abdicated its duty and responsibility in the middle of the pandemic,” Surjewala told reporters.

He said the Modi government is guilty of attacking the poor, the middle class and the marginalised instead of attacking poverty.

“The Modi government has decimated by design a robust Indian economy into deep economic recession today. The Modi government is responsible for runaway inflation where petrol is crossing Rs 100 for first time in 70 years and mustard oil is crossing Rs 200 per litre.

“The Modi government is guilty of unpar-

donable compromise on national integrity as also our territorial integrity. The Modi government has only given us pain and suffering and has decimated the very edifice of democracy in this country and we need to restore it as a nation together,” he said. Training his guns on the prime minister, he said it is probably for the first time ever in this country that the government left lakhs of Indians to fend for their own people and die during the pandemic.

“Can a ruler run away from one’s responsibility like this. You can be eventjeevi (event manager), swapan-jeevi (dreamer) and jumla-jeevi (rhetorical), but you never became a sewajeevi (service-oriented) and kartavya-jeevi (dutiful) in these seven years and that is the truth about you,” Surjewala alleged.

The Congress leader said the time has come to ask why “a pseudo-nationalist government utterly failed to defend our borders and to push back the Chinese from our territory”.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MAY 31, 2021

Country experienced many moments of national pride: PM on his govt’s anniv

NEW DELHI, MAY (): The country has experienced many moments of national pride during his government’s tenure, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Sunday as he highlighted its initiatives on national security and various development measures on its seventh anniversary.

In his monthly ‘Mann ki Baat’ address, Modi also said that along with successes there have been trials too and referred to the COVID-19 pandemic which has hit lives hard across the country and dealt a blow to economy. He expresses confidence that India will prevail over the virus.

Over these seven years, he said, the country has followed the mantra of “sabka saath, sabka vikas, sabka vishwas”. India now moves ahead not under the pressure of other countries but with its own convictions, he asserted, saying it makes everyone proud.

“When we witness that now India gives a befitting reply to those who conspire

Narendra Modi

against us, then our confidence soars. When India does not compromise on the issues of national security, when the strength of our armed forces increases, we feel that yes, we are on the right path,” Modi said.

Many old disputes have also been resolved with complete peace and harmony, and a new confidence underpinned by peace and development has arisen from the northeast to Kashmir, he said. Noting that in seven decades after Independence only 3.5 crore rural homes had water connections, he said 4.5 crore houses have been given

clean water connections in the last 21 months alone. Of these, 15 months were during the coronavirus period, he added.

When the poor come home healthy with free treatment under “Ayushman Yojana” they feel that they have got a new life, he said.

Many people are thankful that electricity has reached their village for the first time in 70 years, while many others say their village too is now connected to city by a paved road, he said, referring to development works undertaken by his government since it took office in May 2014.

Modi said, “I remember some friends from a tribal area had sent me a message that after the road was built, for the first time they felt that they too had joined the rest of the world.

Similarly, someone shares the joy of opening a bank account, someone starts a new employment with the help of different schemes, then they also invite me in sharing that happiness.”

Punjab Cong MLAs summoned to Delhi This is no time for politicking by Centre: J’Khand CM Hemant Soren constituted a three-member committee comprising Malliakarjun Kharge, Harish Rawat and J.P. Agarwal -- to resolve the issues between Navjot Singh Sidhu and the CM. Rawat is also Punjab Incharge of the Congress.

Sidhu has been attacking the CM, saying that he is waiting as the high command has intervened. Sidhu dared the chief minister to prove his allegations. But seeing

the fate of the committee in Rajasthan the disgruntled group says that this is to buy time as nothing much is expected and the AICC will not take risk of replacing the CM as there is nobody of his stature to face the Akali Dal specially the Badal family, the Congress will have to devise a middle path as 20 MLAs are reported to be unhappy with the CM’s style of functioning.

Poor internet service hampering...

(From p-1) ENCSU said that on May 29, 2021 the students under Noklak district experienced tense situation after they were unable to submit the answers script within the stipulated time. It said that the same situation was being experienced by many students in the interior places. In order to appear online exams, the union said that the students had to walk miles in search of internet connection.

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

ENCSU has, therefore, appealed to the state government and district administration to immediately take measures and direct the telecom service providers operating in Eastern Nagaland to provide quality network coverage and uninterrupted internet connectivity in all the areas within the Eastern Nagaland for the smooth conduct of the NU examination. Further, ENCSU has appealed to the responsible authority to put extra efforts to provide quality internet service.

Says need to survive the Covid storm jointly RANCHI, MAY 30 (PTI): Accusing the Centre of politicking at a juncture when the country is fighting against a raging second wave of COVID-19, Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to “weather the storm” together with states and focus on surviving the “hurricane”.

“This is not the time to meddle in politics when we are caught in a storm.

This is not the time for legpulling. (Let us) weather the storm together Survive the hurricane and take the boat to shore together ...

But if you (Centre) continue fighting in mid-sea, you will sink and we (states) will sink (too),” Soren told PTI in an interview.

Urging Prime Minister Modi to “work together” with states during these difficult times, Soren accused him of instead causing damage to India’s federal structure. Currently, the country is experiencing an aggressive second phase of the pandemic, and to address this there is need for proper coordination between the Centre and states, he said.

“I feel pain ... prime minister through video conferencing speaks to DMs (District Magistrates) and DCs (Deputy Collectors) but does not allow chief ministers to talk. In a federal system, you don’’t accept the state’’s leadership...such a precedent was never set in the last 70 years...If state governments start doing this with the Centre what will happen?,” Soren questioned.

Earlier this month, the

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No. 3576 Yesterday’s solution No. 3575

Across 9. Prone (9) 10. Make holes in (9) 12. Duty list (4) 13. Outdoor meal (6) 14. Drinking vessel (7) 15. Prehistoric creatures (9) 17. Notes (9) 18. Order (7) 19. Very small (6) 20. L egal document (4) 23. Radioactive element (9) 25. Fast vehicle (6,3) 26. Resonation (4) 27. Card game (6) 29. Rider’s foot support (7) 32. Global (9) 34. Fruit (9) 35. Put in (7) 36. Cunning (6) 37. Information (4) 38. Vigorous (9) 39. Meddle (9) Down 1. Intermittent (8) 2. Disease of farm animals (4-3-5) 3. Tired (8) 4. Sport (6) 5. Sample (8) 6. Branch of maths (10) 7. Nation (7) 8. S e n i o r t e a c h e r (10) 11. Once more (5) 16. Skiing race (6) 19. Silent (3) 21. G r a m o p h o n e (6,6) 22. Heart condition (6) 23. Bigoted (10) 24. Hesitant (10) 25. Regret (3) 28. Frailty (8) 29. Holiness (8) 30. Made ready (8) 31. Make mad (7) 33. Edition (5) 34. Unruffled (6)

Hemant Soren

chief minister had described Modi’’s phone call to him on the COVID-19 situation in the country as the PM’’s “Mann Ki Baat”, where the conversation was onesided, which had resulted in a political slugfest. Accusing the Centre of failing “miserably” to manage the COVID-19 pandemic, Soren questioned why the Centre was unable to assess the situation and “mismanaged” vaccination and medical relief.

“You (Centre) neither made arrangements for

TRNYF blames....

(From p-1) The front said that Nagas share age old ties with all the people of upper Assam especially after the Ahom Kingdom was established.

TRNYF, however, said that the people who were not originally from the area may not actually know the historical facts in detail.

In this regard, TRNYF has urged the Assamese people to speak out and correct such persons and to restrain those elements trying to break the age old ties that the people of two states shared.

The youth front has reminded the MLA that a politician of his stature should not indulge in such misadventures. Affirming its faith in the “long arms of the law”, the TRNYF said it would go to great lengths to ensure that “rabble rousers are brought to justice.”

Urging the MLA not to underestimate Nagas by misconstruing their patience and rationality, the TRNYF said that Naga culture neither idolised and nor demonised any individual but if provoked they would not remain silent.

Meanwhile, youth front has urged the state government to “wake up from the slumber” and ensure that better administration was done in the border areas.

TRNYF said that the government swings into action only when there was a border tension and the supply chain was disrupted.

It demanded that the state government immediately start border outposts in the volatile areas bordering Assam and enforce strict protocol by both parties to ensure such incidents did not repeat.

launch of a proper vaccination drive, nor oxygen distribution or any other thing....You gave a message that we have won the corona war and everyone went into sleep mode...Now people are bearing the brunt.Had there been proper preparedness such a situation would not have arisen,” he said.

Launching a scathing attack on the prime minister, Soren asked why a lockdown was imposed by the Centre last year during the first wave of COVID-19 without making arrangements for lakhs of poor people and helpless and migrant workers.

“Such a lockdown killed many and now you preach no lockdowns which could have resulted in more killings,” he said.

Hitting out at the Centre on vaccine distribution, he said a state like Jharkhand

has almost exhausted doses for people in the 18-44 years age group and barely has a stock of two three days.

Giving vent to his anger over oxygen distribution, the CM said Jharkhand supplied 34 per cent of the required life- saving gas to the country but had to beg the Centre for allocation of the gas to the state.

“We cater to 34 per cent of the country’’s oxygen need but we had to request the Centre with folded hands to get the life-saving gas. We need the Union government’’s permission to get it from our state’’s plants.

It was the state government that gave permission for setting up plants here and not the Centre,” Soren said.

The chief minister said he had raised the issue to Union Home Minister Amit Shah and was asked to send a letter on the issue.

Pvt hospitals in Dimapur...

(From p-1) Zion Hospital has 10 Covid beds, including two ICU beds with ventilator, four HDUs and four oxygen-supported beds, besides 100 cylinders (70 type ‘B’ and 30 type ‘D’).

And currently, eight beds have been occupied.

CIHSR has presently 104 Covid beds, two ICUs and has 12 ventilators. The hospital will soon have an additional 176 beds for covid patients. According to CIHSR director Dr SedeviAngami, the hospital has more than 60 plus oxygen beds, of which around 50% have been occupied at present. Nikos Hospital & Research Centre has 14 Covid beds, of which 13 are occupied, four ICU beds, 43 oxygen cylinders (21 type ‘B’ and 22 type ‘D’) and three ventilators. According to sources, most covid-wards under private hospitals are already almost full while the number of staff for covid wards are not adequate. Most covid patients in the second pandemic wave suffer largely from lung infections or pneumonia caused by covid-19. Most do not realise that breathlessness is a danger sign among covid patients. Delay in rushing to hospital for treatment of breathing difficulties can prove fatal. Most deaths even among the young the healthy are due to delay in treating the problem.

OFFICE OF THE CHUNGTIAYIMSEN VILLAGE COUNCIL P.O MANGKOLEMBA, B.P.O CHUNGTIAYIMSEN DIST: MOKOKCHUNG, NAGALAND

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We the members of the Chungtiayimsen Village Council would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to Shri.Temjen Imna Along Longkumer, Honourable Minister for Higher Education and Tribal Affairs, Government of Nagaland, for providing necessary needs and medicine to fight the Covid -19 pandemic to the council.

We are truly humbled by your act of generosity towards us in this times of Covid-19 pandemic. We wish you good health and success in all the future endeavours as we uphold your esteemed self in our prayers.

N. Semmak Pongen Chairman, Chungtiayimsen Village Council MKC-148

MISSING

Name : Mr. Vikash Kumar Father’s Name : Naresh Thakur Address : Naharbari, Purana Bazar Dimapur, Nagaland Sex : Male.

Age : 24 years Height : 5’2” Weight : 60 Kg Identification mark : A black mole on the tip of the nose and lip.

Last Seen : 11th May 2021 wearing a T-shirt and black Half-pants.

Missing Since : 11th May 2021 If any information about him please contact8414854883/8732004493

DP-2586

New Delhi, May 30 (IANS): The three-member Congress committee which was constituted to resolve issues in Punjab between chief minister Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu, has summoned 25 MLAs to Delhi on Monday to take their feedback on the ongoing tussle in the party, sources said. The meeting is scheduled at Congress war room in Delhi. The Congress has

Israel, Egypt talk truce with Hamas

Cairo, May 30 (AP): Egypt and Israel are holding high-level talks in both countries Sunday to shore up a fragile truce between Israel and the Hamas militant group, and rebuild the Gaza Strip after a punishing 11-day war that left much of the seaside enclave in ruins.

E g y p t i a n Fo r e i g n Minister Sameh Shukry was meeting with his Israeli counterpart, Gabi Ashkenazi, who landed in Cairo on Sunday. It was the first public visit by an Israeli foreign minister in over a decade, according to the Egyptian Foreign Ministry.

The Israeli Embassy in Cairo said on Twitter that Ashkenazi’s visit is the first for a top Israeli diplomat since 2008.

It wrote that the two ministers would discuss topics including the ceasefire and the release of Israeli soldiers and citizens

Israeli Foreign minister Gabi Ashkenazi, right during high-level talks to shore up a fragile truce between Israel and the Hamas.

being held by Hamas.

Meanwhile, Egypt’s intelligence chief, Abbas Kamel, flew to Tel Aviv for talks with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian officials in Ramallah, an Egyptian official said.

The official said Kamel would discuss with Netanyahu and the Palestinian Authority how to rebuild Gaza. Kamel is then expected to meet

with Hamas leaders in Ramallah.

The discussions with Israeli officials also are expected to touch on a set of measures that would allow materials, electricity and fuel into the territory, as well as the possible expansion of the maritime space allowed for Gaza fishermen, the official said.

“The role of the Palestinian Authority is central in the talks,” he said.

“Egypt is seeking to have it deeply involved in the reconstruction process.”

The Egyptian official, who had close knowledge of the proceedings that led to the cease-fire, spoke on condition of anonymity because he wasn’t allowed to brief reporters.

The 11-day war killed more than 250 people, mostly Palestinians, and caused heavy destruction in the impoverished coastal territory. Preliminary estimates have put the damage in the hundreds of millions of dollars. Egypt was key in mediating a deal between the two sides.

The official said Egypt would offer guarantees that rebuilding funds will not find its way to Hamas, possibly going through an international committee led by Egypt or the United Nations that would oversee the spending. Kamel will also discuss the situation in Jerusalem and ways to

water down tensions in the holy city, including an ease of Israeli restrictions at the Al-Aqsa Mosque and how to prevent the planned eviction of Palestinian families from the Sheikh Jarrah neighborhood in East Jerusalem.

The talks in Gaza and Tel Aviv would also look into the possibility of a release of Palestinian prisoners in Israel in return for Israelis held by Hamas, the official said.

Egypt last week invited Israel, Hamas and the Palestinian Authority for separate talks in Cairo to consolidate the Cairomediated cease-fire and accelerate the reconstruction process in Gaza.

Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh is expected to visit Cairo this week, according to the group’s spokesman Abdelatif al-Qanou, who also said Hamas is open to discussing a prisoner swap with Israel.

Boris Johnson marries fiancée ‘B.1.617 Covid variant could Carrie Symonds in secret ceremony become a big problem in UK’ London, May 30 (AP): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and his fiancée Carrie Symonds married Saturday in a small private ceremony in London, UK newspapers reported.

Johnson’s office declined to comment on reports in the Mail on Sunday and the Sun that the couple wed at the Roman Catholic Westminster Cathedral in front of a small group of friends and family.

The Sun said senior staff in Johnson’s 10 Downing St. office were unaware of the wedding plan.

According to The Telegraph, a Downing Street spokesman said “The Prime Minister and Ms. Symonds were married yesterday afternoon in a small ceremony at Westminster Cathedral.”

The spokesman added that the couple would celebrate again with family and friends next summer, with their honeymoon also delayed until then. Under current coronavirus restrictions in England, weddings can be attended by a maximum of 30 people.

7

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MAY 31, 2021

Boris Johnson poses with wife Carrie Johnson in the garden of 10 Downing Street following their wedding on Sunday. (Getty Images)

Johnson, 56, and 33year-old Symonds, an environmental campaigner, announced their engagement in February 2020 and have a son together, 1-yearold Wilfred. The marriage would be Symonds’ first and Johnson’s third. He has at least five other children from previous relationships.

The last British prime minister to marry in office was Lord Liverpool in 1822. Politicians sent congratulations after the news was reported. The

reported nuptials come after a tumultuous political week for Johnson, who was accused by former top aide Dominic Cummings on Wednesday of bungling the government’s response to the coronavirus and being “unfit for the job.”

On Friday, an ethics inquiry found the prime minister acted “unwisely” in renovating his Downing Street apartment without knowing where the money had come from, though it cleared him of misconduct.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”

L on d on , M ay 3 0 (IANS): The B.1.617 coronavirus variant could “pick up speed and become a big problem” in the UK as the country further eases its lockdown, an expert has warned. The UK’s fight against coronavirus could turn bad “very, very quickly” unless the government acts cautiously on easing lockdown further, Xinhua news agency quoted Professor Tim Gowers from the University of Cambridge as saying to the Guardian on Saturday. “So I think if that’s the way you’re going to play things, then you should be very, very cautious about every step you take... And maybe everything (will) be okay, maybe the number of people who are vaccinated will be just enough.

“But if it’s not OK, we know, because of mathematics, that things will get bad very, very quickly.

“Or at least, maybe it won’t look that quick to start with, but it’ll grow exponentially. So it’ll pick up speed and become a big problem,” he said. Meanwhile, Professor Anthony Harnden, deputy chair of the UK’s Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation (JCVI), also warned that the variant is “clearly more transmissible”. “We need to be reassured that we’re in a

very different position now in that we’ve got a highly vaccinated population and we just need to continue moving at speed,” he told the BBC on Saturday. “We do know that with this particular variant you do need two doses to offer complete protection, and so we’re very, very keen to make sure that all those, particularly higher risk groups, that’s the over-50s and those with underlying illness, receive their second vaccination as soon as feasible.”

Myanmar Junta ‘kills’ rebel outfit’s second-in-command

(Inset) Sao Khun Kyaw and file photo of Shanni Nationalist Army (The Irrawaddy)

KOLKATA, MAY 30 (IANS): The outlawed Shanni Nationalities Army (SNA) in Myanmar has alleged its second-in-command, ‘Major General’ Sao Khun Kyaw, was assassinated on May 26 by killers sent by the military junta.

SNA spokesperson, ‘Colonel’ Hsur Sai Tun said Sao Khun Kyaw, an ethnic Shanni from Mohnyin Township in Kachin State, died from bullet wounds on Thursday morning after being shot at close range.

“His security team was attacked and then he was shot by the assassin.

Only he was killed and one of our other members was injured. We killed the assassin.

“There was no personal grudge, he was killed

by Myanmar’s army,” Tun told IANS . But he refused to provide evidence of the assassin’s links to the junta.

The spokesman said the group is still investigating the assassination.

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF OUR BELOVED LT. SASHINARO

Sao Khun Kyaw joined the armed struggle following the 1988 pro-democracy uprising and moved to the Kachin Independence Army territory. He was appointed Vice Chairman of the northern section of the All Burma Students’ Democratic Front, responsible for military affairs.

He was accused of being the key perpetrator of the 1992 killing of students in the front’s Pajaung camp, where 35 of 106 detained front members were executed between August 1991 and May 1992.

He accused them of being government spies.

Some died during torture and others were summarily executed, including 15 suspects on February 12, 1992.

Extensive torture and extrajudicial killings followed as leaders of the northern wing of the student army formed after the 1988 crackdown attempted to extract confessions from detainees.

Sao Khun Kyaw then

left the front and joined the Restoration Council of Shan State, which was formed in 1999. He worked as a central committee member in the armed group and was promoted to ‘Colonel’.

In 2006, he was arrested by Myanmar’s military in Nam Kham Township, northern Shan State, on his way to Kachin State to join the SNA. Sao Khun Kyaw was given four death sentences.

He was released from prison, among many prisoners during the April 2018 presidential pardon, and returned to the SNA as the armed group’s deputy.

The SNA said it was formed in 1989 to fight for political equality, self-determination for the ethnic Shanni community and to establish a Shanni state.

Myanmar’s military intelligence has often resorted to covert killings, usually using hired mercenaries, to eliminate leaders of the country’s many ethnic rebel armies.

OFFICE OF THE

TOWN HIGHER SECONDARY SCHOOL MOKOKCHUNG CONDOLENCE

The Board of Governors and the entire staff of Town Higher Secondary School, Mokokchung express their heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family on the sad demise of

Died on 31st May 2020 In life we loved you dearly, in death we do the same. Life is not the same to us since you were called away. Remembering you is easy but missing you is heartache that never fades. Your beautiful memories, love and words of wisdoms are still our guide. You will always stay within our hearts guiding like an angel even though we are parted. For love is everlasting and so our memories. You are deeply missed.

Loving, Husband, son, daughters, grandchildren and relatives.

DP-2565

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Romans 14:8

MKC-147

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.

Mr B.B. Gurung He has been an indispensable member of the School Managing Board since 1978. His untimely demise is a huge loss not only for his family but also the Institution.

He will be deeply missed and remembered for his manifold contributions towards the School.

May the Almighty God grant comfort and solace to his near and dear ones, and eternal rest and peace to the departed soul.

Sd/Sd/Principal Chairman THSSM BOG, THSSM

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Romans 10:13 "For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved."

Mathew 11: 28 LATE LOHO PUKINI

D

(01/03/1943 – 27/05/2021

ad, much have we tried to be together for even a couple of years so that we gain more wisdom and humility from your silver hairs.

We believe you tried even harder to see the blessings of another sunrise. %XW PD\EH LW LV *RG¶V :LOO WKDW \RX¶OO ¿QG WUXH SHDFH DQG EHWWHU UHVW LQ the place that our Lord has prepared.

As we bid adieu, Father remember that we’ll all be alongside you till \RXU ¿QDO UHVWLQJ SODFH We the family members of Late Loho Pukini, convey our sincere gratitude and acknowledgement to all those who supported and stood by us- spiritually, physically and other assistances, in our hour of grief.

DC-465

Our apologies for not being able to name and acknowledge each one of you individually. It is our prayer that the Almighty blesses everyone who stood by us.

“In my Father~s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you.”

John 14:2 With gratitude: Wife, sons, daughter, in-laws, grandchildre n and relatives.

K Y M C

03.12.1954 – 27.05.2021 Through this column, we, the bereaved family of Late N. Neiselhou Angami, wishes to acknowledge our expressions of sympathy and gestures of kindness shown to us at the sudden demise of our late father. We offer our heartfelt gratitude to our friends, neighbours and well wishers who provided emotional, financial and spiritual support for us at this difficult time.

We would like to convey our special thanks to: 1. Nagaland Christian Revival Church (NCRC), P.R. Hill, Kohima Nagaland.

2. Child Evangelism Ministry (NCRC) 3. Jordan Christian Prayer Centre, Burma Camp 4. Tsiepfutsupfe CRC, A.G Colony 5. Lapa Baptist Church, Lapa Village, Mon 6. CYE, NCRC, P.R. Hill 7. Ratakhrie Krotho, A.G Colony, Kohima As it would be impossible to thank everyone individually, please accept this acknowledgement as an expression of our deepest gratitude. We thank each one of you for your love and support during these difficult times. May the Lord bless and keep each one of you.

Loving wife, children and grand children.

DP-2591

BANGONG YANLEM 20:04:1984 – 25:05:2021 • 2006 HSSLC DBS Dimapur • 2009 BSc Forensic Science graduation 1st Div from Amity University, Noida • 2011: Appointed & Joined as ASI (FSL) INT • 2011-12 Underwent ASI training at Chumu • Attached to Forensic Science Laboratory, Dimapur • Presently was : FSL Crime Scene Team, Finger Print Division We, the family of Bangong Yanlem would like to express our sincere gratitude to each and everyone especially Kingdom Culture Church, FSL Dept., and Referal Hospital Covid Service Giver who stood by us physically, financially, prayerfully, and spiritually during this brief illness and demise of Bangong Yanlem. “Dead takes the body, God takes the soul."

Loving Mum Mariam Yanlem & Relatives DP-2590 K Y M C

8

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, MAY 31, 2021

Chelsea wins Champions League after Havertz goal seals City’s quest

PORTO (PORTUGAL), MAY 30 (AGENCIES): Despite popular predictions of Manchester City winning the UEFA Champions League cup by 60.40 % against 39.60% for Chelsea, the final at Porto not only proved these predictions wrong but also witnessed a clinical Chelsea deservedly winning the match and making Manchester City look like a rudderless team.

On a night of high drama in a seaside Portuguese city, Kai Havertz, a 21-year-old German forward, scored late in the first half Saturday as Chelsea upset Manchester City, 1-0, to win its second European championship and deny its Premier League rivals its first.

The German youngster, Chelsea’s record signing, latched on to Mason Mount’s pass and evaded City keeper Ederson before rolling the ball into an empty net in the 42nd minute.

Premier League champions City were favourites ahead of the final but suffered a desperately disappointing night in Porto in what was their first Champions League final.

Pep Guardiola’s side were never allowed to play their normal fluent game and could not respond as a disciplined Chelsea sealed a

Kai Havertz fights to keep his balance after beating Ederson to the ball on the way to scoring the only goal of the Champions League final. (J Chelsea players celebrate after winning the Champions League. Coelho/EPA)

second Champions League triumph.

Chelsea created genuine opportunities, but inefficiency cost the Blues as Havertz and Timo Werner faltered in the box — misses that raised questions about Tuchel’s decision to pass over Pulisic. And Tuchel’s defensive plans required adjustment late in the half when 36-year-old center back Thiago Silva was lost to injury.

In the 42nd minute, however, Chelsea struck.

It started with goalkeeper Edouard Mendy finding Ben Chilwell along the sideline. Chilwell’s superb, one-touch pass to Mason Mount created possibilities.

Downfield, Havertz

made a terrific run to get inside of left back Oleksandr Zinchenko. From just inside Chelsea’s end, Mount had time to turn and deliver a sumptuous long ball that connected with Havertz in stride.

Ederson’s charge was too late. Havertz touched it past him at the top of the box, leaving nothing between the German forward and the welcoming target. His finish from 12 yards was his first goal in 12 Champions League appearances with Chelsea this season and 20 overall with the Blues and the Bundesliga’s Bayer Leverkusen.

“I’ve waited a long time,” Havertz said, “and now I’ve done it.”

Havertz’s goal lifted

Chelsea after Timo Werner failed to convert several promising opportunities earlier in the half. By intermission, City held slightly more possession (52-48 percent) but Chelsea had created more chances (five shots to three), punishing its Premier League foes just minutes after losing Thiago Silva to an injury.

Manchester City turned up the pressure, but Chelsea defended with resolve, diffusing trouble in the box and riding the leadership and steel of defensive midfielder N’GoloKanté.

Seven minutes of stoppage time came and went, ending with Riyad Mahrez’s tying bid whizzing past the top right corner.

The Porto setting also

provided a stage for Christian Pulisic, who became the first U.S. men’s national team player to appear in club soccer’s biggest game.

Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen, Pulisic’s U.S. teammate, did not play.

This years final was much more entertaining than the scoreline suggests.

The first half was played at 100mph, while the second half was a big physical battle.

Both teams had chances, with Timo Werner in particular guilty of spurning a few.

The Blues controlled the match from the beginning and used their patient, organized defense to hold City’s attack at bay for the majority of the match as Pep Guardiola’s men rarely looked like a threat going forward.

Guardiola brought on Sergio Aguero and Gabriel Jesus, but the tinkering with his starting XI did not work out as his surprise inclusion of Raheem Sterling resulted in very little. Thee Londoners claimed their second ever UCL crown, and their first since 2012.

Chelsea’s Christian Pulisic made history as the first USMNT player to appear in the Champions League final, though he was unable to convert on a goal-scoring chance off the bench.

Tuchel to sign new contract after leading Chelsea to glory

• Manager to be given

deal to 2023 with option of further year • Tuchel: ‘I want the next title, I demand to be a part of it’

‘I did my best in the selection’ Pep Guardiola

In his post-match press conference, Manchester City Manager Pep Guardiola has looked to make further arguments for why he decided to break with a season’s worth of good results by playing a holding midfielder and is at pains to point out that his side had chances (which they did, if not as smart as they could have been).

“I did my best in the selection. Like last season against Olympique Lyon, like it was against PSG and Dortmund,” he says.

Pep Guardiola, who has not won this competition since 2011, was criticised after leaving out Fernandinho in midfield and naming Raheem Sterling in an attackminded team. IlkayGündogan struggled in defensive midfield. “I had quality players,” City’s manager said.

Gündogan played many ways this position. He had the speed to find the quality players between the lines.

This was the decision.”

Thomas Tuchel has revealed that he is in line to sign a new contract with Chelsea and has told Thomas Tuchel Roman Abramovich he is ‘hungry’ to win more trophies following their Champions League success this season.

Chelsea owner Abramovich was at the Estadio do Dragao to watch his team win the Champions League for the second time during his reign.

The final was the first time Tuchel has met and spoken to Abramovich since he replaced Frank Lampard as manager in January.

And Tuchel has told Chelsea’s owner that he is intent on winning more silverware at Stamford Bridge.

“I spoke to the owner right now on the pitch, I think it was the best moment for the first meeting, or the worst because from now on it can only get worse!

We will speak tomorrow, we will speak later, I’m looking forward to this, I can assure him I will stay hungry, that I want the next title and I feel absolutely happy. I feel as a part of a really ambitious club, a strong part of a strong group that suits my belief and my passion about football in the moment perfectly”.

“I’m not quite sure if I can even speak out this, I’m not even 100 per cent sure but maybe I have already a new contract with that win, my manager said something but I do not know, so let’s check this first” Tuchel said after Chelsea’s win over City.

Tuchel, who was fired as Paris Saint-Germain’s manager last December, has made a stunning impact since joining Chelsea. Yet the former Borussia Dortmund manager is hungry for more success after helping Chelsea become European champions for the second time in their history.

Haney beats Linares French Open: Naomi, Paula win; Panesar picks Jadeja, Ashwin in his India XI for WTC final to defend WBC title Angelique loses to qualifier

Devin Haney throws a punch against his opponent Jorge Linares during the WBC lightweight title fight.

LAS VEGAS, MAY 30 (AGENCIES): American Devin Haney survived a late scare to defend his WBC lightweight title by beating former world champion Jorge Linares in Las Vegas.

After controlling the bout, Haney was rocked in the 10th round but won by unanimous decision - 116112, 116-112, 115-113 on the judges’ scorecards.

He remains undefeated in 26 fights and afterwards called for a unification bout against compatriot Teofimo Lopez.

“If Teofimo Lopez is next, let’s do it,” 22-yearold Haney told Dazn.

“If Teofimo wants to get it next, let’s do it for all the belts — the real undisputed.”

Lopez, who is unbeaten in 16 professional fights,

holds the IBF, WBA, WBO lightweight belts - plus The Ring magazine title - and criticised Haney during the week.

Against 35-yearold Venezuelan Linares, Haney wobbled in the closing seconds of the 10th after being struck by a right hand.

He was caught again in the 11th but kept his distance in the 12th to retain his title. “ T h i s i s b ox i n g .

You’re going to get hit with big shots,” Haney said.

“But it’s about continuing to box smart.”

Elsewhere on Saturday, 38-year-old Filipino NonitoDonaire became the oldest fighter to win a bantamweight title with a fourth-round knockout of WBC champion NordineOubaali in Los Angeles.

PARIS, MAY 30 (IANS): World No. 2 Naomi Osaka of Japan got her French Open campaign off to a strong start with a 6-4, 7-6(4) win over 63rd-ranked Romanian Patricia Maria Tig on Sunday. The four-time Grand Slam title winner, seeking her first second-week showing at the clay court major, fended off a spirited challenge from Patricia in one hour and 47 minutes. Naomi, the reigning US Open and Australian Open champion, is playing in Paris for the first time since 2019, after withdrawing from last year’s event with a hamstring injury prior to the tournament. In other firstround matches on Day 1, No. 33 seed Paula Badosa of Spain continued her fine clay court season with a 6-2, 7-6(3) win over Lauren Davis of the USA. Paula has reached the semi-finals

Naomi Osaka

Paula Badosa

or better in her last three clay-court appearances -at Charleston, Madrid, and Belgrade, where she won her maiden WTA singles title. Former world No.1 Angelique Kerber of Germany was upset by Ukrainian qualifier AnhelinaKalinina 6-2, 6-4 in an hour-and-a-half long contest. The 139th-ranked Anhelina came into the French Open qualifiers in exceptional form, having won back-to-back ITF

Challenger events in Portugal and Croatia. Anhelina broke the world No. 27 Angelique six times en route to her first ever win over a player ranked inside the top 30. Naomi was superb on serve during her encounter with Patricia, winning 89 per cent of the points behind her first delivery. The former world No. 1 reeled off 39 winners, compared to 19 from her opponent as Naomi improved to 2-0 against the Romanian.

L o n d o n, M ay 3 0 (IANS): Former England left-arm spinner Monty Panesar has picked two spinners and three fast bowlers in his India playing XI for World Test Championship (WTC) final against New Zealand that begins in Southampton from June 18. While there has been no speculation on India’s top-five batsmen as well as wicketkeeper-batsman, there were speculations on the bowling line-up India would field.

With the WTC final being played in June, which is the early part of English summer, there could be a chance that India go in with four pace bowlers and one spinner. However, Panesar thinks otherwise as he tweeted an India XI that comprises five bowlers including all-rounder RavindraJadeja, five batsmen and a wicketkeeper-batsman.

He is expecting India to play left-arm spinner Jadeja as well as off-spinner R Ashwin together. He has also included experienced pace bowlers JaspritBumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma leaving out youngster Mohammed Siraj. According to his playing XI, wicketkeeper-batsman Rishabh Pant should come in to bat at No. 6 while Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma should, on expected lines, open the batting.

Monty Panesar’s India XI for WTC final (according to batting order): Openers: Rohit Sharma, Shubman Gill; No 3: CheteshwarPujara, No. 4: ViratKohli, No. 5: AjinkyaRahane, No. 6: Rishabh Pant, No. 7: RavindraJadeja, No. 8: R Ashwin, No. 9: JaspritBumrah, No. 10: Mohammed Shami, No. 11: Ishant Sharma.

Krejcikova wins maiden WTA title in Strasbourg

Theunis de Bruyn

H arare , M ay 3 0 (IANS): A sizzling unbeaten century by Theunis de Bruyn helped South Africa A make a strong start to their tour of Zimbabwe as they comfortably beat the host by six wickets here on Saturday. Batting first, the tourists conceded a hefty 319 for nine at the Harare Sports Club, but they then delivered an authoritative response by charging to the target with 43 balls to spare.

De Bruyn was at the forefront of the chase -smashing six sixes and seven fours in an unbeaten 113 off just 64 deliveries -- while Janneman Malan (82 off 76 balls, 11 fours, 2 sixes) and Reeza Hendricks (52 off 56 balls, 6 fours) also recorded half-centuries.

Together with 49 from captainZubayr Hamza, they gave MalibongweMaketa’s side a good start to the series, which is made up of four one-dayers and two four-day encounters, all in the capital.

with 10 double faults, as windy conditions in the open-air arena made serving difficult, but the Czech fifth seed converted six of 13 break points to deny her Romanian opponent a third singles title.

Krejcikova, 25, used her deep ground strokes well to force Cirstea to

scramble for returns and combined that strategy with finesse at the net.

“I feel very emotional, really happy. It was an amazing week for me,” Krejcikova, who fought back from a set down twice in the tournament to win her matches, said at the trophy presentation ceremony.

“I don’t have many words, I’m shaking, super excited to win my first WTA title.”

Cirstea never got a grip on the match with her unforced error count rising with every game as she finished with 44 in all.

Krejcikova fired 22 winners, including one on match point as she

Diya, Swastika confirm medal for India in WTT

Indian women cricket team’s new Test jersey unveiled

Asian boxing: Mary Kom loses in 51kg final, settles for silver

Tunis, May 30 (IANS): Indian table tennis players Diya Chitale and Swastika Ghosh confirmed a medal in the U-19 girls’ doubles category and also made it to the knockout stage in singles, at the 2021 World Table Tennis (WTT) Youth Star Contender here on Sunday.

This is the first international youth event where India TT players are competing in since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Maharashtra duo of Diya and Swastika, who received a bye in the opening round, won 11-5, 6-11, 11-9, 11-8 against local favourites FadwaGarci and MaramZoghlami in the last-eight encounter and secured at least a bronze

STRASBOURG, MAY 30 (AGENCIES): Barbora Krejcikova gave her French Open preparations a huge boost when she won her maiden WTA title at the Strasbourg International on Saturday with a 6-3 6-3 victory over Sorana Cirstea. Krejcikova did not have the perfect match,

India paddlers Diya Chitale, Swastika Ghosh confirm doubles medal at WTT Youth Star Contender, advance into singles pre-quarters too. (PTI)

with an entry into the semi- Linda Zaderova and Croafinals. The pair will now tia’s Hana Arapovic in the take on Czech Republic’s last-four match.

Diya and Swastika also progressed into the U-19 singles last-16 stage after finishing on top in their respective groups with an all-win record. Diya, the national youth champion, dominated during her 3-0 victories against Belarusian Darya Vasilenka (11-7, 11-7, 11-7), Linda Zaderova (11-4, 10-12, 11-1, 11-8) and Algeria’s NarimeneHind Siddeki (11-3, 11-4, 11-7) in Group-VI. Junior national champion Swastika defeated Greece’s Malamatenia Papadimitriou and Portugal’s Ines Matos by identical 3-0 margins in the Group-I. In the boys’ U-15 singles, Preyesh Raj Suresh bowed out in the quarterfinals.

NEW DELHI, MAY 30 (IANS): India T20 captain Harmanpreet Kaur on Sunday shared photos of the new Test jersey that the players would wear during the tour of England, starting next month.

The white jersey has the player number at the back, as is the new fashion with all the teams. Hardhitting batswoman Harmanpreet’s shirt is No.7.

She posted photos of the front and the back of the new jersey on Instagram, and captioned it: “Loving this already.”

Harmanpreet is also in the ODI squad, besides the Test and T20 teams.

DUBAI, MAY 30 (IANS): Six-time world champion MC Mary Kom failed to win her sixth Asian Boxing Championship title as she lost 2-3 to Nazym Kyzaibay of Kazakhstan in the final of the 51kg category here on Sunday, and settled for silver. Despite having huge experience, Marykom, 38, failed to tame Nazym, who is nearly 11 years younger to her. Nazym won the first gold for her team.

The Kazakh boxer began the contest on the aggressive note and with a good combination of right and left punches that unsettled Mary Kom, who went off balance twice in the

screamed in delight in front of a handful of fans in attendance.

K r e j c i k ova i s u p against her compatriot KristynaPliskova in the first round of the French Open, which begins on Sunday, while Cirstea takes on British 19th seed Johanna Konta.

de Bruyn ton powers South Africa A to win

MC Mary Kom and Nazym Kyzaibay in action during the Asian Boxing Championship final bout.

second round. In the third recover the lost ground, but and final round, Mary Kom Nazym proved a hard nut made desperate attempts to to crack.

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