4 April 2022

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXII No. 118

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

Deadlock continues over NIDA demand

Correspondent

STATUS OF HEALTH CARE PRACTITIONERS/RETIREMENTS ETC.

KOHIMA, APR 3 (NPN): As the deadlock over the demand of the Nagaland In-service Doctors’ Association (NIDA)-- to extend the superannuation age of all inservice doctors-- continued, state chief secretary will be holding a meeting wit the committee constituted to review the matter this week, which will be followed by consultation with stakeholders.

With the “one year” written assurance dateline about to expire on April 17, members of the association are also all set to go for a three-day mass casual leave from April 18 to 20 as part of the first phase agitation, if government failed to address their demand.

NIDA also asked its members to assemble at the State Capital on April 21 to decide the next course of action.

Umpteen committee and cabinet meetings had failed to lead to any breakthrough with both the State

Year

Heavy rains to lash parts of NE region NEW DELHI, APR 3 (AGENCIES): After an unusually warm and dry start to the pre-monsoon season in March, North East India is set to start April on a wet note. Isolated, light rainfall has already begun in parts of the region over the weekend.

Now, as per the forecast, an intense spell of heavy rains could drench many North Eastern states over the next three days.

On Sunday, there was a cyclonic circulation over the region and continued to attract moisture-laden southwesterly winds over the region. As a result, widespread rain with isolated

2022 2023 2024 2025 2026

No. of retirement 9 9 16 15 12

No. of retirements if increased to 62 6 3 13 9 15

Net increase/ decrease 3 6 3 6 3

NO. OF DOCTORS REGISTERED UNDER NAGALAND MEDICAL COUNCIL Age Group 70 years 60-70 years 35 years below

government and NIDA remaining adamant to their stand.

NIDA office-bearers informed Nagaland Post that the association was assured several times that the matter would be resolved, but to no avail. Hence, they said they were determined to go for protest by April 18.

The association raised the demand after a public announcement was made

by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Saharanpur on May 26, 2016 that the Union Cabinet would increase the superannuation age of doc-

Nos 44 94 426

tors in government hospitals from 62 to 65 years so that the services of these doctors were available for a longer time. However, State government clarified that there was no correspondence with the Centre on the matter.

NIDA however claims that 25 States have implemented the decision, while Meghalaya was considering the move.

The association said as against the total sanctioned posts of 511 doctors, there were only 329 doctors and 182 posts were vacant.

Additional requirement in

five newly-created districts would be 110– a 50 bed district hospital (DH) would require 80 medical officers and chief medical officers’ offices required 30 doctors.

And with two new upcoming medical colleges, NIDA said there would be requirement of doctors would be 248 totalling the requirement to 540 medical doctors (vacancy+ requirement in DHs, CMOs and MOs).

A State government official informed this correspondent that as the stakeholders involved in the issue were not willing to meet the demand of NIDA, the government came up with an option, which the association declined.

The stakeholders include Naga Students’ Federation, Nagaland Medical Students’ Association and Confederation of All Nagaland State Services Employees’ Association.

According to the official, NIDA was offered with an option that the government would increase the superannuation age up

to 62 years for all medical officers of Nagaland Health Service who were willing to work in hospitals or medical college and 60 years for administrative posts, though the association declined the offer.

The government was also concerned with the practice of doctors drawing Non-Practising Allowances and serving both government and private hospitals.

The official alleged that patients were driven out from government hospitals to private hospitals, thereby making the patients suffer, which was not a healthy practice.

Admitting the failure of the government to put a system in place, he said many doctors did not wish to get transferred beyond Kohima and Dimapur.

NIDA suggested that the doctors could carry out research work during off duty hours considering that two medical colleges were coming up in Kohima and Mon where they could qualify teach.

(Cont’d on p-8)

Punjab Kings’ beat CSK by 54-run in IPL SPORTS, PAGE 12

Constitutional crisis in Pakistan after Imran Khan’s ‘inswinger’ ISLAMABAD, APR 3 (AGENCIES): Cricketerturned politician and Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan, known for surprising his opponents with inswinging yorkers in the field, startled Pakistan’s Opposition political leaders in Parliament by recommending its dissolution and blocking a no-confidence motion against him despite losing majority.

Pakistan’s National Assembly has 342 members.

Imran Khan needs support from at least 172 members to save the coalition government led by his Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party. However, by Sunday the combined opposition swelled to 197 after Imran’s coalition partners jumped ship and clearly indicating that the game was up.

Imran Khan held on to power on Sunday after the deputy speaker of parliament blocked a noconfidence motion against him as unconstitutional.

Imran Khan

Shortly thereafter, Imran Khan addressed the nation and said he has advised the President of Pakistan to dissolve the Assembly. He asked his nation to prepare for elections.

Meanwhile, the Opposition has called the move unconstitutional and has moved the Supreme Court against the deputy speaker’s decision.

It had been expected that Khan would lose the planned no confidence vote.

The opposition needed a simple majority of 172 votes in Pakistan’s 342-seat Parliament to unseat Khan.

Khan’s small but key coali-

tion partners along with 17 of his own party members have joined the opposition to oust him.

Pak Cabinet Secretary notifies that Imran Khan is not PM: As per a notification issued by the Cabinet Secretariat, Imran Khan has officially been de-notified as the Prime Minister of Pakistan. He will continue to hold office until the appointment of a caretaker Prime Minister, as per under Article 224 of the Constitution of Pakistan.

Pak SC to hear oppn plea: While hearing a plea challenging the dissolution of the country’s National Assembly, Pakistan’s Chief Justice Umar Ata Bandial said on Sunday that all orders and actions initiated by Prime Minister Imran Khan and President Arif Alvi are subject to the orders of Pakistan’s Supreme Court.

A bench headed by the Chief Justice on Sunday adjourned the hearing into the matter for one day.

Modi asks secretaries for big-ticket KU to abstain from consultative meet on AFSPA today ideas, says resource crunch no excuse

NEW DELHI, APR 3 (AGENCIES): Don’t cite lack of resources for not coming up with big developmental ideas; bring in policies to generate employment; point out shortcomings in present policies. These were some of the messages that secretaries of multiple ministries got following a four-hour meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi Saturday for discussing governance issues and challenges.

A source present at the meeting said Modi encouraged the bureaucrats to come up with out-of-the box ideas even if these did not pertain (Cont’d on p-8) to their own ministries.

More than two dozen secretaries expressed their views and shared their feedback with the Prime Minister. The meeting was also attended by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, Principal Secretary to Prime Minister PK Mishra and Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba.

Concern over unviable populist schemes: During the meeting, a couple of secretaries drew attention to “populist” schemes announced by some states, saying these were economically unviable and would hurt the states’ long-term interests.

Sources said Modi encouraged everyone to speak their

mind; one secretary cited the example of Sri Lanka with respect to the “populist schemes”.

Two secretaries while citing a populist scheme announced in recent assembly polls in a state, which is in financially bad shape, and similar schemes in other states said they are economically unsustainable and could take the states down the same path as Sri Lanka, the sources said. Sri Lanka is currently experiencing the worst economic crisis in its history, with long lines for fuel, cooking gas and essentials in short supply, and long hours of power cuts.

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN): Konyak Union (KU) has announced that it would abstain from attending the consultative meeting convened by the State government on AFSPA Monday. This was decided at the union’s advisory board meeting, KU media cell stated.

KU asserted that it will steadfastly stick to its decision that “No Konyak shall participate in any national event celebration” and also continue with the non-cooperation against Indian armed forces for an indefinite period till justice was delivered in the Oting massacre by the 21 Paras.

KU said that while Konyaks were steadfastly

seeking justice in the December 4 Oting incident, the “delay and denial attitude” of the government seemed to be an open truth in justifying action that the killing those 14 innocent youths that was in quest for rank and medals.

KU said if such was the policy of the nation then, it feared that the fate of citizens was at stake. It mentioned that the Konyaks had waited for various actions initiated by the government where a committee on AFSPA and SIT were constituted but whose reports were still not made known and ignoring the Konyaks who had suffered at ground zero.

Noting that the SIT

report had not been placed in public domain nor was the State government taking any action to deliver justice, KU termed the talks of compensation and development was nothing but appeasing an ailing man with sweets.

KU also insisted that the State Government must place the SIT report in the public domain to unearth truth. It asked the government to come out clean by ensuring justice in the Oting massacre.

KU also reiterated its demand that all jawans and officers involved in the killing of 14 youth be booked under civil court of law and action taken report brought before the public.

If such action was not meted out today then, it warned that tomorrow it could be anyone, adding that the nation must never watch in silence when atrocities were being committed on innocent citizens by Indian armed forces.

Seeking removal of AFSPA, KU mentioned that it was a pure violation of human rights when the Indian armed forces targeted innocent citizens instead of the insurgents.

Fur ther, the union questioned why the draconian law was being enforced in a region where the citizen did not pay any tax to any Naga political groups.

(Cont’d on p-8)

Govt panel recommends Covovax for all above 12 ENSF meeting on April 8 over China finds new Covid subtype as cases soar NEW DELHI, APR 3 (PTI): The Covid-19 Working Group of the NTAGI has recommended inclusion of the Serum Institute of India’s (SII) Covovax in the national vaccination programme for those aged 12 years and above, official sources said on Sunday.

India’s drug regulator had approved Covovax for restricted use in emergency situations in adults on December 28 and in the 12-17 age group, subject to certain conditions, on March 9.

The Covid-19 Working Group has now recommended to the Standing Technical SubCommittee of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation (NTAGI) that

This is it!

“Our villagers wanted to use this astro-turf so we decided to get our cut.”

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Covovax be included in the national vaccination programme for those aged 12 years and above, sources said.

Serum Institute of India director for Government and Regulatory Affairs Prakash Kumar Singh had written to the Union Health Ministry recently, requesting for Covovax’s inclusion in the

immunisation drive. “A meeting of the Covid-19 Working Group of the National Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation took place on April 1 during which data of Covovax was reviewed, after which it recommended that the vaccine can be included in the national Covid-19 vaccination programme for inoculating those aged 12 years and above,” one of the sources said.

Singh had stated that the Pune-based firm wanted to provide Covovax to private hospitals at Rs 900 per dose plus GST and was waiting for directions to supply it to the Centre. However, the price of the vaccine for the government was not mentioned.

lack of response from P&AR

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN): Having noted what was described as “stone cold response” from the Personnel & Administrative Reforms (P&AR) department to its 30-day ultimatum for inclusion of exempted department and posts under Nagaland Staff Selection Board 202, Eastern Naga Students’ Federation (ENSF) has decided to hold a meeting on April 8 at conference hall of DUDA guest house Kohima at 11 a.m.

While expressing shock and surprise at the response from P&AR department ENSF president Chingmak Chang and general secretary Khomo P. informed that the federation asked all presidents and secretaries of seven federating units-- CWS, KSU (Noklak), KSU (Mon), PSC, TSU, USSC and YAA and presidents and secretaries of ENPO and ENWO; ENSF advisors, ENSF legal advisors and Eastern Naga intellectuals to attend the meeting without fail.

BEIJING, APR 3 (AGENCIES): China added more than 13,000 new Covid-19 infections with state media reporting a case infected with a new subtype of the omicron variant.

The new iteration of the virus, isolated from a mild Covid-19 patient in a city less than 70 kilometers (43 miles) from Shanghai, evolves from the BA.1.1 branch of the omicron variant, Global Times reported, citing sequencing data from local health authorities.

The report said the subtype doesn’t match other coronavirus that’s causing Covid in China nor those submitted to GISAID, where scientists around the

CUET will reduce stress among students: UGC chief NEW DELHI, APR 3 (AGENCIES): The new common entrance test for central universities (CUET or the Central University Entrance Test) is designed in a way that no student is put at a disadvantage and it will also ensure that the level of stress that youngsters undergo is brought down, University Grants Commission chairman M Jagadesh Kumar said.

In an interaction with the Times of India, Kumar said under the previous system, cut-offs skyrocketed

in several colleges and universities, touching 98-99%.

“That is definitely one cause of stress in the minds of students and parents.

The other major issue with board marks is that there are so many boards across the country. And there is a large variation, how the boards give the marks. Let’s say I’m born in a state and I study in a particular board, however hard I try, if I get only 80%, but if somebody else is born in another state, and they study in another board, and with the same effort, if they

get 99%, then definitely the former student is at a disadvantage,” he said.

CUET will ensure a level playing field, he added.

“The other problem is that in many universities, they conduct their own entrance test, for example, BHU conducts its own, JNU conducts its own, and several other universities also conduct their own entrance tests. So, how many entrance tests can a student write? That will also create a lot of stress and financial burden, both for the parents

and students,” he said.

The UGC chairman said that instead of striving to get 99%, students can now try to focus on becoming better learners. “That’s the reason why we have introduced CUET,” he said.

On whether the new test will prove to be an additional burden on students, the UGC chairman said that to reduce the pressure on students, the CUET will be confined only to the 12th standard NCERT syllabus.

“Students are anyway writing their board exams and

things are fresh in their mind,” Kumar added.

“The other thing that we have taken care, because in some states NCERT syllabus may not have been adopted. We know that NCERT syllabus is adopted in at least 21 states and some Union Territories. There are some minor differences in the syllabus of state boards and NCERT syllabus. To remove any kind of possible disadvantage to students coming from state boards, we have introduced choice.

world share the coronavirus they sequenced as a way to monitor mutations.

Scientists have said that the subtype is not the same as other coronavirus strains that are causing outbreaks in the country or around the world, causing concern that it may pose a greater threat in the region.

Almost 12,000 of the cases reported nationwide on Saturday were asymptomatic.

Vi c e P r e m i e r S u n Chunlan arrived in the country’s virus hotspot of Shanghai to oversee prevention efforts, as she ordered officials to curtail the outbreak “as soon as possible,” according to Xinhua.

Cases in the financial hub exceeded 8,000 on Saturday including 7,788 asymptomatic infections.

Shanghai will start a new round of mass testing on Monday, authorities said.

Sun, who previously went to Jilin to oversee lockdown measures in the northeast province, ordered Shanghai officials to “resolutely” conduct measures to stop the outbreak. All of the metropolis’ 25 million residents are currently under some form of quarantine.

In the city of Sanya in Hainan province, authorities suspended all transportation to stymie the spread of Covid, according to a post on an official WeChat account.

NSCN (I-M) accuses AR of wrongly targeting its members

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN): NSCN (I-M) has accused Assam Rif les (AR) of wrongly targeting the former’s members on the pretext that they loiter outside the designated camp, as if the camp was a jail, and thereby spoiling the spirit of ongoing Naga peace process to resolve the Naga issue through peaceful means.

Expressing anger at such repeated acts every now and then that exposed (Cont’d on p-8) their incompetence and

cowardice, NSCN (I-M) in a statement cited the botched operation at Chasa in Arunachal Pradesh’s Tirap district in which two innocent villagers were injured as an example. It alleged that another group of AR personnel had also created a nuisance in the same area.

In yet another incident at Bimila village near Doyapur on April 2, the organisation said longvibu (chief) of Naga Army, along with his (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C

2

Poshan pakhwada observed at Jakhama

Department officials and participants of the Poshan Pakhwad at Jakhama on Saturday. (NP)

Correspondent KOHIMA, APR 2 (NPN): As part of the ongoing Poshan Pakhwada under the initiative of Rashtriya Poshan Abhiyan, a “recipe contest” was organised by department of Social Welfare with convergent departments at Jakhama CDPO office on Saturday.

During the event, CDPO Zubemo Jami exhorted the participants that Nagaland was blessed with abundant local organic fruits and vegetables that are easily available and affordable. He said locally produced food were far much

superior both in terms of quality and nutrition.

Jami said that the event was organised with an aim to revive local recipes that were natural, organic and time tested: recipes that were passed down several generations.

He further added that to promote healthy nutrition, the stable local recipes needs to be studied and explored after which supplementary nutrition, if needed, would be adopted. Jami also stressed that healthy lifestyle and healthy nutrition were the basis of a healthy society.

Members of local

SHGs under NSRLM, AWWs and others took part in the contest and the recipes were later shared among the participants.

Kohima district poshan co-ordinator, Sogile Tep spoke on “nutrition and balanced diet in pregnant women and children” while NSRLM co-ordinator, Sokhrienuo Rupre-o spoke on “healthy food from locally availabe vegetables and fruits” as resource persons.

In the contest, Anganwadi worker, Kipfuzha and SHG, Kevi VLO emerged as first and second respectively.

STATE

NEWS IN BRIEF AGOK informs members: Angami Gazetted Officers’ Krotho (AGOK) has reminded all its members to attend the golden jubilee of Angami Public Organisation (APO) scheduled on April 8 at Khuochiezie (local ground). In a press note from assistant director DIPR, Nongozo Rikha, AGOK has requested all members to wear appropriate outfit with traditional touch for the occasion. AGOK further asked all Kicha presidents and secretaries to mobilize their members to attend the celebration without fail.

Mock drill at Niuland: Deputy Commissioner, Niuland, Ajit Kumar Verma has informed all public that a mock drill exercise simulating earthquake scenario would be conducted on April 6 from 12 noon at office of the DC, Niuland and GHSS, Niuland Town.

Public have been further requested not to panic at the sound of the siren at 12 noon and during the course of the mock exercise.

Round-III if IMI: Directorate of Health and Family Welfare has informed that the Round-III of Intensified Mission Indradhanush (IMI 4.O) will be held from April 4-10 across the State. This will be the third and final round of IMI for the year 2022. State Immunization Officer (UIP), Dr.Ritu Thurr informed that Routine Immunization, under the Universal Immunization Program, is for children to be protected from vaccine preventable diseases like TB, early childhood diarrhea, polio, etc.

KU congratulates: Konyak Union (KU) has congratulated S. Phangnon Konyak on her election to the lone Rajya Sabha seat from Nagaland. KU media cell in a press release, appreciated the concerned political party and allies for their faith and trust in nominating her candidature. The union also acknowledged the government of Nagaland in appointing W. Honje Konyak as chairman, Nagaland Public Service Commission.

KU hoped that his vast experience and knowledge rendered during his civil service era will be of immense help in shouldering the responsibilities of his new assigned duty.

ATMA conducts demonstration programme D I M A P U R : AT M A Peren Ahthibung block carried out a demonstration programme on ‘ginger rhizome treatment with Trichoderma - a fungicide’ & ‘seed treatment with bio-fertilisers Azotobacter and Phosphatica’ at Ginger farm school, Lilen village on April 2.

At the training, resource person ATM Lireni Lotha gave a brief introduction on bio-fertilisers and Trichoderma; their uses, purpose, and benefits and also the procedures and precautions involved Anganwadi centers under Dimapur (Rural) observing Poshan Pakhwada by while using them. This was conducting mother’s meetings and growth monitoring of beneficiaries. followed by demonstration on how to treat seeds with bio-fertilisers. A hands-on demonstration was carried out, where farmers actively DIMAPUR: Pathso Range post without studying the teachers, there are only two took part.

Students’ Union (PRSU) ground reality of GMS Graduate Teachers (GTs). has expressed strong re- Pathso Nokeng, which was And due to inadequate s e n t m e n t a g a i n s t t h e already functioning with number of teachers in the School Education Depart- low strength of teachers. school, even the communiment’s order of March 30, He said the school ty was trying its best to en2022 transferring a teacher with 10 classrooms, which suring smooth functioning DIMAPUR: As a part without reliever from GMS was a composite of pri- of the school by sponsoring of its social responsibility and oral health awareness Pathso Nokeng, which mary and middle sections, a teacher voluntarily. was already running with had only 11 teachers. Due Therefore, in view of campaign, Euro Internashortage of teachers, in the to this shortage, he men- the shortage of teachers, tional School (EIS), Dimaname of rationalisation. tioned that the teachers Zuhing urged the depart- pur conducted children’s In a press release, were facing immense hard- ment to look into the mat- dental awareness camp union’s president P Zuhing ship to cover the syllabus ter and revoke the transfer by conducting free dental expressed surprise that the and limited the learning of Supou Khiamniungan screening camp at school department was transfer- of students to their full from GMS Pathso Nokeng premises on April 1.

A press release by EIS ring the teacher – Supou potential. in the absence of a relievstated that in a separate Khiamniungan – with the Further, out of the 11 ing teacher.

PRSU resents teacher transfer

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022

Awareness on mental health, sexual harassment in Wokha

Resource persons and organizers with students of Mount Tiyi College Wokha.

DIMAPUR: Wokha district administration and DLCW-MSK under Beti Bachao Beti Phadao (BBBP) in collaboration with Sakhi–OSC, IQAC and District Mental Health Programme (DMHP) conducted an awareness programme on “Mental Health and Sexual Harassment of women at workplace” at Mount Tiyi College, Wokha on April 1.

In a press release, chief medical officer (CMO) office Wokha informed that during the programme, resource person, DMHP clin-

ical psychologist, Amenla Longkumer emphasized on understanding the importance of mental hygiene and using emotional intelligence to improve mental health.

She stressed on detecting early signs of mental health issues and various ways to manage it.

Amenla concluded her session by encouraging the students to practice mindfulness and getting professional help if required.

Meanwhile, administrator, Sakhi One Stop Centre, Renthunglo Kikon

RBSK conducts screening and awareness activities DIMAPUR: Rashtriya Bal Swasthya Karyakram (RBSK) team under the aegis of District Health Society, Wokha, conducted screening and awareness activities at nine Anganwadi centers and 16 government schools under Wozhuro and Chukitong Block last month.

A press release by RBSK stated that the medical team led by medical officer RBSK Wokha, Dr. Lirenthung Khuvung, screened 380 children and those with ailments were treated and provided free medicines.

During screening and awareness activities, medical team found cases of cleft palate, dental condition, and hearing impairment which were later referred to District Hospital for further treatment.

The team provided

Dr.Lirenthung Khuvung, MO RBSK Wokha with students of Government High School Chukitong during RBSK screening and awareness activity on March 29.

first aid in all schools and taining healthy lifestyle, personal hygiene and oral held health talks on main- intake of nutritious food, health.

EIS conducts dental awareness camp

DIMAPUR: Department of management studies St. Joseph University (SJU) Dimapur organised a national faculty development programme (FDP) on ‘Introduction to Securities Market and Mutual Funds Investing’ in collaboration with MCUBE Academy on March 30.

In a press release assistant professor, department of management studies, D. Shobana stated that resource person, director MCUBE Academy Jeyaprakash Maria Michael trained faculty members from various educational institutions from different states of India.

The participants were from 24 states included Nagaland. In his presentation, resource person highlighted SEBI guidelines and investment grievance procedures, how to buy and sell shares, dos and don’ts of security trading and mutual funds investing. It was followed by an interactive session.

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session, doctors informed teachers on oral hygiene practices among children and spoke on importance of milk teeth in growth and development of child and its detrimental effect on overall health and quality of life of an individual.

All the school children were screened at the camp while follow-up cases for

dental care were referred to Dimapur Dental Centre.

The school authority expressed gratitude to members of Indian Dental Association Dr. Naomi Rio Zhimomi, Dr Achet Imchen and Dr Arihant Jain and their team for conducting the dental screening camp at the school.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

aCKnOWLeDGeMent

dp-1507/22

Acknowledgement

Late Mrs. etiLeMLa JaMir Born on 17.04. 1967 – Died on 29.03. 2022 We, the bereaved family members of Late Mrs. etilemla (Chuchuyimlang) would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all individual, friends, neighbours, relatives, churches and well wishers who stood with us spiritually, physically, emotionally and financially during her brief illness. It is our earnest prayer that Almighty God bless you abundantly.

Loving Husband, Son, Daughters, In-laws and Relatives

1st Death anniversary

Lt. L Chubameren Jamir born: 01/04/1964- Died: 17/03/2022 “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

2 Timothy 4:7 We, the bereaved family members of Lt. L Chubameren Jamir offer our heartfelt gratitude to each and every individuals, unions, churches, groups and well wishers who stood by us in prayer and supported us physically, financially and spiritually during his illness and sad demise on March 17, 2022.

We would like to convey our special thanks to 1. Bethel Hospital Kohima 2. Tata Medical Center Kolkata 3. CIHSR Dimapur 4. Officers and staff of All India Radio Kohima Loving wife, children, relatives and loved ones

db-262/22

SJU organises programme on FDP

and Sakhi-OSC, Thungbeni Kikon conducted sessions on sexual harassment faced by women at workplace and the importance of setting up sexual harassment committee in offices and educational institutions.

They informed the students on types of sexual harassment and encouraged them to come forward if faced with such issues.

The resource persons stressed on the importance of health discussions on such topics at various platforms to sensitise the people.

Late t. Vihoto Sangtam

Born on : 16/04/1978 – Died on : 27/03/2022 Through this column, we express our heartfelt gratitude to each individual, friends, well wishers and different organizations from far and near who helped us physically, materially, financially and in constant prayer support during the prolonged illness and demise of our beloved Late t. Vihoto Sangtam on 27th March 2022 We regret our inability to thank each and everyone individually despite your over-whelming support, but it is our prayer that our Almighty God shower his blessings upon each and every one abundantly.

Loving Wife, Children & Family Members. db-265/22

Late KhrieviLie Died on 3rd April, 2021

k-625/22

You are gone You are missed You are not here with us today but You will always be loved and remembered.

Your thoughts and memories will forever be treasured in our hearts.

Loving Wife & Children K Y M C

STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.:Will solution to the Naga political issue render A F S PA i n Na g a l a n d redundant ?

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

A B C

Philimi, Rotomi get new Sub-centres

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

43% 40% 17%

NEXT POLL

Q: Is India’s neutrality in

the Russia-Ukraine war helping its global image?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST APRIL 4

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Partly sunny

35 23

Partly sunny and pleasant

28 17

Guwahati Humid with clouds and sun

26 20

Aizawl Imphal

Cloudy

Itanagar Cloudy with heavy showers

30 17 22 19

Shillong

Mostly cloudy with a t-shower 21 15

Kohima

A thundershower in spots

22 16

Dimapur An a.m. shower, then showers 28 20 Mkg

HUmid with a thunderstorm

23 16

Tuensang A stray morning thunderstorm 16 13 Wokha

Humid; a stray a.m. t-storm

21 17

Zunheboto Mostly cloudy with a t-shower 20 14

Er. Picto Shohe with representatives from CSOs, church leaders and staff from CMO office.

DIMAPUR: Sub-centre Philimi and sub-centre Rotomi under Zunheboto district were inaugurated

by Er. Picto Shohe, MLA, on April 1.

In a press release, district media officer, CMO office, Keneikhrietuo in-

formed that guest of honour, Er.Picto in his speech appealed to the public to utilise all the health care services with the inauguration of new sub-centres in the two villages.

He assured to provide “inner necessities” in the

sub-centres and urged upon the village council and community to maintain the health units as it was everyone’s responsibility.

Further, the MLA acknowledged the medical department, civil society organisations and people

Sakhi stop centre inaugurated in Mon

Noke Wangnao and others at the inauguration of OSC centre.

DIMAPUR: Advisor Social Welfare and Home Guards, Civil Defense & SDRF, Noke Wangnao inaugurated the Sakhi One Stop Centre (OSC) building at Mon on April 1.

According DIPR, speaking at the inaugural programme, Noke congratulated the district administration headed by DC Mon, Thavaseelan K for finishing the project at a record time under limited funds.

DC Mon, in his welcome address highlighted the aims and objectives of the scheme.

He further thanked all the stakeholders for the successful completion of the building.

A brief report on OSC building construction was given by EAC Mon & Nodal officer OSC Mon, Molosangla, while short speeches were delivered by asst. director, Social Welfare, Wango Longsym

and District Welfare Officer, Mon, Y. Tauhong Ngonyen.

The project was completed within a period of six months with a total budget allocation of Rs. 48,69,372.

The event was chaired

by Centre Administrator, OSC Mon, Lily Konyak and attended by SP Mon, Imnalensa, Officers for va r i o u s d e p a r t m e n t s and representatives from NGOs.

of Philimi and Rotomi on the inauguration of new sub centres.

M e a n w h i l e, d e p uty chief medical officer (CMO) Zunheboto, Dr.K.Akaho Sema he said it was fortunate for the two villages to have the health

units.

He stressed on the smooth functioning of the health centres and urged upon the public to be equally responsible on their part.

The deputy CMO also encouraged the two villages to extend cooperation to the health workers during various health activities.

Further, he informed that performance and effective implementation were essential in order to achieve better performance which also increase the chances of upgrading to higher facilities.

The programme was chaired by J.Hokugha Sema, welcomed address was delivered by council chairman Rotomi Village, Hukuto Chophy and dedicatory prayer was said by pastor PBC, Vikashe Kiho and pastor RBC, Nagaho K Zhimo.

Later, vote of thanks was proposed by head GB Philimi Village, Vikikhe Assumi and benediction was offered by W/Pastor Rotomi Baptist Church, Hinotoli Shohe.

The inaugural programme was also attended by civil society organisations, church leaders, EAC Atoizu, medical officers, DPM Zunheboto and staff under CMO.

3 Deploy teachers at GHSS, Aghunato: ATSU to govt

DIMAPUR: Ahghunato Town Student Union (ATSU) has urged upon the department of School Education (DoSE) to deploy teachers at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Aghunato.

In a press release, ATSU president HekaviYeptho stated the GHSS was “the only functioning government school for Eastern Sumi tribe” and with shortage of teachers, the student community was facing difficulties.

ATSU president also

stated that in between 2016-2019, nine teachers were retired, however, no new appointments have been made.

While the school is already facing difficulties, two teachers were being transferred, which is creating further constraint for the students, ATSU stated.

The union has, therefore sought for early intervention to make appointments of the vacant post and for “retainment of teachers in their respective posting”.

PCC holds talk on ‘World of Work’

DIMAPUR: Woman Cell and Gender Champion, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) conducted a programme on ‘World of Work: Preparing for the Future’ on April 2 at college campus.

In a press release PCC media cell stated that Nari Shakti Puraskar awardee and founder of YouthNet, Hekani Jakhalu Kense was the resource person. In her address, she highlighted the issue of unemployment in Nagaland. Addressing the students, Hekani said, “Youths in Nagaland are talented and creative but the biggest challenge is inconsistency”. Referring to statistics, she informed that Nagaland has the highest urban employment in NE region and highest rural-urban unemployment in the country. She expressed the need to reverse the statistics of unemployment rate in the state and called upon students to start early in deciding their goals. Manager, YouthNet, T Sepila Zhimomi, spoke at length on importance of skill development, internship and career guidance.

Later, an interactive session was held which was moderated by assistant professor, department of Economics Dr Imlisunep Changkery where students from various departments participated.

Mock drill exercise conducted at Noklak

DIMAPUR: District Disaster Management Authority (DDMA) Noklak in collaboration with 12th Bn. National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team conducted a mock drill exercise on April 2 at Noklak HQ under the chairmanship of DC and chairman DDMA Noklak, Hiazu Meru.

According to DIPR, during the mock drill exercise, the scenario of an earthquake of magnitude 7.9 on the Richter scale striking Noklak at 11 am was enacted.

The rescue operation was displayed by the NDRF Kohima team while the responsible officer, incident commander, operation section, planning section, and logistics section communicated with each other to take stock of the situation.

Company Commander, AR Noklak Major Arpit Gupta from Assam Rifles was the observer of the mock drill exercise.

Earlier on April 1, at the Table Top exercise, DC, Noklak Hiazu Meru highlighted the importance of the exercise and stated that mock drill was conducted

Mock drill excerise being underway at Noklak Hq on April 2. (DIPR) as part of the exercise for preparedness and awareness when actual disaster strikes. With the help of a PowerPoint presentation, DC reviewed the IRS’s roles and responsibilities.

He also led the group discussion on the scenario.

Assistant Commandant, 12th Bn NDRF Itanagar Sanjay Prasad Sharma highlighted the introduction to NEPEx, IRS, and

mock exercise.

Volunteers from IRCS, Christian High school, Noklak, Civil Societies, Government departments, and agencies actively participated and played their respective roles and responsibilities as assigned to them in the Incident Response System (IRS). It may be mentioned that the exercise was the first of its kind in Noklak.

Table top exercise at Niuland

Meanwhile, coordination meeting-cum-tabletop exercise for earthquake simulation mock drill was held at DC Office Niuland on April 2.

DC and chairman DDMA Niuland, Ajit Kumar Verma briefed the gathering about the role and functions of the DDMA in

the district. Resource person, asst. manager (Relief, Recovery & mitigation) NSDMA, L.Jonjibemo Odyuo highlighted the function of Incident Report System (IRS) and sequence of events for mock drill, discussion on locally availability manpower etc.

A host of officers from the different departments attended the programme.

‘World Autism Awareness Day’ celebrated PDCU supports NCSU, flags non-

Students of Jo Foundation Inclusive School, Kohima along with Diethono Nakhro on Saturday. (DIPR) DIMAPUR: World Autism Awareness Day was celebrated at Jo Foundation Inclusive School, Kohima with state commissioner for Persons with Disabilities, Diethono Nakhro as guest speaker on Saturday.

According to a DIPR report, the state commissioner in her speech said this year’s theme was “inclusive quality education for all” and was chosen to draw attention to the disruption of education especially for autistic K Y M C

children due to the pandemic.

Despite the numerous constraints that existed, she appreciated the Inclusive School for providing quality education to the children. Diethono said disability had been a neglected sector, not only by the government but by the society.

She however said improvements were taking place and conversations on disability in various sectors were now visible.

The state commissioner

also said there were still misconceptions and misunderstandings and negative perceptions about disability. Stigmas surrounding autism can be removed through proper awareness created at grassroots level and by making the education system more inclusive, she suggested.

Meanwhile, Chairman of Jo Foundation Inclusive School, Daniel Thong Solo said autism was a disorder that hampered communication and

social skills.

He said autistic people were not able to express their feelings and they had problems understanding other people’s feelings.

Daniel also explained that there were different degrees of autism and early intervention was essential for providing support to autistic people.

Support and therapy can help manage the challenges that ASD poses, he said. He informed that the Inclusive School was started with his wife to help children who had Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) like their son.

It may be mentioned that the Jo Foundation Inclusive School is looking after 34 special needs children with autism, down syndrome, ADHD, intellectual learning disability, speech and hearing impaired, locomotor disability and dwarfism.

Earlier, “Kung-fu demo” and “colourful rainbow” were displayed by Jo Foundation students and a special presentation was delivered by St. Joseph College, Jakhama.

Later, speech on “journey of an affected parent” was delivered by Vincent Belho.

compliance of rules by State Depts

DIMAPUR: Peren District Contractors’ Union (PDCU) has expressed full support to the issues raised by Nagaland Contractors’ & Suppliers’ Union (NCSU) in its representation to chief minister Neiphiu Rio. In a press release, PDCU adviser K Francis Zeliang and general secretary K Mark Guing also raised a few more additional points for welfare and progress of the State.

Calling for immediate measures to correct the deep-rooted corrupt practices in a few State government departments over allotment of contract works, they mentioned that, as per a government notification of July 7, 2017, all government departments and agencies should call for open tenders for construction and civil work worth Rs 1 crore and above and for supply work worth Rs 20 lakh and above through E-Procurement and Tendering System to enhance transparency, efficiency and shorter procurement cycle.

However, they alleged that this notification had been on paper only and not implemented and enforced strictly. Rather, they noted that the old manipu-

lated practice of table tender was still being rampantly practiced by the departments to favour few contractors and share the loot in total disregard to the quality of developmental work on the ground.

The PDCU leaders said the open tendering system where it was mandatory to publish notice inviting tenders (NIT) in newspapers for any qualified firms to participate in the e-tendering was rarely seen/being done by the government departments and agencies. They pointed out that if proper guidelines were not followed, then there was no room for small contractors to qualify and even participate in the e-tendering system and take up contract work.

Further, they alleged that there were instances where contractors, emboldened by the illicit cooperation with officials of the departments, carried out work illegally without following any laid-down guidelines and even without any work orders to start the work, and yet their bills were cleared without any trouble. This, they said proved that government officials and a few contractors were draining

the State exchequer for their own personal benefit at the expense of the public.

Demanding that the State government should seriously look into these matters, the union leaders called for swift and prompt action against erring officials and the defaulting contractors.

Given that road sector was most important for overall development of any State, they said the government should specifically enforce strict compliance of the laid down guidelines and the clauses in Standard Bidding Documents (SBD) prepared as per the Union Ministry of Road Transport & Highways (MoRTH) guidelines.

If cases of irregular and illegal activities were detected, they stressed that the government should have no qualms of handing over such cases to the Central investigating agencies for appropriate action.

The PDCU leaders expressed the hope that the government would seriously look into the issues and take measures to curb the illegal and corrupt practices so that the State could have all-round development.

K Y M C

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NORTHEAST

Tripura set to emerge as connectivity hub

AG A RTA L A , A P R 3 (PTI): The tiny state of Tripura is slowly turning into a connectivity hub with several projects, which had long been in gestation, finally getting off the ground, state transport minister Pranajit Sinha Roy said.

Most of these projects, running through neighbouring Bangladesh, would reduce the time taken to send or receive goods from mainland India and help Tripura emerge as the country’s prime export centre, he said “Tripura, a landlocked state, was connected (with the rest of the country) by only a meter gauge rail line up to the capital city for a long time. The scenario started changing after the NDA, led by Narendra Modi, came to power in 2014. The entire rail network was converted to a broad gauge one and extended up to Sabroom, the southernmost town bordering Chittagong in Bangladesh,” Roy told PTI. The minister also pointed out that ‘Maitri Setu’, a 1.9 km-long bridge from Tripura to Bangladesh, has “further strengthened ties” between the neighbours.

The bridge over river Feni, inaugurated by the prime minister last year, will ease movement of goods and passengers between the two

‘Maitri Setu’, a 1.9 km-long bridge from Tripura to Bangladesh. countries, besides providing new trade opportunities to the northeastern states, Roy stated.

Tripura CM Biplab Deb had recently said that the Centre sanctioned funds to widen the part of the bridge from Ramgarh to Chittagong on the Bangladesh side. Once the road is made operational, a lorry will have travel only 72 km to reach Chittagong from Sabroom, Roy maintained.

Apart from that, work is underway to complete the 15.6 km Agartala–Akhaura rail line.

“The railway link, expected to be completed next year, will cut down travel time between Agartala and

Kolkata by at least 20 hours, when travelling via chickenneck in Siliguri. Currently, an integrated check post and cargo handling facility is being built at Nischintapur — the junction point of Agartala-Akhaura rail link,” the transport minister said.

At a function held recently, Bangladesh Information and Broadcasting Minister Dr Hasan Mahmud said that “eastern India and Bangladesh will benefit due to better understanding as the bilateral relationship between the two sides has reached new heights”.

Experts feel that Tripura’s first-ever Special Economic Zone (SEZ) at Sabroom, the southernmost

town bordering Bangladesh, has the potential to turn the place into the commercial capital of northeast.

The SEZ — around 120 km from Agartala — is being set up with an investment of Rs 635 crore.

It would be focused on four sectors -- agro-based processing, rubber, bamboo, and textiles.

According to an official, around 5,000 new jobs would be generated at Sabroom, and farmers and traders would be benefiting the most, given the fact that GST would be waived for five years, 30 per cent subsidy be made available on capital investment and 50 per cent on electricity.

The CM had said that “if businessmen set up garment units at the proposed SEZ, they don’t need to pay customs duty; instead they will receive a subsidy”.

Former vice-chancellor of Tripura University and senior economist Arunoday Saha said, “The SEZ would generate employment at the local level. Investors from Bangladesh have expressed interest in setting up garment industries. They would engage labourers from their country as well as this state.”

Echoing him, professor Asish Nath of Tripura University said, “The project would impress investors, enhance trade volume and increase GSDP.” Among other projects lined up in the state is the 90-km-long Sonamura-Daudkandi waterway, which has been included in the list of Indo-Bangla protocol (IBP) routes and is expected to boost trade.

Presently, ships and steamers ply from Haldia in West Bengal to Daudkandi.

Of the 90-km stretch from Sonamura in Tripura’s Sepahijala district to Daudkandi in Bangladesh, around 40-km river bed requires dredging.

The Union government has agreed to fund 80 per cent of the total cost for dredging work in river

Meghna on the Bangladesh side to operationalise the Indo-Bangla waterway.

The Centre has also sanctioned Rs 25 crore to build 10 floating jetties -to be laid from Udaipur in Gomati district to Sonamura in Sepahijala district -- for trade convenience with Bangladesh.

Agartala, in the near future, will be connected with Dhaka, Chittagong and Bangkok through flights, the transport minister said.

Ser vices along the Agartala-Dhaka and Agartala-Chittagong international routes were expected to begin within the next six months, and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) would soon float tenders inviting expressions of interest from private bidders, he noted.

“The proposed international flight services with Bangladesh will surely bolster Tripura tourism. It will also benefit the people of Bangladesh in various ways.

“Also, now we have six direct trains connecting Tripura with Delhi, Bangalore, Deoghar and other places in the country. We have assurances from the Centre that a direct train to Mumbai and Jammu & Kashmir were in the offing. Tripura will no longer suffer from connectivity problems,” he added.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022

Mizoram bans import of pigs amid fresh ASF outbreak

File photo of pig carcasses being disposed.

AIZAWL, APR 3 (PTI): The Mizoram government banned the import of pigs and pork products after new cases of African Swine Fever (ASF) were detected in the state, as per an official notification.

There will be a complete ban on the import of live pigs, fresh pork and all other pork products, including frozen pork, from other states and other countries until further orders, said the notification issued on Saturday.

The Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Department will ensure mandatory disinfection of pig-rearing premises and enforce strict hygiene measures and isolation of suspected pigs, it said. The department will also ensure the safe disposal of pig carcass in accordance with the National Action Plan for Control, Containment and Eradication of Af-

rican Swine Fever, it added.

The gover nment also issued helpline numbers -- 0389-2336441, 9436142908, 9436151203 and 8794206212 -- for immediate reporting of any unusual mortality of pigs.

Mizoram had on February 1 lifted the ban on the import of pigs and pork products, 17 months after it was imposed in August 2020, as the outbreak of ASF was contained with no cases reported since December last year.

In the latest wave, 384 pig deaths have been reported. The latest deaths were reported from across five districts, as per officials.

ASF had claimed the lives of 33,417 pigs between March and November last year, causing losses of Rs 60.82 crore. A total of 10,910 pigs were culled last year to prevent the spread of the disease.

Rare white-cheeked macaque Manipur logs 14 COVID cases NFR to extend weekly service of Agartala – Secunderabad –Agartala Special train spotted in Arunachal Pradesh Correspondent

The rare white-cheeked macaque spotted in West Kameng district.

I TA NAG A R , A P R 3 (PTI): The rare whitecheeked macaque was spotted in Arunachal Pradesh’s West Kameng district for the second time, a forest official said on Sunday.

The mammal was first spotted in Anjaw district by scientists of the Zoological Survey of India (ZSI) earlier this year, and it was published in the February 3 issue of the international peer-reviewed journal ‘Animal Gene’.

The mammal is the newest addition to the list

of primate species found in the Indian subcontinent, the official said.

Before this, the whitecheeked macaque was found in Modog in southeastern Tibet in 2015, West Kameng district Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Chukhu Loma said.

Anjaw is barely 200 km in aerial distance from where it was first spotted in Modog in China, he said.

“Not many days after its discovery in Anjaw, a white-cheeked macaque was captured in a camera

trap in Bishum Phudung in Dirang,” he said.

The animal has distinct facial features that differentiate it from other macaques, specifically the white cheeks (whiskers), and long and thick hair on the neck, the official said.

“This is an exceptional discovery, given how rare it is and how little we know about it,” Loma said.

“The need of the hour is to carry out an in-depth scientific study of the animal. Our team will push forward this work as better as we can,” he added.

The rare marbled cat was also captured in camera traps in Bishum Phudung area in good numbers, the official said.

“Arunachal Pradesh has already made a distinct place for itself as the ‘Botanical Paradise of India’, where at this point, almost every day a new species of flora and fauna is discovered,” the official said.

IMPHAL, APR 3: Manipur on Sunday recorded a sudden jump in the daily test positivity rate (TPR) as the state logged 14 new cases of COVID-19, the highest single-day spike since the lifting of all the restrictions to check spread of the contagion in the state.

A surge in the active cases also recorded as it was increased to 41 against previous day’s 31.

The Manipur government had lifted the restrictions to check spread of the coronavirus imposed under the Disaster Management Act, 2005 with effect from April 1. The order lifting all the restrictions issued on March 31 last cited that the absolute number of COVID-19 cases detected per day in the state was less than 10 and test positivity ratio was below 1% over the last seven days.

On the first day of lifting the restrictions (on April 1), the state had recorded 10 infections with 3.50% TPR. On the next day, the TPR

was dipped to 0.35% as only one case was detected upon testing 284 samples.

However, a sudden jump to the TPR was recorded on Sunday. According to the latest bulletin of the state health department, the TPR of the day was 6.3%, the highest since February 17.

The 14 new cases recorded on Sunday took the overall infection count of the state to 1,37,119 while the recovery count of the state rose to 1,34,958 with four persons discharged upon recovery on the day.

The recovery rate stood at 98.42%. The state reported no death related to the coronavirus for the 17th consecutive day. The toll remained at 2,120.

Of the 14 fresh cases, four were in Imphal West, three in Imphal West, two each in Bishnupur, Churachandpur and Kakching districts and one in Noney district. On the other hand, only 250 persons were vaccinated against COVID-19 in the state on Saturday, taking the overall coverage in the state so far to 27,91,776.

Once a Cong bastion, N-E turns into a bleak house for the party G U WA H AT I / AG A R TALA, APRIL 3 (IANS): The prospects of Congress, which once governed seven of the eight northeastern states, appear to be bleak ahead of the Assembly elections in four northeastern states next year, especially after the recent drubbing it faced in the Rajya Sabha elections in the region.

The elections for the two Rajya Sabha seats in Assam and one each in Tripura and Nagaland were held recently, and the Congress, considering its allies’ strength, was expected to win one seat in Assam, but cross-voting by Congress legislators led to the humiliating defeat of the combined opposition candidate and sitting Upper House member Ripun Bora.

Votes of two Congress MLAs were rejected due to procedural reasons.

Assam Congress President Bhupen Kumar Borah has suspended Karimganj South MLA Siddique Ahmed from the primary membership of the party for “deliberately disobeying” the three-line whip issued by Congress legislative party chief whip Wazed Ali Choudhury with regard to the Rajya Sabha elections.

After the outcome of the Rajya Sabha polls, Con-

gress’ representation in the Upper House of Parliament from the politically important northeast region is now nil.

Assam has seven Rajya Sabha seats while the remaining seven states in the northeast have one seat each, and these 14 Upper House seats are now held by the BJP and their allies.

Out of the 25 Lok Sabha seats in the eight northeastern states, highest number of 14 seats are with the BJP, while only four seats belong to the Congress and one is held by the Maulana Badruddin Ajmal-led All India United Democratic Front, a Muslim-based party in Assam.

The remaining five seats are held by the BJPled National Democratic Alliance’s constituents Naga People’s Front (NPF) in Manipur, Nationalist Democratic Progressive Party (NDPP) in Nagaland, National People’s Party (NPP) in Meghalaya, Mizo National Front (MNF) in Mizoram, and Sikkim Krantikari Morcha in Sikkim.

Of the 14 Lok Sabha seats held by the BJP, nine are in Assam, two each in Arunachal Pradesh and Tripura and one is in Manipur,

while the Congress holds three seats in Assam and one in Meghalaya.

Amid the changing political situation in the northeastern region, especially after the BJP’s return to power in Manipur for a second consecutive term with absolute majority, Assembly elections would be held in Meghalaya, Nagaland and Tripura in early next year and in Mizoram in November-December in 2023.

Political pundits feel that when the BJP and other local parties are grabbing the political base of the Congress, the party is making no serious efforts to keep its foot intact in one of its erstwhile strongholds.

“Except in Assam, the Congress is not even an opposition party in the remaining seven northeastern states. When their organisational strength weakened gradually, the central and state leadership remained indifferent over the party’s future plan,” said political commentator Apurba Kumar Dey. Dey told IANS: “Due to their ideological stand and the political mindset of the erstwhile national leaders, including Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi, irrespective of caste, creed, religion

and community, people of the northeastern region overwhelmingly supported the Congress for many years. But over the years, the party’s strength in all aspects has declined, which got reflected in elections over the years.”

Political analyst Tapas Dey said that though the northeastern region consists of only 8 per cent of the country’s total geographical area and 4 per cent of the country’s population, its strategical importance is very significant as the region is home to 45.58 million people (2011 Census) and shares borders with China, Myanmar, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal.

“Central leaders of the Congress are solely responsible for the party’s almost non-existence in the region.

The party appointed junior and inexperienced leaders as state in-charges in the northeast, leading to ineffective state organisations,” he told IANS. Of the 45.58 million population in the eight northeastern states, around 28 per cent are tribals, who are the overwhelming majority in Mizoram, Nagaland, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh.

Tapas Dey said that while people belonging

to Hindu, Muslim and Christian communities are always supportive and caring towards the Congress, during the last few decades, the party largely distanced itself from all the tribal and non-tribal communities, causing further erosion of the party.

Among the poll-bound states of Meghalaya, Nagaland, Tripura and Mizoram, the BJP is in power in Tripura while its NDA partners -- NPP and MNF -- are governing in Meghalaya and Mizoram.

The BJP with 12 MLAs is an ally of Nagaland’s United Democratic Alliance (UDA) government in which NPF with 25 MLAs is a major ally, while the NDPP with 21 members is the dominant party of the UDA, which is an all-party alliance governing India’s first Opposition less state.

In Mizoram, the Congress has five legislators and BJP one in the 40-member Assembly, while Congress has no MLA in BJP-ruled Tripura. After the 12 Congress MLAs in Meghalaya, led by former Chief Minister Mukul Sangma, joined the Trinamool Congress in November last year, the party’s strength has reduced to five in the 60-member Assembly.

MALIGAON, APR 3 ( NPN): The Northeast Frontier Railway ( NFR) has decided to extend the service of weekly Agartala - Secunderabad - Agartala Special train from April 4 to July1, 2022 to clear the summer rush of passengers.

A press release by NFR Chief Public Relations Officer ( CPRO) Sabyasachi De stated that train number.

07030 (Secunderabad-Agartala Special), will depart from Secunderabad at 4:35 pm on Mondays from April 4 till June 27, 2022. The

special train will extend its services for a total of 13 trips and will run via Guntur, Vijayawada, Vishakapatnam, Khurda Road, Bhubaneshwar, Cuttack, Kharagpur Jn., Malda Town, New Jalpaiguri Jn., New Bongaigaon Jn. (via Goalpara Town), Guwahati, Badarpur Jn., New Karimganj &Dharmanagar railway stations reaching Agartala at round 3 am every Thursdays.

Train number 07029 (Agartala – Secunderabad Special), will start its journey from Agartala railway

station at 6:10 am on Fridays from April 8 till July 1, 2022. The special train will cover a total of 13 trips from Agartala and will run via similar routes in a reverse order to reach its destination of Secunderabad railway station, at 4:15 pm every Sunday. The Agartala – Secunderabad - Agartala special train will consist of 20 coaches. There will be 02 luggage cum guard van, 2 general second class coaches, 10 sleeper coaches, 5 AC three tier coaches & 1 AC two tier coach.

Four killed as car falls into gorge in Mizoram AIZAWL, APR 3 (PTI): Four people have been killed after a car they were travelling in fell into a gorge in Mizoram’s Serchhip district, police said on Sunday.

The accident took place near Chhingchhip village early on Saturday when the four people were travelling to Aizawl from Lungtan village in Khawzawl district, Serchhip Superintendent of Police Stephen Lalrinawma said. They died on the spot and their bodies were recovered around

Mizoram reports 120 COVID-19 cases, 1 fatality AIZAWL, APR 3 (PTI): Mizoram on Sunday reported 120 fresh COVID-19 cases, eight more than the previous day, with the tally rising to 2,24,754, a health department official said.

The death toll rose to 687 as a 12-year-old girl from Lunglei district succumbed to the infection at a dedicated COVID health centre during the day, he said, adding that she was diagnosed with the disease on Saturday.

The single-day positivity rate increased to 21.31 per cent from 12.5 per cent the previous day. At least 53 people recovered from the disease on Sunday, taking the total number of recoveries to 2,23,123, he said.

The recovery rate among coronavirus patients in the state stood at 99.27 per cent.

The northeastern state now has 944 active cases, the official said. Mizoram has so far tested more than 18.99 lakh samples for COVID-19, including 563 on Saturday.

According to state immunisation officer Dr Lalmuanawma Jongte, over 8.29 lakh people have been inoculated till April 2, and 6.70 lakh of them have received both doses.

180 metres down the road with the help of local volunteers, he said.

The deceased have been identified as Lungtan village council vice president R Laldingliana (33), Tlangsiama (42), who also hailed from Lungtan, and Lalsangliana (47) and P C Lalremruata (47), both from Republic Vengthlang locality in Aizawl, the officer said. The cause of the accident is yet to be ascertained and further investigation is underway, he added.

NIA detains couple for suspected Maoist links

SILCHAR, APR 3 (AGENCIES): The National Investigation Agency (NIA), on Sunday, detained a married couple from south Assam’s Karimganj district on the suspicion that the couple has Maoist links, reports East Mojo.

Sources said a team of the NIA conducted an operation in Sonakhira, Patharkandi in Karimganj district around 7:15 on Sunday morning and detained Raju Urang and his wife Pinky Urang from their house, about 90 km from Silchar.

The NIA team searched the house and seized a laptop, six pencils, paper cuttings of different local newspapers, a map, two mobile phones and some other items, sources said.

R a j u ’s f a t h e r l a t e Chunilal Urang was a government employee with the electricity department. Raju works as an electrician with a private agency/ company and has a son and daughter.

After detaining Raju and Pinky, the NIA team took them to Patharkandi police station. They were being interrogated, as per the latest information available. When approached by reporters, the NIA team did not divulge anything related to the mat-

ter, sources said. Karimganj superintendent of police Padmanabh Baruah was not available for comments.

It may be mentioned that a senior Maoist leader Arun Kumar Bhattacharjee (alias Kanchan Da) was arrested by the NIA from Cachar district’s Udharbond constituency on March 6. It is being suspected that the NIA got the information about the duo (Raju and Pinky) from Kanchan da after grilling him.

After Kanchan Da’s arrest, Harmit Singh, Guwahati police commissioner, had said Kanchan Da was trying to set up the Maoist base in Assam and was hiding in a tea garden in the Cachar district because the CPM (Maoist) leadership assigned him to set up bases in the Northeast, especially in Assam. “The capture of this individual (Kanchan da) is an important achievement and step towards finding out their plans of terror and big win for security agencies fighting for the sovereignty and integrity of the country,” Singh said. According to police, nearly 200 cases of anti-national activity, extortion, and illegal weapons are registered against Kanchan Da across India.

Karauli communal clashes: SIT formed

JAIPUR, APR 3 (PTI): Curfew remained clamped in Karauli in Rajasthan on Sunday while more than a dozen people were arrested and an SIT formed to probe the communal clashes that broke out in the district during a motorcycle rally taken out to celebrate the Hindu new year.

Incidents of arson and vandalism were reported on Saturday after stones were pelted at the rally when it was passing through a Muslim-dominated locality, according to police. At least 35 people were injured in the violence.

Mobile internet remained suspended on Sunday and police said they were examining videos of the violence that have been shared on social media.

“Around 30 people were detained and a dozen of them have been arrested. A special investigation team led by an Additional

Vandalism was reported on Saturday after stone pelting at the rally passing through a Muslim-dominated locality.

Superintendent of Police has been formed to probe the incidents,” DIG Rahul Prakash, who is camping in Karauli, said. “’Curfew is continuing. Some vendors will be allowed to sell essentials like vegetables and milk in the presence of police,” he said, adding that an assessment of losses and damage is underway.

The violence has sparked a fresh war of words between the ruling Congress

5

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022

in the state and the BJP. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot alleged that an environment of religious polarisation had been created in the country after the BJPled NDA came to power at the Centre and blamed it for such incidents.

“The atmosphere which has created in the country after the NDA government came to power, I believe that the prime minister himself should appeal to the countrymen that this

polarisation in the name of religion and caste is not justified and is not in the interest of the country,” he said.

On the other hand, BJP state president Satish Poonia, who has blamed the Congress’ “appeasement” politics for the situation, formed a 10-member panel that will visit Karauli and talk to all sides.

Deputy Leader of Opposition Rajendra Rathore, BJP’s national secretary Alka Singh Gurjar, state general secretary Madan Dilawar and chief spokesperson and MLA Ramlal Sharma are among the members of the committee, according to a party spokesperson.

An additional 600 policemen including 50 officers were deployed last night to maintain law and order in Karauli. Four IPS officers including Rahul Prakash were also sent from Jaipur to monitor the situation.

Andhra Pradesh to have 13 new districts today

WB Panchayat official murder: Bombs buried next to home of accused

AMARAVATI, APR 3 (PTI): The Andhra Pradesh government has issued a gazette notification carving out 26 districts out of the existing 13. All the new districts would come into being from April 4, the gazette issued on Saturday night said.

Soon after notification was issued, the Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy-led YSR Congress government reshuffled IAS and IPS officers and appointed collectors and Superintendents of Police to the newly-created districts.

The state government, in January, had issued a draft notification to carve out 26 districts from the existing 13 and invited suggestions and objections. Reddy, during the poll campaign for the 2019 Assembly elections, promised that his party, if voted to power, would make every Lok Sabha constituency as a district.

R A M P U R H AT ( W B ) , APR 3 (PTI): The police in West Bengal’s Birbhum district on Sunday recovered bombs, buried next to the residence of an absconding accused in TMC panchayat official Bhadu Sheikh’s murder case, a senior officer said.

A team of police officers, accompanied by a bomb squad, unearthed the explosives that were kept in a drum and buried beside Palash Sheikh’s house in Bogtui village.

The squad then defused the bombs on a vacant piece of land, the senior police officer said.

At least 10 FIRs have been filed and over 20 arrested in Bhadu Sheikh’s murder case so far.

Violence had broken out in Bogtui near Rampurhat town last month following the murder, with

A team of CBI and anti-bomb squad, at Bagtui village in Birbhum.

miscreants attacking houses and setting them on fire, leaving eight people dead, including children.

One woman succumbed to her burn injuries days after, taking the toll to nine.

The massacre in the aftermath of the panchayat official’s murder is being probed by the CBI. CBI sleuths, during

the day, spoke to locals in neighbouring Kumadda village, where a bike and two e-rickshaws (toto) that were allegedly used to carry bombs and petrol during the carnage were seized on Saturday, one of the central agency officials said.

According to the official, forensic tests might be conducted on the seized vehicles.

On Guj visit, Kejriwal and Mann offer Cong wary after AAP TMC’s Derek O’Brien pushes for prayers at Swaminarayan temple ‘contacted’ TS Singhdeo Women’s Reservation Bill in RS

Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann visit the Swaminarayan temple, in Ahmedabad. (PTI)

they held a roadshow in the Nikol and Bapunagar localities with a large turnout of AAP members and supporters.

After the roadshow, Kejriwal had appealed to the people of Gujarat to give the AAP a chance and accused the ruling BJP of becoming arrogant.

T.S. Singhdeo

tough decisions being taken in this course correction, Sibal must be expelled from the party for going public with his personal and obnoxious opinion.”

The issue of leadership change in Chhattisgarh is still rife with both the camps of Chief Minister Bhupesh Baghel and Singhdeo showing their strengths and loyalty to the party. However, the supporters of Singhdeo have been pushing for a change of guard since incumbent CM Bhupesh Baghel completed 2.5 years in office.

NEW DELLHI, APR 3 (AGENCIES): The Trinamool Congress has been pushing to bring a motion in Rajya Sabha in the last week of the Budget Session on the long-pending Women’s Reservation Bill that provides for 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies.

Tr i n a m o o l R a j y a Sabha floor leader Derek O’Brien has submitted a notice under Rule 168 of the Rules of Procedures and Conduct of Business in Rajya Sabha seeking to table a motion in Rajya Sabha urging the government to introduce the Bill to amend the Constitution to allow 33% of the seats of Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha and state Assemblies to be reserved for women, reports The Deccan Herald.

According to the text of the motion, it also urges

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and Gujarat.

There are other rumblings in the party. Former Madhya Pradesh Congress President Arun Yadav is upset, while issues in Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan have not been resolved yet.

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NEW DELHI, APRIL 3 (IANS): Congress president Sonia Gandhi will chair parliamentary party meeting to be held on Tuesday.

All MPs of both the houses will be present in the meeting.

The meeting is held normally once during the parliament session in which Sonia Gandhi focuses the way forward for the party during her speech.

This will be the first meeting after the Congress lost badly in five state elections and the party is trying to remain united as Sonia Gandhi has pitched herself to keep the flock together.

The party has to face two crucial state elections this year --Himachal Pradesh

the government to “create a mechanism by which the Government can investigate the barriers of entry to women in electoral politics” and “look at ways to encourage more women to participate in electoral politics”.

Asked about the urgency of bringing the motion, O’Brien noted that women account for Trinamool Congress’ 34% of its MPs. “Which party has 34% women MPs? Action needed. Not words,” he told

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Sonia to chair meet of CPP on Tuesday

TMC MP Derek O’Brien. (PTI)

Deccan Herald.

Share of women among ministers, which halved, from 23% in 2019 to 9.1% in 2021 and share currently stands at 14%. “ I n d i a ’s r a n k h a s steadily deteriorated over the years in Inter-Parliamentary Union’s Women in National Parliaments Rankings. In 1998, India ranked 95th. As of March 2022, India ranks 144th out of 184 countries. There are 15% women MPs in the 17th Lok Sabha and 12.2% women MPs in the Rajya Sabha. This is lower than the global average of 25.5%.

Only 8% of the total MLAs are women across all States in India,” it said.

The motion also referred to the commitment made by the Narendra Modi government to provide 33% reservation to women in Parliament and Assemblies.

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praday and other sects in Hinduism and temples enjoy huge followings in Gujarat.

On Saturday, the CMs of Delhi and Punjab, both ruled by AAP, began their Ahmedabad visit by visiting the Gandhi Ashram and paying tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. Later in the day,

NEW DELHI, APRIL 3 (IANS): A day after T.S. Singhdeo, a chief minister claimant in Chhattisgarh, revealed that AAP leaders had contacted him, the Congress leadership is mulling to reach out to the health minister, though party sources said there was nothing serious about it and Singh Deo is loyal to the party.

The state health minister, who has been a claimant for the chief minister’s post, said in Raipur on Saturday that he was contacted by the AAP leaders, but won’t quit.

But, the Congress leaders in Delhi are wary as Singhdeo commands a sizeable number of MLAs. After losing Madhya Pradesh due to the revolt of Jyotiraditya Scindia, the party is not going to take any chance, said sources. Incidentally, Singdeo was the first leader who demanded Kapil Sibal’s expulsion after he spoke about party leadership. Singhdeo in a tweet had said, “By all means an outrageous statement by Kapil Sibal! Among the

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AHMEDABAD, APR 3 (PTI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his Punjab counter part Bhagwant Mann on Sunday offered prayers at the Swaminarayan temple in Shahibaug area of Ahmedabad on the concluding day of their two-day visit.

Notably, Kejriwal, who is the national convener of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Mann had paid obeisance at a temple in the Nikol area of Ahmedabad on Saturday and held a roadshow, virtually launching the campaign for the Assembly elections in Gujarat, due in December this year.

During their visit to the Swaminarayan Temple on Sunday, Kejriwal and Mann were accompanied by Gujarat AAP leaders including Isudan Gadhvi and Gopal Italia.

As per the schedule shared by the state AAP unit, Kejriwal and Mann will leave for Delhi on Sunday evening.

Swaminarayan Sam-

6

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post VOL. XXXII NO. 118 DIMAPUR, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022

AFSPA blank cheque

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fter the nationwide outrage over the Oting massacre under Mon district on December 4 and 5,2021 where the Special Forces of the Army’s 21 Paras decided to ‘shoot first, ask later’; 14 innocent mine workers were killed and a huge outcry went out against the Act across the nation and CSOs and political parties in the north east demanded its repeal. The government of India’s plea was that it was a botched up operation and a case of mistaken identity.

In response to the massive public protests, the Centre set up a high-level committee to examine the possibility of lifting the AFSPA in Nagaland in December. As a sequel, the Modi government took a big leap of faith in withdrawing the controversial April and repressive Act from three states-Assam, Manipur and Nagaland.

However, the Act has only been partially lifted from some parts of the three states while some districts and police stations are still covered under the Act. In Nagaland, the Act has been totally withdrawn from Tuensang, Tseminyu and Shamatore and partially from Kohima, Wokha, Longleng and Mokokchung districts. In Nagaland, AFSPA will continue to be in force in Dimapur, Chümoukedima, Peren, Phek, Kiphire, Noklak, Niuland, Mon and Zunheboto. In Assam, 24 districts (23 completely, and one partially) have been removed from that list. In Manipur, 15 police stations across six districts have been removed from the Act. The Act was reviewed under the UPA-I on November 19, 2004 which set up the 5-member Justice Jeevan Reddy Commission to decide on whether to remove some of the draconian measures or to replace it with a more humane Act. After touring the north east and consulting cross sections of societies, the Commission submitted its report on June 6,2005. The Committee recommended repeal of AFSPA, but surprisingly it had also suggested making amendments to the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA) to achieve the purpose of AFSPA. Therefore, in effect, the recommendation of Justice Jeevan Reddy Committee to repeal AFSPA was of no meaning, since it had recommended that its provisions may instead be inserted in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act. The UPA-II sat over it in the light of strong objections from security agencies.

Ten years later, on February 28,2015 the Modi government rejected outright the recommendations of the committee. Though the withdrawal of the AFSPA on April 1 was largely welcomed, yet it has not done enough since it appeared to be only a token move.

Even as the people were weighing the Centre’s decision in withdrawing AFSPA from various districts of the three states, another shocking incident of ‘mistaken identity’ exploded in Arunachal Pradesh on April 2 when the 12 Paras, a unit of another special forces of the Army shot and seriously wounded two innocent civilians at Chasa village. Earlier on March 21, two “suspected insurgents of the NSCN(I-M)” were killed and one injured near Old Kolagaon village some 30 kms from Khonsa the district headquarters of Tirap.

These incidents have been replayed too often because the Act is an aberration that places people at the mercy of the trigger happy armed forces. The Act is not in force in violent-prone Naxal infested states.

The Act has not brought peace but only terror and shields the perpetrators. It’s continuance is a blot on the nation.

DailyDevotion “If You Had Known!”

If you had known…in this your day, the things that make for your peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes. —Luke 19:42 Jesus entered Jerusalem triumphantly and the city was stirred to its very foundations, but a strange god was there– the pride of the Pharisees. It was a god that seemed religious and upright, but Jesus compared it to “whitewashed tombs which indeed appear beautiful outwardly, but inside are full of dead men’s bones and all uncleanness” (Matthew 23:27).

What is it that blinds you to the peace of God “in this your day”? Do you have a strange god– not a disgusting monster but perhaps an unholy nature that controls your life? More than once God has brought me face to face with a strange god in my life, and I knew that I should have given it up, but I didn’t do it. I got through the crisis “by the skin of my teeth,” only to find myself still under the control of that strange god. I am blind to the very things that make for my own peace.

It is a shocking thing that we can be in the exact place where the Spirit of God should be having His completely unhindered way with us, and yet we only make matters worse, increasing our blame in God’s eyes.

“If you had known….” God’s words here cut directly to the heart, with the tears of Jesus behind them.

These words imply responsibility for our own faults.

God holds us accountable for what we refuse to see or are unable to see because of our sin. And “now they are hidden from your eyes” because you have never completely yielded your nature to Him. Oh, the deep, unending sadness for what might have been! God never again opens the doors that have been closed. He opens other doors, but He reminds us that there are doors which we have shut– doors which had no need to be shut. Never be afraid when God brings back your past.

Let your memory have its way with you. It is a minister of God bringing its rebuke and sorrow to you. God will turn what might have been into a wonderful lesson of growth for the future.

Quotes

If you spend too much time thinking about a thing, you’ll never get it done. ~ Bruce Lee

I

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022

High debt, infra kill Sri Lanka

s the globalization failing? The Sri Lankan economic crisis is a grave warning that reckless consumption promoted by global MNCs, IMF and World Bank at the cost of localised economies and ignoring the decentralized agriculture, rural or small entrepreneurship is not a sustainable model.

The Ukraine is possibly the last nail on a crisis-hit globe. The war is not doing of India but it is disrupting the global supply chain impacting all countries “like the covid19 pandemic”, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman tells Rajya Sabha.

The Sri Lanka crisis and the disquiet among the working class reflected by the March 28-29 all-India strike by dozens of labour unions are pointer to an impending danger. It is due to the faulty global designs of curbs on wages, cash transactions, over dependence on banks, extreme stress on high-cost infra and other facilities.

Sitharaman assures that the central government is focusing on “sustained recovery through a predictable taxation regime.”

India has to recall the strength of its mixed economy. That was the people’s economy and overcame the

Soviet Union collapse or the 2007 meltdown.

But since 1948 Sri Lanka had never been in such deep economic crisis.

It has 10-hour power cut, extreme fuel crisis and rice selling at Rs 500 a kg. Exams are put off for shortage of paper and two newspapers cease publication. It rushes to sign six pacts with India with a $ 2.4 billion credit lines and assured petroleum supply.

A small neighbour in deep trouble with forex reserves falling to $ 2.3 billion, not enough for immediate imports and external debt pegged at $ 45 billion, $ 8 billion to China alone, and outstanding sovereign bonds of $12.55 billion shakes India in more than one ways. The 119 percent Lankan debt to GDP now has started distress refugee influx to the Tamilnadu shores of India. Lanka hit by the globalization, reckless imports, multiplexes, malls and artificial glitter has lessons for all.

The crisis was in the making for almost a decade, largely due to the country’s excessive dependence of imports and borrowings for a raft of massive infrastructure project. It highlights how unbridled borrowing for big-ticket infra projects such as those under China’s

Belt and Road Initiative, not so high production as can lead to complications. purchasing power capacity The government’s tax cuts has reduced. and switch to organic agSri Lanka, the workriculture further squeezed ers’ stir and the global revenues. economic crisis testify that Indian the 1991 working class Shivaji Sarkar privatisaprotest called tion preby dozens of labour unions scription of the IMF-World representing both public Bank is not the solution. and private sectors high- The G-20 prescription of light difficult situation that monopolization and censtalks the country with tralization of the economy more privatisation, striving at the cost of the labour to bypass the minimum have caused more problems wages and less jobs. It’s for real growth though it against, TUs say, new la- multiply profits of MNCs bour law allowing contract and large companies conemployment; giving em- trol the economies. It has ployers greater leeway in led to inequitable growth setting wages and extend- and the pandemic has ing working hours. Sale come as great destroyer of PSUs throws more out of whatever little was left. of jobs. Reports say that The world did not banks were hit across the learn from the follies of country and in some areas 2007-08 Lehman Brothin the south, transport and er-financial institutions normal lives were affected. induced sub-prime crisis The government has of siphoning of people’s repeatedly been telling deposits that hit the US them it is trying to create and Europe the most. The jobs, continuing with free US public sector AIG took food grains and edible oil the worst hit. dole at least till September It also shows that a for 80 crore people belong globalised war by the US to the families of farmers in Afghanistan, Iraq, Syria and labourers. It is a heavy and the Middle East has burden on the exchequer. helped none but the arms The government commit- lobby. It weakens the econted to welfare is spending omies of the super power almost Rs 4.5 lakh crore and its NATO allies. Shaky since 2020 through a re- European economies are gime of high inflation and afraid of going to a war

with Russia or even check its aggression in Ukraine.

The people in the US are against Joe Biden administration rushing to another war. They do not want more body bags. The US today has almost $ 27 trillion of global debt, largely from five countries, including China.

The globe continues with the crisis and India would have to lead in correcting the course. Should the world go back to strengthen the public sector and check the private that has fudged balance sheets and misappropriated the public money? It’s wishful thinking in unethically controlled world.

The Narendra Modi government has the power with its massive mandate to take the call for a change.

It must review infra and extreme dependence on coal-generated electricity for domestic to running of trains, buses and cars. The centralized control is susceptible to security threats that can jeopardise economic activities. It should promote cash economy as digital stresses the banking system and vulnerable to fraudulent deals. Cash is inclusive, quick and has the least cost.

Lanka learns the hard way that high consumption

is not sustainable without higher production, income and self-reliance. India has been trying to be atmanirbhar, reincarnation of Gandhian swadeshi, but all the same opting for FTA with the Australia and West Asian countries. It also has 87.8 percent debt to GDP ratio. The model of expensive toll roads, high priced transportationcommunication, high income and other taxes are leading to soaring costs, inflation and a thaw in the economy.

India unwisely is junking 10-year-old private, government vehicles and kisan’s tractors. It devastates wealth building.

Similar luxurious follies have led to the Lankan crisis.

During the last 30 years, the world has seen Soviet Marxism collapsing, Maoism turning to capitalist exploitation, Manmohanomics failing and Theodore Levitt’s globalization becoming a junk. It is India’s turn to give a viable alternative of sustainable consumption and a mix of people-centric independent low-cost mixed economy free from the control of big banks and large corporations. Lanka exposes the dangers; the world has to trudge cautiously.

Post-mortem

Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home 4TH APRIL IS THE INTERNATIONAL DAY FOR MINE AWARENESS AND ASSISTANCE IN MINE ACTION

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rmed conflicts and wars are always against humanity.

From time immemorial we have seen wars and use of devastating weapons. One of the weapons which was used against the enemy is the land mine. A land mine is an explosive device concealed under or on the ground and designed to destroy or disable enemy targets, ranging from combatants to vehicles and tanks, as they pass over or near it. Such a device is typically detonated automatically by way of pressure when a target steps on it or drives over it, although other detonation mechanisms are also sometimes used. A land mine may cause damage by direct blast effect, by fragments that are thrown by the blast, or by both.

For a peaceful society

I

anywhere in the world, it is important that our land is free from mines.

To ensure peace and security it is important for national and international organisations to raise their voice against land mines. The United Nations aims for a world free of landmines and explosive remnants of war, where individuals and communities live in a safe environment conducive to development and where the needs of victims are met. In 2022 the United Nations Mine Action Service marks the Day under the theme “Safe Ground, Safe Steps, Safe Home.”

The focus of the observance is on the impressive achievements of the global mine action community, starting with the work of the International Campaign to Ban Landmines

(ICBL) – founded in 1992 and awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1997 .

“Safe Ground” is the name of the global campaign “turning minefields into playing fields,” which was launched by the Secretary-General of the United Nations in 2019.

“Safe Steps” brings attention to the trepidation that too many people experience when they move about, not knowing if they will detonate an explosive that could maim or kill them at any moment. “Safe Home” is about restoring the personal security of individuals and communities in post-conflict settings. There is no place like home, and it is difficult to feel at home without security and community.

On 8 December 2005, the UN’s General Assembly declared that 4 April of

each year shall be observed as the International Day for Mine Awareness and Assistance in Mine Action.

Guided by its interagency policy, the United Nations Inter-Agency Coordination Group on Mine Action (IACG-MA), consisting of 12 departments, agencies, funds and programmes, and with observer entities, such as the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research and World Bank continue to ensure system-wide coherence in all mine action pillars and activities.

In 2018 United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) convened, coordinated and led the drafting of the United Nations Mine Action Strategy 2019-2023. In April 2015, the UN Secretary-General designated the renowned actor Daniel Craig as the

first UN Global Advocate for the Elimination of Mines and Explosive Hazards. Established in 1997, the UNMAS works to eliminate the threat posed by mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices by coordinating United Nations mine action, leading operational responses at the country level, and supporting the development of standards, policies and norms.

António Guterres, the Secretary-General of the UN in his message said that “mines, explosive remnants of war and improvised explosive devices continue to kill or injure thousands of people every year – many of whom are children. We must do more to protect people living under the shadow of explosive ordnance,

India acts big brother to Sri Lanka

ndian policy in the oil line of credit; $1 billion peninsula.

On March 17, as his region towards smaller line of credit for essentials Sri Lanka Economic brother Basil Rajapaksa arcountries, seems to be to be imported from India; Crisis rived in Delhi, Sri Lankan paying dividends, as com- currency swap of $400 As per a report of the President Gotabaya Rajpared to China, which is million; deferral of $515 Financial Times, the Sri apaksa said in an address more and more is being million under Asian Clear- Lankan Economic disas- to the nation that his govseen as a hawk, intent on ance Union; 40,000 MT ter was partly manmade ernment would work with taking over smaller coun- of fuel on credit; 100,000 as pointed out by former the International Montries natural resources.

Rapid Antigen Test kits CBSL Deputy Governor etary Fund (IMF) to tide The recent example and supply of 1,000 tons Wijewardana, blaming the over the crisis. of this is the manner in of liquid medical oxygen, government for making seThis presidential which India has handled according to reports. rious policy errors when it speech came after days of Sri Lanka, a neighbour India is also expected announced an unsolicited, massive protests over the under extreme financial to extend a food and health attractive tax concession shortages and steep prices burden. Ties between two security package to Sri to income taxpayers. The that have created day-toneighbours expanded to Lanka on an urgent basis, consequence of this ex- day uncertainties for Sri another level during the along with an energy secu- traordinary move was the Lankans across the counvisit to India by Sri Lankan rity package and currency building up of inflationary try. Political observers say Finance Minister Basil swap, and also push Indian pressure in the domestic that in just over two years, Rajapaksa. investments. economy on one side, and Sri Lanka’s first family has He met Finance MinIndia’s NTPC last the depletion of foreign presided over a series of ister Nirmala Sitharaman week also signed an agree- reserves putting pressure crises mostly of its own and External Affairs Min- ment for setting up a solar on the rupee to depreciate making. ister S. Jaishankar in New plant in Sampur in the in the market, on the other.

Sri Lanka currently is Delhi. Later, an announce- eastern province of TrinA substantial drop in facing its worst economic ment was made of a $1 comalee, while the Adina tourism-related earnings upheaval in a decade. The billion credit facility to Sri group has signed up for in 20/21, heavy debt re- badly timed fertiliser ban Lanka on March 17, which another wind/solar project payments and an increase led to a dramatic fall in is in the midst of a severe in the Mannar and Pon- in pandemic-related ex- yields of crops like rice economic crisis triggered neryn areas of northern penses, also added to the and tea, added to its failure by a shortage of foreign Sri Lanka. Indian Oil’s woes. The result of all this to deal with a foreignexchange. subsidiary Lanka India Oil was that 500,000 people currency crisis that’s now In his tweet after the Corporation and Ceylon according to the World a humanitarian emergency. meeting, Jaishankar reiter- Petroleum have signed an Bank have fallen below Relying until now on help ated importance of India’s agreement to jointly de- the poverty line, whilst from its two major backers “Neighbourhood first” velop the Trincomalee Oil food inflation hit 21 per -India and China - and policy.

Tank Farm. Delhi is also cent. Dependence on oil stubbornly refusing wider Indian largesse pushing for joint develop- has further aggravated its international aid, the counIndian assistance in ment of the Palaly airport problems after the start of try is on the verge of paythe last six months com- and Kankesanthurai har- the Ukraine crisis. ments default. prises of; a $500 million bour in the northern Jaffna Political Crisis Many regional obReader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this

servers blame Rajapaksa clan for all this. Gotabaya, who won office in the November 2019 presidential elections, appointed his brother, Mahinda, as Prime Minister. Their eldest brother, Chamal, is a Cabinet minister, while his son is a non-Cabinet minister. One of the Prime Minister’s sons is also in the Cabinet, another is his chief of staff, and a nephew is an MP. According to some estimates, about 75 per cent of the budget is under the control of Rajapaksa ministers in government. But the Rajapaksa family has not been able to do what needed to be done to help Sri Lanka out of this mess.

Things are so bad that the brothers’ resistance to seek support from the IMF has softened. Sri Lankan officials began talks with the IMF on March 14 and may present policy proposals by early next month.

There are increasing demands for the government to clearly articulate some concrete solutions.

Sri Lanka has asked both Beijing and New Delhi to consider restructuring its debt repayments.

The country is also newspaper nor that of the

from Syria, Somalia and Afghanistan to Myanmar, Cambodia, and beyond.”

There is no doubt that mine action is an investment in humanity. Though the north eastern region has seen conflicts and violence for the last few decades but uses of land mines are very rare here else there might have been more casualties during the time of conflicts. On this International Day, let us build on past progress and rid the world of the scourge of landmines once and for all. Together we can bring positive changes and let us take action to ensure safe grounds, safe steps and safe homes around the world.

Ranjan K Baruah (With direct inputs from UN publication and feedback may be sent to bkranjan@gmail.com)

seeking to negotiate a new loan with China.

The Hambantota Port, part of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, is widely viewed as an example of China’s over-ambitious infrastructure drive. Sri Lanka borrowed heavily to build the port, couldn’t repay the loans, and then gave China a 99-year lease for debt relief.

Gotabaya is hardly the unifying figure Sri Lanka needs right now. He’ll continue to be the President till 2024 and the opposition protests are unlikely to loosen his grip on power.

Any delay in securing an IMF agreement may bring the country one step closer to being a defaulter, and adding to people’s disenchantment with the Rajapaksas.

India, on its part to build more robust and long-term strategic ties with Sri Lanka, needs a soft approach with added measures crucial to securing stability and preventing conflict recurrence over there on ethnic lines.

Asad Mirza (The writer is a political commentator based in New Delhi. The views expressed are personal) Editor in any manner.

50 pc Hindus will convert to Islam if Muslim becomes PM: Narsinghanand

the Delhi administration had not granted permission, he also exhorted Hindus to take up arms to fight for their existence.

The Mahapanchayat was organised at Burari grounds here by the same group which had earlier held similar controversial events in Haridwar and at Jantar Mantar in the national capital, where anti-Muslim slogans were

Raj Thackeray’s Gudhi Padwa speech scripted by BJP: Raut

Sanjay Raut

tooth so late. Governments are for med on majority numbers in legislature.

These numbers were with the MVA. The MVA alliance government had been formed to teach liars a lesson and to provide stability to the state,” Raut said.

He said that no third person should poke his nose into what transpired between the Sena and the BJP in 2019 before the formation of the MVA government.

The Sena chief spokesperson wondered if ‘Azan’ on loudspeakers has been stopped in BJP-ruled states.

“The rule of law prevails in Maharashtra,” he said.

Raut also slammed the MNS chief for his remarks that NCP president Sharad Pawar plays a caste card and “divides society”.

BENGALURU, APR 3 (PTI): Karnataka Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services Department has asked the Bruhat Bengaluru Mahanagara Palike (BBMP) to direct all slaughterhouses and chicken shops in the city to ensure that animals are “stunned” mandatorily, before they are slaughtered for meat.

It has asked the civic body to check the stunning facility, while issuing licences for slaughterhouses and chicken shops.

Though such a communication is said to be a routine affair, it has come amidst controversy around right-wing groups giving a call to boycott ‘halal’ meat amidst Ugadi festivities.

Citing the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (Slaughter House) Rules, 2001, in a letter dated April 1, the Deputy Director of Animal Husbandry and Veterinary Services, Bengaluru Urban district, has written a letter to BBMP for ensuring stunning of animals before they are slaughtered for meat.

Nepal PM Deuba visits temples in Varanasi

raised. Several other Hindu supremacist leaders also attended the Sunday event.

Narsinghanand is currently on bail in connection with the Haridwar hate speech case.

“Only in 2029 or in 2034 or in 2039 a Muslim will become the prime minister. Once a Muslim will become the PM, 50 per cent Hindus will convert, 40 per cent will be killed and the remaining 10 per cent will either live in refugee camps or in other countries in the next 20 years.

“This will be the future of the Hindus. If you want to avoid this future, then become a man and take up arms,” Narsinghanand is seen saying in a video of the Mahapanchayat which is being circulated on social media.

PTI could not independently check the veracity of the video.

Meanwhile, a few Delhi based journalists,

who had gone to cover the event, were allegedly manhandled there. Police, however, denied the claim that they were detained.

Sharing a tweet by one of the journalists who alleged that two young Muslim men from the media were assaulted by a Hindu mob at the Mahapanchayat and were also taken into custody, the Deputy Commissioner of Police (Northwest) Usha Rangnani took to Twitter to say nobody was detained. “Some of the reporters, willingly, on their own free will, to evade the crowd which was getting agitated by their presence, sat in PCR Van stationed at the venue and opted to proceed to Police Stn for security reasons. No one was detained. Due police protection was provided,” she stated in the tweet. “For spreading misinformation, due necessary action shall be initiated against such persons,” she tweeted.

Army chief visits Singapore to boost military ties

Something wrong somewhere: NCP Cong still ‘very strong’, losing leader on Sail’s death in Aryan Khan case elections not end of it: Gehlot

NEW DELHI, APRIL 3 (IANS): Indian Army Chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane is on three-day visit to Singapore to enhance military cooperation.

He has proceeded on Singapore visit from April 4 to April 6. During the visit, he will be meeting senior military and civilian leadership of the country.

On April 4, General Naravane will lay a wreath at the Kranji War Memorial.

The Army Chief is scheduled to call on the Minister of Defence, Chief of Singapore Army and other senior dignitaries where he will discuss avenues for enhancing India-Singapore defence relations.

He will also visit the Infantry Gunnery Tactical Simulation and Wargame Centre, Regional HADR Coordination Centre, Info Fusion Centre and the Changi Naval Base.

Last year in December, Gen Naravane went on a week-long visit to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Saudi Arabia, the first ever trip by an army chief to both West Asian states to significantly boost security ties.

NEW DELHI, APRIL 3 (IANS): After the death of Prabhakar Sail, a key witness in the Aryan Khan case, NCP leader Majeed Memon on Sunday raised suspicions about the incident.

In a tweet he said, “A vital witness in Aryan Khan drug case dies suddenly creating suspicion about something wrong somewhere.”

The Maharashtra government on Saturday ordered the police to probe his sudden demise.

After doubts were raised over the death of Sail -- a key ‘panch witness’ in the infamous Narcotics Control Bureau (NCB) raids on the Cordelia Cruise ship last October, Maharashtra Home Minister Dilip WalsePatil directed the Mumbai Police to investigate.

Sail, in his mid-40s, reportedly suffered a cardiac arrest at his home in Mahul, Chembur, according to his lawyer Tushar Khandare.

Terming it as a ‘suspicious development’, NCP chief spokesperson Mahesh Tapase demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe.

Majeed Memon

BJP legislator Atul Bhatkalkar wondered whether Sail had meted a fate similar to the Thane businessman Mansukh Hiran, who was found murdered after the sensational case involving an SUV with 20 gelatin sticks was recovered near the home of industrialist Mukesh Ambani erupted in February 2021.

Soon after the October 2, 2021 raids aboard the cruiser, Sail had created a stir accusing then NCB

Nepal’s Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba with his wife Arzu Rana Deuba offers prayers at the Kaal Bhairav temple, in Varanasi, Sunday, April 3, 2022. (PTI)

VARANASI (UP), APR 3 (PTI): Nepalese Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba arrived in Varanasi on Sunday and offered prayers at the famous Kal Bhairav and Kashi Vishwanath temples.

Deuba, accompanied by his wife Arzu Rana Deuba, was received by Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath at the Lal Bahadur Shastri Airport here in the morning.

Schoolchildren holding Indian and Nepalese flags greeted the prime minister at the airport.

Mumbai Zonal Director Sameer Wankhede of various irregularities, and hurled allegations of extortion from Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan whose son Aryan was among those detained and later arrested.

Besides Aryan Khan, around 19 others were nabbed and two are still in custody, while the NCB has been granted two months’ extension to file its charge sheet in the Cordelia Cruise ship swoop case.

Sail -- who was described as a personal bodyguard of another independent witness and a BJP activist K.P. Gosavi, had later made several shocking revelations that raised serious questions on the NCB raids and Wankhede.

Later, the Nepalese PM visited Kal Bhairav and Kashi Vishwanath temples and paid obeisance there.

Deuba was accompanied by Adityanath.

Amidst showering of flower petals and beats of ‘Damru’, various artistes performed traditional dances to welcome the prime minister. Deuba and his wife performed ‘rudrabhishek’ -- a ritual to offer prayers to Lord Shiva -- at the Kashi Vishwanath temple and also watched a short-film showing the history of the Kashi

BARMER, APR 3 (PTI): Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot on Sunday said the Congress is still a “very strong” party in the country and losing elections will not be the end of it, as has been seen in the past.

Asserting that all that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi had warned the government about was turning out to be true, Gehlot said Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take the Opposition seriously and act accordingly.

The chief minister was speaking at a press conference here.

The Congress faced a massive defeat in the 1977 general elections, even Indira Gandhi had lost. But the party made a strong comeback and formed the

Vishwanath Dham.

Earlier, the high-profile guests were greeted with cultural programmes, including various dance forms, at 15 places on the road from the airport to the Taj Hotel.

The Nepalese PM is likely to visit Pashupatinath temple located at Lalita Ghat and hold a meeting with the chief minister, officials said.

Deuba arrived in New Delhi on Friday in his first bilateral visit abroad after becoming prime minister for the fifth time in July 2021.

Ashok Gehlot

government, Gehlot said.

“Losing elections does not mean it is the end of the Congress,” he said, adding that the party is “very strong” even today and has a presence across the country.

His remarks came in the backdrop of the Congress’ drubbing in the recent Assembly polls in five states.

The party failed to win any of the states and lost Punjab to the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP).

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MUMBAI, APR 3 (PTI): Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut on Sunday hit out at Raj Thackeray for demanding that loudspeakers on mosques shut down, saying the MNS chief ’s speech was “scripted and sponsored” by BJP. Speaking at a rally at Shivaji Park in Mumbai on Saturday, Raj Thackeray demanded that if the playing of loudspeakers in mosques at high volume is not stopped, there will be speakers outside mosques playing Hanuman Chalisa at a higher volume.

“It is clear that the (speech of) the loudspeaker blaring at the Shivaji Park yesterday was scripted and sponsored by BJP,” Raut told reporters here in an apparent reference to the MNS chief.

Raut criticised the MNS president for his remarks that Shiv Sena remembered the assurance of rotational chief ministership only after the 2019 results, which was a mandate for the Sena-BJP alliance and not for Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA).

“I wonder why some people get their wisdom

Stun animals before slaughter: K’taka govt

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People partcipate in the ‘Hindu Mahapanchayat’ at Burari, in New Delhi, Sunday, April 3, 2022. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, APR 3 (PTI): Notorious for making intemperate remarks, Yati Narsinghanand, the head priest of the Dasna Devi temple, stoked yet another controversy on Sunday with his comment that “50 per cent of Hindus will convert” in 20 years if a Muslim became the prime minister of India.

Addressing a ‘Hindu Mahapanchayat’ for which

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KAKURO

In the sense that in any given paper, there will be 50 questions, but the students only need to answer 40,” he said.

“Our experts who will set the question papers will also be sensitised about these small differences between the state syllabus and the NCERT syllabus,” the UGC chief said.

Asked if he felt a big coaching industry would come around CUET now, Kumar said he believed it was unlikely.

Unlike other competitive examinations such as JEE, where students have to study both Class 11 and 12 syllabus, in CU CET, it is just the Class 12 syllabus.

He also said the seats-

to-candidates ratio was far more favourable with regard to the CUET. “Look at JEE, where for IIT admissions nearly 12 lakh students appear.

And how many seats are there in all the IITs put together - roughly 16,000.

On the other hand, if you look at the number of seats in BA, BSc or similar programs in 45 central universities and some of the best state universities or other deemed to be universities, the total seats will come out to be close to about 2 lakh.

Central universities themselves have about 1.2 lakh seats. That means 12 lakh people are applying for 2 lakh seats.

So the competition is one is to six or one is to five,” he said.

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ACROSS 1 Names (6) 7 In unison (8) 8 Eyot (4) 10 Monotony (6) 11 Prior to (6) 14 Record (3) 16 Doorway (5) 17 Portent (4) 19 Bet (5) 21 Water lily (5) 22 Voucher (5) 23 Cattle meat (4) 26 Shoe (5) 28 Farmyard bird (3) 29 Lots (6) 30 Over there (6) 31 --- Redding, singer (4) 32 Chorister (8) 33 Heavily decorated (6) DOWN 1 Military pageant (6) 2 Injury (6) 3 Plant part (4) 4 Breaks a promise (7) 5 Fire (5) 6 Star sign (5) 8 Lazy (4) 9 Drag (3) 12 At a distance (3) 13 Theatrical entertainment (5) 15 Friends (5) 18 Wall painting (5) 19 Cooking vessel (3) 20 Weapon (3) 21 Game of chance (7) 22 Unit of weight (3) 23 Gracious (6) 24 Finishes (4) 25 Fodder (6) 26 Room (5) 27 Under (5) 28 Spicy (3) 30 Toy (2-2)

Heavy rains to lash parts of NE region (From p-) heavy rain and thunderstorm are likely over North Eastern states until April 7. Assam, Meghalaya and Arunachal Pradesh are likely to face the brunt of the inclement weather this week.

The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has also issued similar alerts over the region and has kept Assam, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh under an orange alert till Monday.

An orange alert implies ‘be prepared’ for adverse weather conditions.

While the Northeast has begun April on such a wet note, the rainfall throughout the month is likely to be below the regional average, as per the latest month-long forecast by the IMD. Forecast for week-2 (April 7-13): The MeT department has predicted light to moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall with thunderstorm activity over North East during many days of the week due to trough over the region and strong southwesterly winds from the Bay of Bengal at

Unemployment rate decreasing, says CMIE

KU to abstain from consultative meet...

NEW DELHI, APR 3 (PTI): Unemployment rate in the country is decreasing with the economy slowly returning to normal, according to CMIE data. The Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy’s monthly time series data revealed that the overall unemployment rate in India was 8.10 per cent in February 2022, which fell to 7.6 per cent in March.

On April 2, the ratio further dropped to 7.5 per cent, with urban unemployment rate at 8.5 per cent and rural at 7.1 per cent.

Retired professor of economics at Indian Statistical Institute Abhirup Sarkar said that though the overall unemployment rate

is falling, it is still high for a “poor” country like India.

The decrease in the ratio shows that the economy is getting back on track after being hit by COVID-19 for two years, he said. “But still, this unemployment rate is high for India which is a poor country. Poor people, particularly in rural areas, cannot afford to remain unemployed, for which they are taking up any job which comes in their way,” Sarkar said.

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(From p-1) It cautioned that if the bold efforts and steps taken up by the Konyaks were ignored, there would be no peace in the State and the nation.

Meanwhile, the union also criticised and condemned the barbaric and inhuman action of Assam Rifles at Chasa village in Arunachal Pradesh on April 2 in which two innocent youth were shot at. It accused the force of having gone too far disrespecting the sentiments of the people.

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lower tropospheric levels.

No significant change in maximum temperatures is likely over most parts of the country as compared to week 1.

The lack of lower-level southwesterly or southerly wind convergence over northeast India from the Bay of Bengal in March caused subdued rainfall over these areas, says the IMD. East and northeast India also remained nearly 2°C warmer than normal, making March 2022 the warmest March in recorded history for the region since 1901.

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sidiary of SBI and Nepal’s largest international bank, worked on the initiative for over a year with support from Nepal’s Central Bank.

They said the launch of the card in Nepal will forge a new path to financial convenience and empowerment with the use of technology and innovation.

It will not only enable ease of payment for RuPay car holders but also uplift Nepal’s payment ecosystem capabilities, they said.

After the Modi-Deuba talks, Nepal and India also inked a pact for the renewal of an MoU for the supply of petroleum products for a period of five years between Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) and Nepal Oil Corporation Ltd (NOC), the people cited above said.

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for the fifth time in July 2021. “Introduction of RuPay card in Nepal will add a new chapter to our financial connectivity,” Modi said in his media statement after the talks.

The Ministry of External Affairs said the launch of the card in Nepal would open new vistas for cooperation in financial connectivity, and is expected to facilitate bilateral tourist flows as well as further strengthen people-to-people linkages.

RuPay card scheme was launched in 2012 as part of the Reserve Bank of India’s vision to have a domestic, open and multilateral system of payments.

People familiar with the project said the Nepal SBI Bank (NSBL), a sub-

was spearheading the peace talks.

Calling for putting an end to all these immediately, NSCN (I-M) compared the robbing of the dignity of the very person entrusted to coordinate in the Indo-Naga political talks with hitting below the belt.

“More than that, a sense of humanity in keeping with the spirit of ceasefire and peace talks should also be made to prevail during the entire process of political peace process.

Nothing should come too costly for the AR to exercise human touch to help drive the Naga peace process to logical conclusion,” the statement stressed.

NHM recruitments earlier. It was also informed that it will be difficult for those superannuating from directorate at restart clinical practise and there were no post above joint director level and therefore it will be difficult for those retiring at senior level above additional director to serve at the district level. The NIDA leaders claimed that NPA was an emergency duty allowance and they had no issue with those doctors practising off duty in private institutions as long as they attended emergency services.

They asked when other States could implement the decision without any interference from other departments, why Nagaland government deprived the doctors by being indecisive.

Meanwhile, NIDA members at Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) has extended full support to the demand by the parent body, asserting that it was an urgent requirement to tide over the acute shortage of trained doctors in government service.

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NEW DELHI, APR 3 (PTI): Nepal on Saturday became the fourth foreign country to operationalise the RuPay card with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart Sher Bahadur Deuba jointly launching the Indian electronic payment system in the Himalayan nation.

The three other countries that have the RuPay card are Bhutan, Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

The card was launched by the two leaders after holding talks covering wideranging issues including cooperation in areas of trade, investment and energy.

Deuba arrived in New Delhi on Friday in his first bilateral visit abroad after becoming prime minister

(From p-1) But he feared that none of the doctors in Nagaland would be qualified to teach at the medical colleges.

NIDA said that most states have implemented the Central Government Policy of enhancement of retirement age for medical doctors following the Prime Minister’s announcement. He said 108 posts of doctors were requisitioned to Nagaland Public Service Commission for conducting exams.

Meanwhile, NIDA expressed strong opposition to other services raising a similar demand stating that others had no right to raise the demand since NIDA’s demand was based on the Prime Minister’s announcement for doctors only due to shortage of doctors across the country. Association’s leaders said the government’s offer was not feasible since there would be hierarchical issue for those retiring at senior levels from the directorate to district level and under MO, MS or SMO as was experienced in

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India’s RuPay card launched in Nepal CUET will reduce stress...

with more reinforcement in two Gypsy vehicles and one big truck. Following this, the family programme had to be cancelled, it added.

Noting the recklessness of the AR personnel, NSCN (I-M) accused them of showing disregard to Naga Army’s longvibu, who had been designated as official coordinator for the Indo-Naga political talks.

NSCN (I-M) asked whether this was the way to handle the peace talks where a designated official was not respected or it was another case of mistaken identity.

It also questioned whether this was the way to let loose the ghost of AFSPA on the Naga political group that

Deadlock continues over NIDA demand

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ing the offensive. On rising inflation, the Niti Aayog Vice Chairman said that RBI is keeping a close watch as per its mandate.

“I am sure that the RBI is well in control of it (inflation) and will take the necessary steps if and when required,” he said.

Retail inflation hit an eight-month high of 6.07 per cent in February, remaining above the RBI’s comfort level for the second month in a row while wholesale price-based inflation soared to 13.11 per cent on account of hardening of crude oil and non-food item prices.

The RBI keeps a close watch on the CPI inflation while deciding on its bimonthly monetary policy.

The RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) has been

number of ministries have taken initiatives. So, I think this will be well on track.”

Last year, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman had announced a Rs 6 lakh crore-National Monetisation Pipeline (NMP) over a four-year period that will look to unlock value in infrastructure assets across sectors ranging from power to road and railways. Niti Aayog in consultation with infrastructure line ministries has prepared the report on NMP. Regarding high petrol and diesel prices, Kumar said that given the global situation, fuel prices are rising across the world. “In the past, the government had taken steps to reduce the tax burden. And I think, it’s time now for the states to come forward if they feel that this is required to be done,” he said.

In any case, Kumar asserted, the government keeps a close watch on prices of all commodities including fuel and will take steps as necessary. Rates of petrol and diesel are rising, and vary from state to state depending upon the incidence of local taxation.

(From p-1) family members, children and a few of his security staff, went for fishingcum-picnic when three AR personnel harassed them and tried to chase them away on the pretext that the area was outside the jurisdiction of designated camp and permission was not taken from them prior to visiting them place.

Even though the security staff of longvibu tried to reason with them that the private family programme should not be disturbed and on the need to respect the spirit of ongoing peace process, NSCN (I-M) mentioned that the AR personnel went away but came back

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recent government data. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has pegged the economic growth rate for 2022-23 at 7.8 per cent.

“So, I think India is on the cusp of a major economic recovery and economic growth,” Kumar said even as he acknowledged that because of the Russia-Ukraine war, India’s GDP growth projection could be revised.

“But even then, India will remain the fastest growing economy and all the other economic parameters are actually quite within the range,” he said.

Ru s s i a s t a r t e d i t s military offensive against Ukraine on February 24.

Western nations, including the US, have imposed major economic and various other sanctions on Russia follow-

given the mandate to maintain annual inflation at 4 per cent until March 31, 2026, with an upper tolerance of 6 per cent and a lower tolerance of 2 per cent.

Regarding concerns over possible risk of stagflation, Kumar said the Indian economy is projected to grow 7.8 per cent in the current fiscal and this is nowhere near the definition of stagflation.

“I think this has been overhyped, because when you talk about stagflation, we talk about growth rates which are much below your rate of growth or potential output, which is not true at all for this time,” he emphasised. Stagflation is defined as a situation where inflation as well as unemployment are high and demand also remains stagnant in the economy.

About the government meeting the target of raising Rs 88,000 crore from asset monetisation in 2021-22 financial year ended March 31, Kumar said, “I have heard this (target) will be achieved or if not, (then we will be) very close to the target. We have a number of things in the pipeline, and a

NSCN (I-M) accuses AR of wrongly targeting its...

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India on cusp of major economic recovery: Niti

NEW DELHI, APR 3 (PTI): India is on the cusp of a major economic recovery and talks of possible stagflation are “overhyped” as a strong economic foundation is being laid with the reforms carried out by the government over the last seven years, Niti Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar said on Sunday.

Notwithstanding economic uncertainties triggered by the Russia-Ukraine war that is also impacting global supply chains, Kumar asserted that it was quite clear from all accounts that India will remain the fastest growing economy in the world.

“Given all the reforms that we have done in the last seven years, and given that we are seeing the end of the COVID-19 pandemic hopefully, and the 7.8 per cent rate of growth that we will get this year (202223), a very strong foundation is now being laid for further rapid increase in economic growth in the coming years,” Kumar told PTI in an interview. Asia’s third-largest economy is projected to grow 8.9 per cent in 2021-22, according to

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022

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Russia accused of war crimes as Bucha reveals horror of invasion

One of the many mass graves found at Bucha near Kyviv that was under Russian occupation.

KYIV, APR 3 (AGENCIES): The retreat of Russian forces around Kyiv has left horrifying evidence of atrocities against civilians littered across the region’s suburbs and towns, turned into hellish war zones by Vladimir Putin’s invasion.

As Ukrainian armoured columns rolled into Bucha, a town northwest of the capital, they found streets blocked by burned-out Russian tanks and military vehicles, and strewn with the bodies of civilians whom locals said had been killed by the invading forces without provocation.

Photographs from the town showed a scene of devastation, with hunks of charred and destroyed tanks and armoured vehicles lined up along one street, along with dead bodies.

Repor ters from Agence France-Presse saw at least 20 bodies, all in civilian clothing, strewn

across a single street in Bucha, and the body of a missing Ukrainian photographer, Maksim Levin, was discovered in a nearby village.

Three of them were tangled up in bicycles after taking their final ride, while others had fallen next to bullet-ridden and crushed cars, AFP reported.

One had his hands tied behind his back with a white cloth, and his Ukrainian passport left open beside his corpse, said journalists who accessed the ravaged town.

“All these people were shot,” Bucha’s mayor Anatoly Fedoruk told AFP, adding that 280 other bodies had been buried in mass graves in the town. “These are the consequences of Russian occupation.”

Ukrainian soldiers in Bucha, who were welcomed warmly by residents of the town, attached cables to the bodies and pulled them off the street

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022

for fear they may be booby-trapped. Soldiers also cleared barricades and inspected suspicious objects, placing red rags on remnants of unexploded ordnance to draw attention to the possibility of explosions. As the town was liberated, one woman, Halyna Tovkach, 55, told the Guardian that she was searching for the body of her husband, Oleg, 62.

He was killed by Russian soldiers along with their neighbours, two young boys and their mother, as they tried to escape the town on 5 March. “It is a war crime,” said Tovkach’s son.

Also allegedly among the civilians killed by the Russians was Olha Sukhenko, the head of the village of Motyzhin east of Kyiv, and her entire family.

An in another accusation of war crimes, Russian troops allegedly used children as “human shields” while regrouping.

Ukraine’s attorney general is gathering a dossier of claims about the Russian use of local children to avoid fire when in retreat from around Ukraine’s capital and elsewhere. Coaches of children were said to have been placed in front of tanks in the village of Novyi Bykiv, close to the encircled city of Chernihiv, 100 miles north of Kyiv.

Britain’s foreign secretary, Liz Truss, said she was “appalled by atrocities in Bucha and other towns in Ukraine”. “Reports of Russian forces targeting innocent civilians are abhorrent. The UK is working with others to collect evidence and support @ IntlCrimCourt war crimes investigation. Those responsible will be held to account,” Truss tweeted late on Saturday.

Ukraine and its western allies reported mounting evidence of Russia withdrawing its forces from around Kyiv and building its troop strength in eastern Ukraine. The visible shift did not mean the country faced a reprieve from more than five weeks of war or that the more than 4 million refugees who have fled Ukraine will return soon.

Ukraine’s president, Volodymyr Zelenskiy, again repeated his warning that Russian troops want to capture the Donbas and the south of Ukraine. In his nightly video address on Saturday, Zelenskiy said “we are aware that the enemy has reserves to increase pressure in the east”.

He nevertheless promised to take the fight to the Russians in the Donbas and as they retreated from the Kyiv region.

6 dead, 9 injured in Sacramento shooting SACRAMENTO (US), APR 3 (AP): Police in California say six people are dead and at least nine others have been injured after a shooting in downtown Sacramento. The Sacramento Police Department says the shooting happened early Sunday morning.

Video posted on Twitter showed people running through the street as the sound of rapid gunfire could be heard in the background. Video showed multiple ambulances had been sent to the scene.

Police provided few details about the circumstances surrounding the shooting but said in a tweet that a “large police presence will remain and the scene remains active.”

Phone messages seeking comment were left with the Sacramento police.

Residents were asked to avoid the area, which is packed with restaurants and bars that leads to the Golden One Center, where the Sacramento Kings play basketball. Phone messages seeking comment were left with the Sacramento police.

Berry Accius, a community activist, said he came to the scene shortly after the shooting happened. “The first thing I saw was like victims. I saw a young girl with a whole bunch of blood in her body, a girl taking off glass from her, a young girl screaming saying, They killed my sister.’ A mother running up, Where’s my son, has my son been shot?’“ he said.

Kay Harris, 32, said she was asleep when one of her family members called to say they thought her brother had been killed.

She said she thought he was at London, a nightclub at 1009 10th Street.

Sri Lankan police arrest 664 for violating curfew

A Sri Lankan couple with their infant join an anti government protest during a curfew in Colombo, Sri Lanka, Sunday. (AP/PTI)

C O L O M B O, A P R 3 (IANS): Sri Lankan police arrested 664 people in the Western Province for violating the curfew currently in effect, Senior Superintendent of Police Nihal Thalduwa said on Sunday.

Thalduwa said the arrests were made between Saturday 10 p.m. and Sunday 6 a.m., reports Xinhua news agency.

In the wake of mass protests planned for Sunday, the government imposed a 36-hour nationwide curfew from 6.00 p.m.

Saturday until 6.00 a.m. on Monday, in addition to a state of emergency declared by President Gotabaya Rajapaksa.

A few hours after declaring the curfew, the President also issued a gazette, prohibiting people from public roads, parks, recreation or other grounds, railways, seashores and other such public places during the curfew period.

The Sri Lankan government on Sunday also blocked commonly used

social media platforms Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and messaging platforms WhatsApp and Viber.

The protests against the ongoing economic cri-

sis in the island nation which has led to a severe shortage of fuel, LPG, electricity, food, as well as medicines, were planned through social media platforms.

Sri Lanka restores social media platforms after 15 hours

The Sri Lankan government on Sunday lifted the ban it had imposed on social media platforms such as WhatsApp, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram after declaring a nationwide public emergency and effecting a 36-hour curfew ahead of a planned anti-government rally over the worst economic crisis in the island nation.

The services of Facebook, Twitter, YouTube, Instagram, TokTok, Snapchat, WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, and Facebook Messenger were restored after 15 hours, according to an official.

The services had been fully or partially blocked.

The move was aimed at preventing masses from gathering in Colombo to protest the government’s failure to provide relief to the public suffering from shortages of food, essentials, fuel and medicine amidst hours-long power cuts, the Colombo Page newspaper reported.

NetBlocks, a watchdog organisation that monitors cybersecurity and the governance of the Internet, had confirmed the restriction of multiple social media platforms including Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, Viber and YouTube in Sri Lanka after midnight on Sunday.

Earlier, NetBlocks tracked a significant decline in connectivity levels on internet provider Dialog from March 29, coinciding with the onset of the protests.

Shanghai orders twin tests for all its UK PM Boris congratulates Kim Jong-un’s sister warns citizens to stem spread of COVID-19 Zelenskyy over Kyiv pushback South Korea of ‘serious threat’ BEIJING/SHANGHAI APR 3 (PTI): China’s business capital Shanghai on Sunday ordered the city’s entire 26.3 million people to undergo twin tests to stop the spread of coronavirus, as the country reported 13,146 new COVIDcases, the highest daily increase in the number of infections in the latest outbreak.

Shanghai will conduct city-wide antigen testing on Sunday and nucleic acid testing on Monday amid efforts to contain the recent resurgence of COVID-19 cases in the metropolis, according to the local authorities. The testing measures are aimed at completely eliminating potential risks, cutting off the chain of transmission, curbing the spread of the virus, and achieving dynamic zero COVID cases as soon as possible, the official media quoted Wu Qianyu, an official with the Shanghai Municipal Health Commission, as saying.

Shanghai reported

Workers wearing face masks line up to get their throat swab at a coronavirus testing site, Sunday. (AP/PTI)

438 confirmed locally transmitted COVID cases and 7,788 asymptomatic carriers on Saturday.

Wu said Shanghai was building more temporary hospitals to accommodate COVID patients and major exhibition sites, including the Shanghai World Expo Exhibition & Convention Centre and Shanghai New International Expo Centre, that are being turned into temporary hospitals and quarantine centres.

The temporary hospitals are used to treat pa-

tients with mild symptoms or those who are asymptomatic.

The World Expo centre, which was built in 2010, is now home to a 6,000-bedded temporary hospital, while SNIEC can hold about 14,000 patients, the HK-based South China Morning Post reported.

As Shanghai struggles to deal with the continuous rise of COVID-19 cases, Chinese Vice Premier Sun Chunlan on Saturday visited the city to ramp up measures to fight the virus.

Imran Khan guilty of ‘high treason’, says Nawaz Sharif

ISLAMABAD, APRIL 3 (IANS): Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Sunday said that Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan and all characters involved in the “conspiracy” against the nation are guilty of high treason and should be tried under Article 6 of the Constitution, media reports said.

The former premier’s remarks came after Pak President Arif Alvi approved the advice of Prime Minister Imran Khan to dissolve the National Assembly after a summary was sent by the premier in the wake of a no-trust move

against him.

“The President of Pakistan, Dr Arif Alvi, has approved the advice of the Prime Minister of Pakistan to dissolve the National Assembly under the Article 58 (1) read with Article 48(1) of the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan,” according to the short statement issued by the President’s Secretariat.

“Today, a man obsessed with power trampled the Constitution,” Nawaz Sharif wrote on his official Twitter handle.

Nawaz, who is also the supreme leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-

Nawaz (PML-N), said that Imran Khan and all characters involved in the “conspiracy” against the nation are guilty of high treason and should be tried under Article 6 of the Constitution, Express Tribune reported.

He warned that anyone involved in any wrongdoing with the country and desecration of the Constitution will be taken to task.

National Assembly Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri had earlier dismissed the no-confidence motion submitted by the joint opposition, terming it “unconstitutional” under Article 5.

LONDON, APR 3 (PTI): British Prime Minister Boris Johnson congratulated Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for successfully pushing back Russian forces from key regions in the country, including the capital city of Kyiv.

In a telephone call on Saturday evening amid reports of Ukrainian forces gaining control of Kyiv, Johnson noted that huge challenges remain in other parts of the country in the ongoing conflict with Russia. Both leaders agreed on the importance of continuing to ratchet up sanctions against Russian President Vladimir Putin to increase the economic pressure on his “war machine”.

“The PM spoke to Ukrainian President again

this evening. He congratulated Ukraine’s brave armed forces for successfully pushing back Russia’s invading army in a number of areas, but recognised the huge challenges that remain and the immense suffering being inflicted on civilians,” a Downing Street spokesperson said.

“The PM updated Zelenskyy on the progress made at last week’s military donor conference, convened by the UK with 35 countries, and committed to continue to step up defensive support. Zelenskyy underscored the urgency of Ukraine’s fight for its survival as a free and democratic nation and the importance of international assistance,” the spokesperson said.

SEOUL, APR 3 (IANS): Kim Yo-jong, North Korean leader Kim Jong-un’s sister, slammed the South Korean defence chief for his remarks of “pre-emptive strike” capabilities and warned that the Seoul may face a “serious threat” for being “senseless”, Pyongyang’s state media reported on Sunday.

In a rare press conference on Saturday, Kim Yo-jong called South Korean Defence Minister Suh Wook a “senseless and scum-like guy” for mentioning a pre-emptive strike at a “nuclear weapons state”, reports Yonhap News Agency.

“South Korea may face a serious threat owing to the reckless remarks made by its Defence

Kim Yo-jong

Minister,” Kim Yo-jong was quoted as saying by Pyongyang’s official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

Last week, Suh publicly stressed that his troops have the capabilities to “accurately and swiftly” strike the origin of North Korea’s missile firing as well as command and support facilities in the case of clear

signs of a launch toward the South.

At the conference, Kim Yo-jong described her message as a “warning upon authorization,” suggesting that it was endorsed by her brother. She added that Pyongyang will “reconsider a lot of things concerning South Korea.”

The strongly worded statement against South Korea came as it is preparing for a power transition.

Outgoing President Moon Jae-in, who has sought hard to improve Seoul-Pyongyang ties, is ending his five-year term next month, with the conservative Yoon Suk-yeol elected as his successor.

Yoon Suk-yeol has hinted at a tougher stance toward the North.

Aid group says over 90 migrants drowned in Mediterranean CAIRO, APR 3 (AP): In the latest tragedy involving migrants departing from North Africa to seek a better life in Europe, over 90 people in an overcrowded boat drowned in the Mediterranean Sea. Doctors Without Borders late Saturday said the migrants were on a vessel that left Libya last week.

It was unclear exactly when the boat ran into trouble, said Juan Matias Gil, the group’s head of mission.

T h e g r o u p, a l s o known by its French acronym MSF, said an oil tanker rescued four migrants early on Saturday in international waters.

The survivors reported that they were on the boat along with about 100 other migrants, it said.

MSF said the tanker did not respond to its calls not to return the migrants to Libya, where “they will almost certainly face detention, abuse and ill-treat-

A rescued Syrian man holds the Quran inside an Open Arms rescue boat.

ment”.

The group urged Italy and Malta to “assign a place of safety for the survivors before it is too late”.

It also called for The European Union border protection agency Frontex and other EU agencies to reveal the details of the

incident.

Migrants regularly attempt to cross the Mediterranean from the North African nation in a desperate attempt to reach European shores.

The country has emerged as the dominant transit point for migrants

fleeing war and poverty in Africa and the Middle East.

Human traffickers in recent years have benefited from the chaos in Libya, smuggling in migrants across the oil-rich country’s lengthy borders with six nations.

The migrants are then typically packed into illequipped rubber boats and set off on risky sea voyages.

Around 300 migrants died or were presumed dead along the Central Mediterranean route between January 1 and March 28, according to International Organisation for Migration. About 3,100 were intercepted and taken back to Libya.

Once back in Libya, the migrants are typically taken to government-run detention centres rife with abuse and ill-treatment.

In 2021, at least 32,425 migrants were intercepted and returned to Libya. At least 1,553 are presumed to have drowned last year, according to IOM. Investigators commissioned by the UN’s top human rights body found evidence of possible crimes against humanity committed in Libya against migrants detained in the country.

INFOTAINMENT

10

Students taking part at the 7th annual Theatre Day.

T

he 7th annual Theatre Day of the English department, St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous) SJC(A), Jakhama was held on April 2, under the theme “Reviving Naga Folk Tales” at the College Indoor Stadium.

Following the declaration of the Theatre Day open, the plays of each class followed suit which included The Legendary Sopfunuo by BA 2nd semester, Section C; The Last Message of my Beloved by BA 2nd semester, Section D; The Elephant Husband (A Zeliangrong Folktale) by BA 4th semester, section C; Mehouviu and Morusa by

BA 4th semester, section D; The Origin of the Bird Hornbill by BA 6th semester, section C; Inakha and Ghuonoli of Shena Old by BA 6th semester, section D; Mehouviu and Morusa by MA 2nd semester and The Tiger, The Devil and The Man by MA 4th semester.

The result was announced by the president of the department, Moanaro Jamir where the first prize went to BA 6th semester section C who presented the drama The origin of the Bird Hornbill. The first runners-up was bagged by MA 4th semester with their The Tiger, the Devil and the Man, while the second

runners-up was bagged by BA 4th semester section D. In the meanwhile, the Best Actor award went to Ayeluto Awomi of BA 6th semester, section C and Best Actress went to Kecheni Kent of BA 2nd semester, section C. The prizes were given away

by Principal, St. Joseph’s College (A), Jakhama, Rev. Fr. Dr. George Keduolhou Angami.

T h e we l c o m e a d dress and the declaration of the Theatre Day was pronounced by HOD, Department of English, James H.K. He emphasized on his hopes to see the literature students bear the drama torch of tomorrow and reiterated on the importance of the Naga folk tales. He told the gathering “to weep and to remember; to laugh and to contemplate; to learn and to affirm and to imagine”, as the message for the day.

The vote of thanks was pronounced by general secretary of the department, Pursenla Kichu.

St. John College, Dimapur celebrates College Fest

Students perform during the College Fest.

S

t. John College, Dimapur celebrated College Fest after a hiatus of more than two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic on March 31.

With zeal and excitement from the students, multiple stalls belonging to different departments were opened which consisted of various games, food, nail art, beverages and photo booths.

The event was divided into two sessions, wherein the first session was designated for activities with ample time for students to enjoy the games and food.

The second session was dedicated to an evening of entertainment from the opening ceremony by the Music club, to dance acts and solo performances by the talented students of St.

John College. The student’s stage programme was then followed by the much anticipated performance of singer-songwriter Abdon Mech, whose performance was thoroughly enjoyed by all in attendance.

Abdon Mech is an award-winning artist, widely regarded as one of the brightest young stars in the Indian music scene. He is a brand ambassador for Shure, has been featured in musically renowned magazines like the Rolling Stone magazine, and his EP ‘From a Bamboo Room’ has been a hit ever since it was released. He enthralled the crowd with some of his originals and a few covers. The festival was filled with great energy and fun from the students.

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7th annual Theatre Day organized at SJC (A), Jakhama

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022

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SPORTS

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022

11

Healy fires Aus to thumping World Cup win Wati completes ICC level-1 coaching camp

CHRISTCHURCH, APR 3 (AGENCIES): Opener Alyssa Healy smashed a record 170 as Australia routed England by 71 runs to claim their seventh Women’s World Cup win in Christchurch on Sunday.

Healy’s belligerent 138ball innings, the highest total in a World Cup final, helped Australia set a mammoth victory target of 357 at Hagley Oval which proved beyond the defending champions despite a fighting century by Nat Sciver.

Sciver’s unbeaten 148 entertained the crowd but she played a lone hand as England were bowled out for 285 with six overs to spare. Meg Lanning’s Australia finished unbeaten in nine matches, erasing their 2017 World Cup disappointment when they were stunned in the semi-finals by India in England.

The peerless Australians have now won three of the last five 50-over World Cups and own both the major global trophies, having claimed the T20 World Cup on home soil in 2020.

Four days after hammering 129 in the semi-final against West Indies, Healy

Australian players celebrate defeating England in the final of the ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup match in Christchurch, New Zealand, April 3, 2022. (AP/PTI)

again burnished her biggame credentials.

Two years ago, she routed India’s bowlers in a 39-ball 75 as Australia won the T20 World Cup final in Melbourne.

On Sunday, she blasted 26 fours as Australia posted 356 for five after England skipper Heather Knight won the toss and elected to field.

E n g l a n d ’s b ow l ing plans were ripped to

shreds as Healy and Rachael Haynes put on an 160-run opening stand, enabled by dropped catches and poor fielding. Haynes (68) might have been run out on 19 but for a weak throw to the wicketkeeper’s end.

Seamer Kate Cross was let down twice in four balls by her team mates, with Haynes dropped for 47 and Healy for 41.Healy cut seamer Anya Shrubsole for

a single to bring up her fifth ODI century, yelping in delight as her husband Mitchell Starc, the Australian men’s fast bowler, clapped in the crowd.

She was again dropped on 136 at short fine leg by a leaping Tammy Beaumont trying to scoop Sciver. Finally stumped by Amy Jones off Shrubsole, Healy strolled off to a standing ovation, having carried Australia to

316 for two. With England needing more than seven runs an over, Sciver was magnificent in her 121-ball knock but ran out of batting partners. Pace bowler Megan Schutt (2-42) did the early damage, removing both England openers to leave them 38 for two, before legspinner Alana King (3-64) took over in the middle overs. Left-arm spinner Jess Jonassen took 3-57, sealing the win when tail-ender Shrubsole slogged to Ashleigh Gardner at midoff.

Brief Scores: Australia 356/5 in 50 overs (Alyssa Healy 170, Rachael Haynes 68; Anya Shrubsole 3/46, Sophie Ecclestone 1/71) beat England 285 all out in 43.4 overs (Nat Sciver 148 not out, Tammy Beaumont 27; Alana King 3/59, Jess Jonassen 3/58) by 71 runs.

DIMAPUR, APR 2 (NN): Founder of Indian Fast Bowling Center (IFBC) Watinungsang Imsong has become the first Naga to complete the International Cricket Council (ICC) Level-1 coaching from Dubai.

To f e l i c i t a t e t h e achievement, representative from the Nagaland Cricket Association, Aidhur Rahman presented the certificate to Wati and also 14 other IFBC students, who were selected for the State team, during the annual IFBC cum-felicitation programme held on Sunday at Indisen village.

According to Wati, there are only four fast bowling centres in the world-- two in England, one each in Australia and India (Nagaland).

Wati with Aidhur Rahman on Sunday. (NP) Meanwhile, Wati has been invited for a seven- tex Cricket Institute in sport brand and cricket day bowling camp at Om- Mumbai, India’s biggest Institute.

P OTC H E F S T RO O M (SOUTH AFRICA), APR 3 (IANS): After a sensational 5-1 win against Wales in their opening game at the FIH Hockey Women’s Junior World Cup in South Africa, the Salima Tete-led Indian team beat Germany 2-1 in their second pool D match, thus booking their place in the quarterfinals of the prestigious quadrennial event here on Sunday.

While Indian Junior Women’s goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam came up with a phenomenal performance at the goal post, Lalremsiami (2’) and Mumtaz Khan (25’) scored a goal each in India’s win. Getting off to a rollicking start with an early PC in the 2nd minute, India put pressure on the Germans right from

Indian player in action during the match with Germany. (PTI)

the start. While the dragflick

by Deepika was excellently saved by the German goalkeeper Mali Wichmann, the experienced Lalremsiami picked up the rebound and used the space she had to pump the ball into the post with ease. Though the 1-0 lead put Germany on the

backfoot, they remained resolute to create some fine chances in the circle. However, the Indian defence led by goalkeeper Bichu Devi Kharibam was exceptional in her pursuit to stop Germany from scoring.

The 2nd quarter was action-packed with Ger-

many, who had beaten Malaysia 10-0 in their opening match, bringing their tactical expertise to work their way into India’s circle. An infringement by the Indian defence in 22nd minute saw German’s being awarded with a penalty stroke. This was their best chance to equalise but India’s goalie Bichu was absolutely phenomenal in her effort to deny the Germans an equaliser.

Meanwhile, Germany bounced back in the final quarter with Jule Bleuel scoring a fine field goal from the top of the circle in the 57th minute. While it looked like the Germans could have equalised, India held their nerves in the tense final moments to keep the lead and seal their quarterfinals berth.

ZDVBA notifies for registration Chümoukedima District Football gard, all concerned have been informed to collect the registration form from official of ZDVBA, general secretary Hetoho Zhimo (7005687994), treasurer Shiluho Chophi (9612318997), advisor Hokheto Assumi (9436427840). It further informed that the date of general meeting will be intimated tentatively on 1st week of June.

Association holds first meeting

DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN): Chümoukedima District Football Association (CDFA) held its first meeting on April 3 at CPO Hall, Chümoukedima Town. CDFA has confirmed its maiden participation at the Dr. T. Ao Memorial Trophy to be held in Mokokchung. The

newly formed CDFA will be led by Vitouto Kuotsu as president and Shiyeto Wotsa as general secretary, while the referee board will be headed by Neichülie.

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DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN): Zunheboto District Volley Ball Association (ZDVBA) has informed all the sub-divisional Volley Ball Association of Satakha, Suruhuto, Zunheboto, Atoizu, Akuluto, Aghunato and Phughoboto to register their respective association to the Zunheboto District Volley Ball Association (ZDVBA) before May 31. In this re-

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FIH Hockey Women’s Jr WC: India beat Germany 2-1

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SPORTS

Punjab Kings’ beat CSK by 54-run in IPL

MUMBAI, APR 3 (PTI): Twenty20 nomad Liam Livingstone justified his Rs 11.50 crore price-tag with a smashing all-round show while rookie seamer Vaibhav Arora announced his arrival on the big stage during Punjab Kings’ comfortable 54run decimation of Chennai Super Kings in an IPL match here on Sunday. Livingstone with a 32-ball-60 laid the platform but Chennai Super Kings bowlers made a brilliant comeback at the death, restricting Mayank Agarwal led side to 180 for 8 after 20 overs.

Later, little known Himachal Pradesh seam bowler Arora (4-0-21-2) performed as if he owned the stage, dismissing Robin Uthappa and Moeen Ali with CSK managing only 126 in 18 overs at the end of the chase. After his batting, Livingstone (3-0-25-2) then became man with a “golden wrist” as his leg breaks got him a couple of wickets and he also took the final catch to cap off a dream night.

This is CSK’s third defeat in as many games and unless Deepak Chahar makes a speedy comeback, things aren’t looking great for the ‘Yellow Brigade’ and its de-facto skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni. A couple of more defeats could really put them under huge pressure and within a sniffing distance of point of no return. Arora got good support

Liam Livingstone of Punjab Kings celebrates the wicket of Dwayne Bravo of Chennai Super Kings, during the IPL match at the Brabourne Stadium in Mumbai, Sunday. (PTI)

from his former SD College Chandigarh teammate Arshdeep Singh (2/13 in 2 overs) during the initial period in which his skipper Agarwal bowled him out. Rahul Chahar (3/25 in 4 overs) was steady during back-10 and his three wickets included the wicket of Dhoni.

Arora didn’t do anything fancy apart from pitching it fuller with the hint of away seam movement occasionally. Uthappa tried a flick while Moeen without any distinct footwork dragged a delivery well outside the off onto his stumps.

Skipper Ravindra Jadeja also met the same fate due to lack of feet movement.

In a jiffy, CSK were 36 for five before Dhoni (23 off 28 balls) joined Shivam Dube (57 off 30 balls), who did entertain the Brabourne crowd with lusty blows but it was always a game of catchup for them. Dhoni’s oftdocumented struggles didn’t do any good for CSK either as Dube had too much to do in too little time.

Fittingly, it was Livingstone, who capped off a fine day, removing Dube with an away going delivery and then dived full stretched off his own bowling to remove Dwayne Bravo. Before his exploits with the ball, Livingstone, one of the most destructive T20 batters across

global leagues, finally came good with five fours and an equal number of sixes, sending the CSK bowlers on a leather-hunt during the initial overs.

Deepak Chahar’s absence has severely handicapped Dhoni’s (the ‘real skipper’) options as rookie left-arm seamer Mukesh Choudhary (4-0-52-1) paid dearly for his inexperience coupled with jangling nerves. There were 100 metre plus sixes off length balls and Livingstone would often shimmy down the track to disturb the length as he did with the wily Bravo. Even the thick edges went for six with CSK bowlers looking

clueless till he was there at the crease.

In fact, Bravo, under pressure, forced Dhoni to stand up to the stumps in order to prevent Livingstone from charging down the track but that hardly deterred him from playing his strokes.

What would disappoint Dhoni more is the fact that CSK gave away only 71 runs in the back-10 with a lot of credit going to their troika of overseas pacers -- Dwaine Pretorius (4-0-302), Dwayne Bravo (3-0-32-1) and Chris Jordan (4-0-23-2), who used variations to good effect. In fact, bulk of the 55 dot balls came in the second half of the Punjab innings.

Livingstone and Shikhar Dhawan (33 off 24 balls) added 95 for the third wicket in just 8.4 overs and it seemed that another 200 plus total was on the cards.

By the time Dhawan was fooled by a Bravo slower, Punjab had laid the platform, scoring 109 in the first 10 overs, which sadly the later batters couldn’t capitalise on.

Brief scores: Punjab Kings 180/8 in 20 overs (Liam Liningstone 60, Shikhar Dhawan 33; Chris Jordan 2/23, Dwaine Pretorius 2/30) beat Chennai Super Kings 126 all out in 18 overs (Shivam Dube 57, M.S Dhoni 23; Rahul Chahar 3/25, Vaibhav Arora 2/21, Liam Livingstone 2/25) by 54 runs.

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR MONDAY, APRIL 4, 2022

Nagaland stumbles in final; Delhi FC takes Bordoloi Trophy DIMAPUR, APR 3 (NPN): Delhi Football Club upsets Nagaland Police by a solitary goal to lift the title of the 68th edition of Bharat Ratna Lokopriya Gopinath Bordoloi Trophy football tournament played at Nehru Stadium, Guwahati on Sunday evening.

Despite a spirited play from Nagaland Police, a moment of magic from Japanese midfielder Kosuke Yamazaki broke the deadlock for Delhi FC in the second half which proved to be decisive in the final match.

Delhi FC star studded team showed their class why they deserved to win the trophy against local Nagaland Police team dominating the final match throughout.

A standout player for Nagaland goalkeeper Neithovilie Chalieu, who produced some stunning save in the first half to keep the match in a goalless draw. It was in the 70th minute that Delhi FC Japanese midfielder Kosuke Yamazaki beat the keeper and fired home the lead in the 70th minutes with an attack from the right wing.

Delhi FC went down 10 men in the last 10 minutes of the match giving advantage to Nagaland team. They did play some good football in the second half but were undone in

Nagaland Police team, the runners-up of the Bordoloi Trophy with their trophy on Sunday.

their finishing as opponent team Delhi FC held on the lead till the end of final whistle and lifted the coveted trophy.

Nagaland Police had their chances to score and put up a spirited fight against the star-studded team, but failed to break through and had to be contented with the second best team in the tournament.

The defeat means, Nagaland Police have lost their final match for the second time in Bordoloi Trophy.

Last time in 2009, they lost to Assam State Electricity Board Sports Club.

Nagaland goalkeeper Neithovilie Chalieu, was adjudged the best goalkeeper of the tournament and Kosuke Yamazaki of Delhi FC was awarded the player of the tournament. Delhi FC walked with a cash prize

of Rs. 2 lakh along with trophy and citation, while Nagaland Police received Rs. 1 lakh.

Mention be made that Nagaland Police team is led by coach Lhoulavolie, Asst coach - Hainsuigongbe and R. Dibambo as manager.

The players are Neithovilie Chalieu , Nighatu T Sumi, Sanyem Konyak , Meribui, Paul, Menoneikho Nakhro, Khwetelhi Thopi, Rhitsho Mero, Veseto Chuzho, Lipok Sashi Jamir, Bendang Meren, Kezhose, Imli Akum, Seisanglen, Amun Nungsaham, Limakumzuk, Y Lemtong and Digungpeung.

Bordoloi Trophy is one of the oldest and most popular football championships in North eastern India. The trophy is an annual Indian football tournament organized by Guwahati Sports Association (GSA).

Assam arm-wrestling C’ship: Soon-to-be world No. 1 Swiatek crushes Osaka for Miami Open title Two Naga boys win medals Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 3 (NPN): Two Naga youth-- Niboto Achumi (20) and Neli Dominic (24) bagged gold and bronze medal respectively at the second Assam ‘State Arm Wrestling Championship 2022’ held on March 31-April 1 at Baan Theatre Auditorium, Tezpur.

Niboto Achumi bagged the gold in the youth men 63 kg ‘right’ hand category and in the 63 kg men category, Dominic secured bronze in both ‘right’ and ‘left’ arm category.

Both Niboto and Neli will be taking part in the National Arm Wrestling Championship to be held May 18-20 in Goa. Speaking to Nagaland Post, Dominic said they tried reaching out to the Arm Wrestling Association of Nagaland to take part in

Dominic (standing) and Achumi (siting) with their medals. (NP)

the competition but failed to do so.

However, they were able to get in touch with the founder of Armfyt

Arm-wrestling India, Ishan Kashyap who invited the duo to take part in the competition that was held in Tezpur, he said.

MIAMI, APR 3 (IANS): Poland’s 20-year-old tennis star Iga Swiatek bested Naomi Osaka of Japan 6-4, 6-0 in the Miami Open title clash to complete a ‘Sunshine Double’ in the prestigious WTA 1000 tournament on Sunday (IST).

This was Swiatek’s 17th straight match win on the WTA Tour and her third consecutive WTA 1000 title with a straightsets win over the four-time Grand Slam champion.

On Monday, the Pole star will officially become the world No.1 for the first time in her career.

She moves to that position following her commanding 1-hour and 17-minute victory.

“I just feel really satisfied and fulfilled and also proud of myself,” Swiatek was quoted as saying by wtatennis.com. “I feel like I have got to celebrate, because I don’t know how long I can keep up with this

streak.”

The former French Open champion also joins an exclusive club by becoming only the fourth woman to win the Sunshine Double -- titles at WTA 1000 Indian Wells and Miami in the same season.

Germany’s Steffi Graf (1994 and 1996), Belgium’s Kim Clijsters (2005) and Belarusian Victoria Azarenka (2016), all former No.1 players, are the others. Swiatek, 20, is the youngest woman to pull off this feat.

“I feel pretty privileged that I can be amongst those players, because I wouldn’t even dream of it a few years ago,” Swiatek said. “I knew it’s going to be tough playing these two tournaments in a row. I realized at the end it’s just another match and I took it step by step.”

Swiatek’s career-best winning streak continues, with all of her past 17

Iga Swiatek with the Butch Buchholz Championship Trophy after the women’s singles final in the Miami Open.

wins coming at the first three WTA 1000 events of the season. She swept the titles at WTA 1000 Doha, Indian Wells and now Miami, joining American great Serena Williams (2013 - Miami, Madrid, Rome, Toronto) and Caroline Wozniacki (2010 Montréal, Tokyo, Beijing)

as the only players to win three or more consecutive WTA 1000 titles in a single season.

But Swiatek stands alone as the first player to win the first three WTA 1000 tournaments in a season. It was her fourth career WTA 1000 title and the sixth singles title

overall.

Swiatek becomes the first player to win 17 consecutive matches on hard courts in a single calendar year since Williams won 20 straight between the Australian Open and Toronto in 2015.

“I learned a lot about myself, that I can keep going, and really I don’t need to feel like 100 percent on points to win matches against great players,” Swiatek said. “I can trust myself a little bit more right now. I really used that streak to have more confidence, and also the ranking.”

“Playing against Naomi in a final was pretty exciting, and I knew that the world is going to watch, because it’s a nice match just to follow,” Swiatek said. “I wanted to give the best tennis I can so people actually can be satisfied.

But on the other hand, just seeing that I can play that well against such a player is really satisfying.”

Masters: Real beat Celta amid controversy in La Liga Orleans shuttler Mithun

MADRID, APR 3 (IANS): Real Madrid opened up a 12-point lead at the top of La Liga over Sevilla and moved 15 points clear of Barcelona, thanks to a controversial 2-1 win away to Celta Vigo. Referee Gonzalez Fuentes blew three penalties for Real Madrid and ruled out a Celta goal for offside.

Karim Benzema put Real Madrid ahead in the 19th minute on from the penalty spot on Saturday night after Nolito clipped Eder Militao’s heel as he was preparing to shoot. Celta were denied an equaliser when the referee ruled out Thiago Galhardo’s header due to possible interference from Iago Aspas.

Celta levelled in the 52nd minute when Nolito scored from close range, but although Benzema saw a penalty saved in the 63rd minute after Rodrygo had been brought down, the Frenchman netted his third penalty of the afternoon after Ferland Mendy was judged to have been fouled on the edge of the home area shortly afterwards to give his side a vital win,

settles for silver

Real Madrid players celebrate after scoring against Celta Vigo in La Liga.

Xinhua reports. Joao Felix kept up his excellent recent form with two goals and Luis Suarez added two more as Atletico Madrid won 4-1 at home to Alaves.

The Portuguese forward opened the scoring after 11 minutes of a close first half and Alaves got a deserved equaliser thanks to Gonzalo Escalante in the 63rd minute.

However, a soft penalty allowed Suarez to put Atletico back in front with 15 minutes left to play. Felix scored a third with eight

minutes to play and Suarez added a fourth in the last minute.

Borja Mayoral’s 81st minute goal gave Getafe a 1-0 win at home to Mallorca that just about assures the home side’s top-flight future. Mallorca improved in Javier Aguirre’s debut as first team coach, and was unlucky to be reduced to 10 men when Franco Russo was shown a second yellow card for handball which also saw Getafe given a penalty. Mallorca keeper Sergio Rico saved the penalty and

the follow-up, but was helpless as Mayoral slid the ball across him.

Two magic moments from captain Jose Luis Morales in the second half gave Levante a 2-0 win against Villarreal, who might think more of their Champions League tie with Bayern Munich next week.

FC Barcelona will entertain Sevilla and four more matches are scheduled on Sunday, before the round of matches ends with Real Sociedad playing Espanyol on Monday.

ORLEANS (FRANCE), APR 3 (IANS): Indian shuttler Mithun Manjunath settled for a silver medal after losing to home favourite Toma Junior Popov in the men’s singles final of the Orleans Masters 2022 badminton tournament here on Sunday. Playing in his first BWF final, the 79th ranked Indian shuttler lost to the world No 32 Frenchman 11-21, 19-21 in 50 minutes at the Palais des Sports arena.

This was also the first meeting between the two players.

The 23-year-old Manjunath began the match cautiously as both players were tied at 6-all after early exchanges. However, Junior, the defending champion, used his reach to good effect and went into the break leading 11-6. From there on, it was one-way traffic as Indian failed to counter a series of smashes from the former junior European champion to go 1-0 down.

Manjunath tried to force Popov into playing longer rallies in the second game and the plan worked.

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