5 july

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 209

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

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international, Page 7

Euro 2020: England thrash Ukraine to enter SFs sports, Page 8

Cong, BJP spar over probe 3rd wave may hit its peak between Oct-Nov : Govt panel into `59,000-cr Rafale deal Thousands

India: Daily New Infections

450 400 350 300

Infections

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (AGENCIES/PTI): A possible third wave of Covid-19 may hit its peak in OctoberNovember this year if Covidappropriate behaviour is not followed, but it is likely to see half the number of daily cases that were recorded during the second surge, said a scientist of the government panel in charge of modelling Covid-19 cases.

However, if a new virulent variant of SARS-CoV-2 emerges, the infection will spread faster during the third wave, said scientist Manindra Agrawal.

He is part of the expert panel formed by the Department of Science and Technology last year to forecast the surge of coronavirus cases using mathematical models. Besides Agrawal, who is a professor at IITKanpur, the panel also has M Vidyasagar, another scientist with IIT-Hyderabad, and Lt. Gen M. Kanitkar, Dy. Chief (Medical) of Integrated Defence Staff, as members.

The panel came up with the Sutra Model last year to mathematically project the trajectory of Covid-19 in India. They were criticised

250 200 150 100 50

01-02-2021

23-03-2021

12-05-2021

01-07-2021

20-08-2021

09-10-2021

28-11-2021

Date Model Computed upto May

Actual

Optimistic Scenario

Intermediate Scenario

Pessimistic Scenario

Here plotsforfor scenarios.

Blue curvedata. is actual data.

Orange one isuntil model May. Here are are plots thethe threethree scenarios.

Blue curve is actual Orange one is model prediction May. prediction Dotted curvesuntil are three Dotted curves are three scenarios plotted from June (Manindra Agrawal via twitter)

scenarios plotted from June. (@agrawalmanindra)

earlier this year for not having predicted the ferocity of the second wave of the pandemic.

Third wave predictions: On their predictions for the third wave, Agrawal said that loss of immunity, effects of vaccination and the possibility of a more virulent variant have been factored in this time, which was not done while modelling the second surge. A detailed report will be published soon.

In a series of tweets, Agrawal explained, “We have created three scenarios.

One is optimistic, where we assume that life goes back to normal by August and there is no new mutant. Another

is intermediate wherein we assume that vaccination is 20 per cent less effective in addition to optimistic scenario assumptions.

“The final one is pessimistic with assumptions different from the intermediate one: a new 25 per cent more infectious mutant spreads in August (it is not Delta plus, which is not more infectious than Delta variant).”

He also shared a graph that showed that the second wave is likely to plateau by mid-August and a possible third wave could reach its peak between October and November. In the pessimistic scenario, the third wave could witness daily Covid

cases somewhere between 1,50,000 and 2,00,000 in India, Agrawal noted.

Comparing with second wave figures: This figure is less than half of what was recorded during the second wave which hit its peak in the first half of May. Hospitals were overburdened and the fatality rate reached a devastating peak at the time. On May 7, India had recorded 4,14,188 Covid-19 cases; this is the highest figure registered during the second wave.

In the case of a new mutant emerging, the third wave can spread rapidly but it will still be half of what the second wave was, Agrawal

State logs 68 fresh Covid cases; over 5L inoculated DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): Nagaland on Sunday reported 68 fresh Covid-19 positive cases, pushing the total caseload to 25,519. The death toll remained unchanged at 499, with nil Covid19 deaths in the past 24 hours.

Of the fresh cases, 22 were reported from Mokokchung, Kohima-20, Dimapur-18, four in Kiphire, two in Mon and one each in Longleng and Phek.

As on Sunday, the active cases in the state stood at 1234 while a total of 23077 patients have recovered from the infection till date.

Meanwhile, a total of 5,36,257 persons have been inoculated against Covid-19 till date.

According to the Health department 4,68,202 have been administered the first dose which include-- 15,823 health care workers (HCWs); 60,202 frontline workers (FLWs); 1,56,086 under 45 years and above category and 2,36,091 of the 18-44 years age group.

The second dose have been administered to 68,055 persons-10,641 HCWs; 29,376 FLWs; 28,014 under 45 years and above category and 24 under 18-44 years age group.

PTI adds: India saw a single-day rise of 43,071 COVID-19 infections, which took the tally of cases to 3,05,45,433, while active cases have declined to 4,85,350, according to Union health minis-

try data updated on Sunday.

The death toll has climbed to 4,02,005 with 955 more fatalities, while the case fatality rate has risen to 1.32 per cent from 1.31 per cent, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The active cases have further declined to 4,85,350 and comprise 1.59 per cent of the total infections, while the national COVID-19 recovery rate has improved to 97.09 per cent, the ministry said. It said active cases have declined by 10,183 in a span of 24 hours.

Meanwhile, cumulative vaccine doses administered so far has reached 35.12 crore under nationwide Covid vaccination drive.

said. “Delta variant is infecting people who contracted a different variant earlier. So this has been taken into consideration,” he pointed out.

As vaccination progresses, the possibility of a third or fourth wave reduce, he said.

In the optimistic scenario described by Agrawal, daily cases could be in the range of 50,000 to 1,00,000.

In the intermediate scenario, the cases will be more than what is predicted for the optimistic scenario, the scientist said.

UK example: Another panel member, M Vidyasagar, predicted that hospitalisation could be less during the third wave. He gave the example of UK where in January over 60,000 cases were reported with daily deaths reaching 1,200. However, during the fourth wave, daily cases dropped to 21,000 and just 14 deaths per day. “Vaccination played a major role in bringing down the cases that needed hospitalisation in the UK. This has been factored in while coming out with the three scenarios,” Vidyasagar was quoted by PTI. Delayed analysis: Finally, Agrawal also ex-

Moderna vaccine arriving in India in 2-3 days: Report NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (AGENCIES): Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine is reportedly expected to reach India in the next two to three days.

Earlier this week, DCGI had granted permission to Mumbai-based pharmaceutical company Cipla to import Moderna’s COVID-19 vaccine for restricted emergency use in the country.

This makes the vaccine the fourth shot available in India. The vaccine uses mRNA technology like Pfizer’s shot and has been found to be over 90% effective in offering protection against COVID-19.

The vaccine involves mRNA carrying the genetic information for SARS-CoV-2’s spike protein, which the virus uses to invade host cells. After vaccination, this protein is translated into the viral spike protein, which triggers an immune response.

plained the reasons why the panel’s analysis for the third wave had been delayed.

“It took us a while to do the analysis for three reasons. First, loss of immunity in the recovered population.

Second, vaccination induced immunity. Each of these two need to be estimated for the future.

“And third, how to incorporate these two factors in the Sutra model. Fortunately, it turned out that both can be incorporated by suitably changing contact rate and reach parameters...

The first two factors required detailed analysis,” he tweeted.

Contact rate is how fast the infection spreads and reach parameter is described as the percentage of the population the pandemic is active in. Agrawal said that his team went through studies done in the past on loss of immunity while making these projections. “Similarly, we also looked at the projected vaccination rate over the next few months, including the effects of vaccine-hesitancy, and arrived at month-wise estimates for vaccination,” he said.

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (AGENCIES): After the French gover nment appointed a judge to probe the alleged kickback on the Rafale jet deal with India, the Congress Sunday lashed out at the BJP-led NDA government’s silence over the French investigation into the Rs. 59,000-crore Rafale jet deal.

According to a report in the NDTV, Congress said that according to documents available, huge amounts of money were paid to middlemen in the deal, indicating that it was a vindication of its corruption allegations against Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his government. The Congress on Saturday demanded a joint parliamentary committee (JPC) probe into the Rafale deal after France initiated a judicial probe into the same on June 14.

Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said at a press conference in the national capital that the Rafale deal was an intergovernmental one between India and France and one of the two countries had initi-

ated a probe while the other was yet to even comment.

“Now it is getting clearer that in the Rafale deal we have bought an item that costs Rs. 570 crore at Rs.1,670 crore,” he said.

Suggesting that the deal was now rapidly heading towards being an “open and shut” case, Khera alleged that anti-corruption clauses from the deal were removed.

The BJP hit back and termed the Congress’s attacks “lies”. “The way Rahul Gandhi is behaving, it will not be an exaggeration to say that he is being used as a pawn by competing companies. He has been lying right from the beginning on the issue. Probably, he is acting as an agent or some member of Gandhi family has been for a competing company,” BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra had said.

He cited a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General and a Supreme Court verdict, both of which had found nothing wrong in the defence deal between India and France, to reject allegations of the Congress.

Petrol price crosses Rs.100 in 8 districts DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): Petrol price on Sunday crossed Rs. 100 a litre mark in two more districts-- Longleng and Mokokchung— after state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) increased prices of petrol and diesel by 35 paise per litre and 18 paise a litre respectively.

With the latest hike, p e t r o l p r i c e h a s n ow breached Rs.100 mark in eight districts of Nagaland—Tuensang, Kiphire, Noklak, Mon, Zunheboto, Phek, Longleng and Mokokchung—in Nagaland.

The hike on Sunday is

District

Petrol price per litre

Diesel price per litre

Tsg

Rs.101.23

Rs.94.24

Kiphire

Rs.101.14

Rs.94.21

Noklak

Rs.100.99

Rs.94.15

Mon

Rs.100.79

Rs.93.88

Phek

Rs.100.54

Rs.93.60

Zbto

Rs.100.53

Rs.93.56

Llng

Rs.100.30

Rs.93.50

Mkg

Rs.100.26

Rs.93.36

Wokha

Rs.99.70

Rs.92.84

Kohima

Rs.99.06

Rs.92.24

Peren

Rs.98.44

Rs.91.78

Dimapur

Rs.98.11

Rs.91.48

the 34th increase in price of petrol and 33rd in case of diesel since May 4 this year.

In 34 hikes, the price of petrol has risen by Rs 9.11 per litre while diesel rates have soared by Rs 8.63 a litre in 33 hikes.

Fuel prices differ from state to state depending on the incidence of local taxes such as value-added tax (VAT) and freight charges.

Oil companies revise rates of petrol and diesel daily based on the average price of benchmark fuel in the international market in the preceding 15 days, and foreign exchange rates.

Unvaxed people are ‘variant factories’: expert Around 200 farmers to protest outside 45 dead after Philippines Parliament daily during monsoon session military plane crashes

WASHINGTON, JUL 4 (AGENCIES): People who have not been vaccinated against COVID-19 not only risk their own health but are “variant factories,” an infectious disease expert told CNN. “Unvaccinated people are potential variant factories,” Dr. William Schaffner, a professor in the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, told CNN. “The more unvaccinated people there are, the more opportunities for the virus to multiply,” he added.

Variants evolve in the body

This is it!

“I think this whole business of SIT is spoiling us. Just look at our bellies.”

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of a person who is infected with the coronavirus.

“When it does, it mutates, and it could throw off a variant mutation that is even more serious down the road,” Schaffner said.

There are already several variants of the coronavirus, including four called “variants of concern” by the World Health Organization.

The Delta variant which further mutated to form the Delta plus, characterised by B.1.617.2 variant acquiring another mutation, K417N has been classified as a “variant of concern” in India.

“As mutations come up

in viruses, the ones that persist are the ones that make it easier for the virus to spread in the population,” Andrew Pekosz, a microbiologist and immunologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, told CNN.”Every time the viruses changes, that gives the virus a different platform to add more mutations. Now we have viruses that spread more efficiently.”

M e a n w h i l e, W H O warned that in the coming months the Delta variant of COVID-19 will become the dominant variant of the coronavirus globally

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (PTI): A group of around 200 farmers will protest against the Centre’s three farm laws in front of Parliament every day during the monsoon session, the Samyukt Kisan Morcha (SKM) announced on Sunday.

The umbrella body of over 40 farmer unions said that two days before the session begins, a “chetavani patra” (warning letter) will be given to all the opposition MPs to protest the laws inside the House.

“We will also ask the

opposition MPs on July 17 to raise the issue every day inside the House while we will sit outside in protest.

We will tell them to not to benefit the Centre by walking out of a session. Don’t let the session run till the government addresses the issue,” farmer leader Balbir Singh Rajewal said. Parliament’s monsoon session is set to begin on July 19.

“We will continuously protesting outside Parliament till they hear our demands,” Rajewal said. He added that five people from

each farmer union would be taken to join the protest.

The SKM also called for a nationwide protest on July 8 against the rising prices of petrol, diesel and LPG cylinders.

It asked people to come out and park their vehicles along state and national highways from 10 am till 12 pm. “Whatever vehicle you have, tractor, trolley, car, scooter, just bring it to the nearest state or national The burning wreck of the aircraft that crashed on Sunday. (CNN) highway and park it there.

“Per eyewitnesses, a But don’t create a traffic MANILA, JUL 4 (AGENCIES): A Philippine military number of soldiers were seen jam,” Rajewal said. transport crashed as it was at- jumping out of the aircraft tempting to land in the south before it hit the ground sparof the country on Sunday, ing them from the explosion killing at least 42 military caused by the crash,” accordpersonnel and three civilians ing to a press release by Joint were witnessing a U-turn in on the ground, the Defense Task Force Sulu.

“We remain to be hopetheir initial claim of wanting Ministry announced.

The C-130 aircraft was ful that we could find more peace and political solution by resorting to anti-people ferrying soldiers when it survivors,” said JTFS comactivities, the committee crashed during the landing mander William Gonzales as warned that it would be at around 11:30 a.m. local another five soldiers remain forced to respond if its in- time, on the island of Jolo. unaccounted for.

It was not immediatetegrity and commitment to Another 49 servicemen were peace and solution was tak- injured, along with four oth- ly clear what caused the er civilians on the ground. crash. Regional military en as a sign of weakness.

Most of the passen- commander Lt Gen Corleto Since Niki had time and again declared to Naga gers had recently graduated Vinluan said it was unlikely tribal leaders that he had no from basic military training that the aircraft took hostile political agenda or demand and were being deployed to fire, and cited witnesses as but would support an hon- the restive island as part of saying that it appeared to ourable and acceptable po- a joint task force fighting have overshot the runway litical solution, WC wanted terrorism in the Muslim- then crashed on the periphery of the airport. t o k n ow (Cont’d on p-6) majority region.

WC, NNPGs ask Niki Sumi to stop ‘anti-Naga activity’ DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): Cautioning Niki Sumi-led group to stop “anti-Naga activity”, Working Committee (WC) of NNPGs further warned that its patience was being tested to the hilt by the disturbing “unrestrained aggressive behaviour of Niki Sumi’s gang in and around Dimapur town.”

In a statement, WC said that the reconciliation among Naga groups, the ceasefire and three years of political negotiations with the government of India (GoI) was being threatened

by a group of men who surrendered to Indian Army in two batches– Niki Sumi and two unarmed men on December 20, 2020 and Starson Lamkang and 52 others on December 25, 2020. It recalled that this was announced by none other than Gen MM Naravane, the Indian Army Chief, on December 26, 2020.

According to the WC, the Indian Army Chief and his commanders in the Northeast have stood by their word to date.

Although Niki’s group

had denied their “sell-out”, WC pointed out that their activities spoke volumes of its desire “to repay new masters as per the undisclosed terms of surrender, for which a safe passage from Myanmar to Nagaland was the first step”.

It added that Gen. Naravane had triumphantly declared that the surrender was a successful episode of “military diplomacy”.

Mentioning that what transpired before and after the Indian Army’s helicopter ride from Ponkhuri, Pochury

region to Guwahati, and later to Indian Army’s Delhi cantonment was slowly emerging, WC alleged that Niki and his band were being sheltered and funded almost like a regular army with cash and rations.

WC mentioned that their added assignment included “luring and recruiting habitual defectors, desperados, street criminals and traitors to instil hatred, indignation and frustration in the mind of the Naga tribes against WC.” Noting that Naga tribes

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2

state

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.:Can the UN compel Myanmar’s militar y rulers to allow a mandated govt rule ?

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

Farmers trained on IFS

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

A

B

C

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

53% 39% 8%

Next poll Q: Why sports in Nagaland

is still below national standard?

Due to misuse of funds for genuine  meant sportspersons and projects.

To o m u c h g o v t  interference in sports. ack of sports L culture.

WEATHER FORECAST july 5

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Cloudy with showers

32 26

Aizawl

A p.m. t-storm in spots

27 21

Guwahati Cloudy with a stray t-storm

33 26

Cloudy with a stray t-storm

29 22

Itanagar Cloudy with a stray t-storm

27 24

Imphal Shillong

A thunderstorm in spots

23 19

Kohima

A shower and thunderstorm

24 19

Dimapur

A t-storm around in the a.m.

32 25

Mkg

Cloudy, a t-storm in the p.m.

26 20

Tuensang A t-storm in the afternoon

21 19

A t-storm around in the p.m.

26 21

Zunheboto Cloudy with a thunderstorm

23 18

Wokha

Participants and resource persons at the training programme.

DIMAPUR: KVK Kiphire in collaboration with DHO, Kiphire conducted training on Integrated Farming Security (IFS) for livelihood security, farmers-scientist interaction and awareness on Covid19 vaccination, at Sangkhumti village on July 2 and 4.

Farmers from Latsu, Kiusisu, Kiusum town, Kiusum village and Chikiuponger and Metonger village attended the programme.

Senior scientist and Head (i/c) of KVK, Dr. N. Khumdemo Ezung and DHO, Kiphire, Sentinungba Longchar were the resource persons.

In a press release, KVK Kiphire stated that,

Longchar highlighted on departmental activities and programmes under MIDH, PMKSY and RKVY. He informed the participants to submit application to department along with required documents for taking up any projects in their respective villages.

Later, banana, pineapple, apple and orange saplings were provided to farmers.

In his presentation, Dr. Ezung stated that at KVK, research related to crops and livestock were carried out by scientist with the involvement of farmers to establish suitability of variety and breeds before it was recommended to farmers for large-scale adoption.

He also encouraged the farmers to take up IFS as it will not only provide food and income resources, but security to the family as more than one component will be taken up in this system.

Deliberating on the misconception of Covid19 vaccine, he stated that vaccine was safe and that everyone should get vaccinated for providing safety to oneself and family. The interaction programme was led by HEA, DHO, Kiphire, Seroba Sangtam, where farmers and village elders shared their interest and problems pertaining to agriculture activities which the visiting officials assured to extend all possible help.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

Webinar on cryptocurrency and bitcoins DIMAPUR: A webinar on the topic, “cryptocurrency and bitcoin” was organised by the department of commerce and management, St. Joseph University Dimapur Saturday.

In a press release, the university informed that resource person for the programme was head and chairperson, department of commerce and management, West Bengal State University and All-India General Secretary, Indian Academic Researchers’ Association, Trichy, Dr. Pranam Dhar.

Dr. Pranam Dhar spoke about digital currency as an alternative currency, cryptocurrency, the rise of bitcoin, what bitcoin is all about, features of bitcoin and how bitcoin works.

He also emphasised on advantages, disadvantages and related transactions.

The session ended with an interactive question and answers round where the participants were given an opportunity to ask questions and clarify their doubts.

Around 140 participants attended the session.

The new team of Lions Club Dimapur, Blue Vanda and Leo Club led by Vikas Maheshwari as president at the installation ceremony on July 4 at Lions centre Dimapur. Lalita R Khadaria past District Governor 322D attended the function as the installation officer.

Late Toshi Wungtung laid to rest at Sangphur village DIMAPUR, JUL 4 (NPN): Following the State funeral service here on Saturday, IPR, SCERT and village guards adviser Toshi Wungtung was finally laid to rest at Sangphur village in Tuensang district on Sunday.

Prior to that, a public funeral service was held at Shamator under the aegis of Yimchungrü Tribal Council (YTC) where hundreds of mourners lined up to pay their final homage to the departed leader. Speakers on the occasion heaped praises on Wungtung for his commitment and dedication towards his people and the State as a whole.

A dv i s e r L K h u m o, NDPP legislator H Chuba Chang, former NPF legislator R Tohanba, Tuensang deputy

DLSAs conduct 2nd quarterly meeting of UTRC DIMAPUR: District Legal Services Authorities (DLSAs) under the purview of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) conducted 2ndquarterly meeting of Under Trial Review Committee (UTRC) in their respective districts for April-June quarter.

A press release by NSLSA informed that during the quarterly meeting 34under trial prisoners from jails across Nagaland were recommended for release.

A committee comprising of principal/district and session judge, chairman; chief judicial magistrate cum-secretary, and deputy commissioners, superintendent of police, jail superintendent, lawyer from DLSA as members reviewed status of UTPs for release.

Others requiring medical treatment, legal aid counsel and issues during COVID-19 pandemic were reviewed and discussed during the meet.

In Dimapur, during the UTRC meeting on June 14 at

the Principal District & Session Judge’s Chamber, Dimapur, the list of UTPs furnished

by Central Jail Dimapur and District Jail Dimapur were scrutinized, and 11 UTPs from Central Jail and three from District Jail were recommended for release on bail.

Mon: Mon DLSA UTRC meeting on June 25 at the Conference Hall of Deputy Commissioner (DC) Mon recommended release of five UTPs eligible to be released on bail. DC Mon, Thavaseelan K also pressed for medical assistance for UTPs during the current crises. The committee also discussed on the segregation of the UTPs which has already been done. The district jail reportedly has 62 UTPs and 15 convicts.

Mokokchung: Mokokchung DLSA quarterly UTRC meeting was held on June 25 at District Court wherein the house discussed the Covid-19 safety concerns and jail authorities were advised to ensure

close monitoring of inmates while ensuring safe transit of released inmates. Deputy Commissioner Mokokchung was also asked to identify a suitable place to set up Covid care centre to lodge asymptomatic UTPs and convicts.

Meanwhile, a UTP accused on compoundable offences was identified and recommendation was made to file bail petition by concerned parties. A case of elderly inmate was identified and jail authorities were asked to ensure timely medical health review of the person.

Kiphire: Kiphire DLSA held online 2nd quarterly UTRC meeting on July 3 and recommended one UTP under judicial custody for release while another inmate was recommended for medical treatment. The issue of vaccine reluctancy of Covid -19 was brought up and it was resolved to give proper awareness regarding the vaccination.

Altogether four UTPs and one

convict were lodged at District Jail, Kiphire as on July 3.

Tuensang: Tuensang DLSA conducted the meeting on May 29at the office of Superintendent of Police, District Jail, Tuensang and discussed to provide Covid-19 care centre with proper security. While the district jail has 29 UTPs and 13 UTPs, one UTP was recommended for free legal aid.

Longleng: Longleng DLSAon June 24 conducted 2ndquarterly UTRC meeting through video conferencing and the committee recommended seven UTPs for release. While two UTPs were endorsed for legal aid counsel, two others were released post recommendation.

Phek: In Phek, the committee identified six UTPs and granted bail for release but could not be released as they were unable to furnish surety.

In the last HPC meeting, 10 UTPs were released on parole and there are 15 inmates in Phek district jail. While, the

Organisations condole demise of Toshi Wungtung

DIMAPUR: Organisations and individuals have condoled the demise of late Toshi Wungtung, advisor IPR, SCERT and Village Guards, who passed away on July 1 at New Delhi after a brief illness.

WYH: Western Yimchunger Hoho said it was utterly shocked and pained to learn the sudden and untimely demise of late Toshi Wungtung.

In a condolence message, WYH said late Toshi was a true and noteworthy son of the Yimchunger community in particular and the Naga people in general. The hoho said that many of his pioneering work would go a long way to benefit his people and beyond. In his demise, WYH said the vacuum created would be difficult to fill for many days to come.

The hoho prayed to the Almighty to grant strength and solace to the bereaved family members and eternal peace to the departed soul.

ENDBU: Eastern Nagaland Dobashis Union and all the DBs of five district Tuensang, Mon, Longleng, Kiphire and Noklak have expressed condolences on the demise of late Toshi Wungtung.

In a condolence message, ENDBU described late Toshi as a tall and dynamic, simple, a good orator and a visionary leader.

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ENDBU said his passing away has created a big vacuum and was a great loss to the people of ENPO in particular and Nagas in general.

Further, ENDBU conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty God would grant comfort and strength to them at this time of grief and eternal peace to the departed soul.

ESH: Eastern Sumi Hoho (ESH) has expressed grief over the demise of Toshi Wungtung.

ESH said that his death was not only a big loss to his family members but particular to all citizens living in the Eastern.

ESH described late Toshi as “rare breed of politician” who had remained committed for the progress and development for his people till his last breath.

The hoho prayed that the almighty God provide solace and comfort to the bereaved family members at this moment of sorrow.

CVSU: Expressing deep grief over the demise of Toshi Wungtung, Chessore Village Student’s Union (CVSU) said the deceased had a significant record of services to Yimchunger community, Eastern Nagas and Nagas in general with great diligence in different capacities. CVSU described late Toshi as a rare

leader with sense of public service, innate simplicity, charismatic and statesman.

In his demise, CVSU said the Yimchunger community and the state has lost an eminent political leader and an excellent human being.

Further, CVSU conveyed condolences and sympathies to the member of the bereaved family and prayed to the Almighty God to give them strength to withstand the loss.

Rev. Yamyap Konyak: State Chaplin Rev. Yamyap Konyak has deeply mourn-

ed the untimely demise of late Toshi Wungtung. The Chaplin said late Toshi was an active member of the Nagaland Legislators’ Christian Fellowship (NLCF). Rev. Konyak said he was privileged to deliver the Gospel of Jesus Christ at late Toshi’s official residence in Kohima. The state Chaplin on his behalf and the fellowship has conveyed deepest condolences to Mrs. Lipokla and the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in peace.

commissioner Kumar Ramnikant, YTC, ENPO and ENSF representatives and family members spoke at the funeral.

While Tuensang dis-

trict police personnel accorded guard of honour at Shamator, Sangphur village guards did the same before the burial at Sangphur village.

Seized drugs destroyed

chief medical office has assigned a medical doctor for COVID duty in the district jail, no sick inmates were reported.

The members also inspected the jail.

Wokha: Wokha DLSA conducted 2ndquarterly UTRC meeting on June 9 at District Jail, Wokha. However, no UTP were observed to be requiring immediate medical attention, nor mandatory period of UTP was over and presently, no UTP at present was eligible for bail. The District Jail Wokha currently lodges 13 UTPs. Zunheboto: Zunheboto DLSA conducted 2ndquarterlyUTRC meeting on July 2 at District Jail Zunheboto.

At present there are 16 UTPs and three convicts. However, recommendation was made to set up separate Covid Care Centre for UTPs with proper security.

Meanwhile, the release informed that no UTPs were recommended in Kohima and Peren districts.

DSSU members destroying the seized drugs.

DIMAPUR: Seized drugs including 10,080 capsules of Sulfadoxine pyrimethamine(SP) were destroyed by Dimapur Sumi Students Union (DSSU) on July 2 at DMC dumping site.

A press release by DSSU stated that the drugs were seized by the NSCN/GPRN, UT from Burma camp area and under the directive of the caretaker C.A.O, UT, the contraband was handed

over to DSSU for disposal.

DSSU president, L. Kivipu Shohe and general secretary, N. Mugha Aye stated that the seized drugs were destroyed after informing and consulting the Dimapur Sumi Council.

Meanwhile, DSSU appealed to the law enforcing agencies to keep a strict vigil on those illegal activities in the interest of the younger generations.

10TH DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Acknowledgement

Born on : 24.02.1962 – Died : 05.07.2011 “Even in death the righteous have refuge” Proverbs 14:32 It has been 10 years since you have left us but you are always remembered in our silent tears.

Loving wife, children, sons-in-law, DP-3075 daughters-in-law & grandchildren

LATE PURKUMBA AO

LT. ZUHOSHE Y. MURU

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

1st Death Anniversary

OF LATE REV. KIQHEHO SWU

DIED ON 5TH JULY 2020 It’s been a year now But not a day goes by, without thinking about you Your presence is missed dearly We know that you‘re in a much better place, And that’s where our comfort lies You‘ll always be alive in our prayers and wishes We love you, to infinity and beyond.

- Loving Family members DP-3060

Funeral service at Shamator public ground on Sunday.

of our beloved Mama

Lt. L. Lemei Phom

01.04.1960 – 20.06.2021 We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all individuals who have rendered immeasurable support financially, physically and through devoted prayers and stood by us during the brief illness and sudden demise of our beloved Father, Late Purkumba Ao. We remain forever grateful for all your unceasing prayer and support.

May the Almighty God bestow his abundant blessing to you all.

- Loving wife, children & family members.

DP-3078

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

LATE ASHUNGA ODYUO Born : March 1929 Died : 5th July 2020

25/06/1974 – 05/07/2020 It's been a year since you left us.

But the legacy and your virtue which you let us is still alive.

We miss you Mama!!

DP-3043

Loving Husband & Children

One year to this day heaven gained a new angel. As each day passes, we miss you more and more. You shall never be forgotten.

DP-3072

Loving children and grandchildren K Y M C

3

Northeast

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

No more in alliance with Assam Jatiya ‘Indigenous Muslims agree to check population’ Parishad: Raijor Dal chief Akhil Gogoi G u wa h at i , J u l 4 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Sunday met over 150 leading indigenous Muslim personalities from diverse fields and said they all have agreed that population growth is a threat to development of the state.

Addressing a press conference after the meeting here, Sarma said a total of eight sub groups will be formed with members from the indigenous Muslim community to suggest various developmental measures.

“Today I met over 150 intellectuals, writers, doctors, artistes, historians and professors among others. We discussed various issues confronting the Assamese minority people,” he added.

All present in the meeting ag reed that a “population explosion” in

some parts of Assam posed a threat to the development of the state, he added.

“If Assam wants to become one of the top five states in India, then we have to manage our population explosion. This was agreed by all,” Sarma said.

He said that the leading personalities suggested various measures to control population growth in the minority community..

The Chief Minister also said that the government will be forming eight sub groups with members from the indigenous Muslim community and these will submit reports on development of the community within the next three months.

These sub groups will be created to prepare reports on sectors like health, education, skill development, women empower-

Secretary from the government in each sub group.

The Chief Minister also told reporters that the next round of meetings will be held with politicians and student bodies representing the minority community.

“In the next few days, I will sit with representatives of the migrant Muslims or Muslim people who originated from East Bengal...

There are distinct cultural differences between the two Muslim communities (indigenous and migrant) and we respect that,” he added.

Officials present in the meeting said that representatives of the indigenous Muslim community objected to being labelled as “minority” and instead requested the government to address them as “Assamese people”.

Later, an official release from the Chief Min-

Himanta Biswa Sarma

ment, cultural identity, population stabilisation and financial inclusion, he added.

“These sub groups will discuss the entire range of issues related to the minority community. After compilation of the reports, a roadmap will be created for the community. We will work over the next five years in accordance with that roadmap,” Sarma said.

He said that there will be a Chairman from the community and a Member

was 1.65 per cent.

According to the official report, out of 4320 COVID-19 tests conducted over the past 24 hours, 643 have tested positive for coronavirus, reflecting a case positivity rate of 14.88 per cent.

The state has so far tested 920,039 COVID-19 and the positivity rate was 7.86 per cent.

Meanwhile, the cumulative number of COVID19 doses administered in the state reached 7,29,061 (6,43,311 first doses and 85,750 second doses) with 23, 368 doses administered on Saturday. (Correspondent)

Sikkim’s Covid-19 tally to 21,131

Gangtok, Jul 4 (PTI): Sikkim’s COVID-19 tally rose to 21,131 on Sunday as 176 more people tested positive for the infection, a health bulletin said.

The state’s coronavirus death toll remained unchanged at 308 as no fresh fatality was reported.

South Sikkim registered the highest number of new cases at 87, followed by 58 in East Sikkim and 31 in West Sikkim. Sikkim now has 2,101 active cases, while 18,469 people have recovered from the disease.

M’laya records 489 new COVID cases, 7 deaths

S h i l long, J u l 4 : Meghalaya on Sunday recorded seven COVID-19 related deaths, mounting the fatality figure to 862 and 489 new cases taking the number of active cases up to 4,434.

The State also reported 632 recoveries from the viral infection surging the number of recovered cases up to 46,228, even as the number

of confirmed cases so far was registered at 51, 524.

Director of Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War said the COVID-19 related deaths recorded were five in East Khasi Hills district and one each in Ri-Bhoi district and West Jaintia Hills district.

As on date, 30, 943 health care workers have been vaccinated against

COVID-19 with the first dose and 20, 027 received the second dose, 96, 712 frontline-workers got the first jab and 27, 322 got the second shot, while 52, 1290 persons from among the general public were inoculated with the first dose and 36, 138 are fully vaccinated with the second dose across the state. (Correspondent)

Mizoram reports 243 new Covid-19 cases

Arunachal Pradesh reports 365 new COVID-19 cases

Aizawl, Jul 4 (PTI): Mizoram’s COVID-19 tally rose to 21,246 on Sunday as 243 more people, including 59 children, tested positive for the infection, while one fresh fatality pushed the state’s coronavirus death toll to 95, a health official said.

Aizawl registered the highest number of fresh cases at 152, followed

by Lunglei (41) and Kolasib (30), he said.

The state now has 3,897 active cases, while 17,254 more people have recovered from the disease so far, including 355 in the last 24 hours.

Itanagar, Jul 4 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh’s COVID-19 tally rose to 36,937 as 365 more people tested positive for the infection, a senior health official said here on Sunday.

The COVID-19 death toll in the frontier state remained at 176 as no fresh fatality was reported in the last 24 hours, the official said.

The state now has 3,057 active COVID-19 cases, he said.

As many as 272 patients were cured of the disease on Saturday taking the total number of recoveries in the northeastern state to 33,704, Jampa said.

Sivasagar (Assam), Jul 4 (PTI): Raijor Dal president Akhil Gogoi on Sunday said his party has broken the alliance with regional front Assam Jatiya Parishad, led by former AASU general secretary Lurinjyoti Gogoi. The two newly floated regional parties, which were born out of the anti-Citizenship (Amendment) Act sentiment, had joined hands in February this year and contested the assembly election in March-April. The AJP had drawn a blank and the RD managed one seat with Gogoi winning as an Independent MLA. “We were not in alliance during the polls.

We broke the tie-up in the middle of the election.

There was no united opposition platform, and so we parted ways,” Gogoi told PTI in an interview.

Akhil Gogoi

However, neither of the two parties announced the falling apart of their alliance during the election, although speculation was rife that their association had run into rough weather, especially on the seat selection process. Out of the total 126 constituencies, the AJP had contested in 83 seats and the RD in 38. In 16 constituencies, both the parties fielded candidates and fought against each other, thereby dividing the anti-CAA votes.

Gogoi walked free on July 1 after 567 days of imprisonment following his arrest in December 2019 for his alleged role in the violent anti-CAA movement in Assam, as the National Investigation Agency failed to frame any charge against him and three associates.

Asked why the party did not formally declare the end of the alliance before the polls, the first-time legislator said, “We contested the assembly election alone. As of now, we are not in any alliance with the AJP.” On February 4, AJP president Lurinjyoti Gogoi had met Akhil Gogoi at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, where he was undergoing treatment for various ailments while being in judicial custody, and announced finalisation of their coming together for the polls.

Meghalaya Congress raises RTI on COVID-19 expenditure in issues over power department M’laya not answered, says BJP

Northeast COVID-19 UPDATE Manipur logs 643 new cases 176 new cases push IMPHAL, JUL 4: Manipur on Sunday reported 643 new cases of COVID19, taking the tally to 72,286, while the death toll rose to 1,196 after eight patients succumbed to the infection, according to the state health department.

The bulletin said as many as 602 patients were discharged from hospitals in the last 24 hours, pushing the number of recovered cases to 64,931.

The state now has 6,159 active COVID-19 cases, out of them 2,366 are in home isolation.

The state’s COVID-19 recovery rate was 89.82 per cent, while the fatality rate

ister’s Office mentioned that Sarma at the meeting said the Assam government organised the interactive programme in order to bring about inclusive development in the state.

“He said the indigenous Muslim population being an integral part of the Assamese society needs accelerated development so that the community becomes a significant contributor in the growth narrative of the state (while) keeping its cultural identity intact,” it added.

Padma Shri awardees Dr Illias Ali and Eli Ahmed were among prominent people from the minority community at the meeting, while Welfare of Minorities Minister Chandra Mohan Patowary and Education Minister Ranoj Pegu participated along with Sarma as part of the government.

Correspondent SHILLONG, JUL 4: Senior Congress legislator, Zenith Sangma on Sunday raised issues over the functioning of the Meghalaya power department, stating that he did not understand as to how the Power Minister, James K. Sangma and NPP could say that he had apprehension that he might influence the Inquiry Commission headed by a retired Judge and justifying his continuance as Minister of Power.

“We should remember that the allegations of corruption were not only against the CMD but equally against the Minister of Power as well. The Minister is the head having the supreme executive power in the Power Department. Therefore, it is obvious that anybody in that position can destroy or manipulate the evidence or tamper the submission of the relevant documents before the Inquiry Commission,” the Congress legislator said in a statement.

“I have not said that I am against Self Identified

Project. But the way EOI (Expression of Interest) was floated is not correct.

Yes, we want developers to come and invest. But the EOI should have been at proper time not during the time when the State is having complete and partial lockdown because of Covid Pandemic. There is every chance that this can also be another scam. Therefore I just cautioned the Government. As it creates suspicions that there can be malafide intention,” the veteran Congress legislator maintained.

“The interest of the local people has been always ignored by this present Power Minister; be it local contractors or officers. What is the logic in awarding all the contract works to the outside companies/firms on turnkey basis at very exorbitant rates, who in turn re-alloted the same works to the local contractors (as sub- contract) at the lower rates?” Zenith alleged.

“What is the logic behind appointing Rupesh Kumar as the adviser to the

Power Minister and Manish Gupta as the adviser to the CMD of MeECL (Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited) on Pro-bono basis?

These advisers are without any salary or remuneration and even TA/DA is not applicable, whereas their duties and functions are enormous,” he contended.

“There is no proper engagement to increase the revenue of the corporation.

Now the monthly revenue collection is around 80 to 85 crores whereas the monthly expenditure is around 110 crores. The MeECL has been put into dept trap,” Zenith further said.

“The CMD claimed that in the month of June, 2021, the generation capacity increased from 60 MW up to 150 MW (approx) out of 356 MW of installed capacity. Therefore, I believe, the revenue must also have been increased. So, what is the revenue collection in the month of June, 2021. I want the reply from the Minister of Power on all these above queries,” the Congress spokesperson demanded.

Correspondent

SHILLONG, JUL 4: The BJP, which is a constituent of the ruling Meghalaya Democratic Alliance (MDA), with one of its two elected members of the assembly the minister of health and family welfare in the state has said that information sought by the party through RTIs on COVID-19 expenditures and others remain unanswered.

“BJP ‘karyakartas’ filed RTIs through the District Administration in the West and East Garo Hills seeking information on COVID situation including expenditure in the District but are yet to be answered.

BJP also filed RTIs on implementation of various central schemes launched by the BJP Government under the able leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi,” the vice president of the Meghalaya State Unit of the party, Bernard N Sangma said on Sunday.

“BJP wants to ensure that all the schemes

meant for the poor and the genuine beneficiaries reach them without depriving even a single person. There is a complaint that the schemes are not reaching the poor as promised by the Honorable Prime Minister,” he contended.

“Therefore, BJP has filed RTIs and the replies will reveal if the schemes are fully implemented or partially implemented.

Recently, Tura Municipal Board replied to the RTI seeking information on legislator and MP schemes.

The reply was given with details of work but without the names of beneficiaries,” Marak said.

State Health and Family Welfare Minister and senior BJP leader Alexander Laloo Hek has maintained that it was the right of his party to question the functioning of the government, even as he had sought the citing of specific instances in regard to complaints by the BJP that several COVID-19 related deaths had occurred in the state due to faulty oxygen supplying gadgets. -

Body of associate of 3 lynched youths found in Tripura AG ARTALA , J UL 4 (IANS): Police on Sunday recovered the mutilated body of a 19-year-old youth who was missing since the lynching of three youths two weeks ago in western Tripura’s Khowai district.

Police said that based on the confessional statement of the third detainee Dinu Kumar Debbarma, an auto rickshaw driver, the disfigured body of Salim Mia, 19, was recovered from Asaram Kobra Para

under Kalyanpur police station late on Saturday.

Besides Debbarma, two other accused were so far arrested in connection with the lynching of four suspected cattle lifters. The police said that three suspected cattle lifters were hacked to death by a mob in western Tripura’s Khowai district on June 20 and Salim Mia was missing since the incident in the tribal areas.

Khowai district Super-

intendent of police Kiran Kumar earlier said that the suspected cattle lifters after “stealing five cattle” trying to run away in a car but the villagers at North Maharanipur apprehended them when the vehicle dashed against a coconut tree and then they were severely roughed up.

The slain suspected cattle lifters were identified as Jayed Hossain, 28, Billal Mia, 30, Saiful Islam, 28, and all the three hailed

from bordering Sonamura area under Sepehahijala district. Various political parties including the main opposition Communist Party of India-Marxist have condemned the incident.

The ‘TIPRA Motha’, a newly-floated political party and its chairman and Tripura’s royal scion Pradyot Bikram Manikya Deb Barman said that anyone who takes law in his hands should be punished.

“We live in a lawful society and the public murder of the three people irrespective of the alleged crime is unacceptable. If they were guilty it was the responsibility of the police to arrest them not the mob to lynch them,” said the supremo of ‘TIPRA Motha’, the party won the politically significant 30-member autonomous body Tripura Tribal Areas Autonomous district council on April 6 election.

Tension prevails along Kolasib district of Mizoram and Hailakandi district of Assam.

HAILAKANDI, JUL 4 (AGENCIES): The district administration of Hailakandi has stationed 300 Assam police jawans in the Assam-Mizoram bordering Dolcherra area of the district, reports The Assam Tribune.

The Superintendent of Police, Ramandeep Kaur

informed that no untoward incident happened in the border during the last few days. The additional Director General of Police, Harmit Singh visited Dholcherra area of the border on Saturday to boost up the morale of the policemen posted there.

Kaur informed that the

administrative level meeting of both Kolasib district of Mizoram and Hailakandi district of Assam on Tuesday last decided to maintain the status queue as per the map of survey of India but surprisingly some people from Mizoram constructed three camps in Assam land which was later dismantled

by Assam police. She confirmed that there was a scuffle between the people and cops on both sides and no one was injured. She termed this as rumour.

Meanwhile, a meeting of the Chief Secretaries of both Assam and Mizoram will be held on July 9 to sort out the long pending border dispute. It can be mentioned here that the Assam-Mizoram border dispute started in 1995 and already organised many rounds of meetings but no concrete solution yet to come out.

Correspondent

Shillong, Jul 4: Meghalaya Governor, Satya Pal Malik on Sunday sought investigation into the deaths of two youth from the North East under suspicious circumstances at Gurugram in the National Capital Region recently Rosy Sangma died at Alfaa Hospital in Gurugram on June 24, after the medical staff of the hospital allegedly fed her ice-cream while she was in the ICU. While her cousin brother – Samuel Sangma was also late found dead, allegedly hanging himself from the ceiling in the hotel at Gurugram, where he was staying.

The mysterious twin deaths of a Garo air hostess at a private hospital in Gurugram and her young

nephew in quick succession have created outrage in the state.

“Governor Malik has taken cognizance of media reports and outrage over the unnatural deaths of both the individuals of North East and has taken note of the petition addressed to him on the matter,” a communiqué issued by the Raj Bhawan, Shillong noted.

T h e c o m mu n i q u e stated that Governor Malik has already taking up the matter with Union Home Minister Amit Shah through a letter.

Malik, who is travelling to New Delhi on Sunday assured that he would take up the matter with the concerned authorities for a free, fair and expeditious investigation into the matter and to ensure justice for the two deceased.

DC-546

Meghalaya Governor seeks 300 Assam Police personnel deployed in Assam-Mizoram border probe into Gurugram deaths

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 209 Dimapur, MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

D- deadly delta

S

ince 2020 when the highly infectious and dangerous Coronavirus spread rapidly across the globe infecting more than 18 crore people and claiming the lives of nearly 40 lakh ; medical science has been fighting a long and difficult battle to contain the virus. However, it seems that for every step that science advances, the virus continues to be steps ahead. Today, there are as many variants of the Coronavirus with each determining which region to begin its deadly mass mutation (production).

In the second wave of the current pandemic to hit the world, the rate of transmission and fatality has been totally devastating. The virus (Coronavirus) has reportedly been undergoing a series of mutations resulting in occurrence of variants. Multiple variants of the virus that causes COVID-19 have been documented across the world. In India, the mutated virus has been named as ‘Delta’ variant for which the World Health Organisation (WHO) has termed it as a variant of concern and is thought to have driven the deadly second wave of infections from March to June in India. The ‘Delta variant’ (B.1.617.2) was initially identified in India in December 2020 and later in the US in March 2021.The Delta variant has been recognized as the dominant virus in many states across India. This virus is also reported to be dominant in Nagaland. According to a weekly bulletin of the department of health and family welfare Nagaland released on July 3, out of a total of 98 samples of covid-19 positive cases sent for genome sequencing at National institute of Biomedical Genomics (NIBG), Kalyani, West Bengal, 93 were identified as the Delta variant; two as Kappa variant and one as Alpha variant with results of two other samples still awaited. Interacting with media persons on July 3, joint director and nodal officer, BSL Labs/Whole Genome Sequencing (WGS) Dr.Vinotsole (Tina) Khamo revealed that the Delta variant has the highest transmissibility at 78 to 121%. She said Alpha variant has 24-34%; Beta variant has 28% ; Gamma variant has 33-51% and Kappa variant has 28-89% transmissibility. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has cautioned countries against complacency just because the second wave was ebbing. This comes against the backdrop of that the Delta variant continues to evolve and mutate and could spread like wildfire again. The D0HFW has cautioned people against letting their guard down and vaccine hesitancy.

The Delta variant has been detected in at least 98 countries and spreading quickly in countries with low and high vaccination coverage. As if to counter recent findings that have helped the medical world more prepared, another variant has also been found named as ‘Delta Plus’ variant. According to a study carried by the ministry of health and family welfare, it was found that the ‘Delta plus variant’ - also known as AY.1 - spreads more easily, binds more easily to lung cells and is potentially resistant to monoclonal antibody therapy, a potent intravenous infusion of antibodies to neutralize the virus. The scientific community is uncovering more information about emerging mutations, variants and strains all the time, and leading vaccine developers are testing and evaluating the efficacy of their vaccines in this light. While the fight is on, people themselves, who are the ultimate targets, should be prepared to sacrifice their normal life so that the virus has no breeding ground.

DailyDevotion One of God’s Great “Don’ts” Do not fret— it only causes harm. —Psalm 37:8 Fretting means getting ourselves “out of joint” mentally or spiritually. It is one thing to say, “Do not fret,” but something very different to have such a nature that you find yourself unable to fret. It’s easy to say, “Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” (Psalm 37:7) until our own little world is turned upside down and we are forced to live in confusion and agony like so many other people. Is it possible to “rest in the Lord” then? If this “Do not” doesn’t work there, then it will not work anywhere. This “Do not” must work during our days of difficulty and uncertainty, as well as our peaceful days, or it will never work.

And if it will not work in your particular case, it will not work for anyone else. Resting in the Lord is not dependent on your external circumstances at all, but on your relationship with God Himself.

Worrying always results in sin. We tend to think that a little anxiety and worry are simply an indication of how wise we really are, yet it is actually a much better indication of just how wicked we are.

Fretting rises from our determination to have our own way. Our Lord never worried and was never anxious, because His purpose was never to accomplish His own plans but to fulfill God’s plans. Fretting is wickedness for a child of God. Have you been propping up that foolish soul of yours with the idea that your circumstances are too much for God to handle? Set all your opinions and speculations aside and “abide under the shadow of the Almighty” (Psalm 91:1). Deliberately tell God that you will not fret about whatever concerns you.

All our fretting and worrying is caused by planning without God.

Quotes

Independence is happiness. ~ Susan B. Anthony

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

Cut in administered prices, cash flow are boosters A

booster dose of about Rs 6.28 lakh crore stimulus to push credit is supposedly an official phenomenon to rev up economy with about, but the market response looks muted.

The banks are expected to lend about Rs 2.67 lakh crore to fund the covid19-hit businesses. The lending does not help when moods are down. Actual infusion is Rs 1.5 lakh crore. A key element of injecting cash in the system that helps the poor remains elusive. India must demolish the digital Berlin wall, IMF had advised in 2019. Eight lakh Jandhan accounts were beneficiaries of PM Kisan funds of Rs 6000 each – Rs 480 crore. Digital is not the answer to stop fraud.

The share market continued with a bear hug for four days before closing with a rise of 166 points on Friday, July 2, 2021- not a big deal but like most Fridays, it breaks the monotony into a visible surge for record’s sake. The concern is that institutional participation in the stock market has declined to a 15-year-low.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s largesse is

a difficult move by a government with a severe financial crunch. This also is shadowed by a galloping inflation fueled mostly by domestic factors though the global trends also are pushing it up.

The FM should have looked around her table to rectify some she could have easily done – the fuel prices. The advisors who suggested that detrimental way are good theoreticians. They are not aware that central and state governments are the biggest guzzlers of fuel and the highest taxpayer to its own kitty.

It merely window dresses the coffers. The outgoes in reality are more.

The worse it has hit all industries, people and virtually bulldozed the poor.

Another set of advisors go on harping that road tolls, fees and user charges and high rail and transport fares must rip the roof “to sprint to fast development” forgetting it is eroding the very base of the economy – the purchasing power. Though, latest CMIE report says, that eight lakh people have their jobs restored in June but most of them on lower wages. The job losses are baffling everyone.

The incomes of 97 percent

households have declined since March 24, 2020. The government free food doles sustain people.

The CPI index could plummet many points if petrol and other fuel prices are cut to around Rs 40, vehicles are not scrapped in the name of pseudo-pollution concerns, transportation charges get reduced and high-handed police deals to the people Shivaji for enforcing covid19 healthcare protocol are done away with. The police deals have hurt the shops, vendors, many offices and individuals. They are definitely not trained to behave but their rent-seeking is ruining the lowest level of economic activities. Some studies have come out with miseries of many families, some even committing suicide. It need not be a welfare nation but at least could be humane.

Uncertain official advices are bringing not good name to the political masters, who pay the final popular cost.

The banks are also shaking confidence of the people.

Would more privatization mean more outgo from government and more miseries?

No one is sure but banks

themselves seem to be on a shaky platform. Despite the government’s credit-driven stimulus to help tide over the impact of covid19, bank credit growth hit a new low for the second year in a row in FY21 at 5.56 per cent — the lowest in 59 years, according to an analysis by SBI Research. It is lower than financial year’20 when i t g r ew b y Sarkar 6.14 percent.

In 1962, it clocked 5.32 percent.

The June purchasing managers’ index (PMI) plummets to 48.1, lowest, below the critical threshold of 50, signifying contraction beyond the levels of April and May, when the lockdown was severe. This suggests demand side problems – another testimony that people are lacking in cash.

This has apparently impacted investments, a determinant of future growth.

The CMIE says year-on-year growth numbers look impressive for the private sector on a low base effect. The cost of continuing uncertainties are said to be heavy on actual investment. New investment announcements continue to be at low levels. The govern-

ment itself is wary of investments because of strained finances. It has led HSBC to moderate GDP growth to 8 percent, lower than RBI estimates of 9.5 percent The industry fears that as the government largesse would depend on higher credit from the market, lending for them would be costlier. The RBI itself has indicated of rate rise by the next quarter or so and is pessimistic of growth. The silver lining is that Nomura India Business resumption index hints at recovery from a sharp collapse on May 23 at 60.3.

The market concern is reflected over the drop in flows from foreign and portfolio investors to the stock market due to elevated share valuations. In other words, there are apprehensions about actual equity prices. In June, their market share dropped to 30 percent against retail investors of 70 percent. The average of portfolio investment was around Rs 25,200 core a day at NSE and BSE, an extreme low. The FPIs sold stocks worth Rs 8,500 crore between April and June after buying Rs 44,500 crore stocks

during January- March. The interesting aspect is that stock market is not indicator of the buoyancy but hints at conducive atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the bad bank that is to come up has a pile of Rs 2 lakh crore debt, about a quarter of the country’s non-performing assets may not resuscitate the economy nor the privatization causing more outflow of public funds.

So the stimulus pushes theoretical expenditure to about Rs 36.6 lakh crore. It may not exactly materialize.

The net push may be far less and may result in lesser flows to the purchasers though it might push official deficit to 7.5 percent, in actuality it may be a few notch more.

Many companies and units are closing down. Even the government is downsizing as costs go up with inflation.

Mere stimulus would not work. Digital pushes have blunted cash flow and increased operational costs.

The country has to bring down administered prices, enhancd taxes, transportation costs to make the people and businesses comfortable.

The solutions are there one has to trudge.

Post-mortem #NorthEastMatters: Beyond the twitter trend! Of tests and vaccination in the Covid battle

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few weeks back, the are many other instances and needy. Devoid neceshe war against COVID has been a long Covid clusters exists, the citizens have surprisdrawn battle. It has been anything but ingly refused to even undergo free random hashtag #NorthEast- when people from the region sary attention, the people easy and in the while, has shown itself testing, citing lack of symptoms and quesMatters was trending are called, ‘foreigners’, ‘Chi- are rendered unconnected on Twitter to highlight the nese,’ ‘Momo,’ and recently physically and electroni- to be of extreme costs in terms of economy, tioning the reliability of the test, stating that need for concerned authori- ‘Corona,’ just to rebuke cally- enduring the lack or education and lives. The world was caught most test results often turn positive. Indeed no ties to educate people and them knowing very well that utter absence of communica- unprepared. Many lives have been lost. And test could be 100% accurate but in a highly spread awareness about they are Indians. In a few tion systems like the internet even as countries limped back to regain infectious disease as Covid, it would not be composure, unfortunately many have died at all sensible to err on the side of safety and North East India. The Twit- cases, they are physically and mobile networks. before any vaccine was available to defend not take precautionary measures. ter storm was an initiative and sexually assaulted and Way forward Many people even avoid test for fear Considering the long them. Over the course of time, the scientific of a group of organisations even killed. systematic negligence of medical community has gradually learnt the that they would turn positive and be quarfrom the region, after a You- Tales of Misconceptions Tuber from Punjab called a There are myriads of the region and realising its nature of this enemy and warned us time and antined. A positive test is not the end of the sitting legislator of Arunach- wrong notions people har- undeniable strategic impor- again how we could prevent its spread by world, one has to be strong and courageous, al Pradesh State Assembly, boured towards NEI and tance, matters and concerns simple measures of wearing mask, washing one need not negatively react to a positive Covid test report. The inconvenience of the ‘Chinese’. The intention its people. Post-pandemic, of North East India should hands and social distancing.

Over and above that, vaccines have been quarantine is worth if it would prevent the of the organisations spear- people from the region are be given special focus for an heading #NorthEastMatters mistaken to be carriers of the ‘equal India.’ The militancy developed to shield and protect us, should spread causing morbidity and mortality to a was among many others Novel Corona Virus because issue should be resolved at there be any unfortunate incidents of infec- family member.

The same goes for vaccination. There to include a Chapter on of their physical affinities the earliest possible by bring- tion despite all preventive measures. Many of North-East India; a separate to Chinese. Hindus are mi- ing all the rebels to the talks the relatives of those who perished certainly would hardly be any vaccine that is 100% hashtag #AChapterForNE norities in NE and are often table: In this 21st century would regret that their dear ones could not effective, or devoid of adverse effects. That was also introduced. The subjugated; people from the and after 75 years of Inde- have the privilege of a vaccine. ‘If only there does not serve as a deterrent to vaccination initiative has caught the region have similar food hab- pendence, militancy should was a vaccine, perhaps they would still be programs across the world and many lives attention of many people its and language with China not exist as an excuse for un- alive today…’ is a wish they can only sigh have been saved from various diseases by the which included journalists, that rendered them Chinese derdevelopment. Improving in painful despair. We are reminded again of specific vaccines. In the crisis of the Covid celebrities, and politicians, sympathisers; snakes and the business infrastructure of the old adage ‘prevention is better than cure’. pandemic, the need of testing and vaccinaetc. Former Union Minister bats are common delicacies the region will undoubtedly Just when the virus seems to be decreasing in tion is not only imperative but acutely urgent and present Member of Par- of the region, etc. are few of go a long way in ensuring curve, it has come back in the second wave not only to avoid community transmission of liament, Dr. Shashi Tharoor the many myths about NE the progress of the economic with more ferocity claiming more lives than Covid, Covid morbidity and Covid mortality, had tweeted, “There is ab- people. Such misconcep- condition of the region. It is ever. And the focus is gradually shifting to but also to return to normalcy for overall development of the society. solutely no doubt that the tions further strengthen the the government’s business the possibility of a third wave.

Lessons from across the world have Despite the lockdown that has helped #NorthEastMatters. It’s wrongly conceived notion to thus give an impetus to shown how some countries tactfully fought curbed the spread, to not test and isolate or essential that a chapter on of the foreignness of North promote business in the the Covid crisis. South Korea has shown how vaccinate would be to take one step forward the NorthEast is included in East people. The people region. intensive testing, contact tracing and isolation and two steps backward. We do not want to On the contrary, the isthe NCERT syllabus.” from the region are of the could defeat the Covid-19 pandemic. Within Apart from the Twitter opinion that systemic negli- sue of racial discrimination two weeks of the Covid crisis created by an be the victims suffering the consequences storm, there have been recent gence of the region since the against NE people needs a unidentified 61- year- old woman referred of being misled by anti vaccine crusader developments of a renewed British days has been uncor- holistic approach; it is a virus to as “ Patient 31” who infected the Covid or rumor mongers. It is not unknown interest from media houses. rected and in fact replicated that needs not just one but virus to over a 1,000 people through the two whereby anti-vaxxers have taken vaccines Some Newspapers even have by successive governments, a combination of multiple worship services she had attended. Following even discreetly to protect themselves while a dedicated section for the which have further alienated effective medicines. Con- this incident, South Korea promptly started misleading many, the latest example of such, cerned authorities should performing the most Covid -19 testing in the being Ramdev, who despite questioning the region. However, the news the region. institute a high level inquiry world, and implemented the most elaborate efficacy of the vaccine and berating modern of the mysterious deaths of Development roadblocks allopathic medical science took the vaccine Mr. Samuel Sangma and In any platform where into cases of discrimination contact tracing program than anywhere to protect himself. against North East Indians Ms. Rosy Sangma, both development issues of NEI else. They believed in nipping in the bud However despite all efforts, any demoresidents of Nagaland, at are discussed, one of the and award exemplary pun- and they did. cratic authority as in our situation has its own ishments.

Lest, the dangerGurgaon a few days ago main concerns that natuAnother country to reckon with is the limitations. And it would require individual raised a huge question mark rally cropped up is the is- ously mushrooming trend of rapid vaccination exercise in Israel. Life wisdom to make ‘an informed choice’ after on the effectiveness of our sue of Militancy. For many discrimination against the returned to normalcy in Israel while many obtaining knowledge and understanding efforts to ensure the safety of decades, armed revolutions Northeasterners will keep other countries were still imposing stricter through the various information available on North East Indians in their have indeed been a stum- rising. Also, our education measures to combat massive upsurge. Over various media platforms. It would require the own own country. Racial bling block for development system, which has hitherto 81% of the population in Israel is aged 16 and conscientious individual to differentiate truth discrimination against NE to make its successful inroad failed to sensitise people of above and this age group has been vaccinated. from rumors. Civility requires a person to people, inspite of being a to the region. However, a the basic demography of The result has been a drastic reduction in consider the greater health of the society and serious criminal and social lot has changed in the past India, needs a chapter on contagions and hospitalizations.

Statistics from various sources across to not jeopardize another fellowman’s health issue, will be too narrow an couple of decades; many NEI to start with.

The idea of one nation the country and even in our local context and life because of one’s prejudices. approach to only restrict armed groups have rejoined It is prayed that it does not require a the approach to social and the mainstream by sign- should be viewed as one re- have shown that those who are fully vac- costly and irreparable loss of live at a perjudicial measures; there are ing ceasefires and agree- sembling a beautiful rainbow cinated have a very low mortality and low sonal level to wake us to the reality of the other prominent factors, ments with the government. with different colours- the disease severity. In the initial days, there significance and the success of the testing that are interconnected and The outcome of that is the oneness of which is not seemed to be a dearth of testing facility and and vaccination in the fight against Covid. require a comprehensive much-needed germination hampered by the presence vaccine shortage. However, thankfully to the Where we fail to take the proper measures approach for an effective of unhindered development of different colours, but is Health & Family Welfare Department and of wearing mask, frequent hand washing and solution. activities in the region, in rather what makes it look the Government of Nagaland, the contact social distancing in an unguarded moment, Unending wave of Racism addition to the prevalence breathtakingly beautiful. traced testing including random testing our decisive choice to embrace testing and The peculiar physical of a much-improved law Same religion, same dress and vaccination capability have stepped up. vaccination will make all the difference in However, to the credit of rumor mongers and features of NE people have and order situation. Assam code, same language, same misplaced religious fervor, much damage has our fight against Covid. food habit and same physical attracted series of unsolicit- is one such example, falling been done to the well intentioned testing and Kuolachalie Seyie, Trustee Member, ed remarks and unwarranted in that category, that has appearance should not de- vaccination efforts.

Kezekevi Thehou Ba (KTB), fine our oneness as a citizen racial slurs against them; fared remarkably well in the It is learnt that some villages where Kohima, Nagaland of India.

The idea of one there are hundreds of tales development front post the India as envisioned by the depicting the sad stories of state government’s initiative how they have been abused- of resolving militancy issue founding fathers is not about verbally and physically. Ra- in the state. Still, all is not similarity but celebrating the cial discrimination against over with militancy issue in beauty of our diverseness.

In line with that beautiful NE people can be broadly the region.

Another pressing con- ethos, it is time we realise classified as unintentional and intentional. A lot of cern that hampers develop- that North East People, Sir, The network connectivity in Nagaland has gone from bad to worst. The constant instances have occurred ment activities in the region however different they may wherein people from the is the connectivity woes of appear to us, are no less pleas of the public to the telecom service providers always fall on deaf ears and not only region are treated as foreign- the region. Tough physi- Indians and their concerns that, the failure on the part of the government to address the concurrent issue is upsetting as well. The consumers pay hefty amounts to these telecom service providers in terms of ers in their own country cal terrains of the region no less important. monthly or yearly recharges. However instead of providing good network connections T S Haokip because of the complete caused untold hardships to as promised, these companies are duping the public in broad daylight. Therefore, it is (T Seiminthang Haokip @T absence of knowledge that the people- rendering them an Indian could look the helpless in transporting their S Haokip is freelance writer my utmost request to the higher authorities to do something about the network crisis in way people from the region farm produce, in commuting and author of the book Hilly Nagaland without further delays.

Dreams) physically appear. But there and attending to the sick Nyanbemo, Dimapur Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

Reader’s Post

Network crisis in Nagaland

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

TDP alleges Rs 15,000 crore mining scam in Visakhapatnam tribal area AMARAVATI, JUL 4 (IANS): Andhra Pradesh’s opposition Telugu Desam Party (TDP) has alleged a conspiracy was hatched for a Rs 15,000 crore mining scam in the Visakhapatnam agency area in utter disregard for the forest and environment laws.

Former Minister and TDP leader Nakka Anand Babu on Sunday said that a ‘benami’ of ruling YSR Congress Party leaders recently announced that laterite mining would be taken up in the Sarugudu panchayat limits in Visakha agency. Alleging involvement of mafia, he demanded a CBI probe to bring out the facts.

The TDP leader demanded that the conspirators behind the laterite mining scam should be exposed immediately so that the exploitation could be prevented.

“The YSRCP mining mafia had hatched a master plan to loot thousands of crores rupees in manyam mining. Already, such illegal mining was taken up without following the tribal lands and existing environment protection laws,”he said. Anand Babu also

The TDP demanded immediate withdrawal of all plans to take up illegal mining.

claimed that the NREGS funds were being misused to lay a road to help the laterite mining mafia.

The 14-km highway was being laid through Raghavapatnam village in Routhulapudi mandal in East Godavari district through Jaladam, Sarlanka, Siripuram and up to laterite mines in Sarugudu area. As part of this, a key YSRCP leader’s ‘benami’ called and threatened a tribal leader not to object to this mining.

The TDP leader alleged that along with lat-

India-US strategic partnership has global significance: Modi New Delhi, Jul 4 (IANS): Extending wishes on the occasion of the 245th Independence Day of the US, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday marked a message to President Joe Biden, saying the two countries share values of freedom and that their strategic partnership has global significance.

Modi took Twitter to send his message to the US President to express his gratitude towards the American people.

“Warm felicitations and greetings to @POTUS @JoeBiden and the people

of the USA on their 245th Independence Day. As vibrant democracies, India and USA share values of freedom and liberty. Our strategic partnership has a truly global significance,” the Prime Minister tweeted. On July 4, the US commemorates the Declaration of Independence signed in 1776. The Continental Congress had declared that year the 13 colonial colonies were no longer subject (and subordinate) to the monarch of Britain, King George III, and were now united, free, and independent states.

Centre drafting Bill to prevent trafficking of women, children

NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (IANS): The Central government preparing a law aimed at preventing trafficking in persons, especially women and children, and provide such victims care and protection, and will present it to the Union Cabinet for approval before it is tabled in Parliament.

The Ministry of Women and Child Development (WCD) is busy in drafting The Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021. As part of the procedure in drafting the Bill, it has invited comments and suggestions from all the stakeholders on the draft bill

by July 14. It is expected that the Bill will be introduced in the upcoming Monsoon Session of Parliament beginning from July 19.

“The objective of the bill is to prevent and counter trafficking in persons, especially women and children, to provide for care, protection, and rehabilitation to the victims, while respecting their rights, and creating a supportive legal, economic and social environment for them and also to ensure prosecution of offenders, and for matters connected therewith or incidental there to,” the Woman and Child Development Ministry said in a statement.

erite, the mafia was also planning to mine bauxite illegally. He said a gram sabha should be held in the local tribal villages if any mining was going to be taken up in their vicinity.

But, no such gram sabha was held in Sarugudu area till now. This was in violation of the scheduled area rules.

The TDP demanded immediate withdrawal of all plans to take up illegal mining in the agency area. It vowed to stand by the tribals to protect their rights.

3rd COVID wave: US docs to train J’khand docs online

RANCHI, JUL 4 (IANS): Specialised doctors from University of California at Los Angeles, University of Texas and University of Illinois, USA, on Sunday imparted online training to several hundred Jharkhand doctors on critical care, preparation of Pediatric Intensive Care Units and treatment protocols to combat a possible third Covid wave and outbreak of the virus in children.

Those attending the webinar were pediatricians working in state-run medical college and hospitals, district hospitals, malnutrition treatment centres, Special New Born Care Units, New Born Stabilisation Units, physicians and pediatricians to be posted in the upcoming 28 new Pediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) all over Jharkhand.

The webinar titled ‘International PICU and Critical Care Training Symposium’, was organised by Women Doctors Wing, Indian Medical Association(IMA), Jharkhand in association with Department of Health and family welfare, governemnt of Jharkhand. The webinar was inaugurated by Banna Gupta, Jharkhand Health Minister of.

Welcoming the guests, Dr Bharti Kashyap, chairperson, Women Doctors Wing, IMA Jharkhand said that this was the first time that such an international webinar has been arranged where specialists from top medical colleges in USA would share their insights and perspectives on combating a possible third Covid wave that is projected to hit several lakh children in Jharkhand.

Providing vital inputs and procedural skills to Jharkhand doctors were Dr Yonca Bulut, Professor of Pediatrics, Division of Pediatric Critical Care, Department of Pediatrics, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California, Dr Ravi Kashyap, Associate Clinical Professor, University of Illinois College of Medicine, USA and Dr Pooja Kashyap, Pediatric Cardiologist, Director of Adult Congenital Program and Assistant Professor, University of Texas, USA. Dr Bharti Kashyap urged that respiratory ailments and heart problems in children caused by Covid infection be also brought under the Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Scheme, to provide relief to low income groups.

BJP should transfer UP CM Yogi to U’khand: Akhilesh Lucknow, Jul 4 (PTI): Taking a dig at the BJP over the leadership change in Uttarakhand, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav on Sunday urged the saffron party to transfer Uttar Pradesh CM Yogi Adityanath to the hill state.

He said in this way, Uttarakhand will get rid of the “daily problem of leadership change”.

Yadav was apparently referring to the change of guard in Uttarakhand after BJP leader Tirath Singh Rawat resigned as the state’s chief minister on Friday after holding the post for less than four months. He had replaced Trivendra Singh Rawat in March. Pushkar Singh Dhami was sworn in as the new chief minister of the state following his election on Saturday as the leader of the BJP legislature party. “… In Uttar Pradesh, democracy has been ‘injured’ because of the Chief Minister (Yogi Adityanath), and in Uttarakhand, democracy has become a ‘victim of instability’. In this situation, it will be better that the BJP transfer the UP CM to Uttarakhand, so that the hill state gets free from the daily problem of change of leadership,” the SP leader said in a statement.

Kejriwal seeks Bharat Ratna for Indian doctors NEW DELHI, JUL 4 (PTI): Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Sunday wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking the country’s highest civilian award Bharat Ratna be given this year to all doctors, nurses and paramedics who served the people amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

It will be a true homage to doctors who lost their lives, he said.

In the letter to the prime minister, Kejriwal said this year’s Bharat Ratna should be conferred upon doctors, nurses and paramedical staff.

“Many doctors and nurses sacrificed their lives fighting Corona. If we honour them with Bharat Ratna, then it will be a true tribute to them. Lakhs of doctors and nurses served people selflessly without worrying about their lives and families. There can be no other better way (than honouring them with Bharat Ratna) to thank and honour them,” he wrote in the letter in Hindi.

He also stressed that, if needed, necessary changes should be made in rules so that the medical community can be awarded the highest civilian award.

“If rules do not permit to confer Bharat Ratna on a group, then I request you to change rules. The entire country is grateful towards our doctors. Every citizen of the country will be happy if they (doctors) are honoured with Bharat Ratna,” Kejriwal appealed to the

Arvind Kejriwal PM in the letter. Earlier in the day, the chief minister also tweeted on the same matter.

“The ‘Indian Doctor’ should receive Bharat Ratna this year. ‘Indian Doctor’ means all doctors, nurses and paramedics. It will be a true homage to all martyred doctors. It will be an honour of those who have been serving without caring for their lives and families. The whole country will be glad with this,” Kejriwal said in a tweet in Hindi.

As many as 730 doctors have succumbed to coronavirus infection during the second wave, according to data available with the

Indian Medical Association (IMA) in mid-June.

Bihar saw the maximum number of 115 deaths, followed by Delhi at 109, Uttar Pradesh 79, West Bengal 62, Rajasthan 43, Jharkhand 39, and Andhra Pradesh 38, the data showed.

According to the IMA, 748 doctors died in the first wave of the pandemic.

The chief minister also participated in a programme through video conferencing where he reiterated his request to honour the Indian medical fraternity with Bharat Ratna to “commemorate” their hard work and service during the pandemic. “Giving Bharat Ratna to doctors and paramedics as a community will recognise the sacrifice of all the doctors and paramedic staff who had lost their lives on duty, along with paying homage to the departed souls,” he said.

The CM also highlighted the Delhi government’s efforts to honour doctors and medical fraternity.

He said the Delhi government tried its best to

fix the system as much as possible in their capacity pointing out that it gave Rs 1 crore as ‘Samman Rashi’ to the families of those doctors and frontline workers whose lives were lost in the pandemic.

“This is not a compensation but a way of thanking their service, and reinforcing that we care for them, the country stands with them, and the society stands with them,” Kejriwal said.

“A lot of doctors could not go to their homes after serving in COVID wards in order to protect their families from getting infected. To deal with this, we arranged for the best possible accommodations for them where they could stay while they were attending to COVID patients,” the CM added.

“I received an interesting message once. It read that all temples are shut during COVID because God is serving at hospitals wearing a white coat. It signifies the amount of love and respect doctors command.

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5 PM Modi to address CoWin Global Conclave on Monday New Delhi, Jul 4 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be sharing his thoughts at the CoWIN Global Conclave to be held on Monday as India will offer the CoWIN platform as a digital public good to other countries to run their own COVID-19 inoculation drives.

About 50 countries, including Canada, Mexico, Nigeria, Panama and Uganda, have shown interest in adopting CoWIN, a digital platform, to run their vaccination drives, Dr R S Sharma, the CEO of the National Health Authority (NHA), had said recently, adding that India is ready to share the open-source software for free.

The prime minister has directed officials to create an open-source version of the platform and give it to any country that wants it for free, Sharma had said.

“We are elated to announce that Hon’ble PM @narendramodi would be sharing his thoughts on #CoWINGlobalConclave as India offers #CoWIN as a digital public good to the world to combat #COVID19,” the NHA said in a tweet.

Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan will inau-

gurate the virtual conclave.

Others expected to speak at the event include Foreign Secretary H V Shringla, Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan and Sharma.

The virtual meet will see participation from health and technology experts representing countries from across the globe. The conclave aims to share India’s experience with regards to universal vaccination to fight COVID-19 through Co-WIN, the NHA said in a statement posted on its website. India developed Co-WIN as the central information technology (IT) system for strategising, implementing, monitoring and evaluating Covid vaccination. Recently, many countries have shown interest in using the platform, the NHA said. “India is excited to join hands with the world to win over COVID-19 together with Co-WIN. “Join us as we unfold the story behind the development of a scalable, inclusive and open platform called CoWIN, the tech backbone of India’s vaccination drive,” it said. The virtual conclave is a joint initiative by the Union ministries of health, external affairs and the NHA.

Lynchings are against Hindutva: RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat

GHAZIABAD, JUL 4 (PTI): Asserting that the DNA of all Indians is the same, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) chief Mohan Bhagwat on Sunday urged muslims not to get “trapped in the cycle of fear” that Islam is in danger in India.

Addressing an event organised by the Muslim Rashtriya Manch on the theme ‘Hindustani First, Hindustan First’, he said that people can’t be differentiated on how they worship.

He also took on those indulging in lynching, saying, “They are against Hindutava”. Though at times, some false cases of lynching have been registered against people, Bhagwat said.

“Don’t get trapped in the cycle of fear that Islam is in danger in India,” he said at the event.

Underlining that development is not possible without unity in the country,

the RSS chief stressed that the basis of unity should be nationalism and the glory of ancestors.

The only solution to Hindu-Muslim conflict is dialogue, not discord, he said.

“Hindu-Muslim unity is misleading as they’re not different, but one. DNA of all Indians are same, irrespective of religion,” Bhagwat said.

“We are in a democracy. There can’t be a dominance of Hindus or Muslims. There can only be the dominance of Indians.”

While beginning his speech, Bhagwat said he was attending the event neither for any image makeover nor for vote bank politics.

Bhagwat said neither the Sangh is in politics nor does it bother about maintaining an image. “It keeps on doing its work to strengthen the nation and for the welfare of all in the society,” he said.

6

national/state Monsoon expected to revive from July 8 11 others administered oath as cabinet ministers

Dhami sworn in as new U’khand CM D e h r ad u n, J u l 4 (PTI): Pushkar Singh Dhami was sworn in as the 11th chief minister of Uttarakhand, along with an 11-member cabinet, here on Sunday.

The oath of office was administered on Dhami and his ministers by Governor Baby Rani Maurya at a simple function held on the lawns of the Raj Bhawan in the presence of a host of MPs and MLAs of the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and senior government officials.

No new face has been inducted into Dhami’s cabinet, which remains as it was under his predecessor Tirath Singh Rawat. The only difference is that this time, all the ministers are of cabinet rank.

The ministers sworn in on Sunday are Satpal Maharaj, Harak Singh Rawat, Bansidhar Bhagat, Yashpal Arya, Bishan Singh Chufal, Subodh Uniyal, Arvind Pandey, Ganesh Joshi, Dhan Singh Rawat, Rekha Arya and Yatishwaranand.

Rekha Arya, Dhan Singh Rawat and Yatishwaranand, who were ministers of state in Tirath Ra-

P S Dhami at his swearing-in ceremony. wat’s cabinet, have been elevated to cabinet rank.

Earlier in the day, Dhami met Satpal Maharaj at his residence with a bouquet of flowers amid reports that the senior leader and a few other MLAs of the saffron party were sulking since Saturday as they were not happy with his election as the new leader of the BJP legislature party in Uttarakhand.

Dhami later said there was no resentment anywhere. All those said to have been unhappy with the party high-command over its choice of new chief minister were present at the swearing-in ceremony and were sworn in as ministers.

At 45, Dhami takes over as the youngest chief

minister of Uttarakhand. A two-time MLA from Khatima in Udham Singh Nagar district, Dhami replaces Tirath Singh Rawat, who resigned on Friday.

Dhami is considered to be close to Maharashtra Governor and former Uttarakhand chief minister Bhagat Singh Koshyari, who is his political mentor.

Dhami takes over the reins of power at a time when Uttarakhand has a few months to go for the Assembly polls, which are due early next year.

Earlier in the day, Dhami paid courtesy visits to his predecessors Tirath Singh Rawat and Trivendra Singh Rawat at their residences and another former chief minister and BJP stalwart

Bhuvan Chandra Khanduri.

Talking to reporters after meeting them, Dhami said he had come to seek their blessings and guidance.

Dhami is a promising young Thakur leader from the Kumaon region who began his political career with the Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the student wing of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), in 1990.

He was the officer on special duty (OSD) to his political mentor Koshyari when the latter was the chief minister of Uttarakhand. He also served as the president of the BJP’s Uttarakhand Yuva Morcha from 2002 to 2008.

An attempt by the saffron party to strike the right caste and regional balance ahead of next year’s Assembly polls is evident in its choice of Dhami as the new chief minister.

As state BJP chief Madan Kaushik is a Brahmin from the Garhwal region, having a Thakur leader from Kumaon as the chief minister is a clever move aimed at wooing two major sections of the electorate in the two regions of the hill state.

New Delhi, Jul 4 (PTI): After a break, the Southwest Monsoon is again set to enter an active phase, M Rajeevan, Secretary of Ministry of Earth Sciences said on Sunday, noting that forecast models show signs of increasing rain activity from July 8.

He said that models indicate the formation of a weather system in the Bay of Bengal. “Monsoon Update: @moesgoi models show signs of revival- increasing rains in South, west coast & East Central India from 8 Jul. “Models also make an early indication of formation of a weather system over BoB by12th & subsequent active monsoon phase,” Rajeevan, who has been researching the Southwest Monsoon for more than three decades, tweeted.

After a good spell of rains in the first two and half weeks of June, the Southwest Monsoon has not advanced further since June 19. Delhi, Haryana, parts of west Uttar Pradesh, Punjab, west Rajasthan are yet to see the arrival of the monsoon.

In its forecast for the July, India Meteorological Department said the country as a whole will witness good rainfall this month.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, JULY 5, 2021

Opinion of Congress workers important for UP polls: Priyanka Lucknow, Jul 4 (PTI): Months ahead of the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly election, Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra on Sunday urged party workers to stand with people of the country, and share their pain and grief.

Addressing a two-day training programme of party workers of Lucknow and Mathura through video conferencing, the party’s in-charge of the state said, “Congress party workers should stand with the people of the country, and share their pain and grief. For this, the work of building the organisation is most important.”

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra In a statement issued here on Sunday by the UP Congress, Vadra said Congress workers should stage a protest against the BJP government over inflation, unemployment, continuous increase in the price of petrol, diesel and

cooking gas. “The antipeople policies of the BJP governments at the Centre and in the state have to be unravelled. People are crying due to inflation, government jobs are falling prey to corruption and the candidates selected for jobs are moving from pillar to post to get appointments,” she said.

Vadra also said that opinions voiced by the organisation and that of the workers will be very important for the Assembly elections. The Congress general secretary also laid emphasis on revamping the booths and also remain active on social media.

WC, NNPGs ask Niki Sumi to stop ‘anti-Naga activity’ (From p-1) why he was luring all restless “pseudo workers and scoundrels” with money and ranks, and where was the support for peace.

WC said the only plausible reason for “abnormal marketing” and conferment of ranks and positions was to destroy the sanctity and merit based structure of Naga political movement, both in the civil and military. WC accused Niki of going too far with the intent to discredit and marginalise the political process. Also wondering whether government of India had set a “wolf among sheep”, WC asserted that it

would not remain mute spectator anymore along with the Naga tribes.

WC explained that it had a clear and standing principle and understanding that there would be close working relationship on the ground among the military wings, adding that a threat to one group would be confronted through coordination with tribes, GBs and civil societies.

Declaring that time has come to save the land and people from traitors, WC reminded Niki that many in the past had played their role and failed miserably and therefore asked him better to remain a Naga in “flesh, mind and spirit”.

‘C’ in Cong stands for cunning: Mayawati TMC leaders slam PM SC to examine original records of over soaring fuel prices Ramdev’s statement on allopathy

No. 3611 Yesterday’s solution No. 3610

1. Beginning a journey (7,3) 2. Lazy (4) 3. Upright (8) 4. Type of drug (7) 5. Imprison (11) 6. Type of pasta (10) 7. Gramophone ‘needle’ (6) 8. Tepid (8) 10. Punctuation mark (5) 16. Try (7) 20. Article (5) 22. Italian wine (7) 23. Doubt (11) 25. Idiot (10) 26. Asian country (5,5) 28. Cold dessert (3,5) 31. Cumbersome (8) 32. Recount (7) 34. Sport (6) 35. Glazier’s paste (5) 39. Presently (4)

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Mukul Rohatgi, appearing for Ramdev, to say that the original records of his statements would be filed.

The criminal complaints have been lodged

by Indian Medical Association (IMA) in Bihar and Chhattisgarh over his alleged remarks against the use of allopathic medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Patna and Raipur chapters of the IMA have lodged complaints against Ramdev,alleging that his remarks are likely to cause prejudice to the COVID control mechanism and may dissuade people from availing proper treatment against the pandemic.

The yoga guru has

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DP-3039B

KAKURO

No. 4587 Yesterday’s solution No. 4586

Across

Ramdev

been booked under various provisions of the Indian Penal Code and the Disaster Management Act, 2005.

Sections 188 (disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (negligent act likely to spread infection of disease dangerous to life) and 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) of the IPC have been invoked against him.

Ramdev, whose alleged statements stirred a nationwide debate over the issue of Allopathy versus Ayurveda, however, had withdrawn his statements on May 23 after receiving a letter from Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan, who had called his remarks as “inappropriate”.

The top court is likely to also consider a plea of the Delhi Medical Association (DMA) which has sought permission to become a party to the case, alleging that Ramdev insulted allopathy and “instigated” people to disregard vaccines and treatment protocols.

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DP-3045

Su doku

No. 9967 Yesterday’s solution No. 9966

New Delhi, Jul 4 (PTI): The Supreme Court would examine on Monday the original records of the statements of Yoga guru Ramdev on the use of allopathic medicine during the COVID-19 pandemic following his plea to stay investigation and transfer the cases lodged against him in this connection to Delhi.

Multiple FIRs have been lodged against Ramdev in Patna and Raipur following complaints by the Indian Medical Association.

A bench comprising Chief Justice N V Ramana and justices A S Bopanna and Hrishikesh Roy would on Monday hear the plea of Ramdev seeking clubbing of the FIRs on the issue and their transfer to Delhi.

As an interim relief, Ramdev has also urged for a stay on the investigation in connection with the criminal complaints.

“What is the original thing which he has said? You have not placed the whole thing,” the bench had observed which prompted senior advocate

DP-3067

Crossword

BJP4India govt (government) seems to be working very hard towards adding to the woes of the public.

Not much has changed from 2020. The same old blame game continues while the demands of the people of India are conveniently ignored!,” Trinamool Congress national general secretary and Lok Sabha MP Abhishek Banerjee tweeted.

Petrol price has crossed the Rs 100-mark per litre in metro cities of Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Pune and it is over Rs 99 in Delhi and Kolkata.

DP-3077

Mayawati had said the BSP would never enter into an alliance with the BJP for any polls as their ideologies were “opposite”.

In a series of tweets in Hindi on Sunday, Mayawati said, “The Congress, which

Kolkata, Jul 4 (PTI): The Trinamool Congress on Sunday slammed Prime Minister Narendra Modi for soaring fuel prices, wondering whether he has “gone into hiding”.

The ruling party in West Bengal also accused the BJP of working hard to “add to the people’s woes” as the fuel prices hit a “historic high”.

However, the BJP questioned why the state government is not reducing its duties on petroleum products to bring down the prices. “As fuel prices hit a HISTORIC HIGH, @

DP-3038

Mayawati

is running on oxygen in Uttar Pradesh, says that the B in BSP stands for BJP. This is highly objectionable as the B in BSP stands for Bahujan, which comprises of SCs, STs, OBCs and religious minorities. Since their numbers are high, they are called Bahujan.”

“The C in Congress actually stands for ‘cunning’ party which left Bahujans helpless and made them slaves despite forming governments at the Centre and in states for a long time due to their votes. Eventually, the BSP was formed and at that time the BJP was not in power at the Centre or in the states,” she said.

DP-3037

Lucknow, Jul 4 (PTI): Bahujan Samaj Party chief Mayawati on Sunday hit out at the Congress for accusing her party of having a tacit understanding with the BJP, saying the ‘C’ in its name stands for “cunning”.

Reacting to her remarks, UP Congress spokesperson Ashok Singh said every voter in Uttar Pradesh is saying that the BSP is the spokesperson of the BJP and Mayawati should “accept this truth”.

In the past, both the BSP and the Congress have accused each other of having a tacit understanding with the ruling BJP. In November last year,

Face masks to become personal choice in UK

LONDON, JUL 4 (PTI): The use of face masks as protection against coronavirus will become a matter of “personal choice” as the UK lifts legal lockdown measures in place later this month, a Cabinet minister said on Sunday.

Housing Secretar y Robert Jenrick said there will be a move towards greater “personal responsibility” as the UK prepares to end lockdown restrictions from July 19.

His comments came as several UK media reports on Sunday indicated that Prime Minister Boris Johnson is preparing to declare an end to compulsory face masks and other measures during the course of the next week.

“It does look as if – thanks to the success of the vaccine programme – that we now have the scope to roll back those restrictions and return to a normality as far as possible,” Jenrick told the BBC. “We now have to move into a different period where we learn to live with the virus, we take precautions and we as individuals take personal responsibility,” he said. When asked if the requirement to wear face masks in certain settings will definitely go, he added: “I can’t make that commitment this morning because the Prime Minister will make an announcement in the coming days – it does look if the data is in the right place.”

people with masks and without masks in the street during the Covid pandemic. (File)

In an interview with ‘Sky News’, the Cabinet minister said that like many people, he wants to get away from the restrictions as quickly as possible.

He said: “We don’t want them to stay in place for a day longer than is necessary. We are going to now move into a period where there won’t be legal restrictions – the state won’t be telling you what to do – but you will want to exercise a degree of personal responsibility and judgement.

“So different people will come to different conclusions on things like masks, for example.”

The comment come a day after the British Medical Association (BMA) had called on the government to keep in place some lock-

7

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

down measures, such as the compulsory use of face masks in enclosed spaces, in place beyond the July 19 timeline.

“As case numbers continue to rise at an alarming rate due to the rapid transmission of the Delta variant and an increase in people mixing with one another, it makes no sense to remove restrictions in their entirety in just over two weeks’ time,” warned Dr ChaandNagpaul, BMA Council Chair.

However, the indications are that the British Prime Minister is keen to move on towards the socalled “Freedom Day” with an end of several restrictive measures, including the requirement to scan a QR code when entering a bar, restaurant, hairdresser, gym,

museum or other venues.

According to ‘The Sunday Times’, in a press conference next week, Boris Johnson is expected to announce plans to drop social distancing rules and to reject proposals for a domestic COVID-19 passport. “ We b e l i e ve i t i s now time for the public to start learning to live with COVID,” it quoted a Downing Street source as saying.

“All the data and scientific modelling suggests that the lifting of restrictions will lead to a rise in cases but — with the continued success of the vaccine rollout and the break in the link between hospitalisations and deaths — we are confident there will be no risk of it putting significant additional pressure on the NHS,” the

source said. A further 24,885 cases of coronavirus and 18 COVID-19 deaths were recorded in the UK on Saturday.

According to the National Health Service (NHS) data, more than 33 million people in Britain have now had their second dose of a COVID-19 vaccine and over 85 per cent of adults have been vaccinated with a first dose.

“This is a phenomenal achievement with 45 million adults now receiving their first dose. Vaccines are the way out of this pandemic and we know they are breaking the link between cases and hospitalisations, with more than 27,000 lives saved and 7.2 million infections prevented in England alone so far,” said Sajid Javid, who took over as the new UK Health Secretary last week following the resignation of Matt Hancock.

“Every adult is now eligible for vaccines – please take up the offer as soon as possible to protect yourself and your loved ones,” added Vaccines Minister Nadhim Zahawi. The NHS reiterated its message that vaccinated people are far less likely to get COVID-19 with symptoms and even more unlikely to get serious COVID-19, to be admitted to hospital, or to die from it. There is also growing evidence that they are less likely to pass the virus to others.

China’s astronauts carry out second spacewalk in its history BEIJING, JUL 4 (PTI): Chinese astronauts on Sunday successfully carried out the second spacewalk in the country’s history as two of the three astronauts stepped out of the orbiting space station core module for seven hours and completed the designated tasks, China’s space agency said.

China’s first space walk was conducted during the Shenzhou 7 manned mission in 2008, state-run CGTN-TV reported.

Sunday’s mission was also China’s first spacewalk outside the space station.

China launched three male astronauts -- NieHaisheng, Liu Boming, and Tang Hongbo -- into space in June. Boming and Hongbo, stationed in the space station core module Tianhe, ventured outside to conduct the first extravehicular activities (EVAs) of their current mission with the support of a robotic arm, while Nie stayed in the cabin to command and assist them to conduct the tasks.

Liu and Tang spent nearly seven hours outside the station, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said.

The space station is expected to be ready by next year. The three astronauts boarded the core module on June 17.

Chinese taikonauts stepped out of China’s Tianhe space station core module on Sunday.

The Chinese space station was expected to be a competitor to the aging International Space Station (ISS), which is a modular space station in low Earth orbit.

The ISS is a multinational collaborative project involving five participating space agencies -- NASA (US), Roscomos (Russia), JAXA (Japan), ESA (Europe) and CSA (Canada).

China’s Tiangong is expected to be the sole space station once ISS retires.

The station has a robotic arm over which the US has raised concerns for its possible military applications as it can be stretched to 15 metres long.

China in the past has launched several scavenger satellites fitted with robotic arms to gather and steer space debris so it burns up in

the Earth’s atmosphere.

The scheduled tasks of the EVAs, including equipment installation and panoramic camera lifting, were accomplished with close coordination between space and the ground, as well as between the astronauts inside and outside of the spacecraft.

The EVAs tested the performance and function of the new-generation homemade extravehicular mobility units and the coordination between the astronauts and the mechanical arm, as well as the reliability and safety of related EVA supporting equipment, staterun Xinhua news agency reported.

This has laid an important foundation for subsequent EVAs for the space station construction, the CMSA said.

SA top court agrees to hear Zuma’s challenge to jail sentence JOHANNESBURG, JUL 4 (PTI): South Africa’s highest court has agreed to hear former president Jacob Zuma’s challenge against his 15-month jail term for failing to attend an inquiry into alleged corruption during his tenure, giving him a reprieve from turning himself over to the police on Sunday to serve the sentence.

The Constitutional Court sentenced Zuma to 15 months in jail on Tuesday after he repeatedly refused to appear at the Commission of Inquiry into State Capture. Zuma, 79, is accused of enabling the plunder of state coffers during his nearly nine-year stay in office from 2009 to 2018.

The court had given him time till Sunday to turn

himself over to the police to serve his jail term.

The court said on Saturday that it will hear an application filed by Zuma on July 12 to have the ruling rescinded, effectively giving him a reprieve of one more week. Zuma asked the court to rescind its ruling, citing his age, unspecified medical conditions and the upcoming third wave of COVID-19 pandemic as a threat to his life, according to sources.

“I am advised that before I walk through the prison doors to serve my sentence as the first direct prisoner of the Constitutional Court under our constitutional democracy, it will not be futile to make one last attempt to invite the Constitutional Court

Jacob Zuma

to relook its decision...,” Independent Online, a news website, quoted Zuma’s plea as saying.

The court’s decision came amid rising tensions in the country as scores of African National Congress (ANC) military veterans and other supporters gathered outside Zuma’s homestead in rural Nkandla in the past three days, with some of them threatening violence if he is taken to prison.

The ANC, which ousted Zuma three years ago amid widespread public outcry following allegations of his involvement in alleged corrupt activities, sent some of its most senior politicians to Zuma’s home province of KwaZulu-Natal in an attempt to ease the tensions.

Zuma’s spokesperson MzwaneleManyi said the decision to hear Zuma’s application was positive for public faith in the independence of the judiciary as it showed that the court was willing to listen to the reasons behind it.

Political analysts said that Zuma could have raised these issues if he had complied with a request from the court to appear in person.

Others said it was a

continuation of Zuma’s delaying tactics. Separate criminal charges of corruption against him being repeatedly adjourned for over a decade now.

The former president had also repeatedly refused to appear before the Commission, where various witnesses have implicated him in corrupt activities, especially due to his alleged close relationship to the Gupta brothers -- Atul, Ajay and Rajesh.

The Gupta brothers are now wanted for looting South Africa’s state and parastatal coffers of billions of rands. Zuma has been named as a central figure in the allegations of corruption of over 50 billion rands involving the three Gupta brothers.

Japan’s leader pushes rescue after deadly mudslide hits town

DP-3059

ATAMI (JAPAN), JUL 4 (AP): More than 1,000 soldiers, firefighters and police on Sunday waded through a giant mudslide that ripped through a resort town southwest of Tokyo, killing at least two people and leaving about 20 missing as it swept away houses and cars.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told reporters 19 people had been rescued, and 130 homes and other buildings were damaged in Atami.

Two people were dead, but more were feared missing, he said speaking after an emergency Cabinet meeting. Earlier, disaster officials said 20 were unaccounted for, but warned the number may rise. Shizuoka prefecture officials said three people had been injured.

“The area is still having heavy rainfall, but arduous rescue efforts will continue,” Suga said, warning K Y M C

residents to watch out for more landslides. “Please act as quickly as you can to stay safe.”

Troops, firefighters and other rescue workers, backed by three coast guard ships, were working to clear the mud from the streets of Atami and reach those believed to be trapped or carried away. They were barely visible in the rainfall and thick fog except for the their hard hats. Six military drones were being flown to help in the search.

The mudslide early Saturday crashed down a mountainside into rows of houses following heavy rains that began several days ago. Bystanders, their gasps of horror audible, caught the scene on cell phone video. Witnesses said they heard a giant roar and then watched helplessly as homes got gobbled up by the muddy waves.

DC-523

Rescuers conduct a search operation at the site of a mudslide at Izusan in Atami, Shizuoka prefecture. (AP)

DP-3002

K Y M C

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, JULY 5, 2021

Euro 2020: England thrash Ukraine to enter SFs

ROME, JUL 4 (IANS): A flying start in both halves helped England knock out an uninspired Ukraine 4-0 in the Euro 2020 quarterfinals at the Stadio Olimpico to set up an encounter with in-form Denmark on home soil.

England came off with a perfect start and opened the scoring with only four minutes into the game as Raheem Sterling’s fine through ball allowed Harry Kane to fire past Heorhiy Bushcan from very close range on Saturday, reports Xinhua.

Ukraine needed some time to gain a foothold into the contest but had their first effort on target with 17 minutes played when Roman Yaremchuk unleashed a dangerous shot to test England goalkeeper Jordan Pickford.

However, it remained Ukraine’s only chance on target in the first 45 minutes as England controlled possession without creating clear-cut opportunities.

After the restart, Eng-

land advanced into their first Euro semifinals since 1996 and will now return to Wembley to encounter the in-form Denmark on home soil.

“It is a great feeling.

Back-to-back semi-finals at a major tournament is a great achievement. I don’t want to be a party pooper, but we don’t stop here. We’ve got another big game coming up and we want to go further this time,” England defender Harry Maguire said.

“It is a special night for England. All players have staged a great performance in this tournament, England’s Harry Kane celebrates after scoring his side’s third goal during the Euro but we have to continue 2020 quarterfinal match against Ukraine at the Olympic stadium in Rome. (AP/PTI) and stay focussed,” England head coach Gareth land gave the Ukrainians relentless England strikers Kane’s volley with a diving Southgate said. a mountain to climb as made it 3-0 in the 50th parry before Jordan HenSEMI-FINALS Harry Maguire doubled the minute when Shaw’s sec- derson headed home the advantage after nodding ond assist found Kane, subsequent corner to round Italy vs home Luke Shaw’s free who nutmegged Bushcan off the 4-0 victory.

Spain kick into the box with two with a header from central England controlled July 7, 12:30 AM minutes into the second position. the proceedings for the England vs half.

Ukraine couldn’t put remainder of the game as Andriy Shevchenko’s up a resistance against Ukraine lacked in ideas Denmark side was shocked and un- the dominating England and penetration.

July 8, 12:30 AM able to respond while the as Bushcan neutralised With the result, Eng-

Milwaukee Bucks reach NBA finals after beating Atlanta Hawks

Milwaukee Bucks hoist the trophy after defeating the Atlanta Hawks in Game 6 of the Eastern Conference finals of the NBA basketball playoffs, advancing to the NBA Finals. (AP)

AT L A N TA , J U l 4 (AGENCIES): The Milwaukee Bucks reached the NBA Finals for the first time since 1974 by overcoming the Atlanta Hawks to win the Eastern Conference title.

The Bucks earned a 118-107 victory in game six to claim the best-of-seven series 4-2.

Khris Middleton scored 32 points and Jrue Holiday 27 to propel a Milwaukee side missing injured star player Giannis Antetokounmpo to the win.

They will play Western Conference victors the Phoenix Suns in the final.

The first game in the best-of-seven series will take place in Phoenix from

0200 BST on Wednesday.

Middleton was again key for the Bucks as he scored 16 straight points and 23 in total - for his side in the third quarter to give them a 91-72 lead going into the final period. ‘’My team-mates and my coaches, they told me to keep being aggressive,’’ said Middleton. ‘’I love it. Each one of these guys, they work every single day. Everybody stays ready. Everybody stays locked in. We all play for each other. And that’s all you can ask for.’’

Trae Young was back after two games out with a foot injury for the Hawks but managed just 14 points, with team-mate Cam Reddish scoring a team-high 21

points for the home side.

“I didn’t want to go and not play and think to myself all off-season what if I could have been out there and played,” said Young. “It would have hurt me so I just decided to go out and play and leave it all out on the floor.”

The Suns will have home advantage for the finals series as they had a better record in the regular season.

It remains to be seen whether two-time NBA Most Valuable Player Antetokounmpo will have recovered from a knee injury to play.

“They have a focus and an edge,” said Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer after his team’s win.

Markram, De Kock hammer halfcenturies as SA clinch series 3-2 ST GEORGE’S (GRENADA), JUL 4 (IANS): Half centuries by Quinton de Kock (60 off 42 balls) and Aiden Markram (70 off 48 balls) followed by a tight spell from pace bowler Lungi Ngidi (3/32) helped South Africa defeat hosts West Indies by 25 runs and clinch the five-match T20I series 3-2 at the Grenada National Stadium here.

Defending a total of 168/4, thanks mainly to Markram and De Kock’s half centuries, all the visitors’ main bowlers made significant strikes to limit the defending World T20 champions to 143/9 despite a flamboyant 52 from opening batsman Evin Lewis on Saturday.

Fast bowler Lungi Ngidi, who endured a hammering earlier in the series, bounced back with three wickets, while fellow pacer Kagiso Rabada and seam bowling all-rounder Wiaan Mulder -- play-

Aiden Markram and Quinton de Kock

ing in place of injured speedster Anrich Nortje -- took two wickets each.

However, the most miserly bowling effort came from Tabraiz Shamsi, who conceded just 11 runs in his four overs and claimed the wicket of Chris Gayle, who was dismissed for 11.

Earlier, Markram’s highest T20I score and another half-century from De Kock set the pace for South Africa. Markram slammed four sixes and three boundaries as he and De Kock put on 128 for the

second wicket after Temba Bavuma fell without scoring in the first over bowled

by Fidel Edwards.

West Indies will now travel to Saint Lucia where they will face Australia in a five-match T20I series at the Daren Sammy Cricket Ground starting July 9.

Brief scores: South Africa 168/4 in 20 overs (Q de Kock 60, A Markram 70) beat West Indies 143/9 in 20 overs (E Lewis 52; K Rabada 2/24, L Ngidi 3/32, W Mulder 2/31) by 25 runs.

Wimbledon: Medvedev rallies to overcome Cilic

LONDON, JUL 4 (IANS): World No. 2 Daniil Medvedev of Russia kept his composure and raised his level to overcome 2017 finalist Marin Cilic of Croatia 6-7(3), 3-6, 6-3, 6-3, 6-2 and reach the fourth round at Wimbledon for the first time.

Medvedev will next face Poland’s 14th seed Hubert Hurkacz for a spot in the quarterfinal. Hurkacz moved into the fourth round, his best result at a Grand Slam, with a 6-3, 6-4, 6-2 victory over Kazakhstan’s Alexander Bublik. “It was an unbelievable match,” Medvedev said in an on-court interview after the Saturday evening match.

“I think tennis fans always enjoy watching players come back from two-sets-to-love down and for it to be five sets. I certainly do so when I watch tennis on the TV. It’s my first comeback (from 0-2 sets down), and actually what’s amazing is against (Belgium’s) David Goffin

Barbora sets up fourth-round clash with world No. 1 Ashleigh

Daniil Medvedev

at Wimbledon in 2019, I was two-sets-to-love down and I had a break in the fifth set, but I lost. So when I left the court after the fourth set today, I told myself, ‘It’s not going to be another one of those’.

“So I’m really happy.

When I was 5-0, 40/0 up at the end and Marin came back to 2-5, I thought to myself, ‘Again..!’ Marin is an amazing player and for the first two sets he basically destroyed me,” said Medvedev.

The world No. 2 arrived at Wimbledon high on confidence after claiming his 11th ATP Tour title

at the Mallorca Championships, his first tour-level trophy on grass courts. He continued the momentum to become the seventh Russian man to complete a set of round-of-16 appearances at all four Grand Slams, and the second to do so in as many days after Andrey Rublev achieved the feat on July 2.

With Rublev and Karen Khachanov already through to the second week, Medvedev’s win also marks the first time that three Russian men have reached this stage at Wimbledon in the Open Era (since April 1968).

Barbora Krejcikova

French Open champion Barbora Krejcikova of the Czech Republic booked a spot in the fourth round at Wimbledon with a 7-6(1), 3-6, 7-5 win over Latvia’s Anastasija Sevastova.

Barbora will take on world No. 1 Ashleigh Barty, for a place in the quarterfinals after the Australian overcame her doubles partner, Katerina Siniakova of the Czech Republic, to close out play on Centre

Court on Saturday evening with a 6-3, 7-5 verdict.

Overcoming 56 unforced errors, Barbora edged the former world No.11 Anastasija in 2 hours and 30 minutes, in a match that saw her come from a break down three times in the first set.

“It was really tough today. I was really just battling with myself a lot, because I wasn’t really feeling well,” Barbora told wtatennis.com.

Hamilton says thrilling season convinced him to stay in F1

S p ielberg, J ul 4 ( AG E N C I E S ) : L ew i s Hamilton says he has no plans to stick around in Formula One into his 40s but signed up for two more years because this season’s close competition has been so exciting.

Explaining the thinking behind a contract extension announced at the Austrian Grand Prix on

Saturday, Mercedes’ seven times world champion told reporters he was loving the challenge.

The 36-year-old said he had considered leaving but felt both he and the sport were entering an interesting new phase.

“I think we are being challenged more than ever this year, which is great,” said the most successful

driver of all time. “And I love racing. This is what I want to do.”

Hamilton said his previous contract was supposed to be for two years but he asked for one because he was unsure whether he would continue or not, with the COVID19 pandemic also casting uncertainty.

“I had the best and

most enjoyable start of the year, enjoyed the rollercoaster ride that we’re having,” he explained.

“The start of this season, when the cars were so close in performance -pretty much equal -- then it was really one of the most exciting times I’ve had for some time. To be able to have this battle with Red Bull.

“I was really hoping that it would continue on like that for the rest of the year but they’ve taken a huge leap forwards,” said Hamilton.

The Briton is 18 points behind Max Verstappen after the opening eight races, with Red Bull winning four in a row up to Sunday after Hamilton triumphed in three of the first four.

Copa America: Argentina, Colombia book their berths for semifinals GOIANIA/BRASILIA, (BRAZIL) JUL 4 (IANS): Lionel Messi scored a goal and provided two assists as Argentina progressed to the Copa America semifinals with an emphatic 3-0 win over Ecuador here.

The new free agent set up Rodrigo de Paul and Lautaro Martinez before scoring with a sublime freekick in stoppage time on Saturday, reports Xinhua.

The result at Estadio Olimpico in Goiania means Argentina will face Colombia in Brasilia on July 6, with the winner earning a place in the final at the Maracana stadium on July 10.

Defending champions and tournament hosts Brazil will meet Peru in the other semifinal at Rio de Janeiro’s Olympic Stadium on July 5. Ecuador started the game in a positive fashion and almost took the

Argentina’s goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez tries to block an attack by Ecuador’s Enner Valencia during Copa America quarterfinal. (AP/PTI)

lead via Enner Valencia’s glancing header, which flew just wide of the target following Pervis Estupinan’s probing cross.

Argentina made them pay moments later when Messi set up De Paul, who took a touch before rifling

home his first international goal.

Ecuador began the second half as they did in the first, controlling possession for long periods but struggling to find a spark in the final third.

Argentina were far

Colombia’s goalkeeper David Ospina and Yerry Mina celebrate after defeating Uruguay 4-2 in a penalty shootout. (AP/PTI)

more clinical and they doubled their lead through Martinez, who Messi supplied after Angel Di Maria dispossessed Piero Hincapie.

Messi capped off a superb individual display by curling in a 93rd-minute

free-kick, awarded after with a 4-2 shootout win Hincapie pulled down di over Uruguay here.

Maria on the edge of the The Napoli goalkeepbox. er dived low to his right to Colombia 4-2 Uruguay keep out Jose Gimenez’s David Ospina saved spot-kick and then leaped two penalty attempts as to his left to palm away Colombia advanced to the Matias Vina’s attempt at Copa America semifinals the Mane Garrincha stadi-

um in Brasilia on Saturday, reports Xinhua. The match went to a shootout after a goalless 90 minutes in which neither team posed a clear attacking threat.

With no extra-time played in South America’s major competitions, the match went straight to penalties after 90 minutes, paving the way for Ospina and his teammates to atone for their shootout defeat to Chile in the quarterfinals of the 2019 Copa America.

Colombia will face Argentina in the last four on July 6 while hosts Brazil meet Peru in the other semifinal on July 5.

Both sides mustered just three shots on target while Colombia had a slight edge in midfield, controlling 51 per cent of possession and completing 425 passes compared to Uruguay’s 409.

Los Cafeteros had the best of the early chances,

with William Tesillo heading just over the bar and Duvan Zapata forcing a smart save from goalkeeper Fernando Muslera just before halftime.

Uruguay were more assertive early in the second half and almost went ahead just before the hour when Edinson Cavani found Giorgian De Arrascaeta, who Ospina denied after a low drive into the bottom corner.

Colombia rallied late and created a series of halfchances, including headers from Yerry Mina and Zapata that Muslera was again able to keep out.

SEMIFINALS Brazil vs Peru July 6, 4:30 AM Argentina vs Colombia July 7, 6:30 AM

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