5 june

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 179

DIMAPUR, SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

‘Syria used chemical weapons 17 times’

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international, Page 9

200-bedded acute care facility at CIHSR 200-bed ACF to be set up in 3 months Govt to increase vax in rural areas Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUN 4 (NPN): Health & family welfare (H&FW) minister S Pangnyu Phom announced that the State government was setting up a 200-bedded acute care facility (ACF) at Christian Institute of Health Sciences & Research (CIHSR) campus on a war footing.

The state government had earlier announced setting up of a 176-bedded hospital at CIHSR. However, anticipating that the third wave of Covid-19 could affect children, it was decided to add 24-bedded paediatric ICU ward.

He said the facility would be a pre-engineered modern structure that would continue to be used as a medical facility even after Covid-19 pandemic and thus would be an additional asset for Dimapur in particular and Nagaland in general.

Addressing a press conference at the H&FW directorate here on Friday evening, the minister said the government was also seriously concerned over Covid-19 cases being reported from some villages.

NHIDCL official held in bribery case MOKOKCHUNG, JUN 4 (NPN): Mokokchung police have arrested one National Highway Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL) official, incharge of execution of road construction in six districts, on charges of bribery on June 2. In a press note, superintendent of police Mokokchung stated that the NHIDCL general manager BD Jangade was arrested after police station-1 received a written FIR from deputy commissioner Mokokchung.

As per the FIR, a video of BD Jangade based at Mokokchung district was currently in circulation on social media wherein he was seen demanding a cut of 1% as his share in every contract work executed by contractors. In the FIR, the complainant demanded that criminal proceedings be initiated against the accused.

Subsequently, SP said Jangade was arrested from NHIDCL office at Arkong Ward, Mokokchung and a case has been registered with PS-1.

This is it!

“We may be old but our lung, heart and health are better than the young.

That’s why the virus is afraid of us.”

K Y M C

S Pangnyu Phom along with department officials during the press conference in Kohima, Friday. (NP)

In this regard, he claimed that detailed standard operating procedures (SOP) for containing and managing the cases in rural areas had been issued and that State War Room, district task forces (DTFs), village task forces (VTFs) were fully engaged in managing them.

He claimed that all available resources had been put into place to fight the pandemic, while healthcare workers and frontline workers were performing their duties by working long hours under stress and remaining away from their families for long time even at personal risk.

Pangnyu said private hospitals have come forward to take the responsibility and were fighting shoulderto-shoulder with government hospitals in managing Covid-19 cases, adding that support from the churches and civil society organisations was also encouraging.

He appealed for continued support to ensure that the spread to rural areas was

minimised. Acknowledging the death of so many people due to Covid-19, the minister extended his deepest condolences to the bereaved family members.

Oxygen status: Claiming that the government had taken a number of steps to fight the pandemic, Pangnyu said the State procured cylinders knowing fully well that oxygen would be a critical requirement of Covid management, adding that the State currently had nearly five times more oxygen cylinders’ capacity than before the second wave had hit Nagaland.

Besides the three PSA oxygen plants currently operational at Kohima, Mokokchung and Dimapur, he said oxygen plants at other district headquarters and CIHSR were also being set up.

He said the State had also arranged more than 1,500 oxygen concentrators up to the level of PHC. Pangnyu mentioned that the government had

overhauled the supply chain by setting up a State depot and a zonal depot for unhindered and sufficient availability of oxygen.

He thanked CIHSR for joining hands with the government when there was an acute shortage of oxygen-beds at Dimapur.

While private hospitals were supportive, he assured that the government would extend full support to them by ensuring oxygen supply, oxygen cylinders, oxygen concentrators and ventilators.

Vaccination to be increased: Vaccination being the most effective tool against Covid-19, Pangnyu said vaccination would be increased among the rural population by using Covishield vaccine.

He said DTFs have been directed to mobilise through outreach activities and setting up vaccination sites at villages so that entire villages could be covered without much wastage of vaccine.

He appealed to the people to listen to scientists and medical professionals, instead of believing in false videos and rumours spread by ill-informed people over vaccination.

200-bed facility in 3 months: H&FW principal secretary AS Bhatia, who too was present, said the 200-bedded acute care facility at CIHSR would be set in about three-month time.

He said the initial proposal was for 176 beds, but was later expanded to 200 beds by including a 24-bedded paediatric ICU ward.

Pointing out that this was done in view of the anticipated third wave of Covid-19 that could affect children, he claimed that the proposed 200-bedded facility would be able to meet the immediate needs of Covid- 19 patients and also function as a full-fledged acute care facility to deliver high quality tertiary care post pandemic.

Bhatia explained that in view of the emergent requirement for ICU and oxygen-beds for Covid patients, it was envisaged to create a facility in the shortest possible time as a regular hospital would normally take a minimum of twothree years.

He pointed out that the concept of a makeshift hospital was not considered as it would have been a temporary facility and could not be put to future use.

Spl. Correspondent

NEW DELHI, JUN 4 (NPN): Union Minister of State (I/C) for Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER), Dr. Jitendra Singh Friday received Covid relief material from voluntary NGOs Sewa International and UC Berkeley, at Ministry of DoNER for distribution in 50 remote villages of four backward districts of Eastern Nagaland.

The Covid Relief container contained 10,710 family Health and Hygiene Kit, 10 Oxygen Concentrators, three portable health devices for three district Hospitals, Oxymeters, medicine kit and three Telephonic Medical Consultation devices.

Other items included 50 Health care Kits for GB containing Oximeter, Glucose Meter, Thermometer, reusable PPE kit, face shield, gloves, mask, sanitizer, medicine etc. The entire relief package would be sent to

DIMAPUR, JUN 4 (NPN): After a two-day hiatus, the state-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) hiked prices of petrol and diesel on Friday taking the prices of the two auto fuels to a historic high across the country.

According to a price notification of state-owned OMCs, petrol price was increased by 27 paise per litre and diesel by 28 paise a litre.

After Friday’s rate revision, petrol price in Dimapur rose to Rs.93.51 per litre and diesel price climbed to Rs.87.77 per litre. Similarly, in the state capital Kohima, prices of petrol and diesel climbed to Rs.94.45 per litre and Rs.88.53 per litre respectively.

The increase on Friday is the 18th increase in prices since May 4. In 18 increases, petrol price has risen by Rs 4.36 per litre and diesel by Rs 4.93 a litre.

DoNER receives relief material for Nagaland

Dr. Jitendra receiving relief material at DoNER Ministry in Delhi Friday.

time of crisis all Indians were one. He said that during the first wave, Nagaland was almost free of corona, but in the second wave Nagaland along with other North Eastern States got affected in a severe manner.

Sewa International secretary Shyam Parande said that the Indian Diaspora from 25 countries had come out in a big way to help the people to fight the pandemic by generously donating relief materials and also in setting up of oxygen plants in various parts of the country.

sports, Page 12

H&FW utilized Rs. 21.12 crore from contingency fund for Covid Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUN 4 (NPN): State Health and Family Welfare (H&FW) department has utilised a total of Rs 21.12 crore from contingency fund flow in the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic, nodal officer IDSP, Dr. Nyan Kikon disclosed this during a press conference held in the conference hall of H&FW directorate here Friday.

While a total of Rs 5.23 crore had been used as contingency fund flow to all the districts, Dr. Kikon said Rs 23.44 lakh had been utilised at Meriema quarantine centre, Rs 1.73 lakh at ATI quarantine centre and Rs. 34.16 lakh at K Badze quarantine centre.

A total of Rs 8.66 crore had been utilised for BSL-3 Kohima while Rs. 3.69 crore and Rs. 2.93 crore had been utilised for BSL-2 at CIHSR and BSL-2 at Tuensang respectively.

Besides creation of 390 posts last year on temporary basis, some of the initiatives taken up to augment human resources in the State included: State government scheme for ex-gratia of

H&FW to upload all expenses on website Amidst the series of allegations levelled at the Health & Family Welfare (H&FW) department by opposition parties, the department has decided to upload all Covid-19-related expenditure on its website. (https:// nagahealth.nagaland.gov.in) Highly placed sources informed Nagaland Post that the department would upload on its website very soon the expenses incurred in Covid-19 management.

The sources said any person interested in knowing the expenses could visit website and access the information.

Rs 10 lakhs to all government and non-government functionaries involved in combating COVID-19.

Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan package for ex-gratia of Rs 50 lakhs to all health care workers in public and private sector involved in combating COVID-19.

Preference in government appointment by awarding 25% of the total marks for respective recruitment examination in government and private establishments to all HCWs who have rendered COVID-19 services for at least 100 days.

E n g a ge m e n t o f HCW for short term basis entitled for remuneration of above 25% of the entry level salary of respective grade of regular employees.

DIMAPUR, JUN 4 (NPN):

ported 147 fresh Covid-19 positive cases while 12 more patients succumbed to the infection.

Among the fresh cases, 53 were reported from Dimapur, Kohima-47, Tuensang-19, Mon-10, five each from Phek and Zunheboto, four from Mokokchung, two from Longleng and one each from Peren and Wokha, taking the total caseload to 22,387 Out of the 12 fatalities, five were from Kohima, three from Dimapur, two from Mokokchung and one each from Mon and Zunheboto, taking the death toll to 416 out of which 14 were non-Covid deaths but with Covid positivity.

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON June 4, 2021 District

Asymptom- Mild atic

Dimapur 2206 125 8 Kiphire 33 Kohima 1424 10 Longleng 4 13 Mokokchung 219 7 Mon 41 2 Peren 16 1 Phek 88 0 Tuensang 211 11 Wokha 60 3 Zunheboto 68 10 Total 4370 190

ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic Severe Moderate ICU On On (without OxyOxyventilagen gen tor) 48 16 17 2 0 0 5 8 0 2 1 0 3 2 0 3 0 0 0 0 0 6 1 1 3 0 0 4 1 0 4 0 0 80 29 18

PTI: India reported 1,32,364 new Covid cases taking the country’s total tally to 2,85,74,350, while the recovery rate crossed 93 per cent, according to the Union health ministry data updated on Friday.

State gets more medical aid

New strain responsible for Covid surge in NE: Experts NEW DELHI, JUN 4 (AGENCIES): While experts are trying to identify the causes which led to the huge surge of Covid-19 cases in the North East during the second wave, one reason being attributed is the new strain hitting the region, The Economic Times report stated.

Northeast, which stood largely unaffected by the first wave, has been resorting to lockdowns and other restrictions since the last couple of months as cases spiked even in the tea estates.

Researcher and Assam Medical College assistant professor Dr Gayatri Gogoi told ET, “We have done a survey where we found that

41% people in rural areas and 51% people in urban areas had sero-positivity while the remaining had immunity.”

She said, “One reason for the second wave affecting Assam severely is the new strain. The second wave came with new strains and those were found in Assam.”

On April 22, the Assam health department confirmed that samples from Dibrugarh Airport showed the presence of the B.1.617 strain or the Indian double mutant (L452R and E484Q) strain of SARS-Cov-2.

Sikkim reported 250 new Covid cases on Wednes-

day, and with this, the tally has gone up to 15,876 ever since the second wave started, as per the health department bulletin issued on Wednesday. The death toll in the state stood at 260. Sikkim has 4,103 active cases as on Wednesday.

Assam witnessed 4,178 new Covid cases on Wednesday. From April 1 to June 2, around 2,372 people died of Covid-19, compared to the total death count of 1,105 during the first wave.

Talking about tea garden workers getting infected, Dr JB Ekka, principal secretary, labour department, told ET, “Around half of the 800-odd tea gardens are

affected by Covid. There are 8,500 cases reported besides 59 deaths in the tea estates.”

With fresh cases of 228 reported on Wednesday, the Covid cases in Mizoram stood at 12,859. There have been around 45 deaths in the second wave.

Mizoram’s health secretary Lalramnghaka said the second wave has been severe. “We have seen that a large number of deaths have taken place in patients with comorbidities. Mizoram has formed a study panel to examine the causes of the spread of the contagious disease. The panel is working on it.”

HCW in private sector engaged in COVID-19 management if contracted the virus while on duty will be entitled for reimbursement of expenditure incurred for treatment on the same pattern as for government employees.

In-service Medical Officer who have rendered at least 100 days of COVID duty will be entitled for preference for study leave to undergo further studies.

Engagement of interns, final and 2nd year students of various medical professional courses for non-COVID duty.

Dr. Kikon further disclosed that a total of 145 cold chain points have been set-up including state and district vaccine stores to preserve the vaccines.

State logs 147 fresh Covid cases; 12 deaths

(Cont’d on p-8) Nagaland on Friday re-

Fuel prices hit historic high

the designated places by additional chief secretary and principal resident commissioner of Nagaland House, Delhi, Jyoti Kalash.

Speaking on the occasion, Dr Jitendra Singh informed that Indian Diaspora from 25 countries was pooling together the relief material for the entire country in coordination with Sewa International and UC Berkeley, USA. He said that Bharatvanshis had sent a clear and loud message through this noble mission that at the

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Medical supplies being off-loaded at Dimapur airport.

DIMAPUR, JUN 4 (NPN): Nagaland on Friday received another batch of medical supplies/equipment equipment for Covid-19 emergency use from Delhi.

The consignment, which was flown in by the Indian Air Force C-130J flight, was donated by various organizations like-Hemkunt Foundation, Gurgaon; Basic Health Care Services Trust; Help India Hospital Group and United Way India.

The deputy resident commissioner and staff of

Nagaland House, Delhi along with Hemkunt Foundation loaded the consignment on June 3 containing oxygen concentrators and oximeters, BiPAP machine, flow meter, oxygen masks, nebulizer kits, NRB masks, ECG machine, oxygen cylinders, PPE kits, N95 masks and cells.

On behalf of the state gover nment, DRC Nagaland House expressed gratitude to the organizations for their selfless noble contributions towards the people of Nagaland.

ICU (On ventilator 7 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 8

RecovDeath ered

8587 85 5278 79 364 790 552 188 380 77 257 16637

280 4 66 0 19 5 0 11 4 3 10 402

Non Covid Deaths Miwith gratCovid 19 ed Positivity 10 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 0 0 14

Total Cases

477 11773 1 132 98 6890 10 111 27 641 15 858 2 57 0 295 2 611 4 153 3 352 639 22387

The Covid-19 death toll climbed to 3,40,702 with 2,713 fresh deaths, while the active cases were recorded below 20 lakh for the fourth consecutive day, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Farmers to protest outside houses of BJP lawmakers GHAZIABAD, JUN 4 (PTI): Farmers protesting the contentious farm laws will hold demonstrations outside the residences of BJP lawmakers across the country on Saturday, a Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) officebearer said on Friday.

The protest outside the residences of BJP MPs and MLAs is to mark the one year of the promulgation of these laws as ordinances by the Centre, the official said.

“The protestors would burn the copies of the legislations outside the residences.. as a symbolic protest against the Centre,” BKU media incharge Dharmendra Malik told PTI. (More on p-5)

Corrigendum

Apropos “NPF attacks PDA on diversion of funds”, the second para should read as “…. The NPF was given the mandate in 2018 elections ” and not as rendered.

The typographical error is regretted.

K Y M C

2

state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

95 villages become all-weather water sufficient

Spring box for collecting spring discharge at Enhulumi Village, Phek.

DIMAPUR: A consortium of partners, comprising of rural development and land resource department Nagaland, Tata Trusts and the North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA) through its Springshed Management project have made 11,857 households in 95 villages covering 23 blocks across 11 districts all-weather water sufficient. This was possible by rejuvenating 105 springs in 95 villages.

In Nagaland, mountain springs are the lifeline and the primary source of water for domestic and agriculture purposes. In recent years, demand and need for water, for drinking and agricultural purposes, has increased.

According to a press release, in 2018, the con-

sortium of partners took up the springshed management project on a pilot basis in the state of Nagaland, focusing specifically on springshed rejuvenation to provide drinking water security in 100 villages in rural areas of Nagaland.

The release informed that the overall project goal was to develop a statewide springshed development programme to achieve sustainable water security and enhance resilience of vulnerable mountain communities to climate change.

NEIDA, an initiative of Tata Trusts, supports in enhancing the capacity of para hydro-geologies of LRD in collaboration with Peoples Science Institute, Dehradun and ACWADAM, Pune and coordination among stake-

holders, where the LRD, Nagaland, allocates Human Resources, develops detailed technical reports (DTR) & supervises the project implementation.

Enhulumi village with about 230 households under Phek district was selected as one of the pilot villages, being highly dependent on seven springs for drinking water and domestic needs. Mewi Dzukhou (spring) was also selected for rejuvenation under the project through a participatory approach.

After the signing of agreement between stakeholders and the village council, para-hydrogeologists from the land resource department trained the community representatives on the significance of springshed management

and other aspects.

The water demand and supply assessment of Mewi spring based on spring discharge data in March 2019 indicated a large gap resulting in water shortages which was far below the 55 LPCD water requirements as per the NRDWP guidelines. Post the Springshed treatment, the discharge measurement recorded in March 15, 2020 was 1.53 LPM resulting in 2,203 LPD showing increase in water flow by 70% and in March 15, 2021 increased to 2.41 LPM supplying 3,470 LPD which was an increase of 158% over the pre-treatment of the spring.

The highest spring discharge measured was in October, 2020 with 19.35 LPM providing 27,864 LPD which supplied more than the requirement of 27,500 litres for 500 people.

Data collector in Ehulumi village, Wekhrolo Lohe reported manifold increase in spring discharge and that the surplus water was used for agricultural purposes.

T h e r e j u ve n a t i o n works were implemented in June 2019 which saw participation of 143 villagers. Cost of labour for earthen works and spring box construction was borne through the wage component of MGNREGA from the RD department.

MGM conducts webinar for teachers DIMAPUR: MGM group of institutions, Diocesan mission education board, Bhilai organised a webinar on pedagogical training series on “teacher-the behaviour manager”, for principals and teachers on June 3 with principal, Mount Tabor Training College, Pathanapuram, Kerala, Dr. Rosamma Philip as resource person.

A press release by MGM College stated that diocesan education officer, Rev. Fr Dr Joshi Varghese, presided the session with brief introduction of the resource person while Bishop of MGM institutions, Dr. Joseph Mar Dionysius, inaugurated the webinar.

The release informed that the webinar highlighted “behaviour modification to be the ultimate aim of education”. Bringing out differences between content knowledge and pedagogical content knowledge, the resource person said that the teacher was to develop behavioural competencies (knowledge+ skills+ Attitudes+ values+ Performance) to transfer them to students. He added that teachers should develop optimistic thoughts to inculcate positive attitudes among learners, and develop appropriate language in classrooms. Around 770 participants from various MGM institutions including participated in the webinar.

Various trainings conducted for farmers

DIMAPUR: ATMA Kubulong block conducted a training programme on the topic “scientific management of FAW in maize production” at Yimchalu village, Mokokchung on May 22 with resource person A.O & BTT convenor, Kajenchila Longchar.

A press release by ATMA Kubulong block stated that the resource person stressed on metamorphosis and life cycle of FAW worms and manage-

ment of FAW in maize production. A demonstration was also conducted on the topic “cultivation of oyster mushroom production”.

Printed leaflets, spawn of oyster mushroom, biocontrol pesticides were distributed to beneficiaries. Altogether, 25 farmers attended the training and demonstration programme.

Meanwhile, two-day online training on “promotion of integrated farming

system in agri. and allied sectors” for ATMA functionaries was organised by State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) from May 27-28. The training was aimed at imparting technical knowledge on integrated farming system.

Resource persons for

OBITUARY Philippians 1:21 " For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain."

26/09/1954 — 29/05/2021

We, the believers of Nagamese Baptist Church Ura Villa extend our sincere gratitude to our beloved Pastor Lt. Mrs. Nikheli Temjen who has gone to the heavenly abode on 29th May 2021. You are dearly missed; a kind soul, a spiritual leader and someone special who always loved us and our church. You were a woman who was always ever ready for the work of Christ. You were brave, intelligent and influential leader who possess leadership quality with immense wisdom from God. You were a warrior and a great founder of this church. Your selfless dedication and sacrifice will always inspired us. Your good seeds planted to us will never go in vain.

You left us so suddenly till then may you rest in peace and live on within the memories of loved ones. Gone but will never be forgotten, you will forever live in our hearts.

DP-2650

GONE FROM US

(Nagamese Baptist Church) Ura Villa, Dimapur

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

the training were Dr. Lohit K Baishya, PhD, Post Doc (IARI), LLB, principal scientist (agronomy) ICAR , Nagaland Centre and Dr. A. Sarkar, asst. professor, department of horticulture, NU: SASRD, Medziphema. Altogether, 22 participants from different districts attended the training.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Dearest Kethono, Gone from us that smiling face, the cheerful pleasant ways, the heart that won so many friends.

In bygone, happy days. A life made beautiful by kindly deeds, a helping hand for others needs.

To a beautiful life, comes a happy end, She died as she lived, everyone’s friend.

Our beautiful moments together shall be cherished forever.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We , t h e b e re a v e d family members of Late S h r i M a d a n Ku m a r would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all individuals, friends, neighbors, relatives and well wishers who helped and supported us with p r a y e r s , p h y s i c a l l y, financially and materially during his brief illness and sad demise on 13/05/2021.

Though we are unable to thank each and everyone individually, we pray that the Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving wife and all family members K-1010

DP-2646

Your loving friends Luhonglu, Achi, Hutoli.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Lt. Zevisa Letro

04/02/1987 – 18/05/2021 We, the bereaved family members express our heartfelt gratitude to every individual & organizations for your prayers and comforting words & also supported us mentally, physically, materially & financially.

Your selfless act of generosity will cherish forever.

May God continue to shower His blessings upon you all.

Loving parents, siblings, nieces, nephews, in-laws & relatives DP-2657

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT Late Shri. H. Rijang

DP-2649

“A ravine hearted man, who dwelled in truth and honesty and yet with abundance of love as Joseph for his siblings and humanity. Your life a gift and death an accomplishment” We, the bereaved family members of Lt. Imnasashi Jamir would like to express our sincere and heartfelt gratitude to all the friends and well-wishers who stood by us physically, spiritually and financially during his prolonged illness and demise, we regret our inability to thank everyone individually, it is our humble prayer that Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving, wife, children, grandchildren & in-laws K Y M C

From loving sons, daughter, grand-children and relatives

The family of the deceased Late T. Temen Ao (24/12/1926–30/05/2021, Temenyongdang Jamir, Mangmetong) would like to extend our profound thanks to all the relatives, villagers, friends and all well-wishers for your sublime condolences and sympathy shown to us during his prolonged sickness and demise on 30/05/2021.

We express our heartfelt appreciation for your fervent prayers, material help and relentless physical support during our grief and his loss. The shared memories from all of you at the visitation and funeral, along with the phone calls, flowers, obituaries, gifts and words of condolences meant a great deal to us all.

We would especially like to thank the Nagamese Baptist Church, Seiurzha Colony, for anchoring and caring all arrangements, Tezu Baptist Church, Arunachal Pradesh for constant prayer and financial support, DABA for the unwavering support in all aspect - spiritual, physical and financial, Jamir Kidong Mangmetong for the prompt assistance & generosity, Mangmetong Fellowship Chumukedima/Dimapur for prayers & helps, doctors & nurses of CIHSR (Referral Hospital) for relentless medical guidance, Seiurzha Council for all kinds of help, Changki Fellowship Chumukedima for visitation & aids.

God bless everyone!

DP-2645

Beloved wife, children, grand children, great grand children & relatives.

Late KHUTOI SEMA

Rtd. Peon GMS Natsumi 01.03.1956 – 30.05.2021

We, the bereaved family would like to express our gratitude to all who stood by us physically, financially and through prayer support during the illness and sudden demise of our beloved father.

We also convey our special thanks to : 1. Thilixu Village Baptist Church 2. Thilixu Village Block-II 3. Thilixu Block-II AKIGHINIMUQO 4. Natsumi Kuqhakulu Dimapur 5. Natsumi Kiho Lagha Dimapur 6. Natsumi Baptist Church

DP-2651

21st March 1951 – 25th May 2021

DP-2655

LT. IMNASASHI JAMIR

Born on : 18/12/1949 – Died on : 01/06/2021 Through this insufficient column, we would like to express our profound and heartiest gratitude to each and every individuals who stood by us and supported us morally, physically, materially, financially and through unceasing prayers during the time of illness and at the sudden demise of our beloved father Late Shri. H. Rijang GB. We also convey our specials thanks to: 1. Y.B.C Naga United.

2. Loyir Village Council.

3. Ao Fellowship Showuba.

4. Western Yimchunger Liberü Arihako.

5. Sumi Baptist Church Showuba.

6. Women Welfare Showuba.

7. Showuba Baptist Borü.

8. Kiutsükiur Mühkhung Dimapur.

9. Kiutsükiur Mühkhung Arihako Citizen Showuba.

10. Loyir Baptist Borü.

11. W.Y.B.B.A. 12. Sangtam Baptist Fellowship.

13. Y.B.B.A Shamator.

14. 1st NAP (A) Coy Jalukie Yimchunger Arihako.

15. Yimchunger Baptist Borü Tuensang Town.

16. Joint Council.

17. E.N.P.O GBs Union Dimapur District.

18. Western Yimchunger Hoho.

19. Western Yimchuger GBs Union.

20. Yimchunger Baptist Church Dimapur.

21. Old Showuba Village Council.

22. Zhaleo Rio. 23. Dr. Nganshi Ao. 24. YTC 25. The Nagaland Gaon Bura Federation Our inability to mention all the individuals and well wishers is highly regretted but it is our humble prayer that may our Jehovah Jireh bless each and everyone of you with abundance.

Loving Wife, Children and Grandchildren K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Should hardware stores remain open and others c l o s e d t o p ro m o t e construction?

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

A B C

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

A

B

C

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

65% 29% 6%

Next poll

Q: S h o u l d a n e x p e r t

committee study death rate in Nagaland?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST June 5

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala A strong a.m. t-storm; cloudy 34 26

Cloudy with a stray t-storm

26 20

Guwahati A t-storm around in the p.m.

32 24

Cloudy with a thunderstorm

29 20

Aizawl Imphal

Itanagar Morning thunderstorms

25 22

Shillong A morning t-storm; clearing

24 18

Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

25 17

Dimapur A morning t-storm in the area

32 23

Kohima Mkg

Some rain and a thunderstorm 27 18

Tuensang A thunderstorm Wokha

20 14

Some rain and a thunderstorm 25 20

Zunheboto A stray morning thunderstorm 24 16

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

COVID-19: Activities, information and guidelines

DIMAPUR: District administrations have issued information and directives to the general public in order to contain further community spread. Various activities are also being undertaken to encourage vaccination and to boost the morale of frontline workers.

Advisors take stock of lockdown measures in Kohima: To oversee and take stock of the lockdown measures in Kohima district, advisors for urban development and municipal affairs, Dr. Neikiesalie Nicky Kire and advisor for technical education and election, Medo Yhokha along with EAC Kevinguto Kulnu went around Kohima town area on Friday.

According to DIPR report, during their inspection, the advisors appreciated the district administration, police and medical team. They said the majority of the town/city dwellers, notwithstanding the hardships faced, were positively responding to the collective call of total lockdown, which was a welcome sign of a progress society.

They had also observed that a number of callous people and vehicles were also loitering to and fro taking undue advan-

Random sampling being conducted at Kezo town. (DIPR)

tage of the window days relaxed to facilitate public conveniences.

The advisors said that dedicated and responsible volunteers would have to be assigned to manage and monitor the movement of public, especially on window/partially relaxed days in areas under the purview of the wards and colonies.

It was also suggested that those wards/colonies without open marketing spaces, to introduce mobile vegetable markets (on Tata mobile pickups) to avoid crowding and rushes.

To extend their appreciation and solidarity, the

team also visited Jubilee Memorial Centre, Lerie offered by Kohima Ao Baptist Church for quarantining of health care workers and interacted with the frontline workers stationed at the centre.

Random sampling in rural areas under Kohima district: As per the directives given by the Kohima DTF on COVID-19 in view of the detection of Covid-19 positive cases in rural areas, the random sampling is being carried out in various rural areas under Kohima district.

The random sampling drive was conducted at Kezo town and Kidima

by Kohima CMO team

and MO Kezocha along with administration and PS Kezocha on June 3.

The random drive was also conducted at Tseminyu sub-division amongst the town residents including shop keepers and traders.

A total of 107 samples were collected during the drive led by district administration, medical team and Tseminyu subdivisional task force.

Meanwhile on the ongoing Covid vaccination, the Tseminyu medical team at Tesophenyu PHC vaccinated 30 beneficiaries including village front line workers, 27 beneficiaries from the age group of 1 -44 years and three from

45 years and above on Friday.

Trg on handling of Covid bodies at Sechu Zubza: Training on safe handling and disposal of Covid dead bodies in regard to home isolation cases began on Friday at Sechü Zubza. The subdivisional doctors have been imparting the training to the village task force under the jurisdiction in phased manner.

During the training, sanitising spray machine along with PPEs, dead body bags, etc., were also distributed to every VTF by the sub divisional task force, Sechu Zubza.

Consultative meeting at Thonoknyu: Consultative meeting on vaccination drive was held at the office of SDO (C), Thonoknyu on 4th June 2021. SDO (C) Longdiba L. Sangtam chairing the programme highlighted about the low percentage and awareness of safety for COVID-19 vaccine.

Dr. L. Jongkoi, PHC Thonoknyu Town exhorted the gathering.

The programme was attended by various sections of people including the police, head GB, TAPO President, Pastor TTBC, TBC Thonoknyu Town, Head Master GHS and Medical Officer, PHC

Thonoknyu Town.

Vaccination drive for inmates in Mkg: A special vaccination drive for the inmates of the district jail Mokokchung was held on June 3.

According to DPMU NRHM Mokokchung, the session was conducted under the supervision of Dr. Shalong medical officer, Ungma PHC and his staff.

A total of 40 inmates and 26 frontline workers were vaccinated.

ICH extends free of charge services to patients: Impur Christian Hospital Impur Mokokchung has opened its doors to the needy patients for free of its services.

In a press release, chairman board of trustee, Impur Christian Hospital, Dr. Sashimeren Aier and executive secretary ABAM, Impur Mokokchung, Rev. Dr. Mar Pongener informed that this was initiated in view of the need of general patients and to support the overburdened workload of health care services of the state government. All the registration, consultation fees and hospital accommodation charges would be free.

It further added that since the hospital is empanelled under Ayushman Bharat and hence all

Various organisations, leaders extend condolences DIMAPUR: Various organisations and political leaders have expressed grief over the demise of Er. Kevisekho Kruse, retired chief engineer and member of NDPP Regional Party who contested from 8 Western Angami A/C in 2018.

Condolences were also extended over the demise of former president of Dimapur Naga Students Union (DNSU) and NDPP president 18 Chozuba A/C, Müdovoyi Medeo.

Neiba Kronu: Minister, planning & co-ordination, land revenue, parliamentary affairs, Neiba Kronu has expressed shock over the demise of Er. Kevisekho Kruse who passed away, Friday morning.

In a condolence note, Kronu described late Kevisekho as a humble and dedicated government servant who served the government in various aptitudes with utmost sincerity.

He maintained that the people had lost a loyal, honest and dynamic leader who was an inspiration to his colleagues and the society.

Further, the minister expressed his deepest condolence to the bereaved family at this hour of grief.

NDPP: NDPP president Chingwang Konyak has expressed grief over the demise of Kevisekho Kruse.

In a condolence note, Chingwang said that late Kruse worked towards the welfare of the people and the party, both in the constituency as well as the state level.

He said that in his untimely demise, the people of the state in general, the 8 Western Angami A/C and NDPP in particular had lost a bright and dedicated leader whose loss would be difficult to replace.

Further, the rank and file of the NDPP conveyed their deepest condolences to members of the bereaved family.

NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II: NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II A/C and Zhaleo Rio, MLA while expressing grief over the demise of Kevisekho Kruse said that he was an outstanding leader who lived by deeds, humility and vision in all his endeavours.

While maintaining that Nagas had lost one of the finest leaders, its president Dosau Kuotsu and general secretary Tokihe Zhimomi prayed that the Lord K Y M C

would grant solace to the bereaved family at this time of grief.

Keneizhakho Nakhro: Member of Nagaland legislative assembly, Keneizhakho Nakhro has expressed grief over the sudden demise Kevisekho Kruse.

In a condolence note, Keneizhakho Nakhro described him as a visionary leader full of impeccable knowledge, hopes, positive enemy who was loved by many for his lively nature & simplicity.

“Losing a dynamic leader is a great loss for our society and specially our Western Angami people in particular”, he said.

Further, the NLA member offered his condolences to the family members.

ANPSA central body: The All Nagaland Private Schools’ Association, central body while expressing grief over the demise of Kevisekho Kruse who was also the proprietor & chairman of North Town higher secondary school, Chümoukedima said that in his demise, they had lost a great educationist and leader.

In a condolence note, its president Nini Sekhose and general secretary P.J. Nathan extended condolences to the bereaved family members and find comfort in the knowledge that his was a life well lived and worth celebrating.

ANPSA Dimapur Unit: ANPSA Dimapur Unit in a condolence note through its president Dr. Andrew Ahoto said that in the demise of Kevisekho Kruse, they had lost a brilliant educationist, a visionary and a compassionate man of virtues.

While conveying its deepest condolences to the grieving family members, relatives, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers, the ANPSA Dimapur unit prayed that they would find comfort and peaceful closure in the mercy of the loving Lord.

APO: Angami Public Organisation has expressed anguish on learning the sudden demise of Kevisekho Kruse.

In a condolence note, its president Razouvotuo Chatsu described late Kruse as a prominent figure and that, words were inadequate to express the sorrow in los-

ing a humble, sincere and dedicated leader who has committed his entire life to serving the people.

Angami Public Organisation said that in his demise, the Angami community had not only lost a tall figure but also a visionary leader of the present generation who have immensely contributed to the Angami community, Nagas in general and Western Angami community in particular.

APO conveyed its sincere condolences to his family and prayed that God would grant solace and comfort to each and every member.

CGOK: Chakhroma Gazetted Officers’ Krotho has expressed deep sadness over the demise of Kevisekho Kruse.

Its president Sedevikho Khro and general secretary Dr. Kelesekho Tsukru described late Kr use as one among the respected senior members who was ever ready to lend a helping hand, provide sound advice and one with a magnanimous heart.

“He has been a pillar to our Krotho who contributed immensely to the oneness of our CGOK family”, it said, while maintaining that it had lost a fine gentleman, a vibrant leader whose demise was not only a loss to the family but to the people and CGOK in particular.

Further, it conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that the Almighty would grant them solace and comfort.

C WO : C h a k h r o m a Women Organisation while expressing grief over the demise of Kevisekho Kruse said that he was a man of principle who was dynamic and a visionary leader.

Chakhroma Women Organisation through its president Keviralieü Medoze and general secretary Kelenguno Zumu while sharing the gratefulness for his services and contributions toward the welfare of society conveyed heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family and prayed that God would be their source of comfort and strength.

CPO: Chakhroma Public Organisation in a condolence note through its president Vichütuolie Mere and general secretary Mhiesisato Vüprü said that late Kevisekho Kruse was

an active social and public leader who minced no words in whatever he said or did.

It said that his death had brought not only personal loss to his family but also to CPO whose advice, guidance and patronage would be missed.

Further, CPO conveyed its heartfelt condolences to his family members and prayed that the good Lord would grant them the strength to overcome the painful loss.

NBCC S&EC: Nagaland Baptist Church Council Sanitation and Environment Committee has expressed grief over the demise of its active member Kevisekho Kruse, who was serving as its joint secretary till his last.

In a condolence note its chairman Kuolachalie Seyie and vice chairman Rev. Vikuo Rhi described him as a visionary, God fearing, selfless and exemplary leader, who lived his life with the best interests of the society and sate wherever he was placed.

It conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God would grant them comfort.

KTU: Khonoma Thevomia Union Nagaland has expressed shock to learn about the sudden and untimely demise of Kevisekho Kruse.

In a condolence note, its president Akho-U Sophi described him as a man who worked selflessly and tirelessly for Naga people at large and for his community in particular.

“He has left us at a time when he is mostly needed”, Khonoma Thevomia Union said.

It also maintained that his sudden demise was a great loss to its people and had created a deep vacuum which would be difficult to fill up.

Further, the union conveyed its condolences to to the bereaved family members and prayed that God would grant them strength as they bear the great tragedy.

8th WUPU: 8th Western Urban Panchayat Union has expressing shock over the demise of Kevisekho Kruse.

In a condolence note, its president Khrielakuo

Sekhose described him as a committed leader in the political circle as well as in the social circle as well as in the social circle.

It said that he always had a tendency to help people when approached and that the union was indebted to him for always supporting its cause.

Further, the union extended its condolences to the bereaved family members.

KVC: Khonoma Village Council while expressing grief over the demise of Kevisekho Kruse said that he was a man of word and action who always exuded confidence and moral courage.

In a condolence note, its chairman said that the KVC was pained in parting with late Kruse as he had left when his service and guidance was still much needed.

Further, it conveyed deepest condolences to the bereaved family members and that God in His grace and mercy would grant them strength.

RNDS: The Rüffüno Nagaland Development Society has expressed sorrow over the sudden demise of its chairman, Kevisekho Kruse.

In a condolence note, RNDS through its secretary Keviphotsü Khwükha said that his selfless and immense contributions for the development of the people and society in various platforms particularly through RNDS were tremendous and remarkable.

While maintaining that these would bear testament to his legacy, RNDS conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God would grant them strength.

NDPP Mon region: NDPP Mon expressed grief over the demise of its party officials: NDPP Noklak region vice president, K Khumo; president of NDPP 18 Chozuba A/C Müdovoyi Medeo; former NDPP candidate from 8 Western Angami A/C, Er. Kevisekuo Kruse; NDPP secretary of 36 Satakha A/C Kahoshe Zhimo and treasurer of 21 Tuli A/C W Koratemjen Imsong.

The NDPP Mon region president, S Khoiwang Wangsa said that their demise had created a huge

vacuum in the party which would be difficult to fill and their contributions towards the party would be remembered always.

Further, it prayed that the Almighty God would strengthen the bereaved families in times of this sorrow.

CSUD: Chakhesang Students Union Dimapur (CSUD) has mourned over the demise of Müdovoyi Medeo.

The union prayed for strength and perseverance to the family members to get through this difficulty time of irreparable loss and prayed that the soul rest in peace.

INTCWS: India Northeast Tribal Community Welfare Society (INTCWS), Notun Bosti, Dimapur, under its Edu. Wing-Libra consultancy expressed deepest condolences on the demise of Müdovoyi Medeo.

In a condolence message, the union maintained that during Medeo’s tenure, he worked actively in spreading education and job awareness for tribal students along with our society.

The society added that his untimely demise was a loss for tribal students in particular and prayed to God for strength and comfort to the bereaved family.

NDPP youth wing Chozuba A/C: NDPP youth wing 18th Chozuba assembly constituency mour ned the demise of Müdovoyi Medeo.

In a condolence message, NDPP youth wing 18th Chozuba assembly constituency described late Müdovoyi as an upcoming promising leader vested with different personality for welfare of the people.

The message added that in his demise, the party had lost a visionary leader.

RSUD: The Rongmei Students’ Union Dimapur (RSUD) while expressing grief over the demise of Müdovoyi Medeo described him as a humble and dedicated leader whose demise was a great loss to student community and his people, adding that the vacuum created by his death would be difficult to fill in.

The Union extended deepest sympathies to the bereaved family members and prayed that the Almighty God comfort them at this hour of grief.

medicines and treatment charges will also be free for those patients having the card.

Random testing in Peren district: The Peren district medical team along with the police department and the administration carried out random sampling test in all the four blocks of the district. The sample collected were from the category of taxi drivers, auto drivers, shopkeepers, travellers and construction workers.

On June 2 and 3 at Athibung Town, the random testing was led by MO Athibung PHC, Dr. Vezokholu Khamo where a total of 100 were tested out of which two were tested positive while on June 1 and 3 at Peren Town the random testing was led by MO DH Peren, Dr. Ihube where a total of 27 and 47 were tested negative.

Meanwhile at Tening town led by MO Tening CHC, Dr. Menangtongzuk and Dr. M. Nuksung Jamir, MO Tening CHC, a total of 26 were tested negative and on June 2 at Jalukie town led by Epidemiologist IDSP Peren, Dr. Imnuk, a total of 50 were tested negative. Further, on June 3 at Samsuiram, a total of 54 were tested negative.

KU memo to NHIDCL alleges anomalies in road construction

DIMAPUR: Konyak Union (KU) has submitted a memorandum to National Highways & Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd (NHIDCL) listing their charter of demands.

Submitted through deputy commissioner Mon, KU president S Howing and general secretary Wango Konyak alleged that road construction in Mon town commenced in a very un-procedural manner and suggested several measures.

These include i) construction of retaining wall on valley side and breast wall on the hill side where ever necessary; ii) construction of side drain, protection work on the hill/valley sides, box/slab culvert, head wall/parapet wall and widening to be done first before pavement work; iii) scarifying (50.00 mm) of existing seal coat before tack coat, DBM, prime coat and BC is applied; iv) construction of PCC side drain with cover slab in town area and in other locations, trapezoidal random rubble masonry drain on hill side and on both sides of box cut portion; v) rectification from Committee gate to NST garage as stone quality used for WMM and GSB were of low quality, insisting that final DPR specification should not be compromised for the entire road stretch from Merangkong zero point NH-61 to 161 km Stone Project Sewak Mon Tejah Nallah; vi) BOC to End point 161 km project Sewak (BRO), PHE department and NHIDCL should see the Feasibility of new alignment of main reservoir pipe line on the valley side shoulder.

In point no. vi) they further demanded that expenditure for pipe procurement and accessories fittings should be reimbursed to PHE department by NHIDCL, start fitting work at the earliest in the new alignment and shift the pipeline of the main source to the new alignment so that people were not harassed and then start the road construction work in that portion.

Demanding that the district administration must ensure the damage compensation from Supply Office Point up to Techa Nalla, plus any pending dues on the damage compensation issue, KU also asked the district administration to ensure adequate road widening from Committee gate to NST garage and from BOC to Techa Nalla The union alleged that irregularities and anomalies were detected against two lanes (Merangkong-Mon Road) whereby camber was not maintained in some locations, thickness of DBM was less than the DPR specification in some locations, stone quality for WMM & GSB was compromised between Committee gate and NST garage, Mon town, etc.

The memorandum called for furnishing in writing about the defect liabilities period (DLP) agreed between Union ministry of road transport & highways and NHIDCL on Merangkong-Tamlu-Mon road.

It also demanded furnishing of Bill of Quantities (BOQ) along with the structural drawing of all structures, i.e., cross drains/ protection works/bridges and pavement along Merangkong-Tamlu-Mon road.

In order to quantify all the details of the pavement and other structures, KU said complete set of DPR was required.

K Y M C

4

northeast

NE students ‘Twitter storm’ to fight racism

NEW DELHI, JUN 4 (AGENCIES): A good response was seen on Twitter Storm today by the people of the Northeast, especially by the youth, who participated in a Hash tag campaign.

This hash tag campaign lasted for 2 hours (from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.) and around 5 lakhs tweets were recorded on Twitter Wall.

Over 1.4 lakh tweets were done in support of #AChapterforNE and about 1.6 lakh tweets were in support of #NortheastMatters.

However, the number of political leaders who participated in this Hash tag campaign were few. Congress MLA Ninong Ering Joined the Twitter Storm and wrote: “Today, I am joining Twitter Storm not only as a representative but as a common citizen of North East India. The world needs to know about us and learn about our history, geography, culture and other aspects.”

“If we try and educate people, only then, perhaps, racism against the Northeasterners will stop.” It was with this thought that Mayur Kaushik, president of the North East Student Union (NESU) in Vadodara, and its advisor Debonil Baruah decided to have what they call a ‘Twitter storm’ from 6-8 pm on 4 June.

Their aim was to storm the microblogging site with

an appeal for a mandatory chapter on the Northeast in NCERT textbooks. They also created two hashtags — #AchapterforNE and #NortheastMatters — with the hope of catching the Centre’s attention.

“We were surprised with the support we received from people across the eight Northeastern states. Over 30 student groups from the

region have come together in less than a week. We will all be tweeting our appeal simultaneously Friday (4 June) with the two hashtags,” Kaushik told ThePrint.

Racism against people from the Northeast, especially those with mongoloid features, has become a common occurrence. However, what has triggered the

‘Twitter storm’ campaign is the recent racist slur by Punjab-based YouTuber, Paras Singh, against Arunachal Pradesh Congress MLA Ninong Ering.

Singh, who runs the YouTube channel ‘Paras Official’, had called Ering a “non-Indian”.

“I contacted Kaushik right after Singh’s comment.

It’s time we put an end to casual racism against Northeasterners. Mongoloid features don’t mean one is Chinese. Rest of the country should know the role our freedom fighters played in the Indian Independence struggle. Our campaign is not a demand nor a protest. It’s a request,” Baruah told ThePrint. Ering, who had lived in Delhi for nine years, said he often faced comments such as ‘Naga’, ‘Gorkhey’ or ‘Chini’.

“So many soldiers from the region have fought for the country. We have players like Mary Kom and Hima Das who have made India proud. I support this students’ campaign because people from the mainland should understand that Northeast is a part and parcel of India,” the MLA told ThePrint.

Like Ering, Kaushik also felt that people from the rest of the country should know the region’s history.

“We have read about the Maratha kings, but why isn’t Maharashtra reading about our kings?” he said.

‘There shouldn’t be another Nido Taniam incident’ Within days of the idea being floated last week, the ‘Twitter storm’ concept started going viral. Student outfits such as the Nagaland University Students’ Union, Lumami, NUSU (L); the All India Arunachal Students’ Union’s Federation; the Rajiv Gandhi University Students Union; the Naga Students’ Union, Delhi; the North East Students Society, Delhi University; All Assam Law Students Association and the Mizoram University Student’s Council, among others, came out in support.

Ceemona Taku, a PhD scholar at the Rajiv Gandhi University in Arunachal Pradesh, told ThePrint, “Many of us had faced racial slurs at some point or the other. There shouldn’t be another Nido Taniam incident. When I was in Delhi last year, some people called my sister and I ‘coronavirus’ and ‘chinky’. We had to tell them that we were from Arunachal.” Taniam, a student from Arunachal Pradesh, was beaten to death in an alleged racial attack in Delhi in 2014.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

NE COVID-19 UPDATE

205 people, including 50 children COVID postive in Mizoram Aizawl, Jun 4 (PTI): At least 205 people, including over 50 children tested positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram on Friday, pushing the tally in the state to 13,064, an official said.

The COVID-19 death toll rose to 47 as a 44year-old man succumbed to the infection at Zoram

Medical College (ZMC) on Thursday night, he said. Only one patient has a travel history, while the rest 204 were found to have locally infected, the official said, adding that 110 patients have developed symptoms of COVID-19.

Mizoram now has 3,415 active COVID-19

cases, while 9,602 people have recovered from the infection.

At least 108 people were discharged from various Covid-19 Care Centres on Thursday. The COVID-19 recovery rate now is 73.50 per cent and the death rate is 0.36 per cent.

Sikkim reports 353 new COVID-19 cases; 3 fresh fatalities

Gangtok, Jun 4 (PTI): Sikkim’s COVID-19 tally rose to 16,518 on Friday as 353 more people tested positive for the infection, while three fresh fatalities pushed the death toll in the Himalayan state to 266, a health bulletin said.

East Sikkim registered the highest number of new cases at 177, followed by West Sikkim (104), South Sikkim (65) and North Sikkim (7).

Sikkim now has 4,250 active cases, while 11,766 people have recovered from the disease and 236 patients have migrated to other states so far.

The state has thus far tested over 1.3 lakh samples for COVID-19, including 3,986 in the last 24 hours.

Manipur’s COVID-19 active cases cross 9,000-mark IMPHAL, JUN 4: COVID19 active cases in Manipur crossed 9,000-mark on Friday as it reported 791 new confirmed cases in the last 24 hours against 592 recoveries.

The state reported 791 new confirmed cases of Coronavirus and 14 deaths in the last 24 hours, pushing the state’s overall COVID-19 infection burden to 53,690 and fatality tally to 863 on Friday.

As 592 patients were discharged upon recuperation today, the cumulative number of recoveries

reached 43,779 even as the active cases rose to 9,048.

The recovery rate stood at 81.54%. As the new cases were detected during testing of 7,689 samples in the past 24 hours, the positive rate was 10.29%, the lowest since May 1 last.

District-wise analysis showed with 271 cases Imphal West continued on top of all the districts in recording the highest number of new infections. Imphal East continued to be second with 167 new The state also recorded 14 COVID-19 related

deaths in the past 24 hours.

The virus has claimed 863 lives in the state till date.

Eight of the deaths were reported from Imphal East, three from Imphal West and one each from Bishnupur, Thoubal and Kangpokpi districts.

Of the 592 patients discharged upon recuperation, 380 were from home isolations, 11 from RIMS hospital, four from JNIMS hospital and the rest 197 were from other Covid care centres, the health department reported.

(Correspondent)

Lockdown extended in M’laya seeks high capacity pumps from CIL to rescue coal miners Meghalaya for another week Correspondent

Correspondent

SHILLONG, JUN 4: Notwithstanding the marginal decline of COVID-19 cases, the Meghalaya government on Friday decided to extend the ongoing lockdown across the State, which includes state capital Shillong, that was to have ended on 5 a.m. on June 7, has been further extended up to 5 a.m. of June 14. This is for the fourth consecutive time that the authorities have had to extend the lockdown in the state.

“Though, the numbers are coming down, the positivity rate still remains at double digit, which is a matter of concern. So though we are seeing a trend that is showing some kind of a

relief and indicating some kind of an improvement in the overall situation, we are nowhere close to letting our guards down or taking things easy,” chief minister Conrad Sangma said.

“Though, it has been very difficult for the people of the state, especially for Shillong, East Khasi Hills district, the cabinet and the government has decided that we will continue with the lock-down for at least one week more,” he announced after holding a review meeting.

Noting that the government is aware of the difficulties and challenges faced by the people, but Sangma stressed that health aspect is far more important to each

and every one of us.

“As I said 104 people are fighting for their lives in different hospitals and today itself we have lost so many precious lives,” Sangma said, and urged the people to cooperate and work together with the government.

Sangma said the present strain of the virus is stronger and so many people have lost their lives. He said that there are still many people who are seriously ill in the state.

“In the meantime, in the next one week, we are allowing the deputy commissioners to open up economic activities on a need basis,” Sangma said, hinting at a relatively flexible lockdown ahead.

SHILLONG, JUNE 4 : The Meghalaya government has requisitioned high-capacity pumps from the Coal India Limited to dewater the flooded coal mine at Umpleng area in East Jaintia Hills district, where five miners have been trapped inside for five days now, an official said on Friday.

The rescue and search operations, which is being jointly conducted by National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) along with the State Disaster Response Force and State Fire and Emergency, has become all the more challenging with the rising water inside the 500- feet shaft of the

mine amid the incessant rainfall.

At least five migrant miners, including four from Assam and one from Tripura, have been trapped inside a 500-foot flooded coal mine since May 30.

The miners got trapped inside as water gushed into the mine after a dynamite explosion.

“We are continuing dewatering the mine as the water level in the main shaft has risen to ten feet approximately from the original level of yesterday (Thursday),” East Jaintia Hills Deputy Commissioner, Ethelbert Kharmalki said “The rescue team has requisitioned several pumps from the state as

Assam doctor assault case: NHRC 4 Assam tiger reserves seeks action-taken report from state govt get CATS accreditation New Delhi, June 4 vocate Sneha Kalita, has (PTI): The National Human Rights Commission has taken cognisance of the alleged assault on a doctor at a medical facility in Hojai district of Assam and sought an action-taken report from the state government within four weeks, officials said on Friday.

A video of the attack, which went viral on social media, purportedly showed the doctor being assaulted by a group of people, including women.

“We had received the complaint letter dated June 2, in connection with the incident, and the NHRC

Dr Seuj Kumar Senapati has taken cognisance of the matter and sought a report from the Assam government,” a senior official told PTI. The complainant, ad-

alleged that Dr Seuj Kumar Senapati was “brutally assaulted on June 1 by the attendants, following the death of a patient suffering from COVID-19 and pneumonia at Udali Model Hospital in Hojai district”.

Some of the frontline medical workers, doctors, nurses and ward boys had managed to escape, but also “got hurt and heavily traumatised by this horrific incident”, she has alleged.

The NHRC, after taking cognisance of the case, took action on Thursday, the official said.

G u wahati , J un 4 (PTI): All four tiger reserves of Assam have received accreditation by the National Committee of Conservation Assured Tiger Standards (CATS) for maintaining a high standard of conservation, an official release said on Friday. The accreditation has been given to Kaziranga, Manas, Nameri and Orang tiger reserves.

The CATS assessment has been conducted by the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA), a statutory body under the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change. NTCA has laid down a benchmark for managing conserva-

tion sites through a set of minimum standards based on 17 parameters ranging from social, cultural and biological significance to infrastructure, equipment and from management planning to human-wildlife conflict management, the release said. Based on these parameters, NTCA has given a score of 81.25% to Kaziranga, 78.49% to Manas, 71.21% to Nameri and 74.01% to Orang tiger reserves. Assam Forest minister P. Suklabaidya said the CATS accreditation accorded to the four tiger reserves of the state is a most welcome development and good news for conservationists.

Tripura man strikes gold with ‘ber apple’ cultivation Agartala, Jun 4 (PTI): Meet 32-year Bikramjit Chakma, who wants to cover the tropical hills of the northeastern state of Tripura with Kashmir’s famed ‘ber apples’.

As a pilot project, Chakma has cultivated the Kashmiri variety of the fruit on his 1.25 hectare of land and earned a net profit of Rs 3.5 lakh in one season, winning accolades from the chief minister himself.

Chakma, who hails from Pencharthal in Tripura’s North district, said he came to know about cultivation of ‘ber apples’ in neighbouring Bangladesh, and decided to try his luck with the fruit in his state, which has similar climatic

Bikramjit Chakma conditions. were harvested in January.

“I saw on the inter- I earned Rs 6 lakh by selling net that ‘ber apples’ are the produce,” he told PTI cultivated in abundance in over phone.

Bangladesh with very good Chakma said his uncle yields. So, I went ahead and two cousins used to and bought 1,300 saplings cultivate potatoes, radishes from West Bengal at Rs and other seasonal crops 2.5 lakh and planted those on the same piece of land, in March last year, which which fetched only about Rs

12,000 per year. Altogether, 40 quintals of ‘ber apples’ were harvested, of which 12 quintals were sold in the wholesale market and the rest in the open market at an average price of Rs 115-120 per kg, he said.

“We never thought that the sapling I brought would bear so much fruit. With proper care and watering, we hope to harvest close to 80 quintals next year,” he added.

Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb has hailed Chakma for his innovative idea that set an example of self-reliance. “This young man has achieved success by applying a fancy idea in farming with his uncles. He cultivates Kashmiri apple

ber trees in 6 Kani areas.

Bikramjit is optimistic that the trees will bear double fruit next year.

“I applaud his initiative. His desire to become self- reliant and to achieve success will inspire others in the state as well,” Deb said in a recent Facebook post.

Horticulturists in the state are hopeful that cultivation of ‘ber apples’ would emerge as a means of livelihood for unemployed farmers.

Baharul Islam Majumder, former director of the Horticulture Department, said besides this variety of apple, there are many fruits which can be cultivated in the unused and uplands of Tripura.

well as Coal India Limited.

With the help of these pumps the rescue team is trying to get out as much water as possible,” he said.

“Our first step is to dewater the main shaft, which at present is at 160 feet high, to ensure that divers can dive safely inside,” one of the rescue officials said.

During the day, one of the submersible water pumps installed to dewater the shaft developed technical problems.

It was later repaired and more pumps were deployed, the Deputy Commissioner said.

“Additional dry water pumps have arrived at the

incident site to augment the existing submersible water pumps,” Kharmalki said adding that lack of trained manpower during the lockdown is also hampering the rescue work.

Meghalaya police on Thursday arrested Shining Langstang, the current owner of the illegal coal mine at Umpleng area, a day after he surrendered before the police.

Police had also detained K. Chyrmang, the former owner of the mine.

But he tested positive for COVID-19 and is currently in quarantine.

M e a n w h i l e, t h e whereabouts of Nizam Uddin, the manager of the illegal coal mine who has been absconded fol-

lowing the mining tragedy, remained untraced, even as the Meghalaya police have issued a lookout notice for him.

“We have identified Nizam Uddin’s village and sought the help of Assam police to arrest him,” Superintendent of Police, East Jaintia Hills, Jagpal Singh Dhanoa said.

Dhanoa said a case has been registered against six people who had worked with the trapped miners and survived the accident, for taking part in illegal mining activities.

“We have escorted to their homes in Assam with instructions to appear as and when called for,” the police official said.

Set aside political differences, work unitedly to fight Covid: Ibobi Correspondent IMPHAL, JUN 4: Manipur’s former chief minister O Ibobi Singh on Friday called upon everyone to keep political differences aside and work unitedly in the fight to defeat the Coronavirus pandemic.

The former three times chief minister who led a delegation visiting Imphal Raj Bhavan to submit a memorandum to the Governor said that expressed concern over the ever worsening COVID-19 situation in the state.

He observed that vaccination is the only way to fight the virus and called for speeding up the ongoing vaccination drive against COVID-19.

Earlier, the opposition leader along with some state Congress leaders including MPCC president Govindas Konthoujam, CWC member Gaikhangam submitted a memorandum to the state Governor, demanding universal free vaccination for every citizen of India, among others.

The Congress, in the memorandum, requested the Governor to draw the attention of the Central government to speed up the ongoing vaccination drive so as to ensure one crore vaccination per day.

“This is the only way to fight Covid-19 pandemic and defeat the disease. This is the only way for each Indian to emerge victorious over Corona,” the

opposition stated in the memorandum.

The opposition party observed that COVID-19 has caused unprecedented devastation and immeasurable pain to nearly every Indian family.

It alleged that tragically, the Modi government has completely abdicated its duty of fighting the corona and abandoned the people, leaving them to fend for themselves.

“The truth is that the Union BJP government is guilty of criminal mismanagement of Covid-19,” the Congress alleged.

It pointed out that vaccination was the only protection in the midst of the raging Covid-19 pandemic and alleged that the Modi government’s vaccination strategy has been a dangerous cocktail of blunders and bloopers.

As per the government of India, it has administered 21.31 crore vaccine doses till May 31 last. But, only 4.45 crore Indians have received both the doses of vaccine, which is only 3.17% of India’s population.

In the last 134 days, the average pace of vaccination is about 16 lakh vaccine doses per day. At this pace, it will take over three years for us to vaccinate our adult population, it pointed out.

“If this is the case, how will we save our fellow citizens from the third wave of Corona is the question

that the Modi government needs to answer,” the memorandum stated.

It criticized the Modi government at the Centre stating that despite citizens of the country getting infected from Corona in the middle of the raging pandemic, the Modi government was busy exporting vaccines.

Till date, the Central government has exported 6.63 crore vaccine doses to other countries, it pointed out.

“This is the biggest disservice to the nation,” the memorandum stated.

The multiple pricing slabs for the vaccine fixed by the Modi government is another instance of profiteering from people’s misery, it pointed out.

The Modi gover nment’s sponsored three price slabs for the same vaccine were a recipe for profiteering out of people’s misery, it stated.

The need of the hour is that the Union BJP government should procure the vaccine and supply it for free to the states and private hospitals for vaccination of the people of India.

Anything less is a huge disservice to India and its people, it stated while stressing the need for vaccination of the entire population of above 18 years on or before December 31, 2021.

“This is the only way to save our people,” the Congress stated in the memorandum.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

Stranded foreigners visa extended till August 31

NEW DELHI, JUN 4 (PTI): The visas of foreign nationals, stranded in India due to the COVID-19 pandemic, have been extended by the government till August 31 on gratis basis or free of charge.

The Union Home Ministry said that due to the non-availability of normal commercial flight operations on account of the pandemic since March, 2020, a number of foreign nationals who came to India prior to that date on valid Indian visas got stranded in the country.

Keeping in view the difficulties being faced by such foreign nationals in getting their visas extended due to the lockdown, the Home Ministry had issued an order on June 29, 2020 conveying that the Indian visa or stay stipulation period of such foreign nationals expiring post June 30, 2020 shall be deemed to be valid until 30 more days from the date of resumption of normal international flight operations, on gratis basis.

However, such foreign nationals have been applying for extension of their

visas or stay stipulation period on a monthly basis, the Home Ministry said in a statement. The matter has now been reconsidered by the ministry in the light of non-resumption of normal commercial flight operations, and it has accordingly been decided that the Indian visa or stay stipulation period of such foreign nationals stranded in India will be considered as deemed to be valid till August 31, 2021 on gratis basis without levy of any overstay penalty, the statement said.

These foreign nationals will not be required to submit any application to the FRRO or FRO concerned for extension of their visas.

Such foreign nationals may apply for an exit permission to the FRRO or FRO concerned before exiting the country, which would be granted on gratis basis without levy of any overstay penalty, the statement said.

5 ‘Decline in water availability ‘Doctors need protection from Bird Group director due to increase in population’ Covid, BJP govt’s callousness’ executive Ankur Bhatia dies national

Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi, Jun 4 (PTI): Critical of the government’s handling of Covid, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday said doctors need protection from coronavirus and the BJP dispensation’s callousness as he made an appeal to save them. Gandhi has criticised the government’s policies to check the spread of the pandemic and the vaccination drive.

“Doctors need protection from coronavirus as well as BJP governments’ callousness. Save the saviours,” he said on Twitter.

Congress leader Jairam Ramesh also attacked Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Y S Jagan Mohan

Reddy for asking all states to speak in one voice on vaccines. “All I ask Jagan is: who made the vaccine issue Union vs States? Who unilaterally decided the Union government will abdicate vaccinating 18-44 year olds?

Why weren’t states consulted before this policy was rolled out? Why don’t you ask the PM these questions,” Ramesh questioned him. Reddy had said that in a “states versus Union” situation, the chief ministers should should “speak in a single voice” on vaccines and urged them not to indulge in politics by pointing fingers at Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

Earlier, Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik wrote a letter to all chief ministers for a consensus on centralised procurement of vaccines

by Government of India in view of the challenges faced by states. “Spoke to some CMs who shared my views.

No state is safe unless all states adopt vaccination as a top priority and execute it on war-footing,” he had said.

Farmers to protest outside houses of BJP lawmakers across country

GHAZIABAD, JUN 4 (PTI): Farmers protesting the contentious farm laws will hold demonstrations outside the residences of BJP lawmakers across the country on Saturday, a BharatiyaKisan Union (BKU) office-bearer said on Friday.

The protest outside the residences of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MPs and MLAs is to mark the one year of the promulgation of these laws as ordinances by the Centre, the official said.

“The protestors would burn the copies of the legislations outside the residence of BJP MPs and MLAs across the country as

Photo for representational purpose only.

a symbolic protest against the Centre,” BKU media incharge Dharmendra Malik told PTI. “In districts where there is no BJP MP or MLA,

the protest would take place outside district magistrate’s office,” he added.

The decision for the June 5 protest was taken

during a recent meeting of leaders of the farmers’ associations and unions which are camping on Delhi borders since November 2020.

Hundreds of farmers are encamped at Delhi’s borders demanding that the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020, Farmers’ (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 be rolled back and a new law made to guarantee minimum support price for crops.

However, the government, which has held multiple rounds of formal dialogue with the protestors, has maintained that the laws are pro-farmer.

Punjab withdraws vax stock supplied to pvt hospitals CHANDIGARH, JUN 4 (AGENCIES): The controversy over the vaccine supplied to private hospitals in Punjab seems to be getting murkier with the government on Friday withdrawing the stock. The government has been accused of selling over 1.40 lakh doses of Covaxin, which they got at Rs 400 each, to 20 private hospitals for over Rs 1,000.

Principal Secretary Hussan Lal said the government had supplied 40,000 doses and only 1,000 were administered by private hospitals. “We have taken back the remaining stock,” he said.

Punjab’s Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said later in the evening that his government had withdrawn the order of providing one-time limited

Captain Amrinder Singh

vaccine doses to private hospitals and that the vaccines will be administered free of cost to ages18-44 years at government vaccination centres.

About 42,000 doses have been allotted to the private hospitals from which only 600 doses have been administered to people, Sidhu said, citing information provided Vikas Garg, by the nodal officer in charge of

vaccination in Punjab.

Instruction has been issued to all Civil Surgeons that no fresh allotment is to be made to any private hospitals and the private hospitals should return forthwith all the vaccine doses available with them, he said.

Punjab Health Minister Balbir Singh Sidhu said that his department does not deal with vaccine procurement or distribution. It is under the Chief Secretary or Covid Vaccine Nodal Officer Vikas Garg. He said that the health department only tests the quality of vaccine and then administers to public. He said that after the reports, he has already ordered an inquiry into the matter and the responsibility should be fixed.

Meanwhile, BJP national general secretary Tar-

unChugh has slammed the government for allegedly commercialising the sale of vaccine at a time when Punjab had recorded the highest Covid mortality rate in the country. He said a criminal case should be registered against all those involved in the alleged “vaccine scam”.

He said: “The vaccine was provided by the Centre for poor working class but was sold on commercial rates to private hospitals who in turn made huge money out of it.”

Chugh said it was pure “black marketing” by the state government, adding that, “All this happening when Punjab last month recorded 2.7 per cent Covid death rate, which was the highest in the country.”

He demanded the Centre to take action against the government.

SII gets DCGI’s nod to manufacture Sputnik V vax

NEW DELHI, JUN 4 (PTI): The DCGI has granted permission to the Serum Institute of India (SII) to manufacture the Sputnik Covid vaccine in India for examination, test and analysis with certain conditions, official sources said on Friday. The Punebased firm has collaborated with Gamaleya Research Institute of Epidemiology and Microbiology (GRIEM), Moscow in Russia for developing Sputnik V at its licensed Hadapsar facility.

“The DCGI has granted permission to the Serum Institute to manufacture the Sputnik vaccine in India for examination, test and analysis at its licensed Hadapsar facility with certain conditions,” an official source said. The company had submitted an application to the DCGI in this regard on Thursday. According to the 4 conditions set by the DCGI, the SII will have to submit a copy of the agreement

NEW DELHI, JUN 4 ( AG E NCIE S) : B ir d Group’s executive director Ankur Bhatia passed away on Friday at the age of 48. He suffered a massive cardiac arrest, according to reports.

Bhatia is survived by his wife Smriti Bhatia, an architect, and his two children - Arnav and Saina. He steered the group’s strategic axis to create manifold drivers of growth that made substantial contributions to the company and industry at large.

Bhatia also moulded and executed blue ocean strategies that bolstered the overall brand proposition and precipitated a vault in core business value by identifying new growth avenues.

Bhatia is credited with playing an active role in shaping the course of the Indian tourism and hospitality sector. He brought the travel tech brand Amadeus to the Indian sub-continent in 1994, which currently is the market leader in offering travel technology to airlines and travel airlines.

In keeping with Bhatia’s commitment towards carving the future of mobility in the country, Bird Group forayed into the electric mobility space and has been persistently adding new-age mobility vehicles to its subsidiary Bird Electric’s product portfolio.

Prakash Javadekar

are environmentally important.

“The best news this year has been the Ken-Betwa agreement between Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh because if the deficit rivers get water from overflowing rivers, that really helps.

In Gujarat also, two local rivers are exchanging their waters. Such projects are environmentally important,” he said.

Acknowledging that several rivers were sinking, the minister said there was a need to replenish water sources in forests where major rivers originated.

“Rivers are also sinking. In forest areas the major rivers originate. We have decided to augment water and fodder in jungles so that animals also don’t come out of the habitat,” he said.

The minister also spoke about light detection and ranging (LiDAR) technology being used for conducting surveys of forests in all states.

“This year we have used a new technology called the LiDAR survey (light detection and ranging), which will be for all states. We have selected one forest campus in each state and all are being surveyed through this technology.

After this our detailed project reports (DPRs) will be ready and after rains, work on watershed development at correct places will start in all states,” he said.

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between it and the GRIEM for transfer of cell bank and virus stock and a copy of agreement for technology transfer with Gamaleya.

DP-2632

OLIVE CHRISTIAN HOSPITAL & RESEARCH CENTRE

2½ Mile, Darogapathar, Dimapur-797115, Nagaland

WELCOMES: Dr. Bendangtoshi S. Longkumer, (MD,JIPMER) Senior General Medicine Specialist has joined Olive Christian Hospital On 1st June 2021 OPD timing- 8:30am to 4:30pm DC-467

Ankur Bhatia

New Delhi, Jun 4 (PTI): There has been a decline in availability of water due to an increase in human and cattle population, Union Environment Minister Prakash Javadekar said on Friday, emphasising on the need to save water.

In his keynote address at the curtain raiser event of TERI’s World Sustainable Development Summit (WSDS) 2022 and discussion on sustainable, equitable and resilient water use, Javadekar said new technologies must be used to ensure zero wastage of water.

The event comes ahead of the World Environment Day, which is celebrated on June 5.

“India has only four per cent water share of the world’s fresh rain water resources. So, there is a basic necessity to save, reuse and repurpose. When India became independent, the availability of water was 5,000 litres per capita now it has become 1,100 litres. There is a basic decline in availability of water due to human and cattle population growth,” he said.

India has 18 per cent of the world’s human population and 18 per cent of the cattle population of the world. The minister said efforts should be made in the field of agriculture to save water as it was consuming nearly 85 per cent of the water.

“Agriculture is consuming nearly 85 per cent of the water. So, the first saving should come from agriculture. There are new technologies like sprinkling, drip irrigation and other methods to save water which should be used,” he said.

Javadekar also highlighted the issue of sinking of rivers and lauded the Ken-Betwa River linking project, saying such projects

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6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Ecosystem Restoration

Vol. XXxI NO. 179 Dimapur, SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

Remembering the brave hearts

H

undreds and most probably, thousands of students and labourers in China were massacred at Tiananmen square on June 3 and 4, in one of the darkest chapters of modern Chinese history when PLA troops armed with assault rifles and aided by tanks mercilessly trained their guns on the unarmed students. The PLA troops cold bloodedly murdered thousands by opening fire with rifles and tanks to crush and arrest demonstrators to regain control of the areas. The demonstrators had gathered at Tiananmen Square as homage to Hu Yaobang, the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on April 15,1989. Hu Yaobang was a pro-reform Communist general secretary who died in April 1989. He had moved for rapid economic development and social change in post-Mao China. Thousands gathered at the Tiananmen square to pay homage to Hu Yaobang and it gradually turned into a mass awakening for reforms. The movement, favouring democracy and reformist policies that caused rifts within the Chinese Communist Party, or CCP, had spread to hundreds of cities before the government resolved to disperse it with brute force. On May 20, the hardliners with the State Council declared martial law. They mobilized as many as 300,000 PLA troops to Beijing. The troops advanced into central parts of Beijing on the city’s major thoroughfares in the early morning hours of June 4 and began one of the worst massacres of unarmed students and bystanders. Remembering the protests is widely associated with questioning the legitimacy of Communist Party rule and remains one of the most sensitive and most widely censored topics in China.

At the height of the protests, about one million people assembled in the Square.Communist China may have adopted capitalism with some freedom for business but people are still under intense surveillance. Hongkong, an erstwhile crown colony under the British was later reverted to communist China on July 1, 1997.

Hongkong was captured by Britain from China in 1839 and ceded to Britain by China in 1841. Hongkong remained under British rule for over 150 years. Most people in Hongkong loathe the communist regime but are helpless. China had assured the island residents of freedom but the systematic clampdown on any form of protest has proved that the communists have not changed their spots. Any form of visual or even symbolic commemoration in Hongkong had been banned. Even the topic of the massacre has been taken off the internet in China by the communist leaders. Though China may have achieved remarkable economic progress with capitalism; yet CCP exerts a stranglehold over the lives of the Chinese.The have freedom to make money but no freedom of speech or action. The west and countries that espouse human rights and democratic freedom should not allow the CCP to think that the world has forgotten the deaths of thousands of people at Tiananmen Square. The kind of brutalities that the CCP unleashes on its own people is well documented especially in the case with the Uyghurs and Tibetans. Even the treatment of people infected with the Wuhan Virus in late 2019 shockingly reveals how the CCP tried to hide the truth at the cost of the lives of thousands of its people. All these prove that the massacre at Tiananmen Square was not a one off incident.

DailyDevotion The Never-forsaking God

He Himself has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” —Hebrews 13:5

What line of thinking do my thoughts take?

Do I turn to what God says or to my own fears?

Am I simply repeating what God says, or am I learning to truly hear Him and then to respond after I have heard what He says? “For He Himself has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.’ So we may boldly say: ‘The Lord is my helper; I will not fear. What can man do to me?’ ” (Hebrews 13:5-6).

“I will never leave you…”— not for any reason; not my sin, selfishness, stubbornness, nor waywardness. Have I really let God say to me that He will never leave me? If I have not truly heard this assurance of God, then let me listen again.

“I will never…forsake you.” Sometimes it is not the difficulty of life but the drudgery of it that makes me think God will forsake me. When there is no major difficulty to overcome, no vision from God, nothing wonderful or beautiful— just the everyday activities of life— do I hear God’s assurance even in these?

We have the idea that God is going to do some exceptional thing— that He is preparing and equipping us for some extraordinary work in the future. But as we grow in His grace we find that God is glorifying Himself here and now, at this very moment. If we have God’s assurance behind us, the most amazing strength becomes ours, and we learn to sing, glorifying Him even in the ordinary days and ways of life.

Quotes

Spread love everywhere you go.

Let no one ever come to you without leaving happier.

~ Mother Teresa

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

T

he word “Happy” is often associated to wish someone or celebrate an occasions - be it a birthday, an anniversary, mother’s day, father’s day, women’s day, valentine day etc. It is an expression of our love, concern and acknowledgement of the person and the occasion.

Likewise, on this WED 2021, let’s take time to wish a happy WED to each other, and commit ourselves to respect, restore, care and nurture the environment, that is so very vital for our wellbeing and survival. The darkness of uncertainty surrounds us today, due to the pandemic which has disrupted our lives in many ways and for some more than others. But this global experience has also shown that humanity needs nature; a foundation upon which we can hope to build a renewed respect for it.

WED takes place every year on 5th June. It is the United Nations’ flagship day for promoting worldwide awareness and action for the environment. Over the years, it has grown to be the largest global platform for environmental public outreach and is celebrated by millions of people across the world. 2020 was a year of reckoning, when the world faced multiple crises, including a global pandemic and the continued crises of climate, nature and pollution. 2021 sees the deliberate steps to move from crises to healing: and in so doing, recognize that the restoration of nature is imperative to the survival of our planet and the human race. Thus the theme of WED 2021, adopted by the UN is, “Ecosystems Restoration”, which perhaps is very relevant in today’s existing scenario.

WED 2021, will also lead all nations to restore the damaged ecosystems through the “UN Decade of Ecosystem Restoration”.

The UN Decade runs from 2021 through to 2030, which is also the deadline for the

T

5th June is world environment day

17 Sustainable Development Goals and the timeline scientists have identified critical for avoiding the worst impacts of climate change.

The UN Decade is intended to massively scale up the restoration of degraded and destroyed ecosystems to fight the climate crisis, prevent the loss of a million species and enhance food security, water supply and livelihoods.

A global call to action, the UN Decade draws together political support, scientific research, and financial muscle to massively scale up restoration. Using the hash tag #GenerationRestoration, the UN Decade is galvanizing a global movement, in which everyone can contribute to the mission. Restoring ecosystems means protecting their biodiversity and helping them to deliver benefits for people and nature. It means using ecosystems on land and in the oceans in ways that strengthen their natural resources and processes. Actions for restoration can also mean preventing degradation or reducing its extent.

There are mainly three interconnected environmental crises the world faces today, namely, (1)climate change, (2)nature and biodiversity loss, and (3)pollution and waste levels. These crises are manifested in air and water pollution, pestilent and erosive land-use practices, desertification and extreme weather events. The global restoration of ecosystems is key to addressing these crises and to keep check of our consumption and production patterns. Restoration of eco-systems is also our single largest nature-based opportunity for climate change mitigation. The science is clear: the next ten years are paramount in the fight to avert climate change and the loss of nature and biodiversity. As the United Nations Decade of Ecosystem Restoration in 2021, commence, it is vital that we all grasp and acknowledge that

restoration is a global mission and we all have a part to play however big or small.

Ecosystems are the web of life on Earth. It comprises of all living organisms and the interactions among them and with their surroundings in a given place. They exist at all scales from a grain of soil to the entire planet and include forests, rivers, grasslands and estuaries etc. Cities and farmlands contain important human-modified ecosystem.

Ecosystems are important for our physical and mental health and for our identity, as it supports all life on Earth.

The healthier our ecosystems are, the healthier the planet - and its people. Focussing, on protection and restoring the diversity, abundance and connectivity of life on earth is that- in doing so- we are also tackling hunger, poverty, pollution and of course climate change. It is impossible to tackle any of these issues properly without helping nature to recover.

However all over the world, ecosystems face massive threats. Forests are being cleared, rivers and lake polluted, coasts and ocean degraded, farmlands and grassland overexploited, and mountain soils eroded, polluted and degraded. Unless we change our ways and protect and restore our ecosystems, we will not only destroy the landscape we love, we will undermine the very foundation of our own well being and bequeath a degraded, inhospitable planet to future generations.

Nagaland, like the rest of the Himalayan region is one of bio-diversity hotspot of the world. But for how long, as we are witnessing the continuous degradation of our land, air and water. Our forests are dwindling (logging, mining, encroachment and deforestation), wildlife is almost nonexistent and much of the existing forests are like silent graveyards, in the absence any signs and sounds of wildlife - be it

birds, insects or animals, due to hunting and other foraging nature of humans. Our hills are crumbling down (hill top quarrying and deforestation), our rivers face pollution from chemicals, plastics and sewage, are over dredged, and exploited with unsustainable fishing (poison, dynamites and electric shocks), harming other micro organisms so vital for a healthy eco system.

There are piles of garbage in various cities, towns and villages and even forests, polluting the soil, water and the air . All these factors and more are contributing to the climate change we are witnessing here too. According to a Report on Climate Change and its Impacts on Human Development in Nagaland, published jointly by GOI and the UNDP, it was predicted that between 20212050, the average temperature in Nagaland is likely to increase by about 1.6 to 1.8 degree Celsius. Furthermore, the report states that rainfall in the State is likely to increase by 57% and extreme rainfall by 26%. Increase in drought like conditions is also projected during 20212050, and weekly droughts likely to increase by 20-25% during the same period. Thus resulting in higher flood discharge and landslides and will affect water resources, forest and biodiversity and the agriculture and allied sectors considerably. Nagaland State Action Plan on Climate Change (NSAPCC) in 2012 had also revealed these temperature trends in Nagaland.

This should have served as a wake-up call 9 years ago.

Another report on land degradation prepared by the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) and the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC), states that among the top seven states with the highest increase in land degradation in the last 10 years or so, six are in the northeast. Nagaland stands third with 47% degradation, after UP and Rajasthan at

53% and 52% respectively.

One of the major causes of this degradation could be the increased frequency of high rainfall events in the region, resulting in a vicious cycle of devastating surface floods, flash floods, and landslides in the state. These are serious data that cannot and should not be ignored any longer.

Nagaland is already suffering from the affects of climate change. It is not something that evades us anymore. In the last few years the State has witnessed erratic and unpredictable monsoons, floods, droughts and massive landslides. These environmental disasters only points towards the changing ecosystem. Our agriculture is also being hampered. Farmers are witnessing changing sowing and harvesting seasons.

There are also instances of late or early blossoming of flowers (fruit and ornamental) and worrying instances of local vegetables and fruits (eg. local oranges and the indigenous passion-fruits) becoming scare in certain places. Changes in temperature and precipitation will have serious and far reaching consequences on climatedependent sectors such as agriculture, water resources and health. Agriculture, which is by far the most important source of livelihood for rural communities, is strongly linked to both temperature and availability of water.

Temperature changes coupled with the hilly terrain and the large variability in climate within the state would also impact crop yields. This calls for every stakeholder to do their part to try and mitigate the causes and effects of climate change.

The future of the environment and the life it supports rests on the decisions we take over the coming years. This represents an enormous responsibility on our shoulders, which must be seen not only as a burden— but also as an opportunity to act and rectify the damage.

Collective efforts from both the Government and the public are required to bring about the restoration of our ecosystem in the state. The NSAPCC of 2012, is an exhaustive document, wherein and keeping in line with the eight national missions, the challenges and strategies of all the major departments to achieve sustainable development with co-benefits of climate change had been elaborated. These include agriculture and allied sectors, forest and bio-diversity, health, energy, urban habitats, and water. To what extend the NSAPCC -2012, or at least some components of it has been initiated/ implemented, even partially, is required to be re-visited.

On the other hand, Nagaland has a unique system of land ownership which is governed by tribe-specific customary laws and traditions, and has been roughly brought under the institutional framework of Village Councils by the State Government. Land and its resources, including water and biodiversity, are controlled by individuals, family, clans, or communities under this traditional system.

With over 88 per cent of forests in private, community or village ownership, role of these entities in management and conservation of forests is predominant. They have the added responsibility to ensure that the livelihood and the developmental path the society chooses are sustainable and “climate smart”. Change only happens when individuals take action. There is no other way, if it doesn’t start with people. This is all the more relevant in the context of Nagaland. Change begins with each one of us. We need to be responsible today to be sustainable for the future.

“A nation that destroys its soils destroys itself. Forests are the lungs of our land, Purifying the air and giving fresh strength to our people.”

— Franklin D. Roosevelt l.h.thangi mannen.

Learning during lockdown: From a teacher to the parents

he situation that we are in today, is something we never thought or imagined of. I believe no one was prepared that for almost two years, life will come to a standstill because of a tiny virus which we cannot see even with our naked eyes.

Even with advanced modern medical, science and technology, we humans are helpless.

Young and old are adversely affected by this pandemic and the lockdowns. We are compelled to confront a scenario which we never thought of dealing with.

My concern goes to our kids who are trying to educate themselves through an unconventional method of learning (online/ social distancing learning) and yet many students are deprived of an alternative learning at home because of poverty and inaccessibility to technology.

I hope many will agree that there is nothing as traditional classroom learning or should I say “offline class”. Because learning is not only about reading and writing, it encompasses the overall development of a child. In schools, children learn to socialize and interact with others, which eventually prepares them to adjust with other people and new environments. As a teacher and a mother myself, I feel the burden of the parents in their struggle in shouldering the onus of tutoring their young ones. Many parents are becoming very good teachers and as we teach our kids we too learn and refresh ourselves with knowledge.

I would like to encourage the parents that teaching children should not be always the conventional way of reading and writing. Infact parents can educate their children

informally and pleasantly through various activities at home. Many children do not want to study with their parents, instead prefers a teacher to teach them. This is because parents often become impatient with their children while ‘forcing’ them to learn. However, life lessons should be taught and learned joyfully.

Through out the day we are involved in varieties of activities at home. Parents should be creative in teaching their kids life skills informally which will fill the vacuum of the missing formal classroom learning. Older kids can somehow manage with their learnings, but most parents struggle to teach the younger pre- primary kids at home because during this stage children need a lot of activities in their learning process.

The environment, our surroundings, the house we live in and the materials in and outside our homes are all tools of learning if only we develop an interest in teaching. School textbooks too relate to the child’s mentality and his/her environment. For instance, for pre-primary students who are about to learn the basics of education i.e.

ABCs, you do not have to use only pencil and paper to teach them how to write alphabets.

You can teach them to write in the sand, use chalk and coal, paints or any other nontoxic materials, which will be an added fun for them.

Do not worry about the mess they make but remember children love to play and there is no better way of learning other than “play and learn”. Parents can teach the basic concept of mathematics at home. For example,

kids can be taught about the concept of metric units from the things we use daily , like empty packets of spices, chips, biscuits, empty bottles of oil, juice, medicines, etc.

You can teach the basic ideas of ‘litre’, ‘gram’, ‘kilo’ from such materials.

You can even play roles of customer and seller, kitchen, etc, to make the learning fun and interesting. You can teach your kids about shapes from the objects around you.

For example, the plate represents circle, egg represents oval, etc.

You can teach them about the basic concept of measurement by letting them fill pots with water using a fixed bottle, measure sand or grain with a can or cup. Let them sort the laundry by separating clothes according to their types, like socks, shirts, pants etc. These activities

will improve their cognitive skills, dexterity and physical health. You can teach your kids about organic and nonorganic matters, natural and man- made from your surroundings. Let your children identify natural things like soil, water, plants from your garden. Let them identify man-made things like cars, sofa, clothes, toys, etc in your house.

Learning through activities and experiments will give your children life long knowledge instead of memorizing and forgetting after the exam.

Finally, education should be taught according to the child’s learning ability, his/her environment and personality of the child. And a mother or a father is the most ideal teacher to identify the capacity and nature of their children.

Lipokjungla, GMS, Bamunpukhuri B

Are we using our fishery resources sustainably?

5th June is International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing

F

ish is an integral part of our diets. Fish is consumed around the world in different ways. We eat fish from fisheries or rivers as we don’t have seas or oceans around us. But sea fishes or other similar fish products are available everywhere. Fisheries provide a vital source of food, employment, recreation, trade and economic well-being for people throughout the world. In a world of growing population and persistent hunger, fish has emerged as an important commodity for the achievement of food security.

There are certain times where fishing is not done so that production can be increased. Apart from measures in our areas, efforts by the international community to ensure the sustainability of fisheries are being seriously compromised by illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities. We may

not be much aware as it’s not happening in and around us but we could see and hear about them through media and similar sources.

According to the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing activities are responsible for the loss of 11–26 million tonnes of fish each year, which is estimated to have an economic value of US$10–23 billion. To promote long-term conservation and sustainable use of fisheries resources the 1995 FAO Conference adopted the FAO Code of Conduct for Responsible Fisheries. The Code is voluntary and sets out principles and international standards of behavior for responsible practices with a view to ensuring the effective conservation, management and development of living aquatic resources, with due respect for the ecosystem and biodiversity. In 2015, the General Fisheries Commis-

sion for the Mediterranean of the FAO proposed that an initiative be launched to declare an International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. Following extensive consultations, a proposal was submitted to the attention of the thirty-second session of FAO Committee on Fisheries.

The Committee on Fisheries endorsed the proposal for the declaration of 5 June as the International Day for the Fight against Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated Fishing. The date reflects the day when the Port State Measures Agreement officially entered into force as an international treaty. Illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing is a broad term that captures a wide variety of fishing activity. In December 2017 the UN General Assembly in its annual resolution on sustainable fisheries proclaimed 5 June as the “International Day for the Fight Against Illegal,

Unreported and Unregulated Fishing.” In the same resolution the UN also declared 2022 as the International Year of Artisanal Fisheries and Aquaculture, which will help focus attention on the small-scale fishermen and women who comprise 90 percent of the world’s fisheries work force.

To ensure a food secure future for all, the fisheries and aquaculture sector is important. The State of World Fisheries and Aquaculture 2020 demonstrates the significant and growing role of fisheries and aquaculture in providing food, nutrition and employment. The fisheries and aquaculture sector significantly expanded in the past decades and total production. We may not directly get associated with this cause but indirectly all of us can make an impact. This year’s environment day is focusing on ecosystem restoration and there is no doubt that IUU

fishing remains one of the in stopping IUU fishing. greatest threats to marine Ranjan K Baruah ecosystems. We can join (With direct inputs from different campaigns and con- UN publication and feedback tribute directly or indirectly may be sent to bkranjan@ in protecting the marine gmail.com) ecosystem and contributing

Reader’s Post Sir,

Road Safety

I would like to share my views regarding road safety for two wheelers. Firstly we are witnessing the occurrence of many road accidents every now and then. It is a matter of great concern especially to those riding on two wheelers. Secondly two wheelers have become the cheapest mode of transportation but when we think of their SAFETY FIRST it comes to the DANGER ZONE. Lastly our only HOPE and SOLUTION as a DRIVER is to show RESPECT to those riding on two wheelers because we can see that they are the most HELPLESS and UNLUCKY ONES on the road.

Yours sincerely, Renthungo Odyuo, 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.

7

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

Nearly 3,000 doctors in MP resign

BHOPAL, JUN 4 (PTI): The Madhya Pradesh High Court on Thursday directed the striking junior doctors in the state to resume their duties within 24 hours but the protesting medicos remained defiant and nearly 3,000 of them resigned from their posts and announced they will challenge the ruling.

The HC termed the four-day-old strike as “illegal”. Nearly 3,000 junior doctors working in the six government medical colleges of the state resigned en masse from their posts on Thursday and submitted their resignations to the dean of their respective colleges, Madhya Pradesh Junior Doctors Association (MPJDA) president Dr Arvind Meena told PTI. The strike, which began on Monday, will continue till their demands are fulfilled, he said.

The junior doctors have put forward multiple demands before the state government, including a hike in stipend and free treatment for them and their families

Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose Medical College junior doctors shout slogans during a torchlight protest demanding a hike in their salaries, in Jabalpur, (PTI)

sume duties within the set timeframe, the state government must take stern action against them.

The bench condemned the JDA’s decision to go on a strike at the time of a pandemic and said such a step can’t be encouraged during a health crisis.

The HC was hearing a petition against the strike filed by Jabalpur-based advocate Shailendra Singh.

Meanwhile, at a press conference in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh medical education commissioner Nishant Warwade said Minister of Medical Education Vishvas Sarang had met JDA representatives a number of times and taken several positive steps for resolving the matter.

Warwade said as per the Consumer Price Index (CPI), a 17 per cent increase in stipend of junior doctors has already been approved and soon orders to this effect will be issued.

Depending on the prevailing CPI, the stipend will be further enhanced, the senior bureaucrat said.

if they contract the deadly coronavirus infection.

Meena said the state government has already cancelled their enrollment for the third year PG and therefore they won’t be able to sit for examinations. He further informed the MPJDA will appeal against the HC judgement in the Supreme Court.

Meena claimed members of the Medical Officers Association and the Federation of Resident Doctors Association will also join their agitation.

He said junior and senior doctors of Rajasthan,

Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana, Bihar, Maharashtra and AIIMS Rishikesh, among others, have supported their strike.

Meena claimed on May 6, the government authorities promised to fulfil their demands but nothing happened after that, forcing them to stop work.

Asked about the government’s decision to raise their stipend by 17 per cent and whether they will resume duties after relevant orders are issued, Meena said remained non- com-

mittal. The government has promised to raise the stipend by 24 per cent and till they raise it to that limit, the strike will continue,” he said.

Earlier in the day, the high court at Jabalpur termed the statewide strike called by the JDA as illegal and directed the protesting junior doctors to return to work by 2.30 PM on Friday.

A division bench of Chief Justice Mohammad Rafiq Ahmed and Justice Sujoy Paul said in case the striking doctors do not re-

HC junks plea by Juhi against 5G, imposes Rs 20 lakh cost

HC anguished over shortage of vaccines in India

‘Mission Choksi’ team returns as Dominican court keeps him

NEW DELHI, JUN 4 (IANS): Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed the lawsuit filed by actor-environmentalist Juhi Chawla against the setting up of 5G wireless networks in the country, and also imposed a fine of Rs 20 lakh for the abuse of the process of law.

Justice J.R. Midha held that the suit filed by Chawla and two others was defective, non-maintainable, and also contained unverified and vexatious assertions.

The High Court also expressed dissatisfaction at Chawla sharing the link of virtual hearing on her social media account. During the hearing of Chawla’s suit, unknown persons repeatedly disturbed by singing Bollywood songs of films in which she had acted. The court directed the Delhi Police to identify these persons and proceed against them under the law.

Observing that Chawla

NEW DELHI, JUN 4 (PTI): The Delhi High Court Friday expressed anguish over the way things have transpired in the second wave of COVID-19 where vaccine shortage is hitting everyone even when the Central government says the best way to fight the pandemic is to vaccinate the entire population.

The high court was deliberating with the issue related to manufacturing of COVID vaccine Sputnik V

by India’s Panacea Biotec in collaboration with Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF).

The high court directed the Centre to release arbitral award of over Rs 14 crore along with interest from 2012 to Panacea Biotec for manufacturing Sputnik V vaccine in India subject to the condition that the company obtains permission from the government to manufacture the vaccine.

A bench of Justices Manmohan and Najmi Waziri said the release of the amount, awarded to the company by the arbitral tribunal, will also be subject to the undertaking of the firm that 20 per cent of its sale proceeds of Sputnik V will be deposited with the court’s registry till the awarded amount is secured.

NEW DELHI, JUN 4 (AGENCIES): The multiagency team tasked with bringing back Mehul Choksi from Dominica is headed home - without the fugitive jeweller - after the Caribbean nation’s High Court adjourned his habeas corpus petition to July and extended its order on removing him from that country.

The eight-member team - which includes Enforcement Directorate officials and the head of the CBI’s Bank Securities and Frauds (Mumbai) division - is flying home on a Qatar Airways private jet that took off from Dominica’s Melville Hall Airport Thursday night, according to news agency PTI. The team was hoping to bring Choksi back to India if the Dominican court cleared his deportation.

The plane is scheduled to land at Delhi’s Indira Gandhi Airport at 11 pm.

The Dominican High Court on Thursday adjourned its hearing into Choksi’s petition.

PTI quoted the Antigua News Room as saying it was to allow lawyers “to agree on language to be used with respect to injunction filed to prevent his (Choksi’s) removal from Dominica”.

Meanwhile, in a sepa-

Centre asks states to set up special search committees for Padma awards

NEW DELHI, JUN 4 (PTI): The Centre has asked all states to set up special search committees to find out talented people who could be nominated for Padma awards but so far have been left out of consideration despite their exceptional contributions.

The Narendra Modi government has been honouring many “unsung heroes”, who are contributing to society in different ways, with Padma awards. The letter from the Union Home Ministry to chief secretaries of all states and Union Territories was sent as the central government opened the window for receiving applications on the online portal ‘padmaawards.gov.in’ from June 1 to September 15 for the Padma awards to be announced on the eve of Republic Day 2022.

The home ministry said it has been observed in the past that while nominations are received in respect of a large number of people, there could be several talented persons who are left out of consideration despite exceptional contribution in their field. Often many such persons may get overlooked

primarily for the reason that they may not seek publicity or attention in the public domain, it said.

“It is, therefore, requested to make concerted efforts in identifying such persons whose excellence and achievements deserve to be recognised and make suitable nominations in their favour. It goes without saying that recognition of such deserving persons will only add to the prestige of these awards.

“In the above background, I request you to kindly send suitable nominations for the Padma awards to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2022. In this regard, it is suggested that you may constitute a Special Search Committee for identifying, considering and finalising your recommendations or nominations,” the letter by Home Ministry Joint Secretary R K Singh said.

The states were told that while finalising recommendations, they should keep in mind that the persons recommended are preeminently worthy of the awards, looking at their lifetime achievements.

The criteria for selection should invariably be ‘excellence plus’ and the highest standards should be applied while recommending persons for these awards. The existence of an element of public service in the achievements of the person recommended for the award would be a desirable factor.

As the Padma awards are the second-highest civilian award of the country, it should also be considered whether the recommended person has earlier been given any national award or a state award in his or her field, the letter said. Efforts may be made to identify talented persons from among women, weaker sections of the society, SCs and STs, and ‘divyangs’ who deserve to be considered for the award.

The decoration is normally not conferred posthumously. However, in highly deserving cases, the government could consider giving an award posthumously if the demise of the person proposed to be honoured has been recent, say within a period of one year preceding the Republic Day on which it is proposed to announce the award, it said.

Mehul Choksi

rate proceeding, a Dominican magistrate’s court also refused Choksi bail after he was charged with illegally entering that country.

His lawyers had argued that other non-nationals had received bail for similar matters, but the Dominican government tagged Choksi as a flight risk and pointed to Interpol notices against him.

Mehul Choksi, 62, was caught allegedly trying to escape from Antigua to Cuba via Dominica. He went missing May 23, prompting a manhunt by Antigua police, and was caught May 27 in Dominica.

After his arrest in Dominica, Antigua said Mehul Choksi should be handed over to India directly.

“We asked them not to repatriate him to Antigua. He needs to return to India where he can face criminal charges against him,” Antigua News Room quoted Prime Minister Gaston Browne.

ST. JOSEPH’S COLLEGE (AUTONOMOUS) JAKHAMA PB No. 39, Kohima, Nagaland – 797001

Applications are invited for the post of Assistant Professor in the Departments of ECONOMICS, EDUCATION, ENGLISH, HISTORY, SOCIOLOGY, CHEMISTRY, MATHEMATICS & PHYSICS Qualification: NET/Ph.D. For the post of Assistant Professor in the Department of B. B. A Qualification: M. Com with NET/MBA/Ph.D. Applications with Curriculum Vitae may be submitted in e-mail to stjosephc@gmail.com on or before 10th June, 2021. Contact No: 9862483661 Principal

K-1011

OFFICE OF THE

DIMAPUR CHANGDANG SENSO TELONGJEM Dimapur - 797112 : Nagaland

GRATITUDE The Dimapur Changdang Senso Telongjem express profound gratitude and heartfelt appreciation to Shri Imna Along, Honourable Minister, Higher Education & Tribal Affairs, Government of Nagaland and President BJP Nagaland for his magnanimous initiative in providing essential relief to the needy and deprived people of Japukong in Dimapur and to the citizen of Changdang in particular.

The Union further acknowledges his diverse philanthropic initiatives in this pandemic and pray for his good health and success in all his endeavours.

Sd/S. Bendangtoshi President Dimapur Changdang Senso Telongjem

NEW DELHI, JUN 4 (PTI): The Defence Ministry on Friday cleared a mega project to domestically build six conventional submarines for the Indian Navy at a cost of around Rs 43,000 crore, in a major decision aimed at significantly boosting India’s naval prowess in the face of China rapidly expanding its maritime capabilities.

The submarines will be built under the much-talkedabout strategic partnership model that allows domestic defence manufacturers to join hands with leading foreign defence majors to produce high-end military platforms to reduce import dependence.

The Defence Ministry also approved proposals relating to capital acquisitions of various military weapons and equipment worth around Rs 6,800 crore, according to Defence Minister Rajnath Singh’s office.

The decisions to approve the naval submarine project named ‘P-75 India’ and the procurement of the military weapons and equipment were taken at a meeting of the Defence Acquisition Council (DAC) chaired by Singh. The DAC is the Defence Ministry’s highest decision-making body on procurement.

In another important decision, the DAC also ex-

File photo of the Kalvari class submarines which are currently under construction.

tended the timelines for procuring urgent capital acquisitions under the delegated powers to the armed forces up to August 31, 2021, to enable them to complete their emergency procurements.

“This project envisages indigenous construction of six conventional submarines equipped with the stateof-the-art air-independent propulsion system at an estimated cost of Rs 43,000 crore,” the ministry said about the naval project.

“This is a landmark approval, being the first case processed under the strategic partnership model. This would be one of the largest ‘Make in India’ projects and will serve to facilitate faster and more significant absorption of technology and create a tiered industrial ecosystem for submarine construction in India,” it

said in a statement.

The ministry said the project will help reduce current dependence on imports and gradually ensure greater self-reliance and dependability of supplies from indigenous sources.

“With accord of this approval, the country will be enabled to achieve its 30year submarine construction programme envisioned by the government to acquire national competence in submarine construction and for the Indian industry to independently design and construct submarines in India,” it said. It said the availability of new technologies and advanced manufacturing capabilities to the industry will be an important step towards enhancing the nation’s quest for self-reliance in modern conventional submarine construction

Delhi man ‘wanted’ to go to jail, so calls cops, threatens to kill PM Modi

DP-2647

Juhi Chawla

did not approach any of the 33 defendants named in her suit and instead sought a declaration from the court, the bench said this declaration cannot be allowed under the law. It also said Chawla did not deposit the court fees for her suit and directed her to pay Rs 1.95 lakh within one week.

On June 2, the High Court had questioned Chawla as to why she had directly filed a suit against setting up of 5G wireless networks without making any representation to the department concerned in the government, and insisted the plaintiffs, Chawla and two others, should have gone to the government first.

After hearing the arguments in the matter, the court reserved its order.

The plea filed by Chawla, Veeresh Malik and Teena Vachani claimed that 5G wireless technology can be a potential threat to provoke irreversible and serious effects on humans and it could also permanently damage to the earth’s ecosystems.

The plea contended that to levels of RF radiation that are 10x to 100x times greater than the existing levels, and no living species on the planet would be able to survive round the clock exposure.

Govt clears project to build six conventional submarines

Sd/Sashimongba Aier Secretary Dimapur Changdang Senso Telongjem

NEW DELHI, JUN 4 (PTI): A 22-year-old man was arrested from northeast Delhi’s Khajuri Khas area after he called the Police Control Room (PCR) and allegedly threatened to kill Prime Minister Narendra Modi, officials said on Friday. The accused, who has been identified as Salman alias Arman, told police that he made the call as he “wanted” to go to jail. He is addicted to drugs and was released from a juvenile correction home, where he was sent in a murder case, in 2018, they said.

The accused called the PCR on 112 around Thursday midnight and threatened to kill PM Modi, the police said. The number from which the call was received was immediately traced and shared with the district police unit, which then located him

to Khajuri Khas, a senior police officer said.

According to preliminary investigation, Salman was under the influence of drugs at the time of making the call. He was scolded by his father around 10 pm.

During interrogation, the senior officer said, the man told police that he made the call as he “wanted” to go to jail. When asked why he wanted to go to jail, he said, “Wahin mann lagta hai mera (I like being there).”

Salman also told police that he is addicted to drugs and that he took some smack around 7 pm on Thursday, he said.

Senior officers of the Delhi Police will further interrogate him with Intelligence Bureau officials in accordance with the protocol before taking any legal action, the police said.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND STATE HEALTH SOCIETY: NATIONAL HEALTH MISSION DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE NAGALAND : KOHIMA

NHM/B-35/HR/2016-17/375

/Dated Kohima, the 4th June 2021

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business/state

RBI keeps rates unchanged in view of COVID

Mumbai, Jun 4 (PTI): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday left key interest rates unchanged at record lows and announced new measures to support the economy after the nascent recovery was pummelled by the devastating second wave of COVID-19 infections.

It brought down its forecast for economic growth by 100 basis points to a 9.5 per cent real GDP growth in the current fiscal year ending March 31, 2022, while the inflation forecast was bumped up by 10 bps to 5.1 per cent.

The six-member monetary policy committee (MPC) headed by Governor Shaktikanta Das voted unanimously for keeping repo rate - RBI’s key lending rate - unchanged at 4 per cent, and the reverse repo rate - the borrowing rate - at 3.35 per cent.

“The MPC was of the view that at this juncture policy support from all sides is required to gain the momentum of growth that was evident in the second half of 2021, and to nurture the recovery after it has taken root,” Das said.

It decided to retain an accommodative policy

stance “as long as necessary to revive and sustain growth on a durable basis and continue to mitigate the impact of COVID-19 on the economy,” signaling there is still room to cut rates further.

RBI expanded its version of quantitative easing to keep borrowing costs anchored. It will buy an additional Rs 1.2 lakh crore of bonds under the Government Securities Acquisition Programme (G-SAP) 2.0 in the second quarter.

In April, RBI committed to buying Rs 1 lakh crore worth of government bonds from the market between April and May under G-SAP 1.0. Under G-SAP 1.0, RBI will purchase government securities worth Rs 40,000 crore on June 17.

The move is aimed at supporting the government’s

borrowing plan at comfortable interest rates.

The speed, scale and severity of the second wave of COVID-19 has impacted the economic recovery. But Das said unlike the first wave of COVID-19 infections which brought the economy to an abrupt standstill under a nationwide lockdown, the impact of the second wave on economic activity is expected to be relatively contained with restrictions on mobility being regionalised and nuanced.

He said retail inflation is seen at 5.1 per cent in 2021-22, with upside risks from higher commodity prices and re-emergence of higher supply constraints amidst the current phase of lockdowns.

Other announcements include a separate liquidity window of Rs 15,000 crore

being opened till March 31, 2022, with tenors of up to 3 years at the repo rate, under which banks can provide fresh lending support to COVID-hit sectors such as hotels, restaurants and tourism.

Further, an additional Rs 16,000 crore funding has been earmarked for Small Industries Development Bank of India (SIDBI) for lending to Micro, Small & Medium Enter prises (MSMEs), directly or indirectly over and above the quantum of Rs 50,000 crore that was set aside for government financial institutions in the April policy.

In order to provide further relief to the businesses hit by COVID 2.0, the newly announced restructuring window has been extended for all entities with outstanding credit of Rs 50 crore, up from Rs 25 crore.

Das said India’s foreign exchange reserves have by all indications crossed USD 600 billion, a huge buffer that will help the economy from global spillovers and volatile external flows.

“At this point of time the MPC has very consciously taken the deci-

Purchase of indigenous air defence guns, ammo worth Rs 6K cr cleared New Delhi, Jun 4 (IANS): In a boost for the air defence system, the Defence Ministry on Friday approved the proposals concerning modernisation of its the Army’s air defence guns.

The Defence Acquisition Council (DAC), in its meeting chaired by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, has approved proposals concerning capital acquisitions of various equipment for modernisation and operational needs of the armed forces amounting to approx Rs 6,000 crore.

Noting that there was a longpending need of the Indian Army for modernisation of its air defence guns, the Defence Ministry said: “These had been earlier procured only from foreign sources.

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

With the continued thrust of the Ministry of Defence towards ‘AtmaNirbhar Bharat’ and ‘Make in India’, an enthusiastic response from about a dozen Indian companies was received.”

All of them have expressed their willingness and commitment to manufacture this complex gun system and associated equipment by ensuring technology assimilation in India, it said.

Accordingly, the DAC accorded approval of procurement of air defence guns and ammunition at an approximately cost of Rs 6,000 crore under the Buy and Make (Indian) category.

Further to better equip the armed forces to meet the operational challenges and facilitate

faster induction of required arms and ammunitions, the DAC extended the timelines for progressing urgent capital acquisitions under the delegated powers to the armed forces upto August 31, 2021. This will enable the armed forces to complete their emergent and critical acquisitions.

The Defence Ministry had earmarked around 64 per cent of its modernisation funds under the capital acquisition budget for 2021-22 -- a sum of over Rs 70,000 crore -- for purchases from the domestic sector. It was an increase from 2020-21, when a capital budget allocation for domestic vendors was first made. At 58 per cent, this came to an amount of Rs 52,000 crore.

sion to focus on growth,” he said. RBI had slashed the repo rate by a total of 115 basis points (bps) since March 2020, to soften the blow from the pandemic.

Commenting on the announcements, Moody’s Analytics said new coronavirus infections are on a declining trend, but with restrictions likely to be eased only gradually, the sharp slowdown in domestic demand is set to weaken the revival beyond the June quarter.

The RBI is expected to maintain an accommodative stance over the next two quarters despite transitory inflation pressures while expanding liquidity measures to support recovery, it said.

“In the year gone by, the Reserve Bank has engaged in safeguarding the economy and the financial system from the ravages of the pandemic. We have been on continuous vigil through the first wave; the lull between the waves; and now the second wave,” Das said adding “maintaining financial stability and congenial financing conditions for all stakeholders is a commitment that we have adhered to assiduously.”

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

Rupee settles 8 paisa lower at 72.99 against USD. Mumbai, Jun 4 (PTI): The rupee fell 8 paise to close at 72.99 (provisional) against the US dollar on Friday, with forex market participants weighing RBI policy measures aimed at mitigating the COVID-19 impact on the economy.

Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday decided to leave benchmark interest rate unchanged at 4 per cent but maintained an accommodative stance amid the second COVID wave.

At the interbank forex market, the local unit opened on a weak note at 73.00 against the greenback and witnessed an intra-day high of 72.95 and a low of 73.13. It finally ended at 72.99, registering a fall of 8 paise over its previous closing. On Thursday, the rupee had settled at 72.91 against the US dollar. RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das said the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) voted unanimously for keeping interest rate unchanged and decided to continue with its accommodative stance as long as necessary to support growth and keep inflation within the target.

No change in RBI’s view on Cryptocurriences: Das Mumbai, Jun 4 (PTI): RBI Governor Shaktikanta Das on Friday made it clear that the central bank’s view on cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin remains unchanged and it continues to have “major concerns” on the volatile instruments.

“There is no change in RBI’s position (on cryptocurrencies). Our circular clarifies the position very well,” Das told reporters in the customary post-policy press conference, when asked if there has been a change in its view.

The RBI had first come out with a circular on the issue in 2018, cautioning people about investing in cryptocurrencies, which do not have any sovereign character.

It had barred entities regulated by it from dealing in such instruments. However, the Supreme Court in early 2020 struck down the circular.

Das said a revised notification to financial institutions on Monday was necessitated because some banks were still referring to the old circular set aside by the apex court and this was an attempt to set the record

Shaktikanta Das

straight.

The RBI had on Monday asked banks, NBFCs and payment system providers not to refer to its earlier 2018 circular in their communications to customers.

“With regard to RBI’s position (on cryptocurrencies), I had said earlier, we have major concerns around cryptocurrency which we have conveyed to the government,” Das said.

Following Monday’s circular, some stakeholders in the cryptocurrencies trade had welcomed it more as a vindication. Some of the cryptocurrencies have seen massive dip in their per unit trading prices lately, leading to erosion of investor wealth. Some investors have been looking at cryptocurrencies as an attractive investment class.

200-bedded acute care facility at CIHSR (From p-1) Hence, the proposal for a pre-engineered acute care facility with most modern facilities was considered subsequently, he added.

Bhatia said the facility would be completed after obtaining necessary approvals, adding that in view of the emergency, approval was fast-tracked by invoking provisions of Disaster Management Act, 2005.

According to Bhatia, the decision to set up the facility at CIHSR was taken because of availability of land and human resources at the hospital. He said the structure would be made of steel and tempered glass.

Dismissing reports that the structure would be a

No. 9937 Yesterday’s solution No. 9936

No. 4557 Yesterday’s solution No. 4556

No. 3581 Yesterday’s solution No. 3580

“tentage”, he said the guaranteed life of the pre-engineered building would be 20 years and could last even longer with proper care and maintenance.

He also informed that proposed facility would have 108 ICU beds (including 24 paediatric ICU beds), 88 HDU beds, four dialysis beds, four emergency beds and an OPD physical digital dispensary for telemedicine.

No designated DH in Noklak: Despite Noklak being declared as the State’s 12th district, there was still no designated district hospital (DH) till date.

Asked by repor ters, H&FW principal director Dr Neikhrielie Khimiao admitted that there was no DH

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in Noklak and hence no chief medical officer (CMO) and medical officer (MO) either.

He said the existing community health centre (CHC) was functioning as Covid hospital and a senior medical officer had been assigned to carry out the duties.

However, he informed the media that the government had proposed to upgrade the 30-bedded CHC to a 50-bedded hospital with funds from National Health Mission (NHM).

He said Covid cases, if any, from Noklak district was included in Tuensang district’s tally.

Khimiao claimed that despite manpower shortage, the department was trying its best to fill the gaps and

Consumption risk, unemployment to be prolonged New Delhi, Jun 4 (IANS): With restrictions expected to be eased even more gradually than previously assumed, there is an increasing risk that the hit to consumption and employment will be more prolonged, Moodys Analytics said. On the production side too, labour shortages and sourcing constraints are impediments which will not only weaken domestic supply, but also exacerbate costs and fuel inflation pressures in the short term, it added.

Under these circumstances, the RBI will continue to maintain an accommodative stance as it prioritizes recovery and financial stability, but is unlikely to go significantly beyond mobilizing additional liquidity to support cash-strapped enterprises.

Moody’s Analytics said the RBI is therefore likely to maintain the policy rate at 4% until August, but follow up its support with another round of quantitative easing if required and possibly an extension of its current loan restructuring program to contain a sharp decline in asset quality.

The near-term outlook for the Indian economy is still mired in uncertainty. Although daily cases are now on a declining trend (down to under half of its peak at 400,000 cases in early May), most states have extended localized lockdowns by a few weeks. The RBI, however, cut its growth forecast to 9.5% for the financial year 2021-22 in light of the strong resurgence, which resulted in most states imposing lockdowns.

remarked that it was impossible to arrange manpower overnight during such a crisis.

Bhatia pointed out that about 550 MOs and 88 junior MOs engaged by NHM and doctors from private hospital were engaged, hence no more doctors were available.

The health officials said DTFs had been directed to identify person with disabilities, prisoners and beggars and submit report to the H&FW directorate for setting up vaccination sites.

Rural areas in Mon record highest Covid positive cases The health officials also confirmed that Mon district has highest number of cases in rural areas.

Adani Electricity announces incentives for renewable energy New Delhi, Jun 4 (IANS): Enabling its consumers to achieve their targets and aspirations for renewable energy along with flexibility, power distribution utility Adani Electricity Mumbai Limited (AEML) is offering a green tariff initiative in the Mumbai suburban area.

Under the initiative, all the company’s consumers right from corporates, industrial, commercial, hotels, restaurants and residential users have been given the option to switch to green energy.

The switch can be done with the immediate billing cycle and customers will receive a green power certificate on a monthly basis with a separate green colour bill indicating a separate line item -- Green

Power Tariff.

Speaking on the option, an AEML Spokesperson said, “Adani Electricity’s green tariff initiative offers all its consumers the opportunity to be responsible citizens and together contribute to making the world, the country and Mumbai greener and more sustainable.”

This initiative is a step to help electricity consumers to meet their sustainability goals. Under it AEML customers can apply for getting green tariffs.

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8

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

OFFICE OF THE COMMISSIONER OF POLICE DIMAPUR :: NAGALAND

NO.CP/DMR/ESSTT-13/2021-22/706

Dtd. Dimapur, the 03rd June '2021

THIRD AND FINAL CALLING NOTICE Whereas, you have been found absent from bonafide Government duty without leave or permission from the competent authority with effect from 22.02.2021 till date.

And whereas, Two Calling Notices were issued and served to you vide this Office Calling Notice No as mentioned below: 1. NO:CP/DMR/ESSTT-13/2020-21/170, dated 30th March, 2021 2. NO:CP/DMR/ESSTT-13/2020-21/4331, dated 15th April, 2021 And whereas you have failed to report back for duty.

This is the Third and Final Calling Notice and you are directed to report back to the Unit within 7 (Seven) days from the date of publication of this Calling Notice without fail, failing which you will be declared as deserted and necessary legal action will be taken against you.

To. No. - 1347 CN/MSG TEMJENSANGBA S/o - CHUBAINBA Vill - DIPHUPAR PO/PS - DIPHUPAR PS District - DIMAPUR, NAGALAND Present Address - 4th MILE DIPHUPAR, DIMAPUR. Commissioner of Police Dimapur, Nagaland DC-474

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

‘Syria used chemical weapons 17 times’ UNITED NATIONS, JUN 4 (AGENCIES): The head of the international chemical weapons watchdog told the U N Security Council that its experts have investigated 77 allegations against Syria, and concluded that in 17 cases chemical weapons were likely or definitely used, reports Times of India.

Fernando Arias called it “a disturbing reality” that eight years after Syria joined the Chemical Weapons Convention, which bans the production or use of such weapons, many questions remain about its initial declaration of its weapons, stockpiles and precursors and its ongoing programme.

He said Thursday that the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons will be taking up a new issue at its next consultations with Syria -- “the presence of a new chemical weapons agent found in samples collected in large storage containers in September 2020.”

Arias said he sent a letter informing the Syrian government that he intended to send an OPCW team to look into this issue from May 18 to June 1, and requested vi-

Fernando Arias

sas but never got a response.

He said he informed Damascus he was postponing the arrival to May 28.

With no reply from Syria by May 26, he said, “I decided to postpone the mission until further notice.”

Syria was pressed to join the Chemical Weapons Convention in September 2013 by its close ally Russia after a deadly chemical weapons attack that the West blamed on Damascus.

By August 2014, President Bashar Assad’s government declared that the destruction of its chemical weapons was completed. But Syria’s initial declaration to the OPCW has remained in dispute. In April 2020, OPCW investigators blamed three chemical attacks in 2017 on the Syrian government. The

OPCW Executive Council responded by demanding that Syria provide details.

When it didn’t, France submitted a draft measure on behalf of 46 countries in November to suspend Syria’s “rights and privileges” in the global watchdog. In an unprecedented vote on April 21, the OPCW suspended Syria’s rights until all outstanding issues are resolved.

Russia has shar ply criticised the OPCW and its investigators, accusing them of factual and technical errors and acting under pressure from Western nations.

Russia’s U.N. Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia kept up the attack on Thursday, accusing the chemical weapons watchdog of using

information “from biased sources opposed to the Syrian government,” of collecting evidence remotely and relying on “pseudo witnesses.”

He said the purpose of the council meeting was not to “interrogate” Arias by asking “uncomfortable” questions, as some council members said, but “to work collectively to improve the deplorable situation that has evolved in the OPCW.” “We need to talk frankly with the OPCW leadership in order to preclude further erosion of its authority and prevent recurrence of the miserable situation that happened in April,” when it voted “to incapacitate ... a sovereign state that faithfully complies” with the Chemical Weapons Convention, Nebenzia said.

“We are concerned over increasing politicization of its work, initiated by our Western colleagues.”

The Russian ambassador said he was surprised that Arias expressed surprise that Syria was not cooperating with the OPCW investigation team charged with determining responsibility for chemical attacks.

“It is not surprising

that Syria never recognized the legitimacy of the group, neither did we,” Nebenzia said. “The group was established illegitimately. You cannot expect that Syria will be cooperating with it.”

Britain’s U.N. Ambassador Barbara Woodward countered that “the facts of this case are clear.”

“There are 20 unresolved issues in Syria’s initial chemical weapons declaration, which is deeply concerning,” she said. “The UN and the OPCW have attributed eight chemical weapons attacks to the Syrian regime. It’s clear that the regime retains a chemical weapons capability and the willingness to use it.”

Woodward said the Security Council will continue to insist on Syria’s full cooperation with the OPCW, “and the full and verifiable destruction of Syria’s chemical program.

U.S. Deputy Ambassador Richard Mills said “no amount of disinformation – espoused by Syria and its very small number of supporters – can negate or diminish the credibility of the evidence that has been presented to us by the OPCW.”

9 Fauci seeks South Korea’s air force chief medical report of resigns over woman’s death

Wuhan lab workers

WASHINGTON, JUN 4 (AGENCIES): Top US infectious disease expert Dr Anthony Fauci has called on China to release the medical records of nine people whose ailments might provide vital clues into whether Covid-19 first emerged as the result of a lab leak, the Financial Times reported on Thursday.

“I would like to see the medical records of the three people who are reported to have got sick in 2019. Did they really get sick, and if so, what did they get sick with?” the report quoted Fauci as saying. The origin of the virus is hotly contested, with US intelligence agencies still examining reports that researchers at a Chinese virology laboratory in Wuhan were seriously ill in 2019 a month before the first Covid-19 cases were reported.

However, Chinese scientists and officials have consistently rejected the lab leak hypothesis, saying the virus could have been circulating in other regions before it hit Wuhan and might have even entered China through imported frozen food shipments or wildlife trading.

SEOUL, JUN 4 (AP): South Korea’s air force chief stepped down Friday in the face of public anger over the death of a female master sergeant whose family says she killed herself after being sexually abused by a male colleague.

President Moon Jaein’s office said he accepted the resignation of air force Chief of Staff Gen. Lee Seong-yong, who earlier issued a statement to reporters saying he acknowledges “heavy responsibility’’ over the woman’s death.

Lee’s resignation came a day after the Defense Ministry said an air force master sergeant had been arrested on suspicion that he had molested the woman inside a car in March while returning to their base after a dinner meeting.

According to a presidential petition filed by the woman’s family, she reported the case to her superiors but killed herself in May after they tried to cover up the incident and pressured her to reach a private settlement with her abuser.

As of Friday afternoon, more than 340,000 people had signed the petition,

Gen. Lee Seong-Yong

which called for the punishment of air force officials involved in any cover-up.

The public anger prompted Moon to order the military on Thursday to conduct a thorough investigation on how the air force handled the case.

South Korea’s military has long been criticized for its failures to protect female troops and officers from sexual harassment and violence.

In 2017, a female naval officer killed herself after being raped by a senior officer, who later was sentenced to 15 years in prison. In 2013, a female army officer killed herself after being harassed by a male superior who pressured her to have sex with him. He was sentenced to two years in prison.

Belarus activist interviewed from jail Organiser of HK Tiananmen Square massacre vigil arrested Minsk, Jun 4 (IANS): Belarusian state television has aired a long interview with imprisoned government critic Roman Protasevich for the first time since he was jailed after being offloaded a Ryanair flight on May 23. In the interview with the broadcaster ONT, which was aired on Thursday evening, the 26-year-old activist admitted to having organised protests against long-time President Alexander Lukashenko, reports dpa news agency.

His mother Natalia Protasevich, who lives in Poland, described the interview on Friday as the result of torture in prison.

“I can’t even imagine the torture methods - both psychological and physical - that my son is being subjected to at the moment,” the 46-year-old told dpa.

“You probably can’t suffer a greater torture as a mother.” In the one-and-

Roman Protasevich

a-half-hour conversation, Protasevich also made accusations against other members of the Belarusian opposition. Protasevich’s parents had already expressed the suspicion that their son was being mistreated in prison and forced to make statements. Lukashenko had forced the passenger plane from Athens to Vilnius to reroute and land in Minsk on May 23 and had Protasevich and his girlfriend arrested.

Also on Friday, Belarusian opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya

Chile temporarily halts OxfordAstraZeneca vax for people under 45 S antiago, J un 4 (IANS): Chile has temporarily suspended the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine against Covid-19 for people under 45 years of age, after an “adverse event” was reported in a person immunised with the jab.

In a communique, the Ministry of Health said on Thursday it was notified on June 1 that after receiving the vaccine, the 31-year-old man “presented thrombosis and thrombocytopenia, an event described in international literature as very rare”, reports Xinhua news agency As a result, the Min-

istry decided that the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine should only be administered to people who are 45 years old or above.

The preventive and proactive measure will stay in place while the Public Health Institute (ISP) conducts a causality analysis investigation.

The ISP authorised the emergency use of the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine on January 27, after it was approved by its committee of experts.

To date, Chile has vaccinated 10,928,685 people against Covid, with 8,180,288 having completed both doses.

said that Protasevich, was surely tortured and the international community should not pay heed to such extorted statement.

“All such videos are done under pressure,” Tikhanovskaya said at a press conference in Warsaw on Friday. “(Through using violence) you can make a person say whatever you want.” When a person is in a political prison, the aim is to survive: “We don’t have to pay attention” to such statements, the Belarusian opposition leader said.

Hong Kong, Jun 4 (IANS): Chow Hang Tung, vice-chairwoman of the group responsible for organising a banned candlelit vigil in Hong Kong last year to commemorate the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, was arrested on Friday.

Richard Tsoi, secretary of the Hong Kong Alliance in Support of Patriotic Democratic Movements of China (HKA) told dpa news agency that Chow was arrested at 8 a.m. at Central Police Station. The police announced a ban on Tiananmen commemorations last week, which they said was because of the pandemic.

They said that anyone breaking the ban could face five years in prison, and one additional year for publicizing an event.

Tsoi said that police claimed Chow had breached the public order ordinance.

On Thursday, the force

Chow Hang Tung

said they would deploy 7,000 officers around the city, with 3,000 of them tasked with guarding the city park where commemorative events have previously been held legally for decades.

Taiwan’s ruling Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) on Friday criticised the Hong Kong police’s use of the coronavirus pandemic to ban gatherings to commemorate the victims of the June 4 crackdown in 1989. “The common enemy

of humans is the virus, not democracy,” the DPP said in a statement, adding that the Chinese Communist Party’s distrust of democracy and hatred of people taking action was more worrying than the virus.

On Twitter, Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen posted a message and picture showing dozens of lit candles. “We must come together to stand up for our ideas,” it read.

“The people of Taiwan will never forget all those who, 32 years ago today in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, gave their lives for the cause of freedom & democracy. Every year, we join our friends in Hong Kong & around the world in commemorating their sacrifice,” she posted.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken also issued a statement commemorating the 32nd anniversary of the Tiananmen Square

Tunisia, France sign cooperation agreements Tunis, Jun 4 (IANS): As French Prime Minister Jean Castex wrapped up his visit to Tunisia, the two countries signed several cooperation agreements covering the fields of maritime transport, prevention of natural disasters, seawater desalination, agriculture, commerce and digital technology.

Leading a high-level delegation, the French Prime Minister on Wednesday arrived here on a twoday official visit to attend the third joint High Council of Cooperation, Xinhua news agency reported.

Besides the cooperation agreements, a credit deal of 41 million euros ($49 million) was also inked on Thursday for the acquisition

French Prime Minister Jean Castex, and his Tunisian counterpart Hichem Mechini.

of six new tugs and for the benefit of the Tunisian Office of the Merchant Marine and Ports. It will replace the six old ones acquired in 1980 and 1990.

Another credit agreement worth 40 million euros

was signed to finance a Tunisian program in developing resilience capacities to natural disasters.

A partnership agreement was concluded between the Tunisian National Company for Water Ex-

ploitation and Distribution and French Development Agency, aiming to improve the industrial and environmental performance of two desalination stations with a budget of 202,000 euros.

A letter of intent was also signed to promote the establishment of a digital dialogue between the two countries, in addition to a new administrative arrangement in the agricultural field. As he concluded his visit, Castex tweeted: “Going from speeches to actions, giving life to our common projects, facing the challenges that mobilise our two nations in solidarity and trust: this is the meaning of the High Council for FrancoTunisian Cooperation.”

atrocity. “The United States will continue to stand with the people of China as they demand that their government respect universal human rights. “We honour the sacrifices of those killed 32 years ago, and the brave activists who carry on their efforts today in the face of ongoing government repression,” it added.

In past years, events were held in Hong Kong’s Victoria Park to remember those who died in the massacre in 1989.

Often these featured guest speakers, music and singing, followed by a quiet vigil, with people showing solidarity by holding lit candles while sat on the ground. Last month, activist Joshua Wong, currently imprisoned for last year’s anti-government protests, was sentenced to a further 10 months for participating in the unauthorised assembly to mark the anniversary,

which thousands defied authorities to attend.

Since the new national security law was imposed

by China on the city June 2020, police crackdowns on dissidents have intensified, with most of the opposition either behind bars or in exile.

On Wednesday, the HKA closed down a museum exhibition on the Tiananmen massacre after they were issued a warning about licensing.

On June 4, 1989, the Chinese People’s Liberation Army quashed a peaceful protest on the Tiananmen Square in Beijing, leaving at least a few hundred people dead, and by some estimates, several thousand.

It started as a student protest demanding more rights for Chinese citizens and grew into a giant demonstration that lasted for weeks until authorities broke it up.

World Bank, IMF urge action on Covid vax access Washington, Jun 4 (IANS): The World Bank Group and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) have called on countries anticipating excess Covid19 vaccine supplies in the coming months to release their surplus doses as soon as possible to developing nations.

“The coronavirus pandemic will not end until everyone has access to vaccines, including people in developing countries,” World Bank Group President David Malpass and IMF Managing Director Kristalina Georgieva said in a joint statement to the G7 industrialised countries

on Thursday.

“Worldwide access to vaccines offers the best hope for stopping the coronavirus pandemic, saving lives, and securing a broadbased economic recovery,” Xinhua news agency quoted quosted the statement as saying.

They noted that together with the World Health Organization (WHO) and World Trade Organization (WTO), the World Bank Group and IMF have urged international support for $50 billion of financing aimed at achieving more equitable access to vaccines and thus helping to end the pandemic everywhere.

Over 2mn people in Somalia face food crisis: UN Aus state on alert over new Covid variant U nited Nations, Jun 4 (IANS): Drought and a rain deficit is pushing more than 2.73 million people in Somalia towards the crisis level of acute food insecurity, Uthe UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.

The annual rains of early spring came late in some parts of the country and were mainly below average, Xinhua news agency quoted an OCHA report published on Thursday as saying.

Subsiding in mid-May, the critical Gu crop planting season was significantly affected. “Approximately 2.73 million to 2.83 million

ernment, in consultation with the UN, on April 25 declared a drought.

Moderate to severe drought conditions affected more than 80 per cent of the country.

A few days later, rains started, but only in parts of the country, triggering riverine and flash flooding that affected 400,000 people, of whom 101,300 were displaced, OCHA said.

Humanitarian organisations continue to respond in locations with the highest needs, including disThe Somalian government, in consultation with the UN, on April 25 declared a drought. tributing water and critical sanitation and hygiene people across Somalia are April and September 2021, the country,” the Office material, non-food items, cash and food supplies, the expected to face crisis or reflecting the deteriorating said. worse outcomes between food security situation in The Somalian gov- Office said.

Melbourne, Jun 4 (IANS): Authorities in Victoria on Friday issued an alert as a new Covid-19 variant was detected in the Australian state’s latest outbreak and the source of the strain is still unidentified.

The B.1.6172 coronavirus variant, also known as Delta, has been detected in two members of a family of four in West Melbourne, reports Xinhua news agency.

However, the health authorities are still in search of how the persons were infected with the variant, since other cases were related to the Kappa strain.

“It is a very significant concern,” Victoria Chief Health Officer Brett Sutton

said. “It has not been linked to any sequence cases across Australia from hotel quarantine or anywhere else.”

Sutton told the press on Friday that the Delta variant had very high transmission potential, and there isn’t much information about severity of illness with this variant, although there were some anecdotal reports of greater severity in children.

The family also travelled to Jervis Bay in the neighbouring state of New South Wales (NSW).

Currently Victorian health authorities are working with their counterparts in NSW, Australian Capital Territory and the federal.

“We are examining who is the likely index case in this family, and therefore trying to trace back, where this variant has been picked up,” Sutton said.

In addition, the health authorities are chasing down all those primary close contacts of that family.

“In terms of the ongoing sequencing, we will try to look at all other sequences, re-sequenced to the fullest extent possible across Australia to see if there are any potential linkages to known cases and that includes those who have come through formal quarantine but also anyone else, maritime, airline, diplomatic and otherwise,” Sutton said.

Infotainment

10

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

‘A little bit mind-blowing’: Lisa Kudrow Mysterious protein morphs human DNA into different shapes discusses impact of ‘Friends: The Reunion’

T

he differences between human DNA and mosquito DNA aren’t limited to the arrangement of letters in the genetic code. If you were to slice open a human cell and a mosquito cell and peer into the nucleus of each, you’d see that their chromosomes are folded with a dramatically different type of genetic origami. Now, researchers have figured out how to fold one type of DNA to take the shape of the other — essentially making human DNA coil like a mosquito’s.

“In the human nucleus, the chromosomes are bunched into tidy packages,” Claire Hoencamp, a doctoral candidate in cancer biology at the University of Amsterdam, told Live Science in a video call as she crumpled a sheet of paper. “But in the mosquito nucleus, the chromosomes are folded in the middle.” As she spoke, she folded several sheets of paper in half and arranged them like books on a shelf, with the pages facing outward.

Hoencamp was study-

An illustration of DNA. (Image credit: KTSDESIGN/ SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images)

ing condensin II, a protein involved in cell division.

In one experiment, she destroyed this protein in a human cell to observe its effect on the cell cycle. As if by elaborate choreography, the resulting cell’s chromosomes would refold. But it didn’t refold like the DNA in a human nucleus; instead, it morphed into its best impression of the innards of a mosquito nucleus.

Meanwhile, Olga Dudchenko, a postdoctoral researcher, at the Center for Genome Architecture at Baylor University in Texas, was classifying genomes based on the 3D structures

their chromosomes form.

As co-director of a multiinstitutional project called DNA Zoo, she was seeing some distinct patterns.

“Essentially, we can classify things into two basic architectures,” she said, referencing the tightly coiled and compartmentalized nature of the human genome versus the looser arrangement of the mosquito genome. No matter how many species she examined, chromosomes took on variations of two basic shapes.

Bafflingly, her research suggested that some lineages would use one shape and evolve into the second and

then, in many cases, evolve back. However, she didn’t know what force, if any, was driving these changes.

When presenting their research at a conference in Austria, the two teams realized they were approaching the same problem from different angles. Essentially, Hoencamp had found a protein that folds chromosomes, and Dudchenko had spotted Hoencamp’s experiment happening naturally across evolutionary timescales.

After they decided to collaborate, COVID-19 struck. With laboratory access severed, the collaborators turned to computer simulations to better understand condensin II’s role in nuclear organization.

With help from a lab at Rice University in Houston, they simulated the effects of condensin II on the millions to billions of letters in a genome, confirming what Hoencamp had found in previous experiments.

In a genetic analysis described May 28 in the journal Science, the researchers looked at 24 species and

found that the species with the looser chromosome arrangement had one thing in common: a broken condensin II gene.

Future research will aim to determine what evolutionary advantage, if any, one nucleus structure might have over the other. When the researchers examined gene expression, they found the folding structure of the chromosomes only mildly affected gene expression, or how much of each protein was made by different genes. That finding surprised Hoencamp. Given how little folding affected gene expression, it’s not clear why a species would fold its DNA one way or the other.

However, because both folding methods are found across the evolutionary tree, the subtle effects of each might have big implications.

“Variations in 3D structure seem to be about fine-tuning,” some function inside organisms, Dudchenko said.

However, exactly what is being tweaked remains a mystery.

(Live Science)

C

omedic actor Lisa Kudrow is set to return to television comedy in the second season of ‘Feel Good’, hot on the heels of appearing in ‘Friends: The Reunion’.

The reunion of the classic sitcom ‘Friends’ cast became a hot topic on social media and saw a surge in subscriptions for the show`s platform HBO Max. Kudrow told Reuters via Zoom she found it “a little bit mind-blowing because you don`t really fully get the impact that the show had on people internationally and the personal stories that you would hear about over the years. It`s really nice. I go to sleep now thinking `Ah, I did a good thing`.”

In the series ‘Feel Good’, which is entering its second and final season, Kudrow plays the mother of Mae, a non-binary comedian who is struggling with the demons of her past while trying to keep up a relationship with girlfriend George.

The first series was

critically acclaimed and Mae Martin, who based the series on her own experiences, won two Royal Television Society awards for Best Writer - Comedy and also the Breakthrough Award.

“Once I was sent the script ... I loved it. I loved every episode, I loved what it was about,” said Kudrow.

However, her attachment to the project meant that the ‘Friends’ star would have to travel to the United Kingdom where most of the series was shot during the pandemic.

“I was anxious about it but then forgot it once I was there on their set with the COVID protocols. I

felt perfectly safe,” Kudrow said.

As the show is based on Martin`s own experiences, she suffered from a lot of anxiety leading up to the launch of the first series.

Martin said she`s still a little apprehensive about the second season. “It was all such an unknown with series one. I had no idea how people would feel about it ... last time I was just terrified about my parents watching it but now I know they love it, that`s a huge weight off so yeah I do feel a lot less freaked out.”

“Feel Good” will begin streaming on Netflix on Friday.

(WION)

WhatsApp to soon let you access Obesity may increase risk of long-term complications of Covid account from 4 linked devices

C

W

hatsApp users will be able to access their accounts from up to four linked devices in the coming months, the company’s head Will Cathcart has announced.

According to an interview with WABetaInfo, in the coming months, WhatsApp on iPad might be supported because of the multi device feature.

Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg also confirmed to the website that a disappearing mode is coming to WhatsApp that automatically enables ephemeral messages in new chat threads.

The CEO also mentioned that another feature ‘View Once’ will be rolled out soon, so the recipient

can only open your photos and videos once before they disappear from the chat.

These features are coming for WhatsApp beta users soon, as per the report.

Cathcart just stopped short of confirming reports that WhatsApp has an iPad app in development, saying that multi-device support will make the app on iPad a possibility.

Zuckerberg said the multi-device feature will not compromise the endto-end encryption. Apart from multi-device support, WABetaInfo reported that WhatsApp is working on a new password-protected encrypted chat backups feature, that may allow users to transfer their chat histories between iOS and Android devices.

(IANS)

Hrithik donates Rs 20 lakh to CINTAA

S

uperstar Hrithik Roshan has donated Rs 20 lakh to Cine and TV Artistes’ Association (CINTAA) to help the daily-wage artists who have been hit financially due to the second wave of the coronavirus pandemic.

CINTAA General Secretary Amit Behl said the daily-wage qualified artists working across films, TV and web shows are presently struggling to make a livelihood, owing to COVID-19 -forced lockdown.

Behl said a portion of

the amount will be transferred directly to bank accounts of 2000 artists, while the rest will be used to procure rations kits and organise a vaccination drive.

“About more than 2,000 members will be benefited as money will be transferred to their accounts. Besides, the funds will be utilised towards providing ration kits and also for the vaccine drive,” he told PTI. Behl also revealed that Roshan had made a donation of Rs 25 lakh in 2020 as well.

(PTI)

ovid-19 survivors who have moderate or severe obesity may have a greater risk of experiencing long-term consequences of the disease, compared to the patients who do not have obesity, showed an observational study.

Obesity is known to weaken the immune system and create a chronic inflammatory state. These conditions can lead to poor outcomes after an infection with SARS-CoV-2, which is the virus that causes Covid19, as per the study.

“To our knowledge, this current study for the first time suggests that patients with moderate to severe obesity are at a greater risk of developing long-term complications of

Covid-19 beyond the acute phase,” said Ali Aminian, director of Cleveland Clinic’s Bariatric & Metabolic Institute.

The study, published online in the journal ‘Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism’, showed that compared to patients with normal body mass index (BMI), the risk of hospital admission was 28 per cent and 30 per cent higher in patients with moderate and severe obesity, respectively.

In patients with a BMI of 35 or greater, the need for diagnostic tests to assess cardiac, pulmonary, vascular, renal, gastrointestinal, and mental health problems was significantly higher. compared with normal BMI patients.

CONDOLENCE Utmost respected Mr. Tohevi Awomi, words are inadequate to express my outright sadness and sorrow for the untimely demise of our great leader who was a very committed man with a vibrant endeavour, in whom laid our great hope of delivering positivity to our society, communities and across various section of people in our state, which is a burning need of the hour in our present time.

His sudden departure from the face of the earth is shocking and fills us with anguish of loss and emptiness in this unbearable time of sadness and sorrow. I share with the families the deepest loss of a true comrade; I pray to God to shower his blessing of deliverance and solace to all the bereaved family members and may his soul rest in eternal peace.

S. HUKAVI ZHIMOMI Ex. Parliamentarian DP-2659

“The observations of this study can possibly be explained by the underlying mechanisms at work in patients who have obesity,

such as hyper-inflammation, immune dysfunction, and comorbidities,” said Bartolome Burguera, chair of Cleveland Clinic’s En-

docrinology & Metabolism Institute.

“Those conditions can lead to poor outcomes in the acute phase of Covid-19 in patients with obesity and could possibly lead to an increased risk of long-term complications of Covid-19 in this patient population,” Burguera added.

The team included a total of 2,839 patients who did not require ICU admission and survived the acute phase of Covid-19.

The normal BMI group was considered as a reference.

Obesity is a disease classified as having a BMI of 30 or greater.

(IANS)

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE Words are inadequate to express our sorrow and the emptiness felt at the unbelievable, sudden and untimely departure of Er. Kevisekho Kruse, Chairman of the Rüffüno Nagaland Development Society (RNDS), an initiative of Khonoma Rüffüno Nagaland, from his earthly journey. His selfless and immense contributions for the wholesome development of the people and society on various platforms particularly through RNDS are tremendous and remarkable. These will continue to bear testament to his legacy in the many years to come. His absence will be deeply felt and the vacuum created by his departure will be hard to fill in.

We convey our deepest sympathy and condolences to Kepethapfü Salhoutuonuo and children and all dear and loved ones of our departed Chairman and pray for granting strength and solaces by the Provider of comfort and endurance. May his soul eternally rest in the peace of our Lord Jesus Christ who holds the power of resurrection!

(KEVIPHOTSÜ KHWÜKHA) Secretary, Rüffüno Nagaland Development Society

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Late R. Tantsüla

Late L. Akila

We, the family of Late Asola Born on 28/12/1964, died on 24/05/2021, Late R. Tantsüla born on 15/09/1984, died on 22/05/2021 and Late L. Akila born on 16/08/1969, died on 18/05/2021 would like to express our sincere gratitude to all the well wishers who helped and stood by us during the prolonged illness and demise of our beloved mother and sister.

We are unable to reach and thank each and every individual in person. However, it’s our sincere prayer that God Almighty bless you all immensely.

DP-2654

K Y M C

Loving children, family members and relatives.

DP-2652

Late Asola

K Y M C

WTC final a clash of different styles of captaincy: Brett Lee SYDNEY, JUN 4 (IANS): Virat Kohli’s cricketing brain and Pat Cummins’s bag of tricks with the ball make them the best batsman and bowler in world cricket today, said former Australia speedster Brett Lee on Friday. The former Aussie pacer added that World Test Championship final between India and New Zealand this month will be clash of different styles of captaincy.

“When you look at the recent greats, it is hard to look past ViratKohli. What an incredible record he has got. He is only getting better with age. He has got a great mindset, a great cricket brain as well,” said Lee, who represented Australia in 76 Test matches and 221 Oneday Internationals.

The 44-year-old Aussie said Cummins beats the bat on more occasions than any other bowler.

“Cummins has got a great technique, a wonderful bag of tricks up his sleeve.

And he is the guy I think

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

Virat Kohli and Pat Cummins (File)

that is earmarked to be a future Australian captain, whether or not that happens. To me, he is a guy that challenges the bat more often than most bowlers I see around the world,” said Lee in an interview with the International Cricket Council (ICC).

The former right-arm pacer whose competition over delivery speed with Pakistan’s Shoaib Akhtar dominated headlines in first decade of this century called Kohli Indian team’s biggest influencer. “He is such a dynamic player, such a great influencer for the team,

world-class batter. I think that with his emphasis on how important Test cricket is to him, and his team, and his nation, it is going to weigh in very heavily on him and that will improve his performance,” added Lee who expected Kohli to step up at the WTC final.

“We know Kohli steps up on big occasions. And, as you mentioned, he wants to see his side be the first winners of the ICC World Test Championship. It means a lot to him.”

Lee, who took 310 Test wickets and 380 ODI wickets, called Kane Williamson

and Kohli different from each other in captaincy.

While Kohli is aggressive, Williamson is conservative without being boring, according to him.

“They are different.

Kane is a lot more conservative without being boring.

He has got a great cricket brain. I admire his level of calmness. And that is why I said that he is not a boring captain. He is a conservative captain, but attacks when he needs to. Because he is patient, and it works for him and his team,” said Lee. “Look at the other side of the ledger, and you look at Kohli, he is more of an aggressive captain,” said Lee further. “There is no right or wrong answer to any of these because I have played under captains who are conservative and captains who are too aggressive. But this is going to be a great opportunity to see which one comes out on top because they are different. At the end of the day, they are two amazing cricket brains.”

Pakistan Super League to resume on June 9 ABU DHABI, JUN 4 (IANS): The remaining Pakistan Super League (PSL) matches will be played here from June 9 to 24, following which the Pakistani team will leave for England for the white-ball series on June 25, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has said.

“There will be six double-headers -- five of them during the preliminary round and the sixth on June 21, when Qualifier and Eliminator 1 matches will be played. These matches will start at 1700 UAE time (1800 PKT time, 1830 IST) and 2200 UAE time (2300 PKT time, 2330 IST), respectively, while the singleheaders will begin at 2000 UAE time (2100 PKT time, 2130 IST),” said a PCB statement.

On June 9, fourthplaced Lahore Qalandars will meet third-placed Islamabad United, the 15th match of the tournament.

The Qualifier and Eliminator 1 will be played on June 21 while the Eliminator 2 will played on June 22.

Japan ‘cornered’ into holding Games, says local Olympian TOKYO, JUN 4 (AGENCIES): One of Japan’s sporting heroes and a member of the local Olympic committee said on Friday her nation had been “cornered” into pressing ahead with the 2020 Games despite public opposition during the coronavirus pandemic.

The comments

by Japanese Olympics Committee board member Kaori Yamaguchi, a judo medallist, added to rancour around Japan where the Games were postponed last year but are now due to start on July 23 despite a fourth wave of infections.

Most Japanese oppose hosting the Olympics but some foreign athletes have started arriving and organisers insist the $15 billion global sports showpiece remains on track.

Yamaguchi, who won a bronze medal at the 1988 Seoul Games, accused the International Olympic Committee (IOC), Japan’s government and the Tokyo 2020 organising body of

Kaori Yamaguchi

shunning dialogue and riding roughshod over public opinion. “What will these Olympics be for and for whom? The Games have already lost meaning and are being held just for the sake of them. I believe we have already missed the opportunity to cancel,” she wrote in an opinion piece for Kyodo news agency.

“It would require too much energy to make and follow through with such a decision. We have been cornered into a situation where we cannot even stop now. We are damned if we do, and damned if we do not.”

Foreign spectators are already prohibited from the Olympics and Japanese may also be kept away from what organisers promise will be a sanitised “bubble” event to minimise contagion risk while also bringing cheer to a world battered by COVID19. There is talk of banning cheering, hugging and high-fives.

However, many Japanese fear the events could drain medical resources and spread the virus. Host city Tokyo is under a state of emergency this month and thousands of volunteers have quit.

Rio mayor warns city could cancel Copa America games Wrestler Malik fails dope test, doubtful for Olympics

RIO DE JANEIRO, JUN 4 (AGENCIES): A potential increase in COVID-19 cases in Rio de Janeiro could force the city to abruptly cancel matches in this month’s Copa America, Mayor Eduardo Paes warned on Friday.

An unhappy Paes said he was not consulted about the last-minute decision to host eight Copa games in Rio and said he would not shirk from using his powers to decree matches must be called off if the health situation

deteriorated.

Brazil was unexpectedly named as the host nation on Monday after problems with joint hosts Colombia and Argentina. Colombia was removed amid ongoing civil unrest and Argentina withdrew due to a surge in COVID-19 cases.

Brazil, which is facing its own battle with the pandemic – more people have died in Brazil than in any nation bar the United States – stepped in to save the day

thanks to far-right president, and Paes foe, Jair Bolsonaro.

It will now host 28 games in four cities between June 13 and July 10.

“I don’t even know when the Copa America games are to be played in Rio and if the situation worsens before then and the decree changes, then it changes and that’s that,” Paes told reporters.

“We didn’t ask for the Copa America and if you ask my opinion I think a championship like this is a bit inopportune.”

Paes, however, said that as things stand he would not take any decision to impede the hosting of games in the city. But he warned that strict guidelines already in place would be more rigidly enforced.

NEW DELHI, JUN 4 (IANS): Sumit Malik, India’s Olympic-bound freestyle wrestler in men’s 125 kg, has failed in-competition dope test for stimulants conducted by United World Wrestling (UWW) at World Olympic qualifiers held in Sofia, Bulgaria in May. “Since Malik has tested positive for stimulants, including methylhexanamine,

he wouldn’t face provisional suspension from competitions, but the development could affect his chances to compete at next month’s Olympic Games in Japan,” a source told IANS. As per rules, Malik’s urine sample was divided into A and B. While his A sample tested positive, his B sample would

2nd DEATH ANNIVERSARY of our loving father Lt. Nesahü Tünyi

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Eduardo Paes

be tested next week at the same World Anti-Doping Agency accredited laboratory where the A sample was tested. The heavyweight wrestler, who is based in Delhi, had won an Olympic quota place at the World Olympic qualifiers in Sofia by entering the final of men’s 125 kg freestyle event.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “We will always remember you with euphoria and wonders but not grief.”

DP-2656

K Y M C

21/08/1963

10/05/2021

05-06-2019

K-1012

LT. RONGA KENT 04-04-1952 to 22-05-2021

We, the family members of Lt. Ronga Kent convey our sincere gratitude to each and every individual who stood by us and supported us during our beloved father’s prolonged illness up to his demise on 22nd May 2021.

We are overwhelmed and deeply touched by your comforting presence and unceasing prayers along with the many phone calls, heartfelt messages of condolence and the many expressions of sympathy and kindness.

Though, we are unable to thank each and every one of you individually and words may fall short to express the beauty of God that has been showered upon us when our spirit was at its lowest ebb, it is our prayer that the goodness of the Lord will be upon each and every one of you all.

Loving wife, children, in-laws, grand children and relatives

We, the family of Lt. Imkonglemba (Longjang) wishes to acknowledge the many expressions of sympathy and kindness shown to us following our sad loss.

We offer our heartfelt thanks to our friends, well wishers, neighbours, organisations, near and dear ones and all those who stood by us and shared our grief with physical presence, prayers, materials and financial support. We may not be able to repay and express how grateful and indebted to each and everyone. But god Almighty blessings be upon you always.

Loved Ones K-1009

"In God's care you rest above, in our hearts you rest with love".

"He will wipe away every tear from their eyes and there will be no more death, sadness, crying or pain because all the old ways are gone". - Revelation 21:4 DP-2648

Loving Family

IN PROFOUND GRATITUDE

30.11.1970 – 24.05.2021 In this moment of the darkest chapter of our life, we express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who stood by us at the sudden demise of Late Hotoshe Sheqi on the night of 24.05.2021. He was a father, a son and a brother. We would like to make a few mention of the following individual/organizations who comforted us in different ways, most importantly those who braved the extraordinary pandemic situation to stand by us.

1. Sumi Aphuyemi Baptist Church Kohima.

2. Women Department, SABCK. 3. MTF Kohima SABCK. 4. Pughoboto Town Baptist Church.

5. Doctors and nurses of Oking Hospital Kohima.

6. Pughoboto Adhoc Town Committee.

7. Lazami Welfare Pughoboto Town.

8. Pughoboto Prayer Centre.

9. NCRC Pughoboto Town.

10. NCRC Mishilimi Village.

11. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) Pughoboto Town.

12. Mishilimi Kuqhakulu Kohima.

13. Dr. Sukhato Wotsa.

Words are inadequate to describe the comfort you gave us. We deeply regret our inability to thank everyone individually but it is our sincere prayer that our Almighty God bless you all in immeasurable ways.

He giveth and taketh. His will; not our will.

Loving Wife, Daughters, Parents and Family Members DP-2653 K Y M C

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India go down 0-1 to Asian champs Qatar

DOHA, JUN 4 (IANS): A dominant Qatar beat a 10-man India 1-0 in a FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 and AFC Asian Cup China 2023 preliminary Round 2 qualification match here on Thursday.

Qatar led 1-0 at halftime, Abdel Aziz Hatim making the difference between the two sides, slotting in a 34th minute winner at the Jassim Bin Hamad Stadium.

The win took Qatar to 19 points, seven ahead of Oman who have two matches in hand and will face Felix Sanchez’s side on Monday. India stay on three points from six matches.

Bangladesh and Afghanistan shared the spoils in a 1-1 draw in the other Group E tie on Thursday.

India’s other qualification matches are against Bangladesh on June 7 and Afghanistan on June 15. India are bidding to qualify for the 2023 Asian Cup, though they are out of contention for next year’s World Cup. While Qatar are ranked 58th, India are 105th.

The last time the two

Match in progress between India and Qatar during the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 qualification match.

teams met, in September 2019, India had held the Asian champions to a goalless draw.

Qatar played it amongst themselves right from the kick-off in their effort to find spaces through the Indian midfield.

The Blue Tigers did sniff a counter in the seventh minute when Manvir Singh latched on to a loose ball and laid it off for Bipin Singh on the left flank. But the latter’s

cross found no one.

The first yellow card of the evening was flashed to Rahul Bheke on the eighth minute for a tackle on rival captain Hassal Al Haydos.

Ten minutes later, the impact was larger -- Bheke was given marching orders after receiving his second yellow card of the match for a handball offence. The resultant vicious curler from Haydos was punched away

by Gurpreet.

Billionaire Eliasch elected to lead world ski federation

GENEVA, JUN 4 (AP): Bilelected. lionaire businessman Johan Eliasch is just the fifth Eliasch was elected presiFIS president in its 97-year dent of the International Ski history. He succeeds Gian Federation on Friday.

Franco Kasper, who held the Eliasch, the long-time office since 1998 and leaves CEO of ski and tennis brand one year early.

Head, garnered a majority The next FIS election is 65 of the 119 votes from nascheduled next year. tional ski federations in the Eliasch beat Swiss forfirst round of polling. mer world downhill chamThe London-based pion Urs Lehmann, former Swede, one of four candiFIS secretary general Sarah Johan Eliasch dates, had pledged during Lewis of Britain and FIS his campaign to leave his Head role if vice president Mats Arjes of Sweden.

French Open Anastasia enters pre-quarters PARIS, JUN 4 (IANS): World No.32 Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova of Russia on Friday upset No.3 seed Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka 6-4, 2-6, 6-0 to reach the prequarterfinals of the French Open for the second time.

Aryna was the highest-ranked seed remaining in the tournament following the withdrawal of Japan’s Naomi Osaka and the retirement of world No.1 Ashleigh Barty.

After Aryna’s loss, Americans No.4 seed Sofia Kenin and No.7 Serena Williams are the only top 10 player remaining in the bottom half of the draw.

Anastasia will meet 15th seed Belarusian Victoria Azarenka, who beat Madion Keys of the USA 6-2, 6-2 in the pre-quarterfinals. No.21 seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan and unseeded 23-year-old Slovenian Tamara Zidansek too secured places in in the pre-quarterfinals for the first time, albeit in contrasting fashion.

Elena will meet the winner of the third-round match between Serena Williams and Danielle Collins while Tamara will clash with the winner of the match between Romanian Sorana Cirstea and Daria Kasatkina of Russia in Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova pre-quarterfinals.

Azarenka into 4th round for first time in 8 yrs

Former world numone Victoria Azarenka reached t h e fourth round of the Fre nc h Open for the first Victoria Azarenka time since 2013 with a 6-2 6-2 victory against American Madison Keys on Friday.

The Belarusian, who reached a career-best semi-final at Roland Garros eight years ago, was a doubt for the claycourt Grand Slam after withdrawing from the Madrid Open last month with back pain, but she has been solid so far.

Azarenka broke for 3-2 on her third opportunity as Keys hit a backhand long and a passing shot winner earned her another break before she bagged the opening set on serve.

She stole her opponent’s serve twice again in the second set, keeping Keys on the back foot throughout.

With the top three seeds out after Ash Barty retired injured, Naomi Osaka withdrew and Aryna Sabalenka lost on Friday, the women’s draw is now wide open.

Azarenka next faces Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova who sent packing third seed Sabalenka of Belarus earlier. ber

Defending champion Swiatek advances to 3rd round On a day when w o m e n’s section of French O p e n tennis was highlighted by pullout of Ashleigh Barty, defending champion Iga Swiatek and fourth-seeded Sofia Kenin resumed normal course by winIga Swiatek ning their second round matches to cruise into third round at French Open.

Swiatek dispatched Rebecca Peterson of Sweden, 6-1, 6-1 in one hour and one minute to progress while Kenin beat American compatriot Hailey Baptiste 7-5, 6-3. Poland’s Swiatek was emphatic in her win over her Swedish rival, winning 80 percent of her first service points, getting 15 break-points and ending up winning six of those.

She also won 30 of the receiving points. Swiatek will face 30th seed Anett Kontaveit of Estonia in her next round.

Kenin, on the other hand, was stretched by the world No. 203 Baptiste in the first set. The two went neck and neck at 5-5 before Kenin broke at love.

She won eight straight points to wrap up the first set and then opened a 4-0 lead in the second set before wrapping up the match.

With India down to 10 men, Qatar’s domination increased. However, India had their first real chance in the 29th minute when Ashique Kuruniyan managed to slip past his marker and essayed it behind the defensive line for an onrushing Manvir.

But the striker’s touch let him down from what was a clear chance.

Five minutes later, Qatar surged into the lead. Abdelkarim found Almoez Ali

Player arrested for match-fixing at 2020 French Open PARIS, JUN 4 (AP): A tennis player suspected of match-fixing last year has been arrested during the French Open, the Paris prosecutor’s office said Friday.

According to French newspaper Le Parisien, which first reported the story, the player is 765thranked Yana Sizikova of Russia. The prosecutor’s office confirmed to The Associated Press that a “women’s international player” was in custody, but it did not identify her.

The player was arrested Thursday night on charges of “sports bribery and organized fraud for acts likely to have been committed in September 2020,” the prosecutor’s office said.

An investigation was opened last October by a French police unit specializing in betting fraud and match-fixing. It has previously worked with Belgian authorities investigating suspect matches at the lower levels of professional tennis.

The French tennis federation said it could not provide further information because the investigation is ongoing.

The International Tennis Integrity Agency, which investigates match-fixing in the sport, declined to comment on the details of the case but said in a message to the AP that “there has been ongoing liaison between the ITIA and law enforcement in France.”

inside the box, who turned and laid it off for Abdel Aziz. The jungle of legs didn’t allow the latter to have a clear shot on goal, but he being allowed the luxury of that that extra split second, Abdel Aziz managed to send it past Gurpreet.

However, Gurpreet had a good match. His physical presence, those big hands, reflexes and attitude as he fisted, punched, and even used his legs to maximum effect to thwart Qatar.

In the 68th minute, Lalengmawia ‘Apuia’ Ralte replaced debutant Glan Martins, and then in the 75th minute Akash Misra came in for Bipin Singh.

Coach Stimac introduced a double substitution in the 84th minute, Abdul Sahal coming in for Ashique and Liston Colaco replacing Suresh.

Qatar had their best chance of the second half with about four minutes of regulation time left on the clock, when substitute Abdullah Alahraq rifled a longranger onto the near post.

However, the ball ricocheted and went out of play.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur SATURDAY, JUNE 5, 2021

Reigning NBA champions Los Angeles Lakers lose in play-offs LOS ANGELES, JUN 4 (AGENCIES): Reigning NBA champions, the Los Angeles Lakers have suffered a shock first round play-offs defeat to the Phoenix Suns.

Devin Booker scored 47 points for the Suns as they sealed a 4-2 series win.

LeBron James scored 29 points for the Lakers, who are the first defending champions to lose at this stage since the San Antonio Spurs in 2015.

The result also marks the first time that James has lost in the first round of the play-offs.

The Suns will now face the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semifinals after they clinched a 4-2 series win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

Nikola Jokic scored 36 points for the Nuggets, whose 126-115 victory condemned Blazers to a fourth first-round defeat in five seasons.

Having won his previous 14 first-round play-off series James found himself

Phoenix Suns forward Mikal Bridges (25) and Cameron Johnson (23) celebrate after winning 113-100 over Lakers. (AP)

attempting to avoid elimination from the first round for only the second time.

The Lakers knocked out the Suns the last time Phoenix reached the playoffs in 2010 but they were on the back foot from the moment Anthony Davis hobbled off with a reoccurrence of a groin injury.

Davis’ withdrawal after

just over five minutes to the problem that saw him leave game four and kept him out of game five, allowed the Suns to take control at the Staples Centre.

And Booker came to the fore with 22 points in the opening period as the Suns went 36-14 ahead before going on to a comfortable 113-100 victory.

England recover to post 111/2, replying to NZ’s 378 LONDON, JUN 4 (IANS): Opener Rory Burns (59 batting) and captain Joe Root (42 batting) came to England’s rescue after they were reduced to 18 for two wickets inside seven overs, replying to New Zealand’s 378 all out, on the second day of the first Test here on Thursday.

England finished the day at 111 for two wickets, and now trail by 267 runs.

If England have somewhat recovered from the jolts dealt by New Zealand speedsters Kyle Jamieson and Tim Southee, credit is due to Burns (134 balls, 8x4s) and Root (112 balls, 5x4s), who have so far added 93 runs for the third wicket at Lord’s.

Jamieson struck the first blow when he dismissed Dominic Sibley for nought, when England had scored just four. The batsman faced

England’s Rory Burns and Joe Root leave the pitch on the second day of the Test against New Zealand. (AP)

just seven balls. Three overs later, Southee got rid of Zak Crawley, who managed just two. After that, Burns and Root joined hands and prevented any further blows until stumps.

Earlier, debutant Devon Conway batted for almost nine-and-half hours to score a superb 200 (347 balls, 22x4s, 1x6) to help New Zealand to 378 in their first innings after winning

the toss. Conway is only the seventh batsman -- and only the second opener -- to score a double century on debut, and the first one to score a double hundred on debut in England. His 200 is also the highest Test scored on debut at Lord’s.

Conway, who opened the innings, was the last man to be out -- ironically he was run out, following a rather needless attempt to

steal a second run while batting with pacer Neil Wagner. Conway and Wagner, who scored a vital 25, were involved in an important 40-run partnership for the 10th wicket.

New Zealand owe everything to Conway, otherwise there was not much to talk about in their first innings. The next highest individual score after Conway’s 200 was 61, by Henry Nicholls (175 balls, 4x4s). However, both were involved a crucial 174-run fourth-wicket partnership, which saved New Zealand much embarrassment.

Brief scores (Day 2 stumps): New Zealand: 378 all out (Devon Conway 200, Henry Nicholls 61, Neil Wagner 25, Ollie Robinson 4/75, Mark Wood 3/81) England: 111/2 wkts (Rory Burns batting 59, Joe Root batting 42)

Olympic champion McNeal banned for 5 years WASHINGTON, JUN 4 (AGENCIES): American Olympic 100 metres hurdles champion Brianna McNeal has been banned for five years for an anti-doping rule violation (ADRV), the Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU) said on Friday, with her participation in the Tokyo Games in doubt until her appeal is heard.

McNeal, who had been charged and provisionally suspended for “tampering within the results management process” in January, was sanctioned by a Disciplinary Tribunal as it was her second viola-

tion of World Athletics’ anti-doping rules.

The ban is effective from Aug. 15, 2020. The AIU said McNeal has appealed against the decision to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), with the case set to be heard before the July 23-Aug. 8 Tokyo Olympics.

The AIU added that CAS had granted McNeal “provisional relief and temporarily stayed” the tribunal’s decision so she can compete until the end of the U.S. Olympic trials on June 27. The AIU did not elaborate on its decision for

“confidentiality reasons”.

McNeal, who won gold at the 2016 Rio Olympics and was world champion in 2013, had denied testing positive for any banned substance.

The 29-year-old led a U.S. clean sweep of the 100m hurdles podium at the 2016 Olympics but was banned for a year when she missed three out-of-competition drug tests, which constitutes an ADRV. Her ban, which was applied for the 2017 season, resulted in her missing the World Championships that year.

Brianna McNeal

Perez fastest in practice for Azerbaijan GP, Mercedes slow BAKU (Azerbaijan), JUN 4 (AP): Red Bull dominated both practice sessions for the Azerbaijan Grand Prix on Friday with Sergio Perez setting the fastest time of the day and title rival Mercedes far off the pace.

Perez set a time of 1 minute, 42.115 seconds in second practice to lead teammate Max Verstappen by .101. Verstappen had been fastest in the first session.

Mercedes could only manage 11th for defending champion Lewis Hamilton — more than a second off the pace — and 16th for Valtteri Bottas.

Red Bull’s speed could add to a dispute with Mercedes about what Hamilton has called “bendy” rear wings on the cars. The wings are believed to flex

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez of Mexico steers his car during the first free practice at the Baku Formula One city circuit, in Baku, Azerbaijan, June 4. (AP)

into a flatter profile at high on the long straight at the have been announced by speed, potentially reducing Baku street circuit. governing body FIA but drag and increasing pace New tests for the wings only take effect for the next

race in France.

Friday was also a triumph for Ferrari, which was the only team with comparable pace to Red Bull. Carlos Sainz was third, .128 seconds slower than Perez, and Charles Leclerc was fourth after losing his front wing when he locked up a wheel and slid into the barrier.

Ferrari had good pace on another street circuit in Monaco as Leclerc took pole but then couldn’t start the race because of car damage. Leclerc had predicted the long straight in Azerbaijan would work against his team though.

Running time in the second session was limited and fragmented because of Leclerc’s issues and a red flag when Nicholas Latifi came to a halt in his Williams with engine trouble.

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