7 june 2023

Nagaland Post

Collapse of major dam in southern Ukraine triggers emergency

Manipur simmers as violence continues

BSF jawan killed, 2 AR personnel injured in firing

Correspondent/Agencies

IMPHAL, JUN 6: A Border Security Force (BSF) jawan was killed on Monday night while two Assam Rifles personnel sustained gunshot wounds in Manipur’s Serou in separate firing incidents between security forces and a group of insurgents on the intervening night of June 5-6, Army officials said. The deceased BSF jawan was identified as Ranjit Yadav (36), a resident of Sugiapara Kankinara of West Bengal’s Pargana district.

“One BSF jawan sustained fatal injuries while two Assam Rifles personnel sustained gunshot wounds in general area Serou,” the Spear Corps of the Indian

HC grants prearrest bail to 12 more NC members

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): Gauhati High Court Kohima Bench on Tuesday granted pre-arrest bail to 12 more members of the Naga Club in connection with the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) office vandalisation case.

In an interim order after hearing batch of anticipatory bail applications, a single-bench judge of Justice Kakheto Sema granted pre-arrest bail subject to certain conditions.

He ruled that the applicants would have to appear before the OC, North Police Station, Kohima or the investigating officer of the case within a period of five days, they would be released on executing a bail bond of Rs 20,000 with one surety of the like amount in the event of their arrest by the police, they should appear before the OC, North Police Station, Kohima or Investigating Officer as and when summoned, should not indulge in similar or same offence with which they had been charged and should cooperate with the police in the investigation of the case.

The judge warned that violation of any of the conditions would lead to automatic cancellation of the interim bail. He listed the case on June 15, 2023.

It may be recalled that the High Court on Monday granted absolute pre-arrest bail to six persons (Naga Club functionaries) with certain conditions.

Army said in a statement.

The officials added that the injured Assam Rifles personnel have been air evacuated to Mantripukhri.

According to reports, the BSF personnel was reportedly shot by a sniper rifle when he was outside his bunker around 4 a.m.

Manipur chief minister N Biren Singh led others in paying floral tributes to the deceased jawan before the body was sent to his native village.

“My humble tributes to

Ct/GD Ranjit Yadav, ex-163

Bn, BSF who laid down his life during an exchange of gunfire at Serou, Kakching District on 6th June 2023.

May his soul rest in peace,” chief minister N Biren Singh wrote in his Facebook post.

In another incident, two Assam Rifles troopers were injured after the militants laid an ambush on a combined force of state police commandos, BSF and Assam Rifles in the morning.

The combined force

retaliated and engaged in a fierce gunfight for several hours with the militants

“Extensive area domination operations by Assam Rifles, BSF and Police undertaken in areas of Sugnu/ Serou in Manipur. Intermittent firing between Security Forces and group of insurgents took place throughout night of June 5-6, Security Forces effectively retaliated to the fire,” officials stated.

Following violent ethnic clashes in Manipur, the Indian Army along with Assam Rifles, CAPF (Central Armed Police Forces) and police started extensive area domination operations in the hills and valley area across the state.

The operations, conducted under the surveillance cover of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles and Quadcopters, have so far resulted in the recovery of 40 weapons, mortars, ammunition and other warlike stores.

2 Naga youth attacked for selling non-veg in Guj

AHMEDABAD, JUN 6 (AGENCIES): In what appears to be a hate crime against two men from Nagaland, some 10 men attacked them “for selling nonvegetarian and northeastern food” in Chanakyapuri area of the city on Sunday night, Times of India report stated.

Rovimezo Kehie (33) a resident of Chandlodia who is from Kohima, in his FIR with Sola police said that he and his friend, Mapuyanger Jamir, work at a shop and eatery called One Stop Northeast in Chanakyapuri in Ahmedabad. “At about 8 p.m. on Sunday, when I was at my friend’s house in Chanakyapuri, my em -

ployer Hiren Patel called me and said that some men were fighting with Jamir.

I rushed to the shop and saw the men fighting with Jamir. They then threatened us, asking us why we were selling northeastern food in Chanakyapuri,” Kehie said.

Kehie said some of the men hit him and Jamir with baseball bats. When a customer intervened, one of them attacked the customer too, Kehie stated in the FIR.

Kehie told TOI, “There were about ten men who attacked us. They kept saying how could we sell nonvegetarian food items and northeastern food in a place like Gujarat which is domi-

Rainfall likely over NE during next 5 days

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted that light/ moderate scattered to fairly widespread rainfall with thunderstorm/lightning was very likely over the North East region during next five days.

In its daily bulletin, India Meteorological Department informed that isolated heavy rainfall was very likely over Manipur and Mizoram on June 7 and Arunachal Pradesh, Assam and Meghalaya on June 10. Day temperature is very likely to be above normal by 4-6°Cover the region.

Meanwhile, Skymet Weather stated that a Cyclonic Circulation over the Bay of Bengal was expected to cause some rainfall over Northeast. Good rains are likely over Northeast India during the next few days, it stated.

Rio inaugurates Nagaland Commissions’ complex at Kohima

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN):

Nagaland chief minister Neiphiu Rio inaugurated the Nagaland Commissions’ complex at Kohima on Tuesday.

Speaking on the occasion, Rio expressed satisfaction at the quality of building construction and assured that the State government would provide necessary resources for completion of the complex. He hoped that the entire complex would be completed within a year. He also called upon the gathering to maintain a clean and hygienic environment.

Rio said the objective of the Nagaland Information Commission was to promote transparency and accountability, and contain corruption. The chief minister lamented that the Naga society was educated but not mature enough and refined.

He said there were many apprehensions and doubts among the public for which he asked the commission to sincerely carry out its assigned duties.

In his opening remarks, chief information commissioner I Meyionen Jamir remarked that although the complex was not complete, it was inaugurated due to the urgent need for office space by the commissions.

He said the complex was initially meant for the Nagaland Information Commis-

sion, but subsequently the State government decided to house other commissions under one roof. He disclosed that the complex would be occupied in a phased manner upon completion.

Highlighting the various functions of the Nagaland Information Commission, Jamir said the commission had one chief information commissioner, two State information commissioners and one secretary.

CWS halts Cl-XI admission process at 2 GHSSs in Tuensang

nated by Hindus.”

Kehie said they sell exotic vegetables from the Northeast, such as exotic beans, mustard leaves, metsunga leaves, soar leaves and bitter leaves, along with nonvegetarian food items such as chicken, pork, Korean noodles, wai wai, rasma and a northeastern rice variety.

The men threatened to kill Kehie and Jamir if they ever sold non-vegetarian and northeastern food in the city.

Kehie suffered a wound to his head and Jamir was also injured by the baseball bats. Their employer rushed there and took them to Sola Civil Hospital. Kehie got four stitches on his head.

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): Chang Students’ Conference (CWS) on Tuesday put a halt to the admission process for Class 11 in those two schools, pointing out that the only two government higher secondary schools (GHSSs) in Tuensang were not in a state to accommodate all the qualified Class X students due to lack of classrooms and shortage of teachers In a memorandum to the principal director, school education through DC Tuensang, CWS president C. Pongsu and general secretary Sanglekhamba stated that the total number of students who filled up the

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN):

admission forms this year (2023) in those two schools were 687 fresh candidates and 93 repeaters. Out of the total, CWS said that only 370 students would be accommodated as per the intake capacity of the school.

Taking note of the condition, CWS said it wrote a letter to principal director school education in support of upgradation of GHS Hakushang to GHSS, which was approved at the District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meeting held on March 16, 2023. However, CWS said that no positive response had been received so far.

Therefore, in light of

the above, the conference said it had put a halt to admission process for class XI in those two schools from June 6, 2023 until the department provide an alternative arrangement to accommodate those students who filled up the admission form.

CWS stated that people of Tuensang undergo difficulties every year for the new admission of class 11 students.

Pointing out that in 2022 there were around 180 students, who could not get admission, the conference said that it had to hurriedly construct one class room at GHSS Thangjam from its fund. It said one new class

section was created and 100 students, who were left helplessly without getting admission, were accommodated and the remaining 80 students were accommodated at GHSS Tuensang, which increased the enrolment of 150 students in one classroom.

CWS also said it had along with school authorities and the community highlighted the issue and appraised the department of the need to deploy teaching staff and open more GHSS in Tuensang. However, it said there was no positive response and intervention from department so far.

2-lane Chakabama to Zunheboto road under construction: Gadkari

NEW DELHI, JUN 6

(IANS): Supreme Court has said that the power of summoning a person as accused during the trial should not be mechanically exercised by a court.

A bench of Justices

Dipankar Datta and Pankaj

Mithal said: “The court holding a trial, if it intends to exercise power conferred by Section 319, CrPC, must not act mechanically merely on the ground that some evidence has come on record implicating the person sought to be summoned.”

The bench said that court’s satisfaction preced-

ing the order thereunder must be more than prima facie as formed at the stage of a charge being framed and short of satisfaction to an extent that the evidence, if unrebutted, would lead to conviction.

“What is essential for exercise of the power under Section 319, Cr PC is that the evidence on record must show the involvement of a person in the commission of a crime and that the said person, who has not been arraigned as an accused, should face trial together with the accused already arraigned,” it said.

The bench said Section 319, CrPC, which envisages a discretionary power, empowers the court holding a trial to proceed against any person not shown or mentioned as an accused if it appears from the evidence that such person has committed a crime for which he ought to be tried together with the accused who is facing trial.

“Such power can be exercised by the court qua a person who is not named in the FIR, or named in the FIR but not shown as an accused in the charge-sheet,” said the bench.

(Cont’d

As directed by the central ministry to fully implement Aadhaar enabled Public Distribution System (AePDS) at the Fair Price Shop (FPS) level with immediate effect, Food and Civil Supplies (F&CS) department has directed all FPSs in the state to update software/application of ePoS Device(s) immediately.

In a notification, F&CS director Chubawati Chang has directed that all the FPSs in the state to ensure 100% ePoS transaction. According to F&CS department, the ministry has informed that

PHE deptt assists DVC in disposing off garbage

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN):

While the response from police was prompt in preventing three wheelers from parking at the No Parking Zone at 2 ½ mile along the NH 29 near the airport , as published in Nagaland Post, it has taken several

months to dispose off garbage dumped by the roadside at the same location.

The garbage was collected and disposed off by PHE department in collaboration with Darogapathar village Council and the shopkeepers Monday as part of observation of World Environment Day on June

5. This was disclosed to Nagaland Post by Head GB Darogapathar Yashimeren Ao.

The GB lamented that the Airports Authority had not responded to plea for assistance for maintaining clean environment in the area. After Monday’s cleanliness drive, the village has decided to impose Rs.5000

fine against those throwing garbage at public places.

The GB also expressed gratitude to PHED for assistance to the village and also expressed the hope that if civic body and public took initiatives for cleanliness within their jurisdiction, then Dimapur will become a cleaner city.

NEW DELHI, JUN 6 (NPN): Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari on Tuesday said that the Centre is constructing a 25-km twolane highway project in Nagaland to improve connectivity with neighbouring states.

“We are currently undertaking the development of a 25 km two-lane highway with hard shoulders, spanning from Chakabama to Zunheboto, as part of package-3,” Gadkari said.

In a series of tweets, the minister informed that the main aim of this project is to bolster connectivity with

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN):

Myanmar-based NSCN (K) Naga Army comprising of GHQ Brigade (II), Tangshang area, Brigade (III), Konyak Region, Wancho Region, Leinong Region have “unanimously” declared not to work under the leadership of Yung Aung starting June 6, 2023.

In a press release, Naga Army “maj. Gen.” Langnyei Konyak stated that they have also declared to defend “our side of the land from the enemy trespassers.”

Alleging that Yung Aung changed the logo of the NSCN/GPRN after his “succession” and adopted a new logo with a new nomen-

neighboring states in the northeast region, offering efficient, sustainable, and economical transportation options for all commuters.

“Under the leadership

clature, “maj. Gen.” Langnyei Konyak said they have also decided to staring using the original logo and stamp that the Naga Army adopted in 1980. “We shall walk in the footsteps of our most respected Late. Baba S.S Khaplang and his undying principles and values,” “maj. Gen.” Langnyei informed.

Accusing Yung Aung of turning a deaf ear to the cry of the people and the civil society organisations (CSOs) for a long time, “maj. Gen.” Langnyei said that on March 25, 2023 the Naga Army had sent information to all the brigades and units to report to the GHQ on April 5, 2023 for a meeting. However, he

of the Prime Minister we are committed to delivering toptier highway infrastructure in the northeast region, thereby catalyzing its economic progress,” Gadkari said.

said that NSCN (K) led by president Yung Aung conspired against the meeting of the Naga Army and declared the peaceful meeting as “rising against his rule.”

According to “maj. Gen.” Langnyei, the meeting was only meant to discuss the welfare and progress of the Naga Army and the people. He said the meeting was held as scheduled, which it did go well with Yung Aung. Langnyei said Yung Aung then started sending his forces to attack the GHQ since April 3, 2023 and declared “war against all the nation workers who attended the meeting.”

Rio with senior officials after inaugurating the complex. (DIPR)

Photos of Dimapur Airport road stretch 2 ½ mile before and after it was cleaned. (R) A sign put up by DVC against garbage disposal. (NP)

N Biren Singh and others carry mortal remains of BSF jawan in Imphal on Tuesday.

ISTM team visit Rüsoma village

Correspondent KOHIMA, JUN 6 (NPN):

A team of 29 members from Institute of Secretariat Training and Management (ISTM), department of Personnel and Training, Government of India, took a tour at Rüsoma village under R.D. Block Chiephobozou on Tuesday.

The team led by joint director, ISTM, Deepak Kumar, as the team leader undertook field visit to various landmarks and also took a village tour to some of the projects undertaken through different government schemes. A short reception was held at Rüsoma village council hall during which the visiting delegates were felicitated with locally produced traditional items by the Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM).

Highlighting various departmental activities under the Rural Department, Block Development Officer (BDO), Seyiekhrielie Rio

Kiphire DPDB holds meeting

Correspondent

KIPHIRE, JUN 6 (NPN):

The monthly meeting of District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) of Kiphire was held at DC’s conference Hall Kiphire on June 6.

The meeting was chaired by DC and vice chairman, DPDB Kiphire, John Tsulise Sangtam and attended by advisor, Fire & Emergency Service and Home Guards & Civil Defense, Kiusumew Yimchunger.

At the meeting, agenda such as proposal for establishment of GPS at Ighoto village, proposals for renovation of SDEO office building Seyochung, construction of CDPO office at Kiphire, registration of new society, etc were approved for onward forwarding to the government.

Earlier, the board also felicitated the toppers of the HSLC examination 2023 from Kiphire district- Thsatangba Sangtam secured the top 6 and Tekamoli Yimchunger secured top 18.

Phom Day celebrated in Dimapur, Kohima

village leaders. (NP)

said unlike other states in the country which follows the Panchayati Raj, Nagaland follows the Nagaland Village and Area Councils Act 1978 which was a unique way of implementing rural local bodies.

Rio disclosed that around 80% of developmental works in the village were covered under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) such as agri link roads.

Rio pointed out that although the country was making tremendous progress through initiatives like Digital India under PM Narendra Modi, some places like the host village Rüsoma were still in need of better connectivity in the form of Digital Payment System.

He pointed out that in order to let Direct Benefit Transfer systems be more effective, there was a need for better digital infrastructure.

BDO also pointed out that 80 to 90 percent of Naga

villages were on hilltops and therefore in order to develop the fields which were in the foothills there was need to focus on road infrastructure. In this regard, Rio

urged the visiting guests to convey the challenges faced by the people to the ministry. Team leader of the visiting delegates and joint director, ISTM, Deepak Kumar, in a short speech, highlighted on the need to have a close interaction between the people here and the mainland India. He disclosed that in the past few days of their visit they had gained many first hand experience on the people, the culture and traditions. He expressed optimism that with the same dedication and hard work,

In RemembRance of ouR beloved abao

Nagaland had the potential to become a hotspot for both domestic and foreign tourists. Block programme manager BBMU Chiephobozou, Neikesanuo Ziephrü, gave a brief report on the status of the VLOs and SHGs under the RD Block Chiephobozou and also at Rüsoma village. Earlier, the reception was chaired by VDB member, Vikuo Pfukha while invocation was pronounced by Rüsoma Baptist Church pastor, Thepfulie Mezhier.

DIMAPUR: Members of Phom Community residing in Dimapur and Kohima celebrated the 71st Phom Day also known as Peace day on June 6. Dimapur Phom Union (DPU) celebrated the day at Dimapur Phom Baptist Attoi. The programme with an invocation by pastor EDPBA, Bauloi and special prayer by pastor SPBA, Rev. B. Mane Noklang.

The significance of Phom day was shared by

Longtok Phom Rtd GM, Industry and Word of God was shared by Missionary at Large, Rev. L. Among Phom. Phom Union Ko-

hima (PUK) observed the day at Kohima Phom Baptist Church, where former parliamentary secretary, P. Dako Phom delivered the keynote address and prayer of blessing by pastor, KPBC.

On the occasion, PUK also felicitated Lungshen C Ailly, who secured Top 18 in HSLC examination 2023 from Don Bosco HSS, Kohima with a certificate and cash prize.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Late Imkongtemsu Changkiri on his first death anniversary mkc-

Born on 18th July 1974

Died on 01st June 2023

Through this column, we the bereaved family members of Late Kegwaseng N Rengma express our immense gratitude to all who stood by us extending your comfort, prayer, physical presence, financial and material support during the unfortunate demise on 01/06/2023.

We sincerely convey our special thanks to:

1. Tseminyu Town Baptist Church

2. All Nagaland Govt. Primary Teacher Association Tseminyu

3. G.P.S Ziphenyu

4. SSA Tseminyu

5. SBI Staff Main Branch Mon

6. Tseminyu Town Welfare Board Ward No 2

7. TTBC Cell Group No 9

8. Neighbours, Relatives, Friends & Well Wishers

We deeply regret our inability to mention each & every individual, but we pray that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly. Loving Family Members

k-1329/23

Died on 07/06/2022

"Say not in grief 'he is no more' but in thankfulness that he was. "

Loving Children, In-Laws, Grandchildren and Family Members.

Remembering Mom on her First Death Anniversary

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Mrs Jungshila Sangtam

Mom, today we commemorate your life and celebrate the memories of your greatest achievements.

We are so thankful to have you as our Mom.

Till memories fail and life departs, you will forever be in our hearts. For, we know we will be with you again.

Continue to Rest In Peace.

Db-749/23

2nd Death anniversary In memory of our dear father Lt. Hekishe Achumi, awotsakili village

We the family, wife, children, in-laws and grandchildren remembers Late Hekishe Achumi on his 2nd Death Anniversary. It’s been two years you left us but each day we inhabit the memories you have preciously gifted us. To us, you are still the love we hope to live out. How we wish we could tell you how people who knew you still talk about the gentle lifetime you had. The language of your life was love and yet you didn’t take it away with you but left it all with us. Even if time and death has separated us, your echo in our joy, our learnings and our courage. Whenever our lives goes dim, you are always here whispering strength into our lives. Death stole you away from us but death can never steal the relationship of you being our father. Thank you for being such a wonderful father. We love you so much until and for eternity.

Loving Family Members.

DP-2588/23

Lt. B. Ngoila Phom

Born on 13th September 1977

Died on 7 June 2022

One year has passed since you left our side, Leaving behind a chasm in our lives, A void that cannot be filled or mended, A loss that forever lingers, never wanes. Your two sons, strong and resilient, Carry the legacy you left behind, Bound by the threads of blood and love, United, even in this time of grief.

And your daughter, gentle and compassionate, Walks a path you paved, a path of grace, Embracing the lessons you once imparted, A reflection of your spirit, shining bright.

And there, amidst the heartache and pain, Stands your husband, now widowed and worn, A pillar of strength, carrying the weight, His love for you unyielding, never to fade.

On this first anniversary of your departure, We offer our tears, mingled with love, May your spirit find solace and peace, As we honor you, dear mother, dear friend.

Rest now, in eternal serenity, Knowing your love remains eternally, We shall carry you in our hearts with pride, Until we meet again, on the other side.

Your Loving Husband, Children, Parents, Siblings and Family Members Db-746/23

ISTM team with BDO, NSRLM team and Rüsoma

P. Dako Phom

#BeatPlasticPollution: More report on World Environment Day

DIMAPUR: Nagaland joined the world in celebrating “World Environment Day (WED) 2023” under the global campaign #BeatPlasticPollution, “Ecosystem Restoration”. The day was celebrated by various government departments, Civil Society Organisations (CSOs), educational institutions, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), political parties and others by organising plantation drives, social works and awareness programmes on solutions to plastic pollution.

SAYO, SASU CLEANLINESS DRIVE

SAYO, SASU: Southern Angami Youth Organization (SAYO) and Southern Angami Students’ Union (SASU) jointly observed the day at Dziikou valley under the theme” Ura Uvie, Ura Ukhrie.” A cleanliness drive was carried out at Dziikou valley and its vicinity to bring awareness and exhibit the love and care for God gifted Dziikou valley, said SAYO president Metekhrielie Mejura.

Medical department

Phek: Health and Family Welfare Department Phek

celebrated WED 2023 in all Health Units across the district. To mark the day, a programme was held at Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Office Phek which followed by pledge reading. Harmful effects of plastic, significance of WED and importance of planting more trees were highlighted.

GMS Chendang: Department of Environmental Science and the Department of Zoology, Sao Chang College (SCC) Tuensang celebrated the WED 2023 at Government Middle School Chendang Village Tuensang. The event was marked by conducting seminar on solution to plastic pollution under the theme, “Solution to Plastic Pollution”.

ICFAI: In commemoration of WED 2023, ICFAI University Nagaland green club in collaboration with Sovima Village Council organized plantation drive wherein members from all sections including faculty and staff took part in the drive.

SBC New Showuba: Sumi Baptist Church (SBC) New Showuba carried out plantation drive by planting 40 tree saplings.

BMS Jotsoma: Baptist Mission School, Jotsoma classes 9 and 10 students along with some teachers carried out plantation drive with Puliebadze Club, Jotsoma in and around Jotsoma. A pledge to make the school

Q.: Is the state govt taking serious note of the problem of power shortage? A

NEXT POLL

Q: Does the state have basic infrastructure to convince outside investors?

ZHALEO LEADS PLANTATION DRIVE

PHED DIMAPUR SOCIAL WORK

campus a “Plastic free zone” was also taken.

CHA: To raise awareness about pressing environmental issues and foster dialogue on sustainable solutions, highlighting the potential for young minds to contribute to a sustainable future, Charis High Academy hosted “interschool World Environment Day Symposium”. The programme was attended by Delhi Public School, Hollotoli School, Gonyü Memorial School, Greenwood Higher Secondary School, Livingstone Foundation International School, Rincho Academy, Shalom Public School, St. Joseph Higher Secondary School, and St. Mary’s Higher Secondary School.

SPS: Shalom Public School, Chumoukedima participated in the plantation drive organised by Deputy Commissioner, Chumoukedima, wherein the students cleaned the premises and planted tree saplings.

NSRLM: Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission, BMMU Kuhuboto celebrated WED 2023 by conducting plantation drive in five villages.

AIDA: To commemorate WED 2023, ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) - Don Bosco, implementing SBI Foundation Gram Seva programme in Dimapur, Nagaland inaugurated the Afforestation (Jan Van) cum Park at Khriezephe Village and conducted plantation drive at Khriezephe, Diezephe, Urra, Bade and Tsithrongse.

ZHS Tening: Students of Zeliangrong Heraka School (ZHS), Tening undertook a nature walk in a nearby forest to commemorate World Environment Day. The students also took pledge to safeguard the environment.

PVHSS: Pranab Vidyapith HSS, Dimapur, celebrated WED 2023, wherein students and teachers took a pledge to save the mother Earth and avoid non-biodegradable substance.

NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II A/C: To commemorate WED 2023, NDPP 5 Ghaspani-II A/C through the initiative of advisor, Urban Development & Municipal Affairs, Zhaleo Rio organised a tree plantation drive. In a speech, Zhaleo noted the imperative need to plant and conserve flora which is the only solution to reduce climate change effected by human down the ages. He also advised the gathering to cultivate a sense of belonging and duty to care for plants. Rio also highlighted on the need to drastically reduce the use of non-degradable plastics from cups and bottles to bags.

KSC: Department of Geography, NCC Cell and NSS, Kohima Science College along with Working Plan Division and Silviculture Division, Kohima under Department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change, with a thrust on the Mission LiFE celebrated WED 2023. During the programme, importance of recycling, plantation and WED were emphasised. Plantation drive was also carried out in the college premises.

SJHS: To create awareness to the students about keeping the environment clean and the need to protect the environment, Saint John’s High School, Diphupar ‘B’ celebrated WED at the school premises. Cleanliness drive and plantation were carried out to mark the day.

SSHS: Saint Savio High School, Chümoukedima celebrated WED 2023 with New and Renewable Energy, joint director Er. Inaho P. Awomi as the special guest, who inaugurated 15 KW Solar Plant at the school.

GPS Lengirjan: Government Primary School Lengrijan Dimapur celebrated the World Environment Day under the theme, “I am Responsible”.

FCC: To commemorate WED 2023, Forest Colony Council, Dimapur conducted social work, cleanliness drive and plantation inside Forest Colony along with Divisional Forest Officer, Dimapur Division, Beizo Suokhrie.

DHS Zbto: District Health Society Zunheboto in collaboration with development partner Jphiego celebrated WED 2023 at Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Old Town, Zunheboto and across all health units. During the programme, the harmful effects and the burden of waste created by the increased use of plastic was highlighted. Students were also encouraged to minimise use of plastic and opt for reduction, reuse and recycle. Painting competition was organised for the student. Plantation, cleanliness drive was also carried out at various health units across the district.

FGAN: As part of WED celebration, Forest Graduates Association of Nagaland (FGAN) distributed paper bags to the Local Vendors at BOC, Kohima, focusing on the solutions and the ill effects of the use of plastics. The association also created awareness among the people about the threat and the consequences of using plastic articles to the environment.

Razha Chedema: In celebration of WED 2023, Integrated AYUSH Hospital, Razha Chedema, Kohima, medical superintendent along with doctors and staffs conducted plantation drive in and around the campus. Awareness and sensitization on preserving the environment was also conducted among the staffs and general public.

Kohima Bn of AR: Kohima battalion of Assam Rifles, under the aegis of HQ 5 SECTOR/ HQ IGAR (North) conducted various activities in Kohima to commemorate WED. The activities included massive plantation drive at Kohima Village (Below IG Stadium), Chakabama Kezoma Village, Councilors Hill, Heritage DC bungalow and Kohima Garrison.

NDPP: To commemorate the WED 2023, NDPP Youth Organisation and Women Organisation jointly carried out plantation drive across the state.

NHB: Nkialwa Students’ Union (NHB) with deputy Ranger Namkipo Rangkau, Beat Forest Officer Athibung organised a plantation drive as part of observing WED 2023 at Nkialwa Village.

AuS: Altrura Society (AuS) celebrated WED by organising a plantation drive at Hebron Higher Secondary School and North Town Higher Secondary School Chümoukedima.

AWES: Understanding the role Christians should play as caretakers of God’s creation, the Amenty Welfare Educational Society teamed up with Longjang Baptist Arogo Youth Ministry to celebrate WED on the theme, “Süngdong Wazuka Yudi” at Longjang Baptist Church. The

PHED Dimapur: A programme to commemorate WED 2023 was organised by Sanitation and WSSO, PHED at Ara Mile, Dimapur, wherein “3Rs – Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” was emphasised. The programme was followed by a mass social work.

programme was followed by tree plantation drive in and around the church premises. Plantation was also carried out along the roads, symbolising the commitment of the attendees to a greener future.

DAN: Development Association of Nagaland (DAN) under Morung Project celebrated WED 2023 in Phek, Zunheboto and Tuensang districts. In Chizami Town under Phek district, plantation and plastic waste collection was jointly organised by Morung Project (DAN) and Chizami Town Chakhesang Students’ Union (CTCSU) in collaboration with Self Employed Women’s Association (SEWA) Chizami Town and Child Protection Committee (CPC) Chizami Town. In Zunheboto district, poster competition, cleanliness drive, tree plantation and repurpose of plastic waste was organised at Government Middle School Amphoto, Government High School South point, Ghokishe Village, Natha Old Village, Lukikhe village and Shevishe Village. In Tuensang district, painting competitions were held at Government Primary Schools, DC Hill Old Medical.

DFO Tuensang: In celebration of WED 2023 under Divisional Forest Officer (DFO) Tuensang office, a weeklong major outreach and advocacy activities for mass mobilization on “Mission LiFE” (Lifestyle for Environment) was carried out under three offices of the range.

DEC: Dimapur Electrical Circle (DEC) celebrated WED 2023 at Electrical Complex, Full Nagarjan by organizing a formal programme and plantation drive.

NDPP Mkg: To commemorate the WED 2023, NDPP Youth Organisation, Mokokchung Region planted ornamental tree saplings at the Astro Turf, Rempukong, Ungma village.

NESMS: To commemorate WED 2023, Nagaland Ecological and Sanitation Management Society in collaboration with Tuli Area Ongpangkong Students’ Union organised tree plantation drive under

the theme, “Mission Life”.

CVS&AH Jalukie: A week-long plantation drive conducted by the students and staffs of College of Veterinary Sciences & Animal Husbandry, Jalukie, Peren culminated on WED 2023 by conducting plantation drive in the college campus and Jalukie Town. During the week-long plantation drive various plants of horticultural, medicinal and ornamental importance were planted.

LFI: National Service Scheme (NSS) of Livingstone Foundation International College organised a tree-planting initiative in commemoration of WED 2023. The volunteers planted trees to broaden the basis for an enlightened opinion and responsible conduct in preserving and enhancing the environment towards achieving sustainable future.

MGH HSSS: MGM

Higher Secondary School Dimapur under St.Thomas Mission Society Dimapur celebrated the WED 2023 in the school with different programmes and activities. Keeping in view of 2023 theme, the school adopted different measures to reduce the use of plastic among students and also create awareness on the dangers of indiscriminate use of plastic that in turn posing a grave danger to the environment. The school has declared zero tolerance to plastic waste. Students are discouraged to bring plastic carry bags, water bottles and eatables wrapped in plastic covers. Painting, drawing competitions and social work were some of the highlights of the programme.

NCC Nagaland: NCC cadets in the state of Nagaland observed WED, wherein 80 Cadets of both the Senior Wing and Junior Wing with 9 ANOs of 1 Nagaland Girls Batallion NCC, Kohima participated in several activities such as cleanliness drives, plantation drives, poster-making completions. Handmade paper bags were also distributed by the cadets of St Joseph College, Jakhama to local vendors, who were also encouraged to use recyclable materials for packag-

ing. At Longleng, NCC Cadets, in collaboration with Eco Club and other students conducted tree plantation drive.

RJHSS: Ram Janaki Higher Secondary School, Dimapur celebrated WED 2023 by encouraging staffs and students to involve in various indoor activities to create awareness of environment and to create sustainable living without pollution formed by plastic and similar products.

GHSS Meluri: Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) Meluri celebrated WED 2023 by carrying out cleanliness drive and tree plantation within the school premises.

GMS Bayavü: Government Middle School (GMS) Bayavü Kohima celebrated WED at the school premises, wherein students were encouraged to protect and preserve environment. A social work was also carried out while the students also pledged on “Mission LiFE” (Meri Life- Lifestyle for Environment). The students also took part in the programme organised by the Kohima district administration with Zubzub while some students also took part in the programme organised by SoCRAN Focus Nagaland.

MSHSS: Mount Saramati Higher Secondary School and Montessori Home, Unity Villag Chumukedima celebrated WED 2023 at the school premises. The objective was to create awareness among the students and staff members about the hazardous consequences of plastic utilisation in the day-to-day lifestyles and how to remedy this ongoing environmental issue.

NU: Nagaland University and all its campuses celebrated WED by organising events such as poster making, painting and essay competition. The day was also celebrated at NU Headquarters: Lumami with NU vice-chancellor, Professor Jagadish K. Patnaik, who led the plantation drive.

NSS GHSS Seikhazou: National Service Scheme (NSS) Unit of Dr. Neilhouzhü Kire Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS), Seikhazou celebrated WED by collecting plastic waste from in and around the school area, to be disposed of properly as part of efforts to maintain a plastic waste-free campus. A tree plantation drive was carried out at the school campus and at Chede Model Village.

SCWS: Silas Care and Welfare Society (SCWS) celebrated WED 2023, wherein senior citizens planted some saplings in the Women’s De-addiction Centre. Indisen Dimapur.

UCHSS: The management, staff and students of Unity Christian HSS, Diphupar, Chumukedima celebrated WED, wherein importance of reducing the use of plastics and protecting environment was highlighted. Various activities like drama, special song, dance and model making, based on the WED 2023 theme was carried out by the students. The students and the teachers also carried out a social work in and around the school campus.

USSC: In commemoration of WED 2023, the United Sangtam Students Conference (USSC) undertook an initiative of organising a tree plantation and cleanliness drive across the Sangtam areas.

FOCUS-IFAD: FOCUS-IFAD, DMU Zunheboto along with the civil society conducted a plantation drive at the Sumi Martyrs Park, Sukhalu village with the aim to sensitize rural masses about the growing concern of environment pollution at the grassroot level. District administration Zbto: On the occasion, district administration carried out plantation drive at DC residence, Circuit House, DC office Zunheboto in collaboration with ZAPO, Sumi Totemi Loka Zunheboto, DFO , Sakhi OSC MSK and DEO Zunheboto.

KSC: Department of Geography, NCC Cell and NSS, Kohima Science College along with Working Plan Division and Silviculture Division, Kohima under department of Environment, Forests and Climate Change observed WED with a thrust on the Mission LiFE. Around 100 students, faculties and forest staffs participated in plantation and cleanliness drive during the event.

NFI: National Foundation for India (NFI) in collaboration with IDeA-the ant and Can Youth, co-funded by European Union organized one day plantation drive at various localities in Dimapur and Hazadisa, Dhansiripar Sub-division Chumoukedima.

Free coaching class for aspirants by Longleng administrative officers

Correspondent

KOHIMA, JUN 6 (NPN):

Under a noble initiative three officers led by SP Longleng, Dr. Pritpal Kaur, have opened first of its kind “free coaching centre” for the aspirants of competitive exams by giving them free coaching and materials.

The three officers - Dr. Pritpal Kaur, EAC Longleng, Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak P and C. Lenke Phom (ARO) have been termed as “heroes” by the students for providing them an opportunity.

At present 29 students were attending the coaching class conducted at conference hall of Longleng Students Union.

Talking to this correspondent, Dr. Kaur said

that she decided to start the coaching, when she saw many students who wanted to study but could not afford. She took this opportunity to let them know that everyone deserves an equal chance.

“These areas are far away from Kohima/Dimapur/Delhi, and nowadays coaching have become very costly. But I believe that education and career opportunities should be provided equally to everyone, to those who want to pursue their dreams,” she said.

Dr. Kaur said that they (three of them) used to purchase study materials from online platforms and provided the materials to the students at their own expense. She said that the response was very good and

everyone was punctual and attend the class regularly. She said that if any of the students clear any of the competitive exams and fulfil their dreams that will be most satisfying for them. The classes were conducted early morning from

6 am before the offices start functioning so that they can attend their offices.

Dr. Kaur also said that they have some other teachers to fill in for them while they attend their offices.

“They also teach for free.

Humanity is still alive,”

she added.

Further, the SP said that all these were possible due to unity of the people and conference hall of the Longleng Students Union has been used for conducting the coaching classes.

Earlier, Dr. Pritpal

Kaur under her leadership provided free coaching classes ion Tuensang and Noklak.

C. Lenke Phom (ARO), who was born and raised in Longleng gave credit to Dr. Pritpal who came up with the idea to help the students who are not able to leave their village because of financial constraints and other difficulties. She said these coaching had been a great help to those students who appear their exams and waiting for their results so they can prepare for something better during their free time.

Speaking to one of the students, she said always wanted to take coaching but due to financial problems had to choose a different path.

“But today, I am very

lucky not only because of the classes but also because of the teachers, they had been very supportive and helpful,” she said. The students said she had zero knowledge on how to prepare for NPSC and UPSC exams but with the help of the teachers, she sees her future brighter as she was now familiar with the patterns to study, exercise my knowledge and prepare for my exams.

“Our SP maam, shares her notes, buy textbooks from her own salary and F4 size papers and they also arranged teachers for other subject too”, she said. She said though they are far away from the cities, they expressed gratitude for the opportunity given to them by the three “hero’s”.

Dr. Pritpal Kaur, Dr. Samuel Akho Konyak P with the Phom Students Union executive members and students.

Members of SAYO and SASU at Dziikou valley.

Mass social work at Tizit organised by district administration.

Zhaleo Rio planting trees at Medziphema. Social work by sanitation and WSSO, PHED Dimapur.

3-day market shutdown begins in Imphal city

While alleging that the Centre and the state government did nothing to restore peace and normalcy and innocent people continued to be the victims of the conflict, the women vendor gave the shutdown call.

5 arrested in Arunachal after shooting at border with Assam

ITANAGAR, JUN 6 (PTI):

PM Modi has prioritised road development in border areas: Rijiju

Deserted all-women-run market with three-day shutdown of the women vendors began on Tuesday.

Correspondent IMPHAL, JUN 6: Imphal city wore desert on Tuesday as almost all markets, shops and business establishments remained closed even as the curfew in the capital city was relaxed during the day.

The women vendors of the three all-women-run markets at Khwairamband Keithel gave a three-day market shutdown call, calling for restoration of peace and normalcy in the strifetorn Manipur.

No untoward incident was reported on the day-one of the shutdown. The shutdow which will continue till June 8. Women vendors of the iconic all-women-run mar-

ket called for a shutdown to grieve for the loss of lives and properties in the ongoing ethnic conflict.

Showing solidarity to the call, almost all shops and other business establishments in the adjacent markets including Thangal and Paona Keithels pulled down their shutters for the day.

Leaders of the women vendors patrolled the markets to check if vendors and shops violated their shutdown calls.

Women vendors said that they took the decision to shut the markets as a mark of protest against the massacre of civilians and arson of thousands of houses and religious structures in the ongoing ethnic conflict.

“When innocent people continue to lose their lives, there is no meaning of doing our business. What the government is doing to end the conflict is not satisfactory,” a woman vendor said.

Questioning the role of the Central forces in the present crisis, she demanded that the Assam Rifles must be withdrawn from the state.

“We have lost faith in the paramilitary forces as they have, on many occasions, been caught redhanded giving support to the militants,” she said.

Owing to the shutdown stir, the state capital city was deserted for the day even as the curfew in the capital district was relaxed for 12 hours, from 5 am till 5pm.

The shutdown, however, did not disturb the movement of vehicles on the streets passing through the streets.

Reservation policy: M’laya constitutes search committee to identify panelists

Correspondent

SHILLONG, JUN 6:

The Meghalaya Cabinet on Tuesday constituted a three-member search committee to identify experts who would review the state reservation policy and give its recommendation.

Chief Minister Conrad Sangma informed that the search committee would be headed by Chief Secretary DP Wahlang and two other officials from the Law and one from the Personal department. He said the experts who would be part of the expert committee to review the reservation policy

would be from diverse fields.

“The experts would be from different fields who would give their recommendation,” the Chief Minister said. The state government has decided to form the expert committee after an all-party meeting to review the reservation policy of the state, which many feel is outdated. The opposition Voice of the People Party (VPP) had protested demanding review of the policy after the government initially refused to review it. VPP president and legislator, Ardent Miller Basaiwmoit undertook an indefinite demanding review of the reservation policy.

Basaiawmoit got support from the Hill State People’s Democratic Party and the United Democratic Party who also demanded a review of the policy. Meanwhile, the decision to review the reservation policy has opened a Pandora’s Box with several organizations demanding that the state reservation should be capped at 50 percent and not 85 percent, as is the present case, citing a Supreme Court Order. Moreover, an organisation representing the Muslim community has further demanded 4 percent seats reserved for the minority Muslim community.

Five people were arrested on Tuesday in Arunachal Pradesh’s Lower Siang district in connection with the incident of firing at the state’s border with Assam in which two persons were killed, police said. The accused were arrested, and kept at the Likabali police station, police spokesperson Rohit Rajbir Singh said.

They were identified as Bagam Tasso, Igip Tasso, Mikjom Tasso, Bompar Tasso and Yongam Nguba, he said.

“Police are trying to recover the weapons used in the incident, and interrogation is on to unearth the truth,” he added.

Two persons died in Assam’s Dhemaji district on Monday after alleged firing along the inter-state border.

People of Dhemaji had organised a plantation drive at the inter-state border area on the occasion of World Environment Day. Some villagers had gone in advance to make the arrangements. They allegedly came under firing, in which one person died on the spot, the Assam Police said. Three others sustained bullet injuries and were taken to the Dhemaji

Civil Hospital by locals, where one more person died, it said.

Assam and Arunachal Pradesh share an 804-kmlong border, and both sides have been engaging in discussions to resolve the boundary disputes.

An MoU was signed by Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma and Arunachal CM

Pema Khandu on April 20 in New Delhi, in the presence of Union Home Minister Amit Shah, to resolve the border row.

In July last year, the two chief ministers signed the Namsai Declaration, setting in motion the efforts to solve the boundary disputes.

Arunachal Pradesh, which was made a Union Territory in 1972, claims that several forested tracts in the plains that had traditionally belonged to the hill tribal chiefs and communities were unilaterally transferred to Assam.

After Arunachal Pradesh achieved statehood in 1987, a tripartite committee was appointed which recommended that certain territories be transferred from Assam to Arunachal Pradesh. Assam contested this and the matter has been in the Supreme Court.

ITANAGAR, JUN 6 (PTI):

Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has prioritised development of roads in the international border areas of the country, especially in Arunachal Pradesh, to instil confidence among people living there.

In contrary to earlier policies, now the “last border village has been considered as the first Indian village” for development in the international boundary areas, Rijiju, the minister for earth sciences, said.

Arunachal Pradesh shares international boundaries with Myanmar, China and Bhutan. He also alleged that it was “the policy of the Congress to not develop border areas on the pretext that if the infrastructure is

created there, China could come and transgress into India’s territory”.

“After the Modi government came to power in 2014, the policy has changed and the last border village has been considered as the first Indian village for development in border areas,” the minister said. He participated in a mega rally here on the completion of nine years of the BJP-led NDA government at the Centre and seven years of the Pema Khandu dispensation in the state. Rijiju assured that before 2024 4G network will connect every village of Arunachal Pradesh, including the border areas.

The minister also highlighted the developmental projects initiated by the Centre for the northeastern state

and claimed that he, as the representative of Arunachal Pradesh, discharged his duty in Parliament with utmost sincerity and dedication.

“Every person, especially political leaders, should keep records of every activity for the welfare of people as they believe in proof,” he said.

Rijiju appreciated Chief Minister Pema Khandu and his team for prudent fiscal management in the state. On ‘bandh culture’ in the state, the minister said, “In a democracy, everybody has the right to protest but it should not disturb others”. He urged BJP workers to work collectively for strengthening the hands of PM Modi and Khandu for the all-round development of the country and the state.

Cong MLA sits under tree to combat power tariff after Speaker’s advice

GUWAHATI, JUNE 6 (IANS): Congress’ threetime Assam MLA Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha on Tuesday followed state Assembly speaker Biswajit Daimari’s “advice” to sit under trees to deal with the soaring power tariffs amidst the scorching heat wave that has been sweeping the state for the last few days.

Purkayastha was seen on Tuesday sitting under a tree in front of the Speaker’s official residence here for at least an hour.

Purkayastha, who is also the Working President of the state Congress, said: “The tariffs have increased by 30 to 70 paisa per unit. This is a huge burden on

the citizens. At a time when Congress governments in many states are advocating for free electricity, BJP leaders are issuing insensible comments.”

“As per Speaker Daimari’s advice to the people, as a public representative, I should follow it immediately. So, I went in front of his residence and stayed there under the trees for one hour, but I have not seen him there,” he said.

Purakayastha also trained guns towards the BJP for not fulfilling its poll promise.

“Before the election, the BJP promised the people of Assam 24 hours of uninterrupted electricity;

however, now the ruling party is busy befooling the citizens.”

He also announced that he would sit under the trees in front of Daimary’s official residence for at least the next five days.

Bihar bridge collapse: Two IITs to inspect construction company’s projects in Assam

GUWAHATI, JUNE 6

(IANS): S.P. Singla Construction Pvt. Ltd has come under the scanner for its ongoing and completed projects in Assam after the Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge it was developing at a cost of Rs 1,710 crore over the Ganga river in Bihar’s Bhagalpur district collapsed twice in just 14 months.

The dramatic collapse of the under-construction occurred for the second time on Sunday evening.

Following that, questions were raised whether the construction company should be allowed to go ahead with some key projects they have been handling in Assam.

Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said that IIT Guwahati and IIT Roorkee will be given the responsibility to inspect the situation of bridges developed by S.P. Singla Construction Pvt. Ltd in Assam.

“S.P. Singla Construction Pvt. Ltd has built the Guwahati-North Guwahati and Kolia Bhomora Bridges on Brahmaputra River. Kolia Bhomora is an old bridge and it has been in good condition. However, we are asking IIT

Earlier, Daimari said:

“The power tariffs have increased, and people should avoid excessive use of fans to save electricity bills. Instead, everybody should sit under trees to combat rising tariffs.”

Regd. No. 1025/2022

Guwahati and IIT Roorkee to inspect the construction work done by the company,” Sarma told reports on the sidelines of a program here. The construction company is also building another two-lane bridge over Brahmaputra in Jogighopa.

The 4 km-long bridge is being built at an estimated cost of Rs 746.76 crores. The firm is also constructing two major four-lane bridges over Subansiri and Luit rivers in Assam.

He further said that the Assam government does not itself produce enough electricity to meet the daily needs of consumers, and the state is heavily dependent on private companies for supply.

“If the power companies are hiking the tariffs, the state government should pass that on to the consumers, and people have to pay. So, I believe that an increase in power tariffs is not at all an issue, and consumers must pay the bills against their usage,” Daimari said. However, his comments did not go well with the opposition, and a section of citizens too have been criticising him.

AFFIDAVIT

Date 22/03/2022

I, Smti Meyi, D/o. Talimangyang, permanent resident of Chuchuyimlang, Mokokchung, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as follows :-

1. That I am a bonafide law abiding citizen of India and presently residing at the above mentioned address.

2. That I am employed as Labour under PWD, Executive Engineer, National Highway, Division No. II, Mokokchung, Nagaland.

3. That my correct Date of Birth is on 12.06.1978, which is entered in my Birth Certificate, Aadhaar Card bearing No. 591957117562 and other official documents.

4. Whereas in my Service Identity Card my Date of Birth is wrongly entered as on 21.06.1978.

5. That henceforth my Date of Birth shall be used as on 12.06.1978 in my Service Identity Card.

6. That this Affidavit is made to declare my correct Date of Birth and through these presents, be it known to all concerned and make acceptance and change my Date of Birth as on 12.06.1978 in my Service Identity Card. I verify that the above mentioned statements declared by me is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and no material is concealed therein.

DEPONENT

Solemnly declared before me on this 22.03.2022 NOTARY PUBLIC

Db-751/23

Regd. No. 395/22

DIMAPUR, JUNJ 6

(NPN): In a significant effort to address the healthcare needs of Manipur, the Assam Rifles conducted multiple medical camps and clinics across multiple locations in the districts of Churachandpur, Saikul, Noney, Kadamtala and Tamenglong on June 4. The medical camps and clinics held on June 4 aimed to provide essential medical aid to the people of Manipur. The mega medical camp conducted at Saikul on June 4, was in response to challenging circumstances faced by the people. The camp provided relief to over 500 locals, including

children. The medical team, consisting of specialist from various medical disciplines, pharmacist, nursing assistants and field ambulances, worked tirelessly to ensure the attendees received the necessary medical attention.

Over the course of the day, numerous medical clinics were also conducted at Noney, Kadamtala, Churachandpur and Tamenglong where 400 adults and 80 children received much-needed medical aid, with the support and resources provided by Assam Rifles. Assam Rifles from June 1 to 4 has successfully treated 3719 patients to include 831 male, 1984 female and 881 children.

AFFIDAVIT (CORRECTION OF NAME)

AFFIDAVIT / DECLARATION

(For correction of Date of Birth)

I, Smti. A. Narola Ao by profession Govt. Servant serving as Jugali under PWD (Road & Bridge) Dhansiripar Sub-Division, Dimapur, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows :-

1. That I am an Indian citizen and as such I am competent to swear this Affidavit / Declaration.

2. That my correct and actual Date of Birth is 21/03/1970 which has been entered and recorded in my Service Book as well as other official documents and records.

3. That my Date of Birth as 21-03-1978 has been wrongly entered and recorded in some of my office order/documents.

4. That my correct and actual Date of Birth as 21/03/1970 shall be read/used in all official and other intent instead of 21/03/1978.

5. That the statements set forth above are all true and correct to the best of my knowledge and nothing has been state false.

Date 25/08/22

I, Smti. K. Ghoshili Jakhalu, age about 45 years, D/o Late Hosuto Sumi, R/o DBS Colony, Kohima: Nagaland, 797001, do hereby affirms and declare an oath under:

1. That, I am bonafide citizen of India, belonging to the Sumi Naga Tribe and a resident of the above mentioned address.

2. That, in my Service Books my name have been written as Smti. Ghoshili K. Jakhalu, whereas in some of my other document as Appointment order and in my GPF Account my name have been inadvertently written as Smti. Ghoshili Sumi respectively.

3. That, however the above referred names refer to only one person, i.e, myself.

4. That, henceforth I shall be using my correct name Smti. K. Ghoshili Jakhalu in all documentation, evidencing, transactions or whatsoever from now on.

5. That, this declaration is made solely for the purpose to declare that the above referred names refer to the same person i.e myself however I shall be using my correct name i.e Smti. K. Ghoshili Jakhalu from now on.

6. That, the statements made from Para 1 to 5 are true to the best of my knowledge and nothing material concealed therein.

Notary Public (DEPONENT) k-1320/23

Regd. No. 0727/23

my date of birth shall be used as 05/05/1954 and hence, this date of birth and name shall be used for all official purposes herewith.

5. That, the statements made in para 1 to 4 are true and correct to my knowledge and nothing has been concealed therein. (S. Merichila) Deponent Solemnly affirmed it by the deponent before me today the 26th day of May

at Mokokchung, Nagaland.

Union Minister of Earth Sciences Kiren Rijuju during a public meeting on the completion of the 9 Years of Central government, in Itanagar, Tuesday. (PTI)

Kamalakhya Dey Purkayastha sitting under a tree.

Aguwani-Sultanganj bridge when it collapsed.

SNIPPETS

Gujarat man posing as IAS officer arrested

AHMEDABAD, JUN

6 (IANS): Ahmedabad

Cyber Crime Cell has apprehended an individual accused of impersonating a senior IAS officer on the Truecaller App, officilas said on Tuesday. The suspect, identified as Sudhakar Pandey, son of Dalsingar Pandey, had assumed a false identity and misused it to seek employment for his relatives in some reputed companies.

This act of deception came to light after the Cyber Crime Cell received information regarding the accused’s activities. Acting swiftly upon the tip-off, the authorities initiated an investigation into the matter and registered a case against Sudhakar Pandey.

Man with knife in neck rides bike to hospital, survives

NAVI MUMBAI, JUN

6 (IANS): In a shocker, a Mumbai businessman stabbed with a rusty knife in the neck by his brother sped in a streak of blood on his motorcycle to a hospital

1 km away and survived the ordeal after getting timely treatment, police said here. The incident occurred on June 3 morning when Tejas Jaydev Patil, 30, was stabbed in the neck by his younger sibling Monish, 28, when he was sleeping at their home in Sanpada suburb.

School principal held for molestation

SRINAGAR, JUN 6

(IANS): The J&K Police said on Tuesday that they have arrested the principal of a government higher secondary school for molestation in Srinagar district. Srinagar police said in a statement, “Shabir Ahmad Mir, son of Gh Rasool Mir, a resident of Zadibal, Srinagar working as Principal of Govt HSS Gund Hassi Bhat arrested in molestation case.

3 labourers dead as wall collapses

PALGHAR, JUN 6 (PTI):

Three women labourers were killed as an underconstruction wall collapsed in Maharashtra’s Palghar district on Tuesday afternoon, police said. The incident took place at a construction site in Manvelpada in Virar area around 4 pm, said an official.

Stone pelted on Dalit groom’s procession

BHOPAL, JUN 6 (IANS):

Three policemen sustained injuries after a group of people pelted stones on the marriage procession of a Dalit groom in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhatarpur district. The incident occurred in the Bada Malahara area in Chhatarpur district on Monday, when the family members and friends of a Dalit groom took out a procession in their village. As per the ritual, the groom had to be ferried to a particular spot on a horse. However, some miscreants objected to the procession and pelted stones on it. Reports said that a team of local police reached the spot and tried to bring the situation under control, but they also came under attack, leaving three policemen injured.

SUV rams seven

school girls

PATNA, JUN 6 (IANS):

Seven school girls sustained grievous injuries after a speeding SUV rammed them as they were cycling to their coaching institute in Bihar’s Bettiah city on Tuesday, police said. The girls, all students of Class 10, were on the way to the coaching institute when the vehicle rammed them near a motorcycle showroom on the LauriyaBettiah main road.

Odisha train tragedy: CBI begins probe; collects first-hand report

NEW DELHI, JUN 6

(PTI): The CBI on Tuesday started its investigation into alleged criminal negligence leading to the Balasore train accident which claimed 278 lives after registering an FIR, officials said.

A team of CBI officials, along with forensic experts, which had reached Balasore district on Monday, started the probe immediately after the registration of the FIR at 2.15 PM on Tuesday, they said.

The registration of an FIR is the starting point of the CBI investigation because the agency cannot collect any document or material, question witnesses, record statement or conduct searches without it, they said. The central probe

SRINAGAR, JUN 6

(IANS): Former chief minister and National Conference (NC) vice-president

Omar Abdullah said on Tuesday that elections are the right of the people and he won’t beg before anybody to hold them. Talking to reporters, Omar said, “We also have some self-respect and we won’t beg before anybody to hold the elections here. Election is people’s right and the Election Commission must answer this question,” he said.

“Didn’t the Chief Election Commissioner say that there is a vacuum in J&K which needs to be filled. Why is that vacuum not being filled? If the Election Commission is under pressure then they must say it clearly that they are under pressure and that is why they cannot hold elections here,” Omar added.

He said it was alright to hold the G20 meeting in Srinagar and showcase

CBI officials arrive at Station Manager’s room at Bahanga Bazar in Balasore district, Tuesday. (PTI) agency was roped in by the Ministry of Railways after a preliminary inquiry flagged tampering with the electronic interlocking system, which detects the presence of trains, and officials suspected “sabotage” behind the Friday accident.

“The Central Bureau of Investigation has registered a case on the request

Kashmir to the World outside yet he asserted people should know the reality. “Traffic is in a mess here. Distances normally covered in 5 minutes take 40 minutes due to traffic snarls. People are weeping. Students and government employees cannot reach schools and offices on time. Patients on way to hospital die in ambulances because of these traffic jams and nobody seems to be bothered,” he said.

of Ministry of Railways, consent of the Odisha government and further orders from DoPT (Govt. of India) relating to the train accident involving Coromandel Express, Yashwantpur-Howrah Express and a goods train at Bahanaga Bazar in the state of Odisha on 2nd June,” the CBI spokesperson said. The agency, which has

Free power to all including tenants, says Karnataka CM

little expertise in dealing with the functioning of railways, may need the help of rail security and forensic experts to get to the bottom of the case, the officials said. The CBI took over the FIR registered by the GRP ( Government Railway Police) Cuttack on June 3 under IPC sections 337, 338, 304A (causing death by negligence) and 34 (common intention), and sections 153 (unlawful and negligent action endangering lives of Railway passengers), 154 and 175 (endangering lives) of the Railways Act. The FIR stated many deaths were due to injuries caused due to the collision and electrocution after coming in contact with overhead low tension line.

PAT NA, JUN 6 (PTI):

Taking a grim view of the bridge collapse incident two days ago, the Bihar government has slapped a show cause notice on the construction company concerned, a top official said on Tuesday.

Pratyay Amrit, the Additional Chief Secretary for the road construction department, also said that the executive engineer concerned has been suspended.

“The Haryana-based

company, which was awarded the contract, has been served with a show cause notice by the Managing Director of Bihar Rajya Pul Nirman Nigam and asked to reply within 15 days”, Amrit told PTI. The company has been asked to explain why it should not be blacklisted by the government and further action taken against it, he said.

“The department has also suspended the execu-

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION

NAGALAND,

KOHIMA NOTIFICATION

NO. DTE/ ESTT-2/02/2023-24/ This is to inform all the NSEE-2023 appeared candidates that the Merit list has been declared and uploaded in the Department Website: www.dtenagaland.org.in, the same can be also seen from the Office Notice Board.

Also, due to the low number of submission of Class-12 Marksheets and at the request of candidates, the last date has been extended upto 16th June, 2023, 5:00 pm.

Dc -XXXX/23

(Er. Vipulhou Lhoungu) Director

BENGALURU, JUN

6 (IANS): Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday announced that 200 units of free electricity will be provided to all domestic consumers, including those living in rented accomodations in the state.

While interacting with reporters after garlanding the statue of former Chief Minister D. Devraj Urs on his 41st death anniversary, Siddaramaiah stated “There is no need to pay for the electricity bills up to 200 units. This will apply to even those who live on rent. It will not be applicable to commercial buildings,” he reiterated.

The guidelines for availing the benefit for Gruha Jyothi scheme, un-

Siddaramaiah

der which free electricity will be provided, specified that the beneficiary must mandatorily link the Customer ID and Account ID with the Aadhaar card.

The guideline also mentioned that if the consumer has more than one connection in his name, only one connection would be considered.

These guidelines created confusion and raised

a question mark over the majority of people who live in rented accommodations across the state and electricity connections to their houses will be in the name of their house owners who own multiple properties.

K.J. George, Minister for Energy explained that since the majority of the people who live in rented accommodations have voted the Congress to power, the government will protect their interests and ensure that even they get the benefit of Gruha Jyothi scheme. The Congress government has also merged the Bhagya Jyothi, Kuteera Jyothi and Amruta Jyothi schemes into Bhagya Jyothi scheme in Karnataka.

Bihar bridge collapse: Construction company gets notice

tive engineer concerned for his failure to keep an eye on the quality of the work”, added the Additional Chief Secretary.

Constructed over the river Ganges, the bridge was supposed to link Bhagalpur and Khagaria districts. The under-construction bridge, a portion of which caved in on Sunday, involved a cost of over Rs

1,700 crore and was supposed to be completed by 2019. The foundation stone of the structure was laid in February 2014, by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Deputy chief minister Tejashwi Yadav had earlier indicated that portions of the bridge had been demolished earlier in a planned fashion and the final collapse indicated that

fears about the structural stability of the bridge were correct. The incident took place a year after another portion had collapsed during a thunderstorm. The chief minister had, on Monday, voiced strong displeasure over the poor quality of the work and the inordinate delay in completion.

No.DIPR/ Post-clr/Advt/1/2023

Dated kohima, the 6 th June 2023 NOTIFICATION

In continuation to the Notification No.DIPR/Post-clr/Advt/1/2023 Dated kohima the 5 th June 2023 and in pursuance to the decision of Departmental Recruitment board for recruitment of Driver posts, a Sub committee has been constituted. This committee is entrusted to conduct the practical test on 8th June 2023, from 9:00 a.m onwards. Subsequently all the short listed candidates will be called for interview by the Departmental Recruitment board on 9 th June 2023 at 11:00 a.m at Directorate of Information & Public Relations, Nagaland:kohima.

(DZÜVINUO THEÜNUO)

Director Information & Public Relations Nagaland : kohima

Dc -700/23

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE CHIEF ENGINEER

PUBLIC HEALTH ENGINEERING DEPARTMENT

NAGALAND: KOHIMA

Dated kohima, the 6 th June 2023

No. NO.cE/PHE/WSSO-JJm(SA)/2019-20

NOTIFICATION

Notice on conduct of Jal Shakti Fellow oral interview

In continuation to the Department Advertisement No.cE/PHE/WSSO-JJm(SA)/2019-20 dt. 9th may 2023, the PHE Department have selected applicants block wise based on the block name the applicants have applied for Jal Shakti Fellow. The interview is to be conducted block wise as per the schedule below:

Name of Block Session Date of interview

Aghunaqa, chumukedima, Dhansiripar, kuhuboto, medziphema, Niuland, Aghunaqa, khonsa, kiphire, Longmatra, Sitimi, Pungro, morning 13th June 2023 botsa, chiephobozuo, chunlikha, Jakhama, kohima, Sechu-Zubza, Tseminyu, Longleng, Sakshi, Tamlu Noon changtongya, chuchuyimlang, kubolong, Longchem, mangkolemba, Ongpangkong(N), Ongpangkong(S), Tsurangkong, Tuli, Aboi, Angjangyang, chen, mon, Phomching, Tizit, Tobu, Wakching morning 14th June 2023 Athibung, Jalukie, Peren, Tening, chetheba, chizami, kikruma, meluri, Pfutsero, Phek, Sekruzu, Weziho Noon chare, chessore, Logkhim, Noklak, Noksen, Panso, Sangsangnyu, Shamator, Thonoknyu, bhandari, changpang, chukitong, Ralan, Sanis, Wokha, morning 15th June 2023 Wozhuro, Akuhaito, Akuluto, Ghathashi, Sataka, Satoi, Suruhuto, Tokiya, Zunheboto. Noon

1. The above applicants for the specified RD blocks must bring all documents and Registration receipt in original on the day of oral interview.

2. Reporting time for interview – 9:30am (morning session) and 12: 00 Pm (Noon session) respectively at the conference Hall, Office of the chief Engineer, PHED Nagaland kohima.

3. For any queries / assistance you may contact +91 9615541951/8837217685 during office hour.

Rejected Applicants due to non-fulfillment of criteria:

Elections our right, won’t beg anybody to hold them: Omar

Need for moral responsibility

Following the triple-train accident on June 2 at balasore ,Odisha which left 288 dead and around 1000 others injured, opposition leaders have demanded the immediate resignation of union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw on moral grounds. Vaishnaw as railway minister, is accountable to parliament as well as the people of the country. The pain of families of the dead and injured would have been eased had the minister immediately stepped down on moral ground. It would have appeared as a show of solidarity with the bereaved and a right step for accountability and a fair probe. The opposition had also dug out facts such as February 9 warning issued by the chief operating manager of South western regarding the inherent failings of the signalling system. The railway official warned that if signal maintenance system was not monitored immediately it could lead to serious accidents. Further buttressing the demand for the resignation of Vaishnaw, the congress pointed out that Vaishnaw was absent from the chintan Shivir on June 2 on railway safety held hours before the accident occurred. The minister was reportedly at another programme for launch of the Vande bharat trains and increasing revenue. Noted Supreme court lawyer kapil Sibal said Vaishnam is over burdened with the responsibility of looking after big ministries such as –railways, communications and information & technology. He said each ministry demands full attention and therefore, concluded that it will asking too much for a minister saddled with such a huge burden of being able to do justice to each of the ministries. Had railway safety been a priority, the minister would have been aware of the shortage of manpower at foot soldiers such as gangman, station masters, loco pilots etc. A majority of the 39 railway zones lack the required human resources and that 3,11,438 posts under Group ‘c’ and 3,081 Gazetted cadre posts are vacant and due to which the railways is facing a herculean task for smooth operation. ministers in principle resign on moral ground solely to accept responsibility for what may have gone wrong, in the highest traditions of parliamentary democracy. Under the present government at the centre, resigning on moral grounds is not an option. For instance, union minister of state for home Ajay mishra Teni, despite nationwide protest by farmers and political parties, has not resigned till today, after his son ran over protesting farmers in 2021 killing four and injuring others. Another case is that of brij bhushan Singh Sharan a bJP mP and president of Wrestling Federation of India(WFI) accused of sexually molesting female wrestlers. bhushan was booked under POcSO Act only after Suprme cour intervened but he was not arrested as per the POScO Act. In the past, railway ministers resigned or offered to resign owing moral responsibility for train accidents. Former railway minister Suresh Prabhu resigned on August 23, 2017, taking moral responsibility for two train derailments in a span of four days- kaifiyat Express and Puri-Utkal Express. Prime minister modi asked him to wait, but Prabhu stepped down next month. Earlier, Nitish kumar resigned as minister of Railways, owning responsibility for the Gaisal train disaster in Assam in August 1999. The tall promises of transparency and accountability fall short when tested, unfortunately.

DailyDevotion

“Work Out” What God “Works in” You

…work out your own salvation…for it is God who works in you… —Philippians 2:12-13

Your will agrees with God, but in your flesh there is a nature that renders you powerless to do what you know you ought to do. When the Lord initially comes in contact with our conscience, the first thing our conscience does is awaken our will, and our will always agrees with God. Yet you say, “But I don’t know if my will is in agreement with God.” Look to Jesus and you will find that your will and your conscience are in agreement with Him every time. What causes you to say “I will not obey” is something less deep and penetrating than your will. It is perversity or stubbornness, and they are never in agreement with God. The most profound thing in a person is his will, not sin.

The will is the essential element in God’s creation of human beings— sin is a perverse nature which entered into people. In someone who has been born again, the source of the will is Almighty God. “…for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” With focused attention and great care, you have to “work out” what God “works in” you— not work to accomplish or earn “your own salvation,” but work it out so you will exhibit the evidence of a life based with determined, unshakable faith on the complete and perfect redemption of the Lord. As you do this, you do not bring an opposing will up against God’s will— God’s will is your will. Your natural choices will be in accordance with God’s will, and living this life will be as natural as breathing. Stubbornness is an unintelligent barrier, refusing enlightenment and blocking its flow. The only thing to do with this barrier of stubbornness is to blow it up with “dynamite,” and the “dynamite” is obedience to the Holy Spirit.

Do I believe that Almighty God is the Source of my will? God not only expects me to do His will, but He is in me to do it.

By Oswald Chambers

Quotes

“Aim for the moon. If you miss, you may hit a star.”

~ W. Clement Stone

A critique of FNR’s statement on Naga repatriation

The Forum for Naga Reciliation’s (FNR)statementRepatriation on Naga ancestral remains(Nagaland Post 20/5/2023) reflects a triangular collaboration between the FNR with its two lead researchers, an Associate Prof from Melbourne University and a Senior lecturer from Edinburgh University,on the Naga repatriation process. At the pinnacle of this triangular collaboration is Pitt’s Rivers Museum (PRM). As reported in the local media,the FNR’s statement suggests its legitimacy to be the facilitator was authorized by the PRM. Is this not ironic to be directed by the PRM (an institution of the British empire), as to who should be the facilitator of the decolonization process? As well,FNR’s statement pointed out how the two foreign based Naga academics,who initiated the dialogue with the PRM, became the lead researchers for the so-called community initiative project via FNR.

The FNR’s statement (20/5/2023) is paradoxical and refutes the work of its own researchers. On the one hand, the FNR’s statement exhorts Nagas ‘to engage with the burdens of violent colonial history in order to heal from the current pain and trauma.’ And on the other hand, the two FNR’s researchers’ Morung Lectures and pub-

lished articles portray the need for“healing of the land” from the pain and trauma caused by the British rulers of the past. These notions of “pain, trauma and healing”, continue to be the core elements of FNR’s and its lead researcher’s publications. This “pain and trauma” while cited often by FNR is not readily apparent to the Naga people.

One might suspect that there is no pain or trauma at all. Could this be because our cultural experiences differ from those of other indigenous peoples, and the analogy being drawn by the FNR to Australian Aboriginal experiences does not hold true?

I could not agree more on the necessity to contextualize the historical narratives of a people - which I have mentioned in my last article on the Naga repatriation (Nagaland Post 25.4.23). This is why, in recapitulating my last article,I have provided links on the usage of terminologies which are applicable to Australian Aboriginals but not in the “context” of our Naga people. This is, as well, to signify that we don’t use pre-conceived ideas or pre-existing knowledge of other societies to solve our own Naga problems. The cultural meaning is not coherent between societies.

I want to make it clear again that the Aboriginal Australians have a deep and abiding spiritual con-

nection to their ancestors which has persisted for thousands of years in their culture. The injury they suffered from the removal of ancestral remains (brutal massacre and ethnic genocide) by colonials is easy to understand in this context. Now, try to translate this injury to Naga Society. Are there any parallels? Do Nagas venerate their ancestors in a similar manner, or suffer deep psychic trauma when headhunted remains are disturbed? Of course not! Our culture distinctly differs from Australian Aboriginals, although we are also indigenous people. We were headhunters and animists. Remains did (and do) not carry the same meaning to our culture as for Australian Aboriginals. Is it meaningful then to draw parallels with another more ancient culture half a world away? Should we instead focus on our own culture - those things that make us who and what we are instead of importing issues and traumas from other cultures? We cannot generalize our cultural knowledge and experiences, and this cannot be supported by saying that“knowledge is fluid” as stated in FNR’s article (20/5/2023)since knowledge, in its generic sense, is still observable,quantitative, and qualitative. If repatriation is to be a valuable exercise, we should try

not confusing our Naga people and diminish the uniqueness of our culture by importing the concerns of another culture. There are no parallels here.

The FNR’s statement (20/5/2023) has incorporatedmany western terms from the PRM (British institution) such as – colonial, coloniality, decolonize, decoloniality and so forth. In previous publications of FNR’s lead researchers, the works of the British anthropologists on some Naga tribes were heavily condemned. In this regard, the Incorporation of PRM’s concepts in FNR’s statement on Naga repatriation process raises a question as to how relevant the PRM’s concepts are in the Naga context to explain the process of Naga repatriation, or contextualizing the history of the Nagas? FNR’s statement (20/5/2023) further exhibits that the Naga repatriation is not just about the relocation of the human remains but also to share the story of the Naga people –identity, meaning, spirituality etc., to the outside world. The possibilities of sharing Naga stories are not an issue here, but how does one articulate the actual story of Naga cultural heritage with the incorporation of other people’s ideas and experiences into the Naga context to tell the outside world? Where

is this Naga repatriation process leading to? One may or may not be aware of where the trajectory of the Naga repatriation is heading. However, an integration of western concepts (PRM) as a “pathway”for the Naga repatriation of human remains does not make any logical sense to the Naga public at this initial stage. As it appears in FNR’s statement, this activity of Naga repatriation, which is a so-called community initiative project is more of a research project with atop-down approach, and it is not actually delving into relevant procedures of the Naga repatriation process. This can still raise many ethical questions, but this is not my concern here.

Finally,I want to make it clear to the FNR and its team, and all the Naga people that my last article on the Repatriation of Naga Human remains (https:// nagalandpost.com/index.php/ repatriation-of-naga-ancestral-remains-a-discourse/)wasbased on evidence found in various public domains- the Morung lectures and articles by the FNR’s lead researchers. My article which published in some local medias (25.5.2023),cannot be considered personal, political, or directed at individuals. It was written purely in the interest of the entire Naga community.

Rejoinder to statements of NSF: Regarding the institution of the NC and its legacy

(From previous issue...) 5. Need for Reconstruction of Naga Club Bldg and Demolition of the Old dilapidated Bldg: (Local Dailies news item dated 29-05-23)

With the passage of time, the NC Bldg had undergone the severest of depreciation and stood dilapidated, without proper amenities, projecting the Naga people and particularly NC and all that it represents, in a very poor light, and the Bldg in very poor shape for the younger generation to inherit unless rebuilt. It is with this concern that the recent Executives of NC have undertaken the burden, the daunting task and responsibility of demolishing the dilapidated old Bldg, to rebuild a befitting building, commensurate to the tall stature of the institution of the NC, to assert the rightful and distinguished image of the NC and to serve as a monumental asset as well as to honor the illustrious legacy of our pioneer leaders and forefathers who established the Institution of the NC to represent the Nagas with much wisdom and foresight.

The reconstruction of the NC Bldg is a long-felt need which is much overdue. It is, therefore, imperative and inevitable to demolish the existing Bldg in its entirety and build a totally new Bldg, well-equipped with modern amenities for the welfare of all the Naga communities. Prior to the demolition, several request letters and pleadings including notices to vacate have been communicated to the NSF whereby, sufficient time was given in each case but was never responded and there was absolute silence by the NSF.

The demolition of NC Bldg has been misinterpreted and sensationalized with emotional rhetoric for vested interest by the Tenant/NSF Officials who were collecting monthly rentals by un-authorized renting of the whole Bldg. Such shameless nature is alien to the Naga culture. The demolition of the old and dilapidated NC Bldg can never be called an act of vandalism because, primarily vandalism involves the destruction of public or private property without intent to restore or rebuild. Secondly, in the instant case, it is demolished at the behest of the Officials of the NC. Thirdly, due notice has been served and time has been given to all tenants to vacate the premise and which many did. There is no controversy with regard to the timing of demolition in the morning hours which is chosen to avoid traffic congestion and public inconvenience. Needless to say, the place has many important Govt Offices, political party office, shopping complexes, a public ground, State Bank and military barrack in the vicinity.

6. Vacation Notice to the Tenants:

The need for the reconstruction of the Bldg has necessitated the need for tenants to vacate the Bldg to allow demolition and reconstruction. Since the NSF had refused to have any meetings with the NC inspite of repeated requests, it became imperative to serve notice to vacate the Bldg. Two notices were served on 127-22 and 6-03-23. Sufficient time has been given in both cases. The statement of the NSF Officials that ‘the vacation notice had expired long time back’ is absurd and does not give any legitimacy to occupy beyond the sufficient time granted for vacating the Bldg. On the contrary, any stay beyond the period granted for vacation is unwarranted and illegal. Other tenants who vacated one third of the NC Bldg were demolished peacefully in the preceding weeks. But when the demolition came closer to the NSF/tenant Office, they kept on obstructing the work without any communication to Naga Club.

7. Regarding Another NC (NFA) of 1979 Alleged by the NSF. (Local Dailies article dated 25-7-2022)

The statement of the NSF (quote) ‘the building then was being claimed by another group of individuals, in the name of another Naga Club, and the dispute was in the court of the Kohima Deputy Commissioner, for hearing’ (unquote), implies that either the NSF is not aware of the matter in toto concerning the claim of the Bldg by some individuals, or it is speaking half truths to distort the facts and thus its repeated statement of ‘individuals laying claim as the owner of the NC Bldg’. It may be stated here for the enlightenment of the office of the NSF and also the public that this incident dates back to 1979 in the period when the NC laid hiatus. The Naga Football Association (NFA) on 8th Sept. 1979 led by a group of few individuals had allegedly claimed to have formed a Naga Club to stake claim as the legitimate owner of Naga Club. This so-called Naga Club was actually a Naga Football Club and has no relation to the socio-political Naga Club formed in 1918 and well known for the Memorandum to the Simon Commission.

On revival of the NC on 7t h Jan. 1982 at Kohima Vill. Panchayat under the auspices of the Naga Elders’ Conference who took the responsibilities of NC when it laid hiatus, there ensued a claim of legitimacy of the Naga Club by the so-called Naga Club formed by the NFA and a case was filed in the Court of DC, Kohima. Subsequently at the initiative of Angami Public Organization (APO), the two contending parties met on 20th Aug. 1983 and resolved the dispute. This matter of some individual laying claim of ownership of the Naga Club

property therefore has been disposed off and the so-called new Naga Club formed by the NFA was dissolved and the original Naga Club which was revived under the patronage of the Naga Elders’ Conference on 7th Jan. 1982 was bestowed the legitimate rights of the Naga Club. The NSF has been trying to delegitimize the rightful Office of Naga Club so as to stake claim of the NC Bldg and the plot on which it stood.

8. The Naga Club Centenary Monolith. The NC, in the early part of 2018 conveyed to the NSF of its plan to erect a monolith to commemorate 100 years of NC and had even requested the NSF to come forward as partners of NC to which their response was very positive. However, after the Federal Assembly of NSF held at Senapati Dist, Manipur in the month of Sept 2018, the NSF took a ‘U-turn’ and refused to meet the NC, stating that their meeting with the NC would legitimize the NC, a stand which they have adamantly taken to this day, and refused to even respond to the Club’s various letters of requests for meetings or eviction notices.

Furthermore, the NSF refused to allow the NC to erect its 100 years Centenary monolith at the rightful site of the NC Bldg. It mobilized innocent students to be used as human shield anticipating violent conflicts with the NC. The NC in order to prevent further escalation of physical confrontation into violent conflicts, decided to erect the monolith at Jotsoma near the tomb of Zasibeito Nagi, the first Naga Martyr for Naga Political cause. History will not be kind to NSF for this deliberate act to obliterate and erase the legacy of the NC and will go down as a very unfortunate ‘black incident’ in the Naga history that the NSF had committed on the legacy of Naga people.

9. NSF/Tenant attempts to Obliterate the Existence of Naga Club and Push it to Oblivion.

While allegedly claiming to be the custodian of the NC, its legacy and its property, the activities of the NSF/Tenant indicates that it is on a mission to delegitimize the NC so as to usurp its Bldg and the plot of land and then to obliterate the NC. Under mentioned are some of the activities that prove that NSF is making attempts to distort the facts and wipe out NC, thus working against the interest of the Nagas:

a. It refuses to allow the reconstruction of the NC Bldg to honor the legacy of the NC, and thereby to continue to humiliate the Nagas and their legacy of NC through the old and dilapidated Bldg. It has already caused enough delay in the re-construction of the Bldg.

b. It denounced the office of the NC where the living former office bearers are still the advisors

to the NC.

c. It has caused irreparable damage to the legacy of the Naga people and the NC by disallowing the 100 years Centenary monolith of the NC to be erected at its rightful public place beside the NC Bldg in the heart of Kohima Town, thus preventing a symbolic monolith of the Naga history from being seen, noticed and heard by the public.

d. NSF also erected a parallel Naga Club Centenary Monolith at Solidarity Park Kohima without authority. This is a theft of a historical landmark, and an act to distort NC history and confuse the upcoming generations.

e. It tried to usurp the plot of land of the NC Bldg by transferring it into its name, which was admitted by the NSF President himself (Local Dailies dated 295-23) but was stopped by the NC from such acts of manipulation and distortion of history.

f. NSF mischievously used innocent students to hold placard that says NSF has the right to inherit the NC Bldg. Not only is the NSF misguiding the innocent minds by distortion of facts of history, it is endangering their lives and innocence in conflicting issues for personal gain.

10. Custodianship and Obligation of the Naga Club Officials towards the Nagas:

The NC Bldg belongs to the Naga people without borders. The incumbents of the Office of the NC are only mere but rightful custodians of the Institution of the NC entrusted to work for the larger interest of the Naga people though the NC. Kewezü Mero, the Advisor to NC has been residing in the NC Bldg till recently and has vacated to allow the re-construction of the Bldg. The responsibility of the Office incumbents goes beyond the physical Bldg and the plot of land. They have a burden and a duty to preserve and protect the legacy of the past, to uphold the interest of the whole Naga community wherever they be, promote unity and understanding, be caretaker to NC assets and protect it from being usurped by any person or organization, and to protect the facts of Naga history from distortions and to preserve the rich legacy and present it to the younger generation for posterity.

11. Reconstruction of NC Bldg and the vision ahead:

Although the NC started as a social Club, because of its connection to the Simon Commission, it has been immortalized and has become a living Institution for all the Nagas that became a forerunner to all other subsequent Naga organizations. And though the NC laid dormant for some period of time, it has been reactivated into a vibrant functional body. The NC is deeply concerned with the historical significance of the Club and the historical relevance to the Nagas, and the NC Bldg that

projects the image of the Nagas. It is on this account that a reconstruction of the NC Bldg thus gains significance and becomes imperative. It is the earnest endeavor of the Officials and representatives of the NC to restore the NC Bldg that befits the tall stature of the Institution of the Naga Club and its legacy and to pass it on to the younger generations. In pursuit of this noble task, the land patta, the construction permit, the construction committee, the finance committee etc are all set in place and ready for the benevolent mission. However, it is no surprise that there are selfish and divisive minds trying to create misunderstanding, misinformation and distortion. Even then, we the Nagas shall overcome. As Albert Einstein aptly said, ‘Great Spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.

Once the reconstruction of the NC Bldg near the Old Secretariat Complex Kohima is completed, it is envisioned to house a large MUSEUM to preserve and display the Naga traditional artefacts such as antiques, ornaments, tools and equipments, alongside a LIBRARY where all the literature referring to the Naga people, its history, social, political, economic, literary, and important aspects of the Nagas are made available so as to exhibit and preserve the illustrious history, culture, heritage and legacy of the Nagas for posterity.

In consonance with the old tradition where the NC Bldg served as an amenity for the Naga public, it will also house an Office as a Morung, a Conference hall and also make provisions to house the people coming from the remote Naga inhabited areas as was done in the past and various representation of all the Nagas encompassing an inclusive Pan-Naga community to foster unity and to pave way for better understanding so as to usher in progress, development and peace. It is, therefore, hoped that wisdom will prevail over youthful brashness in the greater interest of the Nagas. In view of this benevolent mission with a vision, the Naga Club welcomes every Naga to be a part of this historical legacy without any misgivings.

(Concluded)

1. Kuolachalie Seyie, President, NC; 2. K N Mhonthung Lotha, Gen. Secy, NC; 3.

NC;

NC;

Kesiezie, Advisor, NC; 6. Dr Vinito L Chishi, Advisor, NC; 7. Ariyi Nienu, Advisor, NC; 8. Prasielie Pienyü, Convenor, Descendants of Simon Commission Signatories.; 9. Adv. Khriedi Theünuo, Convenor, WC NC; 10. Dr Viketoulie Pienyü, Secy, WC NC; 11. Seyiekuolie Kesiezie, Finance Secy., NC; 12. Robert N

Kewezü Mero, Advisor,

4. Khymo Lotha, Advisor,

5. Pheluopfhelie

Solo, Chairman, Programme Committee

Dr. Salome Zhimomi

India, Germany explore ways for joint development of military

NEW DELHI, JUN 6

(PTI): India and Germany

on Tuesday explored ways to co-develop key military platforms with German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius showing keen interest in New Delhi’s mega plan to procure six stealth conventional submarines at a cost of around Rs 43,000 crore.

In his talks with Pistorius, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh stressed that India and Germany could build a “more symbiotic” defence relationship based on shared goals and complementarity of strength and invited German investments in defence corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu.

The two defence ministers also reviewed regional security situations including China’s growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific and other regions, officials said.

Pistorius arrived in Delhi on Monday on a fourday visit to India. It is the first visit of a German defence minister to India since 2015.

The defence ministry said the Indian defence industry could participate in the supply chains of the Ger-

man defence industry and add value to the ecosystem, besides contributing to supply chain resilience.

It is learnt that the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its implications on the world figured in the talks.

The officials said India’s plan to procure six stealth conventional submarines at a cost of around Rs 43,000 crore figured in the talks and Pistorius showed Germany’s interest in the project.

One of the contenders of the contract is Germany’s ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS).

In June 2021, the defence ministry cleared the mega project to domestically

Deep depression over Arabian Sea intensifies into cyclonic storm: IMD

NEW DELHI, JUN 6

(PTI): A deep depression over the southeast Arabian Sea intensified into cyclonic storm ‘Biparjoy’ on Tuesday evening, the India Meteorological Department said.

The name ‘Biparjoy’ has been given by Bangladesh. “The deep depression over southeast and adjoining east-central Arabian Sea moved nearly northwards with a speed of 4 kmph, intensified into a cyclonic storm ‘Biparjoy’ (pronounced as ‘Biporjoy’) and lay centered

about 920 km west-southwest of Goa, 1050 km southwest of Mumbai, 1130 km southsouthwest of Porbandar and 1430 km south of Karachi at 1730 hours,” the IMD said in a bulletin. It is likely to move nearly northwards and intensify gradually into a very severe cyclonic storm. Sea conditions are likely to be very high along and off the Kerala-Karnataka coasts and Lakshadweep-Maldives areas on June 6 and Konkan-Goa-Maharashtra coasts from June 8 to June 10.

build six conventional submarines for the Indian Navy.

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.

Before travelling to India from Indonesia, Pistorius told German’s stateowned broadcaster DW that India’s continuing reliance on Russian weapons is not in Germany’s interest.

The defence ministry said both the ministers reviewed the ongoing bilateral defence cooperation activi-

No possibility of Pilot floating new party: Congress

ties and explored ways to enhance the collaboration, particularly the defence industrial partnership.

“The defence minister highlighted the opportunities that have opened up in the defence production sector, including the possibilities for German investments in the two defence industrial corridors in Uttar Pradesh and Tamil Nadu,” it said.

“The Indian defence industry could participate in the supply chains of the German defence industry and add value to the ecosystem, besides contributing to supply chain resilience,” it said.

The ministry said Singh stressed that India and Germany could build a more “symbiotic relationship” based on shared goals and complementarity of strength, namely skilled workforce and competitive costs from India and high technologies and investment from Germany.

India and Germany have had a strategic partnership since 2000, which has been strengthened through inter-governmental consultations since 2011 at the level of heads of government.

JAIPUR, JUN 6 (PTI): Congress general secretary in-charge of Rajasthan Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of dissident leader Sachin Pilot floating a new party.

Randhawa, who reached Jaipur in the evening, also said that the party will assign responsibilities to Rajasthan leaders according to their stature.

“I am hearing this from you, I think there is no such thing. He (Pilot) did not have this in his mind before and does not have it now,” he told reporters when asked about speculations of the formation of a new party by Pilot. andhawa also said it is the media which is raising the issue.

He reiterated that Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge and Rahul Gandhi had recently talked to Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot and Sachin Pilot in Delhi in which both the Rajasthan leaders “agreed to work unitedly”.

“Mallikarjun Kharge, Rahul Gandhi listened to both of them carefully and both were told that they are the assets of the Congress... Both said that they will work together,” he said.

AURANGABAD, JUN

6 (PTI): If the Opposition comes up with a “credible” alternative ahead of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, people may consider it, said NCP president Sharad Pawar on Tuesday, stressing that the decision on the new Parliament building could have been taken through dialogue with political parties.

The senior Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) leader was speaking in a ‘Sauhard Baithak’ (meeting to foster amity) at Mahatma Gandhi Mission University in Maharashtra’s Aurangabad. Speaking about next year’s general elections, he said, “My concern is if people will have the same approach for the (2024) Lok Sabha elections as they have for states (assembly polls). If the Opposition unites and offers a credible alternative, people may consider it.” If the Opposition doesn’t move wisely, it can’t expect people to think of a different choice on their own, he said. Many opposition parties, including the

Congress and JD(U), are trying to forge unity ahead of next year’s Lok Sabha polls. If rulers accept the policy of peacefulness and dialogue, one can come up with a solution for any issue, he said. “Today, the situation (in the country) is really worrying,” said Pawar. He cited the example of developments over the Babri Masjid issue when Chandra Shekhar was the prime minister. “The then PM called Bhairon Singh Shekhawat and me to find a way out over the Babri issue through dialogue. While both (Hindu and Muslim sides) wanted to resolve it through talks, the government collapsed,” he said.

Earlier, Pawar said, they faced challenges while changing the name of the Aurangabad-based Marathwada University to Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Marathwada University. It was first opposed and the government revoked the decision, he said. “But later we reached out to students in several colleagues and implemented that decision because we had a dialogue (with them),” Pawar said.

The NCP leader said rulers and administrators should work with the thinking that “everyone is ours” and deliver the message effectively. “Else, wrong things will happen. In the recent period, such things are happening in many places,” Pawar said. He also expressed concerns over attacks on Muslims and Christians. “The picture in the country today makes me worry about Muslims and Christians. In many states, churches are being attacked. Christians are peaceful and they never take an extreme stand,” he said.

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Rajnath Singh with German Federal Minister of Defence Boris Pistorius at Manekshaw Centre, in New Delhi. (PTI)

If Oppn comes up with a credible alternative in 2024, people may consider it: Sharad Pawar

Sharad Pawar

RBI’s rate-setting panel starts deliberations on policy rate

MUMBAI, JUN 6 (PTI):

The Reserve Bank’s ratesetting monetary policy panel began deliberations on Tuesday amid expectations that the central bank will keep the benchmark interest rates unchanged at 6.5 per cent on the back of easing retail inflation and the need to push economic growth.

Headed by Reserve Bank Governor Shaktikanta Das, the six-member Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) will meet for three days and the decision would be announced on Thursday, June 8. After the last MPC meeting in April, the RBI paused its rate hike cycle and stayed with the 6.5 per cent repo rate. Prior to that the central bank had cumulatively hiked the repo rate by 250 basis points since May 2022 in a bid to contain inflation.

The MPC is meeting in the backdrop of consumer price-based (CPI) inflation

declining to an 18-month low of 4.7 per cent in April.

The Reserve Bank governor recently indicated that the May print would be lower than the April numbers. The CPI for May is scheduled to be announced on June 12.

On expectations from the MPC, Rumki Majumdar, Economist, Deloitte India said: “We expect a pause in this meeting as growth concerns cannot be overlooked. With the global economy slowing down, there are risks that the slowdown contagion may impact us”. Globally, there are signs that the Central Banks may also take a pause or go with fewer hikes as runaway inflation takes a breather, Majumdar said, and added this will further help the RBI to maintain the status quo.

Dhruv Agarwala, Group CEO, Housing.com said the RBI is expected to keep its benchmark lending rate unchanged, reflecting

HC quashes govt order banning dog meat

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): The Kohima Bench of the Gauhati High Court has quashed the state government order passed on 2020 that put a blanket ban on the commercial import, trading of dogs and sale of dog meat in markets and dine-in restaurants.

The judgement was passed on June 2 after Justice Marli Vankung heard a petition by three persons. The Nagaland government had decided to ban the sale, trade and import of dog meat in July after a photograph of incapacitated dogs tied to gunny bags went viral on social media.

The petitioners had pointed out that the government’s order lacked statutory backing. The petitioners are traders dealing in import, trade and sale of dog meat within the jurisdiction of Kohima Municipal Corporation (KMC).

The counsel for the petitioners pointed out that the petitioners was being denied the right to

Split within Yung Aung-led NSCN (K)

the easing concerns surrounding inflation.

“While some voices advocate for a rate cut to provide an impetus to growth, the RBI is likely to exercise caution and wait before contemplating such a step,” he said.

He further said the robust GDP growth rate of 7.2 per cent achieved by the Indian economy in the financial year 2022-23 showcases its remarkable resilience in the face of global challenges.

The construction, trade, and hospitality sectors witnessed substantial double-digit expansion. These numbers also bode well for the real estate sector, with the government continuing to provide support to stimulate its growth, he added.

Pradeep Aggarwal, Founder and Chairman, Signature Global (India) too said the central bank is likely to maintain the status quo in policy rate.

(From p-1) Langnyei said the leaders of the region and the CSOs such as Naga YUYA (Naga Culture Committee Myanmar), Naga Baptist Convention (NBC), Naga Students’ Organisation (NSO), Eastern Naga Students’ Association (ENSA) and Konyak Union Myanmar (KUM) intervened and called for peace. He said CSOs also asked both the GHQ and Council Headquarters (CHQ) to clearly maintain Tigak River as the boundary line till the time the issue was solved and put to rest. However, while the Naga Army were “busy trying to solve the issue”

Power to summon accused should be used by court after satisfaction on evidence: SC

and bring peace to the land, Langnyei said Yung Aung and his operation continued “disrespecting the boundary line” drawn by CSOs leading to a clash between the two parties on June 5, 2023.

He said Yung Aung sent his armies to attack GHQ of the Naga Army on June 5 by crossing the Tigak River and marched straight to the defence line of the Naga Army in full force. “We only fired in retaliation and by the Grace of God none of us were harmed,” said “maj. Gen.” Langnyei, adding that the casualty report from other side was yet to be ascertained.

CWS halts Cl-XI admission process...

(From p-1)

The conference maintained that it had been trying its best for past few years and did every possible way for temporary solution. “Having learned that the temporary solution will not ease the problem faced by the people, the CWS has taken these steps for the welfare of students of Tuensang district,” it stated.

Rio inaugurates Nagaland Commissions’...

(From p-1)

consume the food of their choice and to earn their livelihood when Import /export permit dated 03.06.2020 has been issued by the Kohima Municipal council for the petitioner to trade in dog meat.

After taking note of all the submissions, the court said that the chief secretary was not the appropriate authority to issue the impugned order dated 04.07.2020 when section 30 of the FSS Act, 2006 provides for appointment of a Commissioner of Food Safety for the state for efficient implementation of food safety and standards and other requirements laid down under the Act.

After making its observations and reasoning and in light of the judgments of the apex court, the court said it was constraint to set aside and quash the July 4, 2020 order issued by the state banning commercial import, trading of dogs and dog markets as well as commercial sale of dog meat in markets and dine in restaurants.

He informed the gathering that since its inception in March 2006 till 2022-23, the commission had received 304 appeals and 11 complaints. In 202223, it had received 47 cases and disposed of 43 cases. He claimed that the commission had disposed of all pending cases and was presently dealing with current cases only.

Presenting the technical report, NPWD (Housing) chief engineer I Tiameren said work on the complex

had started in December 2013 and the project site covered an area of 1.61 acres with a total plan area of 4,996.09 square metres. He mentioned that the overall physical progress of the complex was 65%. State chaplain Rev TW Yamyap Konyak offered the dedicatory prayer. Chaired by State information commissioner Nosazol Charles, the programme was attended by director general of police (DGP) Rupin Sharma, home commissioner Abhijit Sinha, chairpersons of

other commissions and senior government officials. Located below NBCC Convention Centre at Kohima, the Nagaland Commissions’ Complex would house the Disability Commission, Child Rights Protection Commission, Electricity Regulatory Commission, Nagaland Information Commission, Women Commission, Human Rights Commission, Backward Tribes Commission and Election Commission. This was stated in a DIPR release.

NSCN/GPRN (Khango) terminates

DIMAPUR: NSCN/GPRN (Khango) has informed that as per the Ahza, deputy secretary, Athrichum Sangtam has been terminated from the active and primary membership of Naga National service with immediate effect on account of breaching the “party discipline” and deviating from the prescribed “norms of conduct” of the government. Therefore, MIP informed that membership of Athrichum shall cease to be validated and effectively bear no responsibility.

(From p-1)

The apex court dismissed a plea by a plea by Jitendra Nath Mishra against the Allahabad High Court’s June 1, 2022 order, dismissing his petition to quash a summoning order issued by the special court in a case related to assault and abuse under the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989.

The trial court went by the deposition of the woman victim to summon the

appellant. The top court said:

“We are of the view that any expression of ours while dealing with each and every point urged on behalf of the appellant could result in prejudgment; and thereby hinder a fair trial hence, adopting a cautious approach, we propose to restrict our consideration solely to the question as to whether the evidence adduced by the complainant and his wife in course of recording of their depositions did

justify the Special Court to make the order it did.”

Concluding the order, it said: “The Special Court is encouraged to expedite the trial. But, in the process, it shall proceed uninfluenced by reason of its order under Section 319, CrPC having been upheld by the High Court and this Court. The points raised on behalf of the appellant, recorded above, if raised before it as well as other points, if any, shall be given the consideration the same deserve.”

Manipur simmers as violence continues

(From p-1)

On the other hand, in the escalating attacks and counter attacks, at least three villagers sustained bullet injuries and were admitted at different hospitals in Imphal, reports said. Another report said that security forces engaged in a gunfight with the suspected militants at Kanto Sabal and Moidangpok villages in Imphal West district bordering Kangpokpi district late Sunday night. There were no reports of

any casualties in the gunfight. Meanwhile, according to reports, a seven-year-old boy, his mother and another woman, a relative, were burnt alive, when an ambulance carrying them was stopped by a mob and set afire on Sunday evening. They were on the way to a hospital for treatment escorted by police. The mob set fire to the ambulance, trapping the victims inside while the police personnel managed to escape.

F&CS deptt directs FPS

(From p-1) there would be realtime deduction of allocation for non-transacted quantity. Therefore, for such cases (if any), the department said the erring FPSs would be held responsible/answerable to the ministry and concerned NFSA beneficiaries under the respective FPS. The F&CS department has informed that,

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the subsequent month’s allocation would be affected (i.e. actual allocation minus carried forward quantity).

Further, the department has informed that in case of device(s) or network issue(s), if any, the matter be immediately be brought to the notice of the department for prompt redressal in a time bound manner.

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S. Korea seeks to win UNSC seat

SEOUL, JUN 6 (IANS):

South Korean diplomats have made their final pitch for Seoul’s bid for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council (UNSC).

South Korea, which last sat on the council in 2013-2014, aims to return to the council for 2024-2025, and the UN will vote on the bid on Tuesday, reports Yonhap News Agency.

If elected, it will mark the third time for South Korea to serve as one of the 10 non-permanent UNSC members.

Previously, South Korea had served the seat during the 1996-1997 term.

Pak rejects TTP’s offer to resume talks

PESHAWAR, JUN 6 (IANS): Pakistani authorities have declined an offer from the outlawed Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) to resume talks, citing their previous negative experience with dialogue, media reports said.

The TTP, through various sources and individual contacts, expressed their willingness to re-engage in talks in recent days. However, the government rejected the offer and instead urged the militants to surrender, according to sources, The Express Tribune reported.

Fiji PM visits

New Zealand after 25 years

WELLINGTON, JUN

6 (IANS): New Zealand

Chris Hipkins on Tuesday announced that his Fijian counterpart Sitiveni Rabuka has arrived in the country, marking his official visit in 25 years.

New Zealand and Fiji have a long-standing relationship based on close cooperation in areas of mutual interest such as climate change, and ensuring a safe, secure and economically prosperous Pacific region, Xinhua news agency quoted the Prime Minister as saying.

Erdogan appoints chief advisor as new spy chief

ANKARA, JUN 6 (IANS): Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has designated has appointed his chief presidential advisor and spokesperson, Ibrahim Kalin as the new head of the Turkish National Intelligence Organization (MIT).

Kalin assumes the role previously held by Hakan Fidan, who has been appointed as the Foreign Minister in Erdogan’s new cabinet, reports Xinhua news agency.

Fidan had served as the chief of MIT since 2010.

900 migrants rescued, returned to Libya: IOM

TRIPOLI, JUN 6 (IANS): The International Organization for Migration (IOM) announced that 900 migrants, including 39 women and 14 children, were rescued and returned to Libya during the past week.

The IOM said the migrants were intercepted by Libyan authorities and returned to the country from May 28 to June 3, reports Xinhua news agency.

So far this year, a total of 6,684 undocumented migrants have been rescued and returned to Libya, IOM said.

Collapse of major dam in southern Ukraine triggers emergency

Moscow and Kyiv continue blame game

KYIV, JUN 6 (AP): The wall of a major dam in southern Ukraine collapsed on Tuesday, triggering floods, endangering Europe’s largest nuclear power plant and threatening drinking water supplies as both sides in the war rushed to evacuate residents and blamed each other for the destruction.

Ukraine accused Russian forces of blowing up the Kakhovka dam and hydroelectric power station on the Dnieper River in an area that Moscow controls, while Russian officials blamed Ukrainian bombardment in the contested area. It was not possible to verify the claims.

The potentially farreaching environmental and social consequences of the disaster quickly became clear as homes, streets and businesses flooded downstream and emergency crews began evacuations; officials raced to check cooling systems at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant; and

Iran unveils what it calls a hypersonic missile able to beat air defences

of reasons why Russia would do this”.

Ukraine brands

Russia ‘terrorist state’

A top Ukrainian diplomat called Russia a “terrorist state” on Tuesday as he opened his country’s case against Moscow at the United Nations’ highest court, and lawyers argued that Russia bankrolled a “campaign of intimidation and terror” by rebels in eastern Ukraine in 2014.

DUBAI, JUN 6 (AP): Iran claimed on Tuesday that it had created a hypersonic missile capable of travelling at 15 times the speed of sound, adding a new weapon to its arsenal as tensions remain high with the US over Tehran’s nuclear programme.

The new missile -called Fattah, or “Conqueror” in Farsi -- was unveiled even as Iran said it would reopen its diplomatic posts on Tuesday in Saudi Arabia after reaching a détente with Riyadh following years of conflict.

Both Russian and Ukrainian authorities brought in trains and buses for residents. About 22,000 people live in areas at risk of flooding in Russian-controlled areas, while 16,000 live in the most critical zone in Ukrainian-held territory, according to official tallies. Neither side reported any deaths or injuries.

The dam break added a stunning new dimension to Russia’s war in Ukraine, now in its 16th month.

Ukrainian forces were widely seen to be moving for -

ward with a long-anticipated counteroffensive in patches along more than 1,000 kilometres (621 miles) of front line in the east and south.

Water runs through a breakthrough in the Kakhovka dam in Kakhovka, Ukraine, Tuesday. (AP) authorities expressed concern about supplies of drinking water to the south in Crimea, which Russia illegally annexed in 2014.

It was not immediately clear whether either side benefits from the damage to the dam, since both Russiancontrolled and Ukrainianheld lands are at risk.

The damage could also hinder Ukraine’s counteroffensive in the south and distract its government, while Russia depends on the dam to supply water to Crimea.

Patricia Lewis, director of the International Security Program at Chatham House think tank in London, said apportioning blame is difficult but “there are all sorts

Protests in France as unions make lastditch bid to resist higher retirement age

PARIS, JUN 6 (AP):

French union activists marched on the headquarters of the Paris Olympics and slowed traffic at the capital’s Orly Airport with strikes Tuesday as they sought to reignite resistance to a higher retirement age. But the last-ditch effort drew fewer followers than at the height of the movement earlier this year, and even some union leaders seemed ready to move on.

President Emmanuel Macron’s move to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64 — and force the measure through parliament without a vote — inflamed public emotions and triggered some of France’s biggest demonstrations in years.

But the intensity of anger over the pension reform has ebbed since the last big protests on May 1, and since the measure became law in April.

As part of Tuesday’s actions, a third of flights were canceled at Paris’ Orly Airport because of strikes, and about 10% of trains around France were disrupted. Around 250 marches, rallies and other actions were planned around the country to mark the 14th day of national protest since January over the pension reform.

A small group of ac-

tivists with the hard-left CGT union pushed their way into the headquarters of the 2024 Olympics in the Paris suburb of Saint-Denis, chanting anti-Macron slogans.

In the western city of Rennes, union activists marched on train tracks before being turned back by police, according to local public broadcaster France Bleu.

Anton Korynevych was addressing judges at the International Court of Justice in a case brought by Kyiv against Russia linked to Moscow’s 2014 annexation of the Crimean Peninsula and the arming of rebels in eastern Ukraine in the years before Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Ukraine wants the world court to order Moscow to pay reparations for attacks in the regions, including for the downing of Malaysia Airlines flight MH17 that was shot down by Russia-backed rebels on July 17, 2014, killing all 298 passengers and crew.

The tightly choreographed segment on Iranian state television apparently sought to show that Tehran’s hard-line government can still deploy arms against its enemies across much of the Middle East. “Today we feel that the deterrent power has been formed,” Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi said at the event.

“This power is an anchor of lasting security and peace for the regional countries.” Gen Amir Ali Hajizadeh, the head of the paramilitary Revolutionary Guard’s aerospace programme, unveiled what appeared to be a model of the missile. Hajizadeh claimed the missile had a range of

KOHIMA PHIRO E K HÜNG

FEL I C I TAT ION

The Kohima Phiro Ekhüng takes immense pride to congratulate the following members:-

1. Dr. MOTSÜTHUNG PATTON, promoted to Director, Dept. of Health & Family Welfare.

2. Shri. FUCHAMO ODYUO, promoted to registrar, Dept. of Employment & Skill Development.

3. Shri. THUNGDEMO TUNGOE, promoted to Deputy Director, Dept. of School Education.

The Ekhüng also conveys our heartfelt congratulations to all the successful candidates of Kohima Phiro Kyon who have cleared the HSLC & HSSLC examination, 2023 and wishes them the best in their future academic endeavors.

Sd/Kohima Phiro Ekhüng k-1324/23

up to 1,400 kilometres (870 miles). That’s about midrange for Iran’s expansive ballistic missile arsenal, which the Guard has built up over the years as Western sanctions largely prevent it from accessing advanced weaponry. “There exists no system that can rival or counter this missile,” Hajizadeh claimed. That claim, however, depends on how manoeuvrable the missile is. Ballistic missiles fly on a trajectory in which anti-missile systems like the Patriot can anticipate their path and intercept them. Tuesday’s event showed what appeared to be a moveable nozzle for the Fattah, which could allow it to change tra-

jectories in flight. The more irregular the missile’s flight path, the more difficult it becomes to intercept. Iranian officials did not release footage of a Fattah successfully launching and then striking a target. Hajizadeh later said that there had been a ground test of the missile’s engine. A ground test involves a rocket motor being put on a stand and fired to check its abilities while launching a missile with that rocket motor is much more complex. Hypersonic weapons, which fly at speeds in excess of Mach 5, or five times the speed of sound, could pose crucial challenges to missile defence systems because of their speed and manoeuvrability.

OFFICE OF THE KANDINU YOUTH ORGANISATION FELICITATION

The office of the kandinu Youth Organisation extends our heartiest congratulations to:

1. Mr. Achen Apon, S/o mr. Sansiya Apon Rank: 10 (92.40%) in HSSLc Exam, Science Stream.

2. Mr. Mehilo Apon , S/o mr. Sachu Apon on being selected as Research Assistant through Scc exam 2023.

3. Miss Meshenji Apon, D/o mr. Sachu Apon on being awarded the Doctor of Philosophy (Agronomy) from the School of Agricultural Sciences and Rural Development, Nagaland University. Sd/- Sd/kesihang kath benchumo kath President, kYO General Secretary, kYO -1322/23

Fattah missile is unveiled in a ceremony in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday. (AP)

Demonstrators march holding placard reading “City of Paris in fighting” in Paris, France, Tuesday. (AP)

SNDHD holds graduation-cum-award ceremony

Nurses take pledge at the graduation day on Tuesday. (NP)

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): School of Nursing, District Hospital Dimapur (SNDHD), celebrated the 6th graduation day cum late Ketsovole Kire’s 20th award ceremony programme at chapel hall DHD on Tuesday. Speaking on the occasion, Principal Director, H &FW Dr. Vibeituonuo. M. Sachu congratulated the graduates and reminded that nursing was a noble and revered profession.

She said that the profession was about caring people who cannot take care of themselves, and hoped that the three years of training had made them fully geared up to deliver the best to the society.

She also encouraged the graduates to serve the

mankind with kind, empathy, humility and sincerity.

She also encouraged the graduates to be an agent of creating awareness to public and hoped that they would remember the pledge taken by them.

She later thanked the doctors and teachers for nurturing the graduates to become the dignified individuals to serve the humanity. Marlyn Sale, before presenting the award spoke on the occasion on behalf of the award sponsoring family.

She also spoke about her late mother Ketsovole Kire early life, career, dedication, sacrifice and contribution for the society.

She also added that her family would continue to support this noble profession

Awardee Nagaland

Zaputuo-u Welfare Fund launched

DIMAPUR: Advisor to chief minister and chairman IDAN, Abu Metha launched the Zaputuo-u Welfare Fund at Kohima Orphanage and Destitute Home on June 6.

A DIPR report informed that the welfare fund opened at Bank of Baroda will be operated by a board comprising of the present Mother of the Home Neibanuo, eminent personalities and people involved in social service. The aim of the fund is to create opportunities for the children of the home. The fund will also help the children to excel in various fields such as, skill develop-

ment, computer education, sports, music, arts, education etc.

The fund also aims to keep alive the memory of Zaputuo-u, who is a pioneering personality and a tall figure among the Naga people.

Abu Metha appealed to all well-wishers to positively contribute to this fund so that no child was left behind. Metha added that the welfare fund started with a seed money of Rs. 5 lakhs deposited in the account. Abu Metha was accompanied by, Theja Meru, chairman TaFMA and Dr. Hovithal Sothu, PD TaFMA.

Office of the MUNGYA VILLAGE COUNCIL District, Wokha : Nagaland FELICITATION

Almighty God will continue to bless you with great success in your future endeavours.

Wc-139/23

Sd/-

Yantsemo Ezung Head GB, Mungya Village

general nursing and midwifery (GNM) topper 2023 Tiasola who was conferred the 20th late Ketsovole Kire award, in her short speech, said that she was humbled to receive the award, and encouraged her fellow nurses to dedicate in the cause to serve the people. Earlier, the programme was chaired by NSG tutor Pursangla, invocation by DHD Dr. Imlitemsu Ozukum, welcome address by principal SON DHD Bendangnaro, acknowledgement by NSG.

Supdt. DHD Neisavou, special solo by CHO Imlikokla, special No by SNA SON. DHD unit and vote of thanks by MS, DHD Dr. Khrielasanuo Metha.

Highlight of the programme included graduation ceremony by Jt. director NSG H&FW Radile Mero, where 53 students were awarded graduation certificate, followed by a pledge from the nurses and special prayer for the graduate by chaplain DHD Rev. Yhunlo Thong.

Oval pitch will assist spinners, good venue for India: Sachin

LONDON, JUN 6 (PTI):

Batting legend Sachin Tendulkar said the spin-friendly nature of the Oval pitch will make India a confident side going into the World Test Championship (WTC) final against Australia from Wednesday. With India boasting of two wonderful spinners to choose from in R Ashwin and Ravindra Jadeja, Tendulkar said the team can take a lot of heart from the pitch factor.

“The Indian team will be happy that they are playing at the Oval. The nature of the Oval pitch is such that it assists the spinners as the match goes on. So, spinners will come into play a little bit.

“It need not be always a turning track as sometimes the spinners rely a lot on the bounce, sometimes that little bit of zip that they get off the pitch, also on the overhead conditions and it depends a lot on the shiny side of the ball.

“If they are able to get that drift, they can make the ball talk in the air without the pitch coming into play. So, Oval is going to be good venue for India,” said Tendulkar in his website 100mbsports.

India will also carry

Benzema bids farewell to Real as he heads to Saudi Arabia

Junior World Cup Shooting: India bag two more gold medals at Suhl

NEW DELHI, JUN 6

Sachin Tendulkar

a positive vibe when they enter the Oval as their last outing at this venue had resulted in an emphatic win — a 157-run romp against England in 2021. Tendulkar said good memories of that match will burn bright and will spur the Indians. “100 per cent. Whenever you have such memories, they will stay with you. The Indian team would not have forgotten that the last time they played there (the Oval), they had a superb outing. They won the game and as I said good memories stay long with you,” said Tendulkar.

Similarly, England had towelled the Aussies by 135 runs in the 2019 Ashes Test here, and Tendulkar said they might just be hurting a bit. However, the batting maestro added that the Australians can be an extremely competitive side.

“Bruises take some

KDBA’s Championship-cumselection event on June 10

DIMAPUR, JUN 6 (NPN): The Kohima District Badminton Association (KDBA) will be hosting KDBA Championship-cumselection event on June 10 from 8 am onwards for the upcoming Nagaland Badminton Championship. A press release issued by KDBA informed that the event will take place at the State Indoor Stadium, Officers Hill, Kohima. The selection event is aimed at identifying the best badminton talents in the district who will represent Kohima district in the upcoming LiNing 45th inter district and State Open Championship which is to be held in Kohi-

ma. Participants from various clubs, academies and schools in Kohima district are expected to compete for a chance to represent their district in the Inter District and State Open Championship 2023. The selection process will be rigorous, with players demonstrating their agility, technique and tactical prowess on the court. The selected players will compete against other district teams from across Nagaland in the upcoming championship. It informed the participant to produce their Aadhar card for age verification. For further details, one may contact at 8794783924 or 9436000222.

FELICITATION

With immense pride and pleasure we the Kohima Longbahaü Clan would like to convey our heartfelt congratulations to Miss K Moishing Longbahaü, D/o Mr. Konnyei Longbahaü & Mrs. Kaplen Phom for achieving HSLC Subject Topper in Social Science from Ministers Hill Baptist Higher Secondary School Kohima in the recently declared HSLC examination 2023 under NBSE.

The Kohima Longbahaü Clan also conveys heartiest congratulations to all the successful candidates of HSLC and HSSLC examination 2023 and wishes them all success in their future endeavors.

k-1334/23

Sd/ Kohima Longbahaü Clan

FE L ICITATION

time to heal. But Australia is a beautiful team as they have a balanced squad. There are guys who have been around for a long time now and some young faces as well. “It is a nice blend of youth and experience. Australia have always been competitive and whether they have a full squad or not, once they cross that rope they are going to be very competitive,” said Tendulkar.

Tendulkar said the extensive County stint that Cheteshwar Pujara and Marnus Labuschagne recently had will come handy for their teams in the big game. “Of course, playing in County cricket can be of great value. Both Pujara and Labuschagne had considerable outing in the County cricket recently. Smith not as much as the other two, but whatever match practice one can get is very handy because the conditions are different.

“Our guys have played T20 and now they have gone to England, so are some players from Australia as they were playing T20 here but I believe playing practice matches... no better practice than that,” he said.

Karim Benzema

MADRID, JUN 6 (AGENCIES): Ballon

d’Or winner Karim Benzema said farewell to Real Madrid in a small, private ceremony closed to fans and media on Tuesday following a trophy-laden 14-year stay with the LaLiga club. The French striker, 35, will leave as a free agent in the close season and is set to move to Saudi Arabian side Al Ittihad, signing a two-year deal estimated by media reports to be worth more than 100 million euros ($106.93 million). There were no tears in a ceremony that lasted less than 20 minutes and in which only players, family and close friends were allowed to attend.

“I will never forget Real Madrid. It’s impos -

sible, it’s the best club in history. But I think today is the time to leave and to get to know another story,” Benzema told the small audience at Real’s training facilities.

“It’s difficult to talk with so many feelings, but I wanted to thank Real Madrid and my team mates. It was a good path in my life. I have been lucky enough to fulfil my childhood dream.”

Having joined Real in 2009 from Olympique Lyonnais, Benzema became the spearhead of the club’s attack and their main goal-scoring threat after Cristiano Ronaldo left for Juventus in 2018. Benzema scored 354 goals for Real to sit second on the club’s all-time scoring list behind Ronaldo.

(IANS): India picked up two more gold, besides other minor medals at the ongoing International Shooting Sport Federation (ISSF) World Cup Junior in Suhl, Germany, cementing their spot on the top of the medal tally.

Amanpreet Singh in the men’s 25m Pistol and the women’s 25m Pistol team comprising Megana Sadula, Payal Khatri and Simranpreet Kaur Brar, were the gold winners for India on the day. India now have five gold, four silver and two bronze medals, with two more competition days left in the top competition for junior shooters, the Na -

tional Rifle Association of India (NRAI) informed on Tuesday.

Amanpreet shot gold with a score of 586 in the men’s 25m Pistol. Megana, Payal and Simranpreet combined for a score of 1719 for the women’s team gold.

In the individual

women’s event, three Indians, Megana, Payal and Divanshi reached the final but Megana finished fourth with 22 hits, Payal fifth with 18 hits and Divanhsi was seventh with 11 hits.

In the men’s individual event, apart from Amanpreet, Swaraj Bhondave was eighth with 574, Meshaak Ponnudurai ninth with 574, Abhimanyu Yadav 13th with 571 and Ankait Tomar 14th with 569.

In the junior men’s 50m Rifle 3 Positions, Avinash Yadav was 28th with 573, Parikshit Singh Brar 31st with 572, Ramanya Tomar 40th with 567 and Harsh Singh finished 45th with a score of 566.

OFFICE OF THE SENIOR PRINCIPAL RÜZHÜKHRIE GOVT. HR. SEC. SCHOOL, KOHIMA FELICITATION

The Dimapur Chungtia Longchalar Telongjem is immensely delighted and wishes to congratulate Miss Rongsennungla Longchar daughter of Mr. Chetenlemba Longchar and Mrs. Elizabeth for bringing honour and laurels to the Clan/Community by achieving the 17th Position in the recently declared HSLC Examination (NBSE) 2023.

We all wish you great success in your future endeavours.

Sd/- Sd/Sentilemla Longchar Limasangla Longchar President Secretary

Db-714/23

JEITILE MAGH TÜSOVELU VESWÜH MEGOLHOUNO KROSE

GEOGRAPHY (94) GEOGRAPHY (94) PSYCHOLOGY (98)

Governor’s Award for Govt. School Students-

• RAHUL ROY HIGH SCHOOL LEAVING CERTIFICATE EXAMINATION 2023

Appeared – 75 • Qualified – 68 Passing % – 88%

• Subjects in which students secured 80% and above marks-

• SOCIAL SCIENCES – 11 ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION – 11 TENYIDIE – 8

ENGLISH – 7 • TOURISM

The Principal, Staff and Students with immense joy congratulates the following students for their remarkable performance in the HSLC & HSSLC Examination 2023. STUDENTS SECURING STATE HIGHEST MARKS –k-1332/23

Hr. Sec. School, Kohima

Amanpreet Singh

Singapore Open: Rajawat, Srikanth advance

Sindhu, Saina, Prannoy and Lakshya crash out

SINGAPORE, JUN 6 (IANS): On a day when top singles players P.V Sindhu, H.S Prannoy, Saina Nehwal and Lakshya Sen made their exit from Singapore Open 2023, Orleans Masters champion Priyanshu Rajawat started his campaign with a brilliant win over world No.15 Kanta Tsuneyama of Japan here on Tuesday.

Seasoned Kidambi Srikanth, the former World No.1 and World Championship silver medallist, and the men’s doubles pair of MR Arjun and Dhruv Kapila also advanced to the second round in the BWF World Tour Super 750 event. In women’s singles first round, London Olympics bronze medallist Saina Nehwal went down to seventh-seed Thai shuttler Ratchanok Intanon, the 33-year-old World No.33 losing 13-21, 15-21 in 33 minutes. Compatriot

Aakarshi Kashyap lost to Supanda Katethong of Thailand 17-21, 9-21.

Lakshya Sen put up a brilliant fight as he won the first game but lost the next two to Chinese Taipei’s Chou Tien Chen in three games, 21-18, 17-21, 13-21 in a match that lasted nine minutes over one hour.

Rajawat, the 21-yearold World No.39, kept the Indian flag fluttering as he defeated Tsuneyama 21-12, 21-15 in straight games to enter Round of 16 on Tuesday playing at Singapore Indoor Stadium - 3. The Indian men’s singles shuttler will face Japan’s Kodai Naraoka in a pre-quarters encounter on Thursday.

While Rajawat grabbed the spotlight, it was a mixed day in the event for India as ace Indian shuttlers Sindhu and Prannoy crashed out after suffering losses in their respective first-round matches.

Coming into the tournament as the defending champion, Sindhu lost 21-18, 19-21, 17-21 to the reigning world champion and No. 1 Akane Yamaguchi of Japan in the women’s singles opening round BWF Super 750 event.

This was Sindhu’s tenth loss against Yamaguchi but she still leads the head-to-head tally against the Japanese 14-10. On the other hand,

Selection trials priority over WFI elections: IOA president PT Usha

sistance by his opponent. Tsuneyama went up 4-1 in the first game before the Indian levelled scores at 4-4 and then opened up a lead of 8-4, winning seven consecutive points. He extended the lead to 11-5 and maintained the advantage over the Japanese opponent to win the game 21-12.

SONEPAT, JUN 6 (PTI): Indian Olympic Association (IOA) president P T Usha on Tuesday justified the delay in holding the Wrestling Federation of India (WFI) elections, saying selection trials for the junior grapplers was a priority for the national sports apex body.

dates will be announced soon and we will try to do it with the given deadline of 45 days,” she added without elaborating how the 45 days deadline will be met.

Malaysia Masters winner Prannoy failed to break his losing streak against world No. 3 Kodai Naraoka of Japan as he suffered a 2115, 21-19 loss in the men’s singles first round. This was Prannoy’s fourth loss against the Japanese shuttler in as many matches. World No. 23 Srikanth defeated world No. 29 Kantaphon Wangcharoen of Thailand 2 1-15, 21-19 while the men’s doubles pair of Arjun and Dhruv went past the French pair of Lucas Corvee and Ronan Labar 21-16, 21-15 in their first round.Rajawat, got the better of a higher-ranked player, quelling early re -

French Open: Sabalenka beats Svitolina to reach SF

PARIS, JUN 6 (IANS):

Tsuneyama went up 3-0 in the second game in which he put up a better fight and held the lead till 9-7 before Rajawat got into his rhythm and caught up with the Japanese at 9-9 and then took a 12-9 lead. Though the Japanese shuttler narrowed the gap to 1413, Rajawat won the next three points to open a 17-13 advantage and went on to win the game 21-15 to win the match in 38 minutes.

World No. 4 men’s doubles pair Satwiksairaj Rankireddy and Chirag Shetty and Commonwealth Games bronze medallist women’s doubles pair Gayatri Gopichand and Treesa Jolly will open their campaigns on Wednesday.

The IOA had on April 27 announced that a threemember ad-hoc committee will run the day-to-day affairs of the federation and also hold WFI elections within 45 days of its formation. However it has not yet appointed the third member -- a retired high court judge -- to initiate the election process.

A two-member ad hoc committee of Bhupender Singh Bajwa and Suma Shirur took charge on May 4 and is carrying out Federation-related work.

The ad-hoc body is looking after the selection trials of U-15 and U-20 wrestlers for the Asian Championship.

The 45-day deadline for holding WFI elections

ends on June 17.

“For betterment of kids we prioritised the trials rather than elections of WFI. If we concentrate on elections, the trials will be compromised,” Usha told PTI on Tuesday during her visit to the SAI Centre where the trials are being conducted.

“We don’t want to sacrifice betterment of our kids and we want they should get a fair opportunity to represent on international podium.”

She, however, said dates for the election of the WFI will be announced soon.

“The name of the third member of the ad-hoc committee and election

United World Wresting (UWW), the sports governing body, had given a veiled threat that India could be suspended if the time-line of 45 days was not respected.

“I am very happy that it has been successful open trials under ad-hoc committee, 2500 participants are there, everyone got the opportunity.”

Bajwa told PTI that the appointment of the third member of the ad hoc committee to initiate election process of WFI was not in his hands and it was to be done by the IOA only.

“The two members are running the WFI and holding selection trials to pick teams for international events. Appointment of a retired high court judge as third member for the WFI elections is not our job. Only IOA can do that,” Bajwa said.

Aryna Sabalenka

World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka ended the brilliant resurgence of former World No.3 Elina Svitolina in straight games to book her maiden entry into the women’s singles semifinals at the French Open on Tuesday. Australian Open winner Sabalenka, who had never been past the third round in Paris in five prior appearances, defeated Svitolina 6-4, 6-4 in the quarterfinals at the Roland Garros. For a place in her sec-

Zverev downs Dimitrov, to face Etcheverry in QFs

Alexander Zverev registered a battling victory against Grigor Dimitrov and advanced to the quarterfinals of the ongoing French Open, here.

Zverev needed only three sets to move past Dimitrov on late Monday, but his 6-1, 6-4, 6-3 victory still packed plenty of drama, with the German battling back from a break down in the second set and surrendering a 3-0 lead in the third. His victory saw him through to the Roland Garros quarter-finals for the fifth time in five years, and he will seek his third straight semi-final when he faces Argentina’s Tomas Martin Etcheverry on Wednesday. The 26-yearold has reached nine major quarter-finals overall, with

his best Grand Slam result a run to the 2021 US Open final. Zverev opened in imperious form against Dimitrov, dominating the early stages of the match with powerful baseline hitting and just five unforced errors in the opening set. Dimitrov began to find his footing -- and his forehand -- in the second to build a 4-2 lead, but Zverev snapped back by winning seven straight games to move to the brink of victory.

ond Grand Slam final of the year, she’ll next face unseeded Karolina Muchova, herself a former Top 20 player, as the Czech beat Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in Tuesday’s other quarterfinal.

Facing Svitolina for the third time overall, and for the first time in three years, Sabalenka earned control of the match in the middle of each set. She won three straight games from 4-3 in

Czech tennis player Karolina Muchova defeated 2021 finalist Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-5, 6-2 in the French Open quarterfinal and booked herself a maiden spot in the final four on Parisian clay. With a win in an all-unseeded Roland-Garros quarterfinal between two former Top 20 players returning from injury, Muchova reached the second Grand Slam semifinal of her career, following the 2021 Australian Open. An abdominal issue sidelined the Czech player for six months following the 2021 US Open, and at the Roland-Garros last year she sustained an ankle injury in the third round against Amanda Anisimova

the opener, after those seven went with serve, and won four in a row from 2-0 down in the second set.

Sabalenka, who completed her Grand Slam box set of last four appearances, now owns a tour-leading 34 match-wins in 2023 and will take on Karolina Muchova in the final four.

To replace Swiatek at the top of the rankings, Sabalenka must out-perform the Pole here in Paris.

KSSM Shooting C’ship: Rahi clinches gold

Jr Hockey Asia Cup: India fightback to secure 2-2 draw against Korea

KAKAMIGAHARA (JA-

PAN), JUN 6 (IANS): The Indian women’s hockey team came from behind to record a thrilling 2-2 draw against Korea in their third game of the Junior Asia Cup 2023, here on Tuesday.

that saw her taken off the court in a wheelchair. Muchova, whose career-high ranking is No.19, had fallen to No.235 last August. But her comeback has gathered pace this year: she had reached two WTA 1000 quarterfinals in Dubai and Indian Wells, as well as the last 16 in Rome, to rise back to her current ranking of 43. Her overall 2023 record now stands at 24-7

BHOPAL, JUN 6 (IANS): Olympian and reigning Asian Games champion Rahi Sarnobat is back with a bang in the domestic circuit, winning the women’s 25m Pistol gold at the 21st Kumar Surendra Singh Memorial (KSSM) Shooting championship, here.

Rahi, representing Maharashtra, shot 36 in the final on Monday, to emerge triumphant ahead of Esha Singh of Telangana, who shot 31 in the 50-shot final. The host state’s Chinki Yadav was third with 28-hits.

Rahi also topped qualification with a score of 582. Devanshi Dhama of Uttar Pradesh also shot the same score but was second on lesser inner 10s. Esha was third with 581.

Yujin Lee (15’) and Jiyon Choi (30’) found the back of the net for Korea, while Deepika Soreng (43’) and Deepika (54’) scored a goal each, enabling India to secure a draw and maintain their position at the top of Pool A.

Korea swiftly settled into a passing rhythm and dominated India in the first quarter, controlling the majority of possession and repeatedly testing India’s defence. Korea won a couple of penalty corners but failed to capitalise; however, they were able to take the lead when Yujin Lee (15’) scored a field goal through a well-placed shot from inside the D. With a 1-0 lead, Korea entered the second quarter with an assertive approach and played a pressing game to dominate India. However, minutes before the half-time break,

Women’s match in action between India and Korea.

India began to put pressure by counterattacking, but they were unable to find an equaliser.

Meanwhile, Korea shifted gears and started playing more aggressively which helped them double their lead as Jiyon Choi (30’) converted a penalty corner with absolute precision to make sure that Korea went into the half-time break with a 2-0 lead.

The third quarter began with Korea attacking again and winning an early penalty corner, which Indian goalkeeper Aditi Maheshwari saved to prevent them from extending their lead.Then, India upped their game and began bisecting Korea’s

backline, which paid off when Deepika Soreng (43’) scored a field goal to pull one back for the team. Keen to hold on to their advantage, and were focused on keeping possession of the ball in the fourth quarter, that didn’t stop India from finding the equaliser as Deepika (54’) calmly converted a penalty stroke to level the score. Confident after getting back in the game, India increased the frequency of their attacks but no more goals were scored in the final quarter as the game ended in a 2-2 draw. India will next play against Chinese Taipei in the fourth and last Pool A game on June 8.

NEW DELHI, JUN 6 (IANS):

There are mixed reactions coming in from the wrestling arena after India’s ace grapplers -Sakshi Malik, Vinesh Phogat and Bajrang Punia, who have been at the forefront of the protest against WFI outgoing chief Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh -- resumed their duties in the Railways. Sakshi, Vinesh and Bajrang resumed their work on May 31, few days after the protesting wrestlers were evicted from Jantar Mantar in Delhi -- where they had been protesting since April. Both Sakshi and Bajrang have denied the reports of withdrawing from the protest.

“This is our fight for justice. We will not step back. We have resumed our duties in Railways, but we are also working on our future strategy,” Sakshi said.

On the other hand, Bajrang, in a video message, stressed that the athletes are together and lies

are being spread against them to break up their movement.

To this, a couple of renowned wrestling coaches, on condition of anonymity, shared their views on the current development with IANS. One coach welcomed the move, saying, “Wrestlers are already very disturbed and there are several fake news stories getting viral. So, it is good that they cleared the air about jobs and protests. Their fight is against the WFI chief, not the government. So joining duty, I feel, is fine.” However, another senior coach laughed it off. “This is funny. You (athletes) get exemption from your respective offices (government) for training or competitions, not for joining some protest. What will they mention to their office? Give us leave, we want to go and sit on dharna with Khap leaders and farmers’ unions for our protest against Brij Bhushan?”

Priyanshu Rajawat Kidambi Srikanth

Rahi Sarnobat

Alexander Zverev

Muchova beats Pavlyuchenkova for maiden SFs

‘Athletes get exemption from offices for sports, not for protest’

Vinesh

Phogat, Bajrang Punia and Sakshi

Malik.

Karolina Muchova