7 July

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 211

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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Follow Covid norms or face ‘lockdown’: Centre

62 pc positive districts from NE

NE states asked to ramp up testing Images of tourists thronging Shimla in Himachal Pradesh. (PTI)

NEW DELHI, JUL 6 (AGENCIES): Union Health Ministry on Tuesday expressed serious concern over reports of people flocking to hill stations and other tourist destinations including markets in large numbers, without following COVID19-appropriate behaviours.

Health ministry’s joint secretary, Lav Agarwal said “revenge travel” is dangerous. People need to understand that the fight against Covid-19 is still underway, he added. “We can nullify

the ease of restrictions again if protocols are not complied with,” said Lav Agarwal, hinting at another lockdown if Covid-appropriate behaviour is not followed.

Photos are coming in from places like Manali, Shimla and Mussoorie of massive crowds roaming around with no face masks, he said. Agarwal told reporters that similar behaviour had been reported from Delhi’s Sadar Bazar and Dadar market in Mumbai.

The government said

violations of Covid protocols will lead to further increase in the infections as it stressed on wearing of masks and maintaining of physical distancing.

The Ministr y also quoted an online survey to suggest that a majority of Indians have failed to comply with Covid-appropriate behaviour. About 83% of respondents are not fully complying with Covid guidelines and 63% said they do not comply with social distancing, said Agarwal.

E

ven as the rest of India is witnessing a decline in the number of COVID-19 cases, North Eastern states are seeing an upward trend.

An India Today report shows, of the of the 77 high positivity districts, 48 districts are in the Northeast. Of the 48 districts, Arunachal Pradesh leads the pack with 19 districts. Manipur is at eight, Meghalaya at seven, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura have four each while Assam has two.

This has prompted the Centre to depute multidisciplinary teams to some

Union cabinet reshuffle likely to take place today NEW DELHI, JUL 6 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to reshuffle his council of ministers. A final announcement in this regard is expected between 5.30 p.m. and 6 p.m. on Wednesday.

Sources said Modi held a meeting with Union Home Minister Amit Shah and BJP general secretary (organisation) BL Santhosh on Monday to finalise the names to be inducted into the expanded Union cabinet.

Earlier, Governors of eight states were shifted in what seemed to be a precursor to the reshuffle. Modi will be expanding his council of ministers for the first time since his government was reelected in May 2019.

Narayan Rane from Maharashtra, Jyotiraditya Scindia from Madhya Pradesh and Sarbananda Sonowal from Assam are among the frontrunners.

Sources said that BJP MP from Manipur, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, also received a call from New Delhi and is on his way to the national capital.

The name of Rajya Sabha MP and former Bihar deputy chief minister Sushil Kumar Modi is also doing the rounds for a berth in the Union Cabinet.

In an exclusive interview with India Today, Janata Dal United’s Bihar president Umesh Kushwaha said that his party would be joining the Narendra Modi

government in the upcoming cabinet expansion.

Sources have told India Today that Modi’s imminent rejig will be a major reshuffle that may see the induction of over 20 new ministers in the cabinet. The sources said that besides poll-bound Uttar Pradesh, big states such as Maharashtra and West Bengal may see greater representation in the Union cabinet.

The sources also claimed that some ministers might lose their ministerial berths. It was also learnt that BJP chief JP Nadda will begin meeting the ministers who are likely to be removed from Wednesday onwards.

Their removal will be conveyed at these meetings.

New ‘Ministry of Cooperation’ set up

Right ahead of the much-anticipated Union Cabinet reshuffle, a separate ‘Ministry of Co-operation’ has been created by the Modi Government for realising the vision of ‘Sahkar se Samriddhi’.

This ministry will provide a separate administrative, legal and policy framework for strengthening the cooperative movement in the country.

It will help deepen Co-operatives as a true people-based movement reaching up to the grassroots.

of the states like Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, and Manipur in North East besides Kerala, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha.

Concerned over the rise in coronavirus cases, the Home Ministry (MHA) has also called a special meeting on Wednesday to review Covid preparedness and vaccine rollout in the seven Northeast states and Union Territories.

Meanwhile, Director General of ICMR, Balram Bhargava has urged North Eastern states to increase Covid-19 testing.

“Human host is the biggest issue, containment can stop the spread. Focus on early testing to identify the case early,” said Bhargava.

H&FW informs on 2nd dose of vax

DIMAPUR, JUL 6 (NPN): State Health department has informed all beneficiaries, who have got vaccinated with first dose of Covishield vaccine till April 6, 2021 and have not received their second dose, that they have completed the interval of 12 weeks (84 days) or more and were eligible to get themselves fully vaccinated.

In a press release, Mission Director (NHM) Dr. I. Talitemsula Jamir has, therefore, requested all responsible to contact the DIO/MOs/Health staff/ village/colony chairman as and when the COVID vaccination session would be conducted in their respective place of convenience.

Brazil beat Peru to reach Copa America final sports, Page 12

Fr. Stan’s death: Oppn urges Prez to intervene; UN body calls it ‘disturbing’ NEW DELHI, JUL 6 (PTI): Outrage mounted over the death of Father Stan Swamy with top UN and EU rights bodies terming it “disturbing” while leaders of 10 opposition parties wrote to President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday urging him to direct the government to take action against those responsible for allegedly meting out “inhuman treatment” to the activist in jail. The government, however, maintained that all actions were taken strictly in accordance with the law in the case.

A small funeral service, which was joined by many online, was held at the St. Peter’s church in suburban Bandra in Maharashtra for the 84-year-old Jesuit priest, who was arrested in October under the anti-terror law Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act in the Elgar Parishad case and died at a Mumbai hospital Monday in the middle of his fight for bail on health grounds.

Opposition leaders and activists had lashed out at the Centre after Swamy’s death, calling it “custodial murder” and alleging that those who repeatedly denied bail to the ailing activist had “blood on their hands”.

On Tuesday, leaders of

10 parties including Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, NCP chief Sharad Pawar and former prime minister HD Deve Gowda wrote to the President Kovind urging him to direct the government to act against those responsible for “foisting false cases” on Swamy, “his continued detention in jail and inhuman treatment.”

Mamata Banerjee, MK Stalin and Hemant Soren have also signed the letter, besides D Raja (CPI), Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) and Tejashwi Yadav (RJD).

“We the undersigned leaders of major opposition parties are writing to you in deep anguish expressing our intense grief and outrage at the death of Father Stan Swamy under custody,” the opposition leaders said in their joint letter.

The top UN human rights agency said it was “deeply saddened and disturbed” by the death of Swamy and urged nations, including India, to release individuals detained “without a sufficient legal basis”.

It said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Michelle Bachelet and the United Nations’ independent experts have repeatedly raised the cases of Swamy

and 15 other human rights defenders with the Indian government over the last three years and urged for their release from detention.

“We are deeply saddened and disturbed by the death of 84-year-old Father Stan Swamy, a human rights defender and Jesuit priest, in Mumbai, following his arrest in October 2020 under India’s Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act,” Liz Throssell, the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, said in a statement.

European Union Special Representative for Human Rights Eamon Gilmore echoed similar sentiment in a tweet in which he tagged Lawlor’s tweet. “India: I am very saddened to hear that Fr #StanSwamy has passed away. A defender of indigenous peoples’ rights...The EU had been raising his case repeatedly with authorities,” Gilmore tweeted.

The Ministry of External Affairs, however, said that Swamy was arrested and detained by National Investigation Agency following the due process of law. Authorities in India act against violations of law and not against legitimate exercise of rights, it asserted.

NSF urges CM to bring NPGs, CSOs on one table

DIMAPUR, JUL 6 (NPN): Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), while urging chief minister Neiphiu Rio to sincerely and proactively work towards ensuring that peace and unity prevailed among Nagas, also asked Rio to bring together all Naga political groups (NPGs) and civil society organisations (CSOs) on one table for an early, inclusive, honourable and acceptable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political issue.

This was among several points raised by the NSF in a representation to the chief minister, signed by its president Kegwayhun Tep and general secretary Süpuni Ng Philo.

It further urged the state government to effectively liaise with the Centre to expedite the peace process with the negotiating parties and ink the final agreement in line with the unique history and situation of Naga people.

(Full text on p-6)

Dimapur DPDB recommends upgrading Niuland to district DIMAPUR, JUL 6 (NPN): District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) Dimapur has approved and recommended a proposal to higher authority for upgrading Niuland ADC subdivision to a full-fledged district.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the board held at the conference hall of DC office here on Tuesday under the chairmanship of sericulture, excise and minority affairs adviser Zhaleo Rio, who is also the chairman of DPDB. Taking part in the deliberations, PHE minister Jacob Zhimomi, who introduced the proposal for consideration of the board members, observed that Niuland, which is at the periphery of Dimapur district, had the potential for fast economic development.

Adviser Tovihito, who too

This is it!

“We were caught unawares as we never thought they could set up an outpost on that steep hill.”

K Y M C

was present, felt that it was very apt for upgrading Niuland to a district, stating that it fulfilled all requirements and was one of the oldest sub-divisions, being created way back in 1987.

ADC Niuland Athrila informed the meeting that there were 109 villages under Niuland sub-division with four administrative circles and covered an area of 454 sq km.

She said Niuland was situated at a strategic location, sharing borders with two major towns of Assam and had good connectivity with the important districts of Nagaland, including the state capital.

Meanwhile, deputy commissioner (DC) Dimapur Rajesh Soundararajan, who was present at the meeting, urged the public to strictly adhere to all Covidappropriate (Cont’d on p-8)

Covid: Death toll crosses 500 mark; 60 fresh cases DIMAPUR, JUL 6 (NPN): Nagaland on Tuesday recorded 60 fresh Covid-19 positive cases while the death toll breached the 500 mark after four more patients succumbed to the infection in the past 24 hours.

Of the fresh cases, 17 were from Kohima, Dimapur-11, eight in Phek, six in Mokokchung, five in Wokha, three each in Kiphire and Mon, two each in Peren, Tuensang and Zunheboto and one in Longleng, taking the total caseload to 25,619.

Further, three patients in Dimapur and one in Wokha succumbed to the contagion, pushing the death toll to 503.

K Y M C

2

state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

COVID-19 sensitisation drives across the state

DIMAPUR: Department of Nagaland state transport, carried out sensitisation programme on COVID-19 under the supervision of DTF, Kiphire at three villages on July 5.

The NST department led by station superintendent, L Meshu Khiam conducted sensitisation programmes on COVID-19 vaccination at Langzanger village, Natsami village and Yangsekyu village respectively.

DC Mon issues order: DC Mon, Thavaseelan K has informed citizens under Mon district that, any COVID-19 positive patient who do not have sufficient facilities at home would be required to stay at a government Covid care centre in the district in order to reduce the risk of transmission to members of the family. This was issued after reports of some COVID-19 patients not maintaining home isolation guidelines were received.

Vaccination & sensitisation at Kiphire: District task force in collaboration with Assam Rifles Kiphire carried out a special vaccination drive on COVID-19 at helipad ground, Kiphire and carried out sensitisation programme at several villages on July 4.

The special vaccination drive was organised for eligible beneficiaries of both 18-44 years and 45 years and above at helipad ground, Kiphire. A total number of 276 beneficiaries availed vaccine.

Special vaccination drive at Sakshi circle: A special vaccination drive was conducted at Sakshi Circle on July 4 at Yongphang, Yimchong, Sakshi, Pongching and Auching villages. The team was led by DPO (RCH/UIP) Dr Imnameren Phom and Phom Baptist Christian Association executive sec-

Beneficiaries stand in queue during the random testing and special vaccination drive at Pfutsero. (DIPR)

retary Tialemba Phom, Dr Manen Phom MO Yongnyah PHC and Dr Lirenthung Khuvung MO (RBSK).

While delivering the keynote address at Sakshi village Baptist Church, Dr Imnameren Phom encouraged all to get vaccinated in order to protect oneself and to protect the family and community members.

He also took examples of villages that have completed full vaccination and appealed to all to do away with rumours and social media messages. DPO also spoke on the third wave citing that the third wave was estimated to be more dangerous than the first two waves.

Dr Imnameren also said that the delta variant spreads much faster and that many states in India were already fighting the delta variant.

Delivering a short speech at Auching Village Baptist Church, Tialemba Phom said that vaccination was the most protective powerful tool to contain the spread.

The executive secretary appealed to all the church members and eligible beneficiaries to come forward and get vaccinat-

1st DEATH ANNIVERSARY of our beloved dad Lithrongpi Sangtam

ed.

More than 900 beneficiaries were vaccinated and people with disabilities were also vaccinated at Yongphang, Auching and Sakshi villages at their house.

Random testing & vaccination drive at Pfutsero: As part of targeted intervention, a three-day random testing cum special vaccination drive was organised for high risk groups at Pfutsero town sports complex from July 2 to 4 by block task force on COVID-19 Pfutsero. The first two days of dedicated random testing and vaccination sessions were organised for road construction workers of PfutseroPhek and Kohima-Jessami roads.

On the July 4, a special vaccination drive was organised for shopkeepers, labourers, taxi drivers, vegetable/fruits suppliers and public.

A total of 738 persons were inoculated during the three-day random testing & vaccination drive. BTF expressesed gratitude to Immanuel Baptist Church, Rukizu Baptist Church and Calvary Baptist Church for providing lunch to health workers and frontline work-

ers, the KALOS Society for active assistance, the traders union, Pfutsero town civil societies for active cooperation and 14 Assam Rifles, Pfutsero company for pitching tent houses.

Vaccination at four villages in Pungro: A vaccination drive was carried out at multiple villages under Pungro ADC HQ, Kiphire, on July 6.

The team was led by Dr. Sato, accompanied by medical staff from Likhimro and Mimi village.

21 people from Khonka Village, four from Kaha Village and 31 from Mimi village were vaccinated.

Meanwhile at Hokumati village, 26 people were vaccinated till date.

Can Youth organises training on Covid: Can Youth under its project CoIRA (information response action) organised a webinar training for the staff and volunteers on COVID precautionary measures and first aid basics with medical officer, department of health and family welfare Dr. Kaili Swu as resource person, on July 3.

The session was facilitated by trainer, project SPATIAL Grace K Sema.

The opening remark was delivered by project

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“For none of us lives to himself, and none of us dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord, and if we die, we die to the Lord. So then, whether we live or whether we die, we are the Lord’s. For to this end, Christ died and lived again, that he might be Lord both of the dead and of the living.” – Romans 14:7-9

07/07/2020 Dearest Dad, On this day, we fondly remember you, we remember your passing today dad and celebrate your life. You were truely special man and one who left a void that could never be filled.

“The Lord gave, and now He has taken away.

May His name be praised” Job-3:12 Loving wife, children and grand children DP-3109

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to express our sincere gratitude to all our loved ones who stood with us and comforted us with your presence, prayers, deeds and loving thoughts at the demise of our beloved son/brother Late Mr. Vevoto Chüzho, who breathed his last on 27/05/2021 at Kohima.

Words are inadequate to express how much we owe you all and our sincere prayer is that our Loving God bless you all abundantly for the love and services rendered to our family.

– Loving Parents, Siblings and Families K-1137

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

In Loving memory of our beloved daughter

LATE GRACE KIKON

Born: 01-07-1968 Died: 30-06-2021 We, the bereaved family and relatives of Late Beisetuolie Zuyie deeply appreciate and gratefully acknowledge the many expression of sympathy and gesture of kindness shown to us throughout the period of his illness till his demise on 30th June 2021.

We also convey our special thanks to: 1. Teisovise Metha, 4th NAP Commandant Thizama.

2. Kevipielie Theünuo, SM, 4th NAP Thizama 3. 4th NAP officers & staff Thizama 4. St. Joseph Church, 4th NAP Thizama 5. Police Baptist Church, 4th NAP Thizama 6. Medo Mathew Catechist Thizama 7. Tenyimia Krotho, 4th NAP Thizama 8. Rüsoma Krotho, 4th NAP Thizama 9. Angamimiapfüko Krotho, 4th NAP Thizama 10. School Colony, Thizama 11. Women Group Sumi, 4th NAP Thizama 12. Yimchunger Society, 4th NAP Thizama 13. Lotha Women Group, 4th NAP Thizama 14. Eastern Naga Welfare Society, Thizama 15. St. Stephen Church Rüsoma 16. Neisiezolie Cyril Catechist 17. Kevichulie Gregory Asst. Catechise 18. Well wishers, Rüsoma Village Although we are unable to thank every individual personally for all that you have done for us, we pray that the Lord shower His abundant blessings upon you all.

Loving wife, children and family members K-1143 K Y M C

07-07-2020 “If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die we belong to the Lord” Romans 14: 8 A year has passed by yet it feels like yesterday you sat, walked, ate and played with us. Those we love, don't go away, they walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard, but always near. The times without you in our lives hasn't been kind and easy but the hope that you are now in a better place always keeps us pushing forwards. Your time here on earth was short and brief but, you have blessed and enriched our lives always, we miss you baby but, we uphold your testimony with and for us.

From Loving Dad, Mom, Sis, Bro and Relatives K-1134

coordinator, Can Youth Imlisunep Aier where he mentioned that project CO-IRA was initiated to provide information and spread awareness to maintain health care on COVID19 and provide legal support to the communities by setting up information tool booths and first aid booth with sanitiser, face mask, nutrients food in five locations of Dimapur district. The locations are supermarket, Burma camp, new market, city tower and Khermahal junction.

Dr Kaili Swu suggested that it was very important to follow basic protocol for volunteers who were staying at the booth and that every volunteer must go for Covid test and get vaccinated before the work starts.

She explained on the use of pulse oximeter and thermometer in case of emergency to accommodate the community for those who were had slight temperature, after the first aid the volunteers can refer them to hospital for the safety.

Dr Kaili informed that the third wave would mostly affect children as there was no vaccine for them.

In this regard, she said that if the adults took measures and precaution by getting vaccinated, there could be fewer chances for children to get infected with the virus.

She also suggested that parents should take proper care of children by letting them stay at home and providing a healthy diet and maintain hygiene. Dr. Kaili Swu emphasised on the usage of PPE kits for volunteers as it required proper procedure. She urged the volunteers to wear proper mask and gloves and follow proper dust bin waste.

news in Brief NSCN (R) extends Tuluni greetings: NSCN (Reformation) has extended Tuluni greetings to the Sumi community. In a greeting through its MIP, NSCN (R) said that the Sumis were known for their “bravery and courage”, yet “chivalrous” and respectful towards the womenfolk. It expressed hope that the Sumi brothers and sisters would continue to shine in every sphere.

DC Wokha notifies: DC Wokha Orenthung Lotha has informed that survey for affected building/structures for damage compensation for the work “widening of existing single/intermediate road to 2 lane road from KM 72.40 to KM 83.0 on NH-61 was carried out by district level verification committee and a list of affected landowners have been prepared and notified. Any person, party with any claims and objections as per the list have been asked to submit in written to DC’s office within 15 days with effect from the publication of the notification.

DC further informed that claims or objections after the expiry would not be entertained.

Leo Club Dimapur new team: Leo Club of Dimapur new board for the year 202122 was installed with Abhishek Atal as president and Ritu Daga as secretary.

DC Dimapur nominates: DC Dimapur, Rajesh Soundararajan has informed all concerned that EAC, Avonuo Kire under the establishment of deputy commissioner, Dimapur has been nominated as the nodal officer for the grievances cell for persons with disabilities (PWDs) with immediate effect till further order.

LCD Blue Venda elects new team: Lions club Dimapur Blue Venda conducted an installation ceremony on July 4 where the new office bearers were elected with Neeta Agarwal as president, Falguni Sharma as secretary and Richa Sharma as treasurer along with new board of directors.

Lost and found: GPRN/NSCN UT I has informed that a glamour two-wheeler, black colour (NL07E5235 IND), chassis number 06MAWC11592 and engine number 06MASM12302 has been recovered. UT I has, therefore, informed the rightful owner to claim the same from UT office by producing all valid documents in original within seven days from the date of this information. For further information, one could contact 8787683544.

KSU bans ‘proxy teachers’ in govt schools under Mon dist DIMAPUR: Konyak Students’ Union (KSU) has resolved to “prohibit the existence of proxy teachers” at government schools under Mon district and has discouraged appointment of any individual as a “proxy teacher”.

In a press statement, KSU president T Noklem Konyak and education secretary Ngengwang Konyak said the union, which is the apex Konyak students’ organisation, adopted the resolution during a meeting held on June 28.

KSU also expressed concern over the “worst culture of education system” in the district where

unqualified teachers are made substitutes of the actual gover nment appointed teachers.

Stating that these government teachers are living a “carefree” life in urban areas without discharging their duties even for a single day, KSU said it was the responsibility of every individual to self-realize that they are neglecting a noble profession.

Fur ther, KSU has asked all concerned government teachers to be stationed at their respective posting places failing which the union said would be liable to take stern action.

The union said the district has already fallen “prey to shortage of teachers” and that continuation of such practices would only obstruct the progress of the education and ruin the academic career of the students.

Meanwhile, the union has also appealed the concerned authorities to pay special attention to government schools to effectively participate in dispensing their duties towards the schools and the students by way of executing the best possible methods of teaching as the current situation hinders the smooth learning process.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “The greatest tribute to the dead is not grief but gratitude” Our father who passed away on June 22nd, 2021, at the age of 84 died peacefully with his family by his side.

Even though we are sad that he is no longer with us, we wish to celebrate his life - the life of a loving husband, father, grandfather and a father-in-law, who lived life to the best until his passing. He loved to spend time with his family especially his grandchildren. He took joy in the small things and taught us the same. Ipu, we thank you for being the person that you were.

Capturing dad’s memories and accomplishments would take a life time. He lived a simple and knowledgeable life. He was honest, strong and courageous. And just like all the other experiences in life, our father managed his illness with strength and grace. He was a fighter till the end.

N. Yeshito Chishi Our family wishes to thank the (Yeshulutomi) doctors, nurses and the staff of Olive 29/11/1937 – 22/06/2021 Christian Hospital for your relentless care and service for our father.

We also want to thank all the churches, prayer groups and individuals who lent your support and wishes all through these years. Your prayers have meant so much to us.

We are unable to thank everyone individually but we deeply appreciate the support and comfort shown to us during our difficult times. May God bestow His blessings upon each and everyone.

DP-3112

Mrs Hutoli Chishi, Children, in-laws & grandchildren (Sematilla) K Y M C

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Who is likely to win the Euro 2020 cup ?

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

Need to break the transmission cycle of zoonotic diseases: ICAR-NRC on Mithun

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ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Medziphema organised a webinar on “impact of zoonotic diseases on human health and its control measures’’ on the occasion of “world zoonoses day”. The webinar was organised as a part of the capacity-building programme with the objective to educate and to create awareness about zoonotic diseases and its control measures.

ICAR-NRC on Mithun, director Dr. M. H. Khan welcomed the participants and emphasised the need to break the transmission cycle of zoonotic diseases. College of Veterinary Science Jalukie, associate professor head, Dr. S. Mukherjee and ICAR-NRC Mithun scientists Dr. Vivek Joshi and Dr. Jayanta Chamuah acted as resource persons and delivered their lectures on viral, bacterial, and parasitic zoonotic diseases The presentation was followed by an interactive session to discuss the about control measures of zoonosis in India.

The workshop was attended by the staff and scientists of ICAR-NRC on Mithun and scientists from NDRI, Karnal, KVK Phek, KVK Peren and KVK Longleng.

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A

A B C

‘World Zoonoses Day’ observed in Nagaland

B

C

Italy.

England.

Can’t Say.

32% 56% 12%

Next poll Q: Has the Modi govt fulfilled

any of its poll promises made since 2014?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST July 7

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

29 26

A morning t-storm in the area

24 21

Aizawl

Guwahati A stray t-storm; not as hot Imphal

29 26

A stray morning thunderstorm 25 22

Itanagar A thunderstorm in spots

28 24

Shillong

A couple of thunderstorms

21 19

Kohima

A couple of thunderstorms

22 20

Dimapur A stray afternoon t-storm

29 25

A stray afternoon t-storm

24 21

Mkg

Tuensang Mostly cloudy with a t-storm

19 17

A stray afternoon t-storm

24 22

Zunheboto A stray afternoon t-storm

21 19

Wokha

Veterinary officials during the ‘world zoonoses day’ on July 6 at Chümoukedima town hall.

DIMAPUR: Along with the rest of the world, Nagaland observed “world zoonoses day” on Tuesday. World zoonoses day is observed every year to commemorate the successful administering of the first rabies vaccine by Louis Pasteur in 1885. It may be mentioned that Zoonoses are any disease or infection that is naturally transmissible from vertebrate animals to humans.

Significance of zoonoses day now far greater than ever due to the pandemic: AH&VS

Department of animal husbandry and veterinary services (AH&VS) Dimapur organised an anti rabies vaccination camp on July 6 at Chümoukedima town hall, led by district livestock development officer (DLDO), Dr Imomanen Tzüdir, VAS Dr Michael Imchen and VAS Dr Vhekhuto.

A press release from district veterinary hospital,

ANCSU visits C&AT, Nerhe Phezha

ANCSU representatives and others during the college visit on July 6.

DIMAPUR: All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) paid a visit to College of Arts & Technology, Nerhe Phezha and interacted with the college authority on July 6.

In a press release,

ANCSU informed that it acknowledged the commitment of the college to provide free admission for college & hostel to the students in these trying times.

All Nagaland College

Students’ Union would visit more college to take note of the grievances faced by colleges and students and to provide all possible help to the institutions in their quest for providing quality education.

Dimapur informed the day presented an opportunity to educate the masses and raise awareness of diseases that can spread between animals and humans.

Dr KN Zubemo Humtsoe maintained that in “zoonoses”, the first infected human transmitted the infectious agent to at least one other human which in turn infect others.

He said that it was an infec-

tious disease transmitted from vertebrate animals to human beings.

Dr KN Zubemo Humtsoe informed that the pathogens transmitted by infected person to healthy person and the cycle continue until it becomes a pandemic.

Humtsoe said that the significance of the day is perhaps now far greater than ever before due to the

Govt revokes order on beds in private hospitals DIMAPUR: State government has revoked its order to reserve 50% of the bed capacity available with the private hospitals till further orders.

According to an official bulletin, the decision was taken after taking note of the decline in the incidence of COVID19 cases in the State over the last few weeks with a similar decrease in the number of such patients requiring hospitalization.

The matter was discussed in the state level COVID War Room and it was felt that the number of beds available in government hospitals and dedicated COVID hospitals was sufficient to meet the requirements at present for treatment of COVID-19 patients. Keeping this in view, the government noted that mandatory reservation of beds in the private hospitals may not be required.

ongoing pandemic.

He opined that it was alarming to know that emerging diseases are on the rise and that there was a need for clear understanding on the complexity of the disease process and vulnerability of various species including human.

Altogether, 375 dogs were vaccinated on anti rabies vaccine (ARV) during the camp.

3 PHED Tuensang kicks off ‘Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav’ DIMAPUR: Commemorating the 75th anniversary of Independence, public health engineering department (PHED) Tuensang division kicked off “Azadi ka Amrut Mahotsav” on July 5.

A press release by the division informed that as part of the celebration the division carried out plantation and cleanliness drive in the surrounding areas

of the main drinking water sources of ‘’Moyangse’’ in Tuensang and “Oungan” at Noklak town.

The release informed that PHED Tuensang division SDO Lipoksangla and JE Jongshi led the tree plantation and cleanliness drive under Tuensang town and under Noklak town the programme was led by JE Khaoshai Lam.

SAMETI conducts training on organic farming techniques

DIMAPUR: State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) organised a two-day online training programme on “organic farming techniques and organic certification” for ATMA functionaries at SAMETI, Medziphema from June 29-30.

In a press release, SAMETI informed that resource persons for the training programme were Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority, Guwahati, assistant general manager, Sunita Rai and International Competence Centre for Organic Agriculture New Delhi, director operations, Rohitashwa Gakhar.

Participatory lecture on organic certification & exports briefly discussed on the concept where defining organic was not only about production but the system on how it worked. Lecture on organic production & guarantee system encouraged participants in imparting the scientific and indigenous technical knowledge of organic farming & certification method such as NPOP & third party was also conducted. The resource persons highlighted the importance of sustainable organic farming with special reference to North East region & Nagaland in particular.

Kharif farmers facing the brunt of climatic change DIMAPUR: With the drought like situation in several parts of the state and districts, its impact is largely felt by the farming community.

According to press release by the department of agriculture, a field visit was conducted with an aim to assess the ground reality was undertaken by a team of officials of the agriculture department to the farming areas of Dimapur, Medziphema and Niuland on July 2 and 3.

Majority of the farm lands were found unprepared for paddy transplantation on account of dry spell and the shortage of rainfall, causing huge concerns at the critical stage.

In fields that have gone for direct seeded rice, the crop germination was

Affected areas by deficient rains in Medziphema.

uneven and poor in health which would directly affect the production and productivity leading to low yield.

The department have thus advised the farmers to prepare the main field for paddy transplanting in anticipation of monsoon rain otherwise adopt direct seeding method in case of nursery failure due to seedlings overage.

Farmers were also encouraged to adopt SRI System of Rice Intensification

(SRI) and line transplanting which were suitable alternative for scanty rainfall and other inadequate parameters for paddy cultivation where the raising of seedlings take 8-12 days.

They were also advised to go for early rabi crops cultivation to compensate for kharif crop failure and crop recovery for below economic threshold.

The department directed all the DAO/SDAO to assess the agriculture

situation in the state to formulate contingency plan, expedite weekly report on crop status and the situation and to monitor and evaluate the agro-climatic conditions as well as to provide technical and input support to the farmers.

The director of agriculture informed that the next two weeks being crucial, if the monsoon rain failed to arrive as scheduled, the state would face acute shortfall in food grain production.

Monthly DPDB meetings conducted in three districts SCC conducts five-day online programme

DIMAPUR: Faculty mem- in the country.

Kohima assistant professor, bers of science stream, On the second day, Dr. Sandip Ratna talked on Sao Chang College (SCC) SCTE Kohima principal, “use of Google classroom organised a five-day faculty Dr. Elizabeth Walling talk- and google form in teachdevelopment programme ed on “innovative teach- ing learning process”.

(FDP) on “effective teach- ing-learning strategies and On the fifth day, NERing techniques and skills for classroom management” IST Arunachal Pradesh, career advancement” from where she highlighted department of computer June 23 to June 28. the importance on role science and engineering In a press release, of teachers in shaping the associate professor MarSCC media cell informed community and explained garet Kathing presented that assistant professor, different techniques on on the topic “ICT tools Pukhayi and officials observing a moment of DC Peren & DPDB vice chairman, Sentiwapang DPDB chairman T. Yangseo Sangtam, MLA, department of environment how teachers could help for teaching”. During the silence in remembrance of COVID victims. (DIPR) Aier speaking during the DPDB meeting. (DIPR) addressing the DPDB meeting on July 6 (DIPR) science, Pachhunga Univer- students learn by obtaining valedictory programme, sity College, Mizoram Uni- maximum knowledge. live feedbacks were reOn the third day, gov- ceived from participants DIMAPUR: The monthly ongoing fight.

Yangseo calls for a as: registration of Eastern grant in aid for St. Francis versity Dr. Kulendra C. Das district planning and deHighlighting the im- team effort: Kiphire DPDB Sumi Kukami Hoho; pro- De Sales School Peren; Patni Ambedkar delivered ernment degree college, and a brief report of FDP velopment board (DPDB) portance of agriculture meeting was held at DPDB posal for approval of LADP proposal for opening of a talk on “research project: Dharmanagar, Tripura as- was given by department of meeting was conducted to become self-reliant, conference hall under the 2021-22 under 59 A/C & 60 new school i.e., St. Joseph design and methods” where sistant professor, Dr. Rag- chemistry assistant profesin Zunheboto, Peren and Pukhayi asked the agri chairmanship of Kiphire A/C; after deliberation the School at Songlhuh under he emphasised on how to hunandan Das presented sor, Dr. Shokip Tumtin.

A total of 180 to 190 Kiphire on July 6. The and allied department to DPDB chairman T. Yang- meeting decided to forward Ahthibung sub-division write research projects for on “through digital platmeeting discussed various intensify their programmes seo Sangtam, MLA. the establishment of com- and shifting of Peren gov- faculty and research schol- form content delivery and participants attended reguars and shared different evaluation processes” while larly during the five-day issues pertaining to the so that they could reach out He stated that Kiphire munity based eco tourism ernment college. respective districts. to more farmers. being an aspirational dis- at Mimi to the NEC. During the meeting, funding agencies available on the fourth day, SCTE programme.

Pukhayi lauds frontThough the govern- trict, the government had The Chairman also counselor Grace gave a line workers; encourages ment was trying its best to envisioned many develop- informed that agri & allied PowerPoint presentation Dayananda Sagar farming: Advisor food & provide and meet the needs mental policies, schemes departments of agriculture, about the schemes, aims University civil supplies, LM&CP, of the citizens, Pukhayi said and projects to be imple- horticulture, sericulture, and objectives and activities hing Excellence Teaching Taxes, Pukhayi Sumi laud- there was also a need to mented in the district. land resources and district conducted in the district ed the frontline workers focus on self-reliance and He urged everyone land record & survey would by Sakhi One Stop Centre Research Excellence of Zunheboto district for sustainability for which he posted in the district to deliver PowerPoint presen- Peren. their relentless service in asked agri and allied depart- work together as a team tation in the next DPDB The board members the fight against the pan- ments to encourage farmers for successful implemen- meeting. appreciated the services Highest Salary: demic. to put more effort. tation of all government Earlier, the members rendered by the organisaRs 28 Lakhs/PA Dayananda Sagar According to DIPR Earlier, the advisor programmes. welcomed new board mem- tion and further assured to REGISTER NOW Admission Test report, Pukhayi who is also began the meeting by obHe also urged upon the bers ADC, Rahul Mali and provide all possible helps Average Salary: www.dsu.edu.in Your Gateway to Success Rs 6 Lakhs/PA Email: dsat@dsu.edu.in the chairman of Zunheboto serving a moment of si- landowners not to hamper EE, PWD (R&B) Nimo in carrying out their noble DPDB was addressing the lence in remembrance of developmental activities Kath. endeavor.

Admissions via DSAT for the following programs Highlight: International monthly DPDB meeting at COVID-19 victims, legisla- in the district. He further Sakhi OSC activities The DC informed the Placements to 60 Plus Students ENGINEERING: town hall Zunheboto. tors, government officials lauded the DTF, medical highlighted in Peren: Peren members on the directives Direct Admissions Open for B.Tech. - Computer Science & Engineering(CSE) Lauding the frontline and public leaders. team, tribal leaders civil DPDB meeting was held at received from the office of CSE (AI & ML) | CSE (Data Science) CSE (Cyber Security) B.Com (ACCA, CMA, CA), BBA, Regular & BBA (BFSI), Electronics & Communication Engineering | Mechanical BBA (Retail Operations), B. Sc.- Medical Laboratory workers for their selfless The meeting which societies and NGOs for DC’s conference hall, Peren the chief secretary regardEngineering | Computer Science & Technology | Technology, Medical Imaging & Radiology Technology, service, Pukhayi said they was held after a gap of their service in their fight under the chairmanship of ing 50% attendance of ofAerospace Engineering Anesthesia & Operation Theatre Technology, have been working day and few months also discussed against the pandemic and DC Peren & DPDB vice ficers and staff.

Emergency & Trauma Care Technology, Renal Dialysis Design: night for the safety of the establishing Government especially the front line chairman, Sentiwapang He expressed concern Technology, B.Sc. Nursing, M.Sc. Nursing Pharmacy: B. Design BCA, MCA, BA - Journalism & Mass Communication people.

Primary School at Lotisa workers risking their life to Aier. about the absence of many B. Pharm Product Design He also lauded the DC Old Village, grant-in-aid for save people.

According to DIPR officers and staff and reUser Experience Design For DSAT Date visit: www.dsu.edu.in *Mode: Home-Based Proctored Test and chairman district task St Clare School, Akuluto, The members dis- report, the house deliber- quested them to perform Helpline No’s: Commerce & Management: force (DTF) Zunheboto, upgrading of public health cussed various agenda ated on: schemes for 6 their duty diligently and MBA - Business Analytics | Supply Chain Management +91 80 4646 1800 Peter Lichamo and mem- sub centre Satami to PHC which were decided to be Tening A/C under LADP sincerely. New members Marketing Management | ArVKƒEKCN +PVGNNKIGPEG ^ IT & +91 636 688 5504/07 System Management | Human Resource Management bers of the task force for and finalisation of LADP recommended for approval 2021-22; forwarding of were also introduced to the North East: +91 7002 127878 Entrepreneurship | Financial Management. +91 8240 216553 their contributions in the 2021-2022. to the higher authority such application in respect of house during the meeting.

DSAT

K Y M C

K Y M C

4

northeast

Total lockdown in 7 districts in Assam

G U WA H AT I , J U L 6 (PTI): The Assam government on Tuesday announced a complete lockdown in seven districts where the positivity rates of COVID-19 cases are high.

The government imposed a round-the-clock curfew in Goalpara, Golaghat, Jorhat, Lakhimpur, Sonitpur, Biswanath and Morigaon as the number of coronavirus cases in these districts continued to increase despite imposition of certain restrictions earlier, Health and Family Welfare Minister Keshab Mahanta said.

These districts have been brought under the containment zones, he said at a press conference.

Rural and tea garden areas in these districts have been reporting a substantial number of COVID-19 cases, the minister said.

According to him, the positivity rates in the seven districts were recorded between 2.68 per cent and 5.64 per cent in the last few days.

There will be a total ban on the movement of all public and private transport in these districts, though goods vehicles will be allowed to operate, he said.

All the workplaces, business and commercial establishments, shops, restaurants and other eateries, cold storages and warehouses will be closed till further order in these districts where high positivity rates prevail, Mahanta said.

These facilities will remain open up to 1 pm every day in 16 other districts where ‘moderate’ COVID positivity rates have been recorded, and the curfew will remain in force from 2 pm to 5 am.

These districts include Sivasagar, Dibrugarh, Kokrajhar, Barpeta, Nalbari, Baksa, Bajali, Kamrup, Darang, Nagaon, Hojai, Tinsukia, Dhemaji, Cachar, Karimganj and Karbi Anglong.

Sivasagar and Dibrugarh districts will be kept under a strict vigil for the next one week by the au-

thorities, Mahanta said.

The curfew will also be enforced from 5 pm to 5 am in Dhubri, Kamrup Metro, South Salmara, Majuli, Bongaigaon, Chirang, Udalguri, West Karbi Anglong, Dima Hasao, Charaideo and Hailakandi where the COVID-19 situation has improved, the minister said.

Business establishments will be allowed to operate up to 4 pm in these districts, he said.

All inter-district passenger transport services will remain suspended.

The gover nment banned public gatherings in the districts which fall under the containment zones, while up to 10 people are allowed for marriage and funeral programmes in other places.

Wearing of face mask is compulsory in public places, and other restrictions such as the odd-even formula for plying of vehicles will continue to remain in force, the minister said.

These restrictions will

Meghalaya new assembly building Manipur logs 863 new COVID cases almost complete IMPHAL, JUL 6 (AGENCIES): Manipur on Tuesday

NE COVID-19 UPDATE

recorded 863 new cases of COVID-19, the highest single-day spike since June 1 last, taking the state-wide infection tally to 73,581. The state also registered 14 deaths due to the virus, taking the fatality tally to 1,218, according to the latest bulletin of the state health department. The state had recorded the highest ever single-day spike of 1032 on May 30 last. Since then, the state has been witnessing the daily surge below 1000-mark. The 863 fresh cases reported today led to the rise of the active against above 6000-mark even though 592 patients were discharged upon recuperation today. The number of active cases stood at 6,231 while the recovered cases to 66,132, leading to the decline of the recovery rate to 89.87%. The state health department reported deaths of 14 persons over the past 24 hours due to COVID-19 complications, pushing the fatality toll to 1,218. (Correspondent)

Sikkim reports 177 new COVID19 cases, tally rises to 21,403

Gangtok, Jul 6 (PTI): Sikkim reported 177 new COVID-19 cases in the last 24 hours, pushing the tally to 21,403, a health department bulletin said on Tuesday.

The COVID-19 death toll remained at 309 as no fresh fatality was reported in the last 24 hours, it said. East Sikkim district reported 86 new cases followed by 44 each in West Sikkim and South Sikkim and 3 in North Sikkim district, the bulletin said. The Himalayan state now has 1,894 active COVID-19 cases while 18,944 people have recovered from the disease and 256 patients have migrated to other states, it said. East Sikkim district has logged the highest number of COVID-19 cases at 13,328 followed by 4,492 in South Sikkim, 2,853 in West Sikkim and 474 in North Sikkim district. Sikkim has so far tested 1,68,667 samples for COVID-19 including 846 in the last 24 hours. Sikkim’s COVID-19 positivity rate stands at 20.9 per cent, while the recovery rate has increased to 88.5 per cent, it added.

106 children among 520 new COVID-19 patients in Mizoram

Aizawl, Jul 6 (PTI): At least 520 more people, including 106 children, tested positive for COVID-19 in Mizoram, taking the tally in the state to 21,854, a health department official said. The death toll rose to 98 as three more people succumbed to the infection in the last 24 hours, he said. Aizawl district reported the highest number of fresh cases at 353, followed by Kolasib at 76 and Lunglei at 50 cases, he said. Three new patients have travel history, while 517 were found to have contracted the disease locally, the official said.

“At least 106 children are among new patients. Today’s tally of new cases is the highest since June 22,” he said.

The single-day positivity rate is at 8.96 per cent as the 520 fresh cases were detected from 5,801 sample tests, he said. Mizoram now has 3,730 active cases, and 18,026 people have recovered from the infection so far.

The northeastern state has tested 5,06,918 samples for COVID-19 till date, the official said. State immunisation officer Dr Lalzawmi said that over 5.4 lakh people have been vaccinated till Monday.

Arunachal Pradesh reports 426 fresh COVID-19 cases, two more fatalities

Itanagar, Jul 6 (PTI): Arunachal Pradesh reported 426 fresh COVID-19 cases, the highest single-day spike so far this month, raising the tally to 37,531, a senior health department official said on Tuesday. The coronavirus death toll in the frontier state climbed to 179 with two more fatalities, he said. Earlier on May 29, Arunachal Pradesh had recorded the highest ever one-day rise as 497 people tested positive for the virus, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Lobsang Jampa said. The Capital Complex Region reported the maximum number of 96 new infections, followed by East Siang (56), West Kameng (44), Upper Subansiri (34), Lohit (32), Lower Dibang Valley (21), Papumpare (17), West Siang (16), Changlang (14) and Siang (13), Jampa said. The state now has 3,118 active cases, while 34,234 patients have recovered from the disease. The positivity rate and recovery rate stands at 7.29 per cent and 91.21 per cent, respectively.

Correspondent

SHILLONG, JUL 6: Meghalaya Assembly is expected to hold next year’s budget session in the new assembly building at Mawdiangdiang in the New Shillong Township.

“We are making all attempts to see that the first Budget session will be in that new building,” Lyngdoh said.

The Speaker, who had recently reviewed the ongoing construction of the new building at Mawdiangdiang, said that around 80-85 percent has been completed as far as civil works of the main building is concerned.

“Civil work of the main building is more or less completed and the balance civil work is only the dome part which is part of the main hall. We are waiting for the main structure which is going to come and all the fabricated structures are ready in Kolkata,” Lyngdoh said.

He said a team of engineers from the State visited the factory recently where it is being made and found that everything was okay as per the specifications.

Lyngdoh said that the dome will be reaching Shillong by the end of July and then the installation of the dome will start.

He also informed that as soon as the dome arrives, it will be fitted immediately.

“We are aiming to erect the dome by the end of August,” the Speaker added.

come into effect from July 7 and will remain effective until further orders, he said.

The minister appealed to parents who have children below 18 years of age to be cautious as they can spread the disease among minors who are not yet vaccinated.

Over 36,000 children have contracted the disease so far in Assam and at present, there are 2,890 active patients below 18 years of age, he said.

Altogether, 38 children have succumbed to the disease so far. Most of them either had comorbidities or were suffering from congenital diseases, the minister added.

Assam currently has 22,243 active cases, and the overall positivity rate stands at 2.37 per cent.

The total caseload in the northeastern state stood at 5,19,834 till Monday, while the death toll due to the infection was at 4,683, and 4,91,561 people have recovered from the disease.

OIL donates 500 oxygen concentrators GUWAHATI, JUL 6 (PTI): Oil India Limited (OIL) on Tuesday donated 500 oxygen concentrators to the Assam government.

The OIL’s initiative is a part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) to contribute in the fight against COVID- 19 by helping in the augmentation of the health infrastructure, a company release said.

The concentrators were handed over to the state Minister for Health and Family Welfare Keshab Mahanta by Chief General Manager (Pipelines) Sandip Goswami and General Manager (Administration ) Madhurjya Barua on behalf of the Board of Directors of the company.

Principal Secretary Health and Family welfare Anurag Goyal and NHM Mission Director Dr. Lakshmanan S were also present on the occasion.

The minister appreciated the companys support to the government in the management of the pandemic, the release added.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

NE Bishops’ body condoles death of tribal rights activist Stan Swamy

Christians take part in a prayer mass for Stanislaus Lourduswamy at Ambari, in Guwahati, Tuesday. (PTI) G uwahati , J ul 6 (PTI): The North East India Regional Bishops’ Council (NEIRBC) on Tuesday condoled the death of Jesuit priest and tribal rights activist Stan Swamy.

Swamy, 84, an accused in the Elgar Parishad-Maoist links case, died at a Mumbai hospital on Monday afternoon. He was waiting for interim bail on medical grounds in the case.

“We fail to understand why an 84-year-old social worker, greatly weakened by

poor,” he said. The community prays for him and his close relatives, while “commending the cause of tribal growth and development to the Lord”, Amalraj added.

The Elgar Parishad case is related to alleged inflammatory speeches made by some activists at a conclave held in Pune on December 31, 2017, which, the police claim, triggered violence the next day near the Koregaon-Bhima war memorial located on the outskirts of the western Maharashtra city.

Ex-Allahabad HC judge to head inquiry panel into MeECL functioning Correspondent SHILLONG, JUL 6: Meghalaya Governor, Satya Pal Malik on Tuesday ordered an independent inquiry commission into the functioning of the Meghalaya Energy Corporation Limited (MeECL) and its three subsidiary companies, in regards to several aspects.

The three-member commission will be headed by retired Allahabad High Court judge Ifaqat Ali Khan, Manoj Kumar (retired IAS) as administrative member and Sunil Kumar (retired executive director, Rural Electrification Corporation Ltd, REC) as technical member.

The Commission will

inquire into record findings and make recommendations concerning several aspects of functioning of MeECL and its three subsidiary companies vız., Meghalaya Power Generation Corporation Ltd. (MEPGCL), Meghalaya Power Transmission Corporation Ltd (MEPTCL) and Meghalaya Power Distribution Corporation Ltd (MEPDCL).

The inquiry will cover the period from April 1, 2010 to March 31, 2021 on major procurements.

“An inquiry into all major procurements covering both the need as well as the process including fairness in the framing of tender clauses and the tender terms and conditions.

The inquiry should cover the Corporations’ own procurement as well as major procurements made under Central Government sponsored Schemes State funded Schemes and Externally Aided Projects. The inquiry should specifically look into compliance with rules and regulations governing procurements,” the governor’s order said.

The committee will also “critically examine” the Procurement Rules and procedures of MeECL and its subsidiaries and benchmark the same against the Procurement Rules and procedures of the Government of Meghalaya and “some of the better run” Energy Corporations in other North Eastern States,

NIA challenges Akhil Gogoi’s release in Gauhati High Court G uwahati , J ul 6 (PTI): The National Investigation Agency has filed two appeals in the Gauhati High Court challenging the orders passed by the NIA Special Court relating to the release of Independent MLA Akhil Gogoi and six others.

The NIA court on June 22 and July 1 cleared Gogoi of all charges in the two cases against him under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 for his alleged role in violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act in Assam.

His six associates were also released by the court.

The NIA’s petitions against these orders were filed in the high court on

Akhil Gogoi Monday but they are yet to be listed for hearing.

Gogoi and his associates were arrested in December 2019 from Jorhat during the height of the anti-CAA protests in the state as a “preventive measure” in view of the deteriorating law and order situation in the state. The cases were

later handed over to the NIA and they were booked under the UAPA. On June 22, the NIA Special Court cleared Gogoi of all charges against them in connection with a case registered in Chabua police station. After the court cleared him of the charges also in the other case which was registered in Chandmari police station, he walked free on July 1.

Gogoi, president of Raijor Dal, has also secured bail in the other cases filed under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

There were 13 cases filed against him in connection with the CAA protests.

Gogoi became the first jailed leader in Assam to win an assembly election.

AJP demands CBI probe into PM-KISAN scam in Assam Guwahati, Jul 6 (PTI): The Assam Jatiya Parishad (AJP) on Tuesday demanded a CBI enquiry into the irregularities in selection of beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme in the state, which were unearthed more than a year ago.

The state agriculture minister has himself admitted to the irregularities in the assembly but the BJP-led state government did not order a probe as the ineligible beneficiaries were workers and supporters of the saffron party and its ally, the Asom Gana Parishad (AGP), the AJP alleged.

The matter came to light in May last year.

“The government has failed to act on the allegations. Instead, it is washing its hands off the scam by

diverse ailments, could not get a bail for a case in which he claimed absolute innocence,” NEIRBC Deputy Secretary Fr GP Amalraj said in a statement.

It has “shaken the confidence of society in the justice system and tarnished the image of the country” at the international level, Amalraj said.

“May his innocence be established and may more and more young people come forward to dedicate their lives on behalf of the

merely urging the ineligible beneficiaries to return the money they have received,” AJP vice-president Someswar Singh said.

Under the PM-KISAN scheme, which has been operational since December 1, 2018, in the country, farmers receive Rs 6,000 per year in the form of three equal instalments of Rs 2,000 each.

The eighth instalment of the scheme was released in May this year.

Out of over 39.39 lakh original applicants under the scheme in the state, 9,39,146 ineligible beneficiaries have been identified. The number of eligible people had come down to 18.67 lakh after further exclusions on technical grounds, including discrepancies in bank account details, Agriculture Minister Atul Bora had said in the Assembly in Septem-

ber 2020.

Bora, the AGP president, continues to hold the same portfolio in the current coalition government which assumed charge in May this year.

The minister had appealed to the ineligible beneficiaries to return the money when the irregularities were unearthed last year, which elicited response from only 819 such people, Singh claimed.

“The department or the government failed to take any preventive measures to ensure no recurrence of such a scam even after the matter had come to light last year itself,” he said alleging that instalment money was paid even after the irregularities had come to light.

“The BJP and AGP leaders and workers are getting the money under

the scheme. Hence, no action has been initiated,” Singh said.

Genuine farmers have been deprived of the benefits because of this, especially when they are facing hardships due to the repeated lockdowns, he claimed “We demand a CBI enquiry to get to the root of the entire matter,” the AJP leader added.

The Cong ress, the main opposition party, had also demanded a CBI probe into the scam when it had first come to light in May 2020.

The then chief minister Sarbananda Sonowal had also admitted that anomalies have taken place.

At least three agriculture department officers were suspended for their alleged role in the irregularities last year.

the order said.

“To examine at length the Aggregate Technical & Commercial (AT&C) losses covering aspects of faulty metering, under billing, poor billing efficiency, poor collection efficiency, billing & collection from industries, pilferage of power and lack of accountability.

The inquiry should also examine the steps taken by the MeECL management to address the problem of high AT&C losses and whether these steps nave had the desired results,” the order said.

Regarding Human Resource Management, the order said, “The inquiry should look into the recruitment procedures of

MeECL and its subsidiaries, the adequacy, examine some of the bulk hiring / recruitment made and also address the issue of surplus / deficit manpower across departments / sections in the Corporation. The inquiry should also cover training of personnel and accountability of key personnel”.

“The Committee may submit interim reports and recommendations to the Government at Meghalaya from time to time prior to the finalization of the report. The Committee shall complete the inquiry and submit the Final Report within a period of 3 (three) months from the date of notification,” the order read.

IN THE COURT OF

DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE ZUNHEBOTO : NAGALAND

No. JUD/SUCC-34/19-20/50

Dated Zbto. the 28-06-2021

Notice Calling Objection for the issue of Succession Certificate Whereas application has received from Smti. Ghonili Sumi, U/S 372 of the Indian Succession Act, resident of Atoizu Town, Dist-Zbto for Succession of SBI A/c. No. 32954657861, Pension benefits, leave encashment, debts, securities, of Late Hekhuvi Sema.

Notice is hereby issued for filing objections to all who has interest in the said claim(s) within 45 (forty five) days from the date of publication to this notice.

DP-3106

District & Sessions Judge Zunheboto : Nagaland

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND NOTICE S/C NO. 84/2021 NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-I OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late RFN GD Watitemsu has been applied by Smti. Satemnungla, Mother of RFN GD Lt. Watitemsu, R/O H.No. 750 New Medical Ward, CTN Town, Mokokchung, Nagaland for possession of: 1. DCRG 2. FSA 3. FP & other Pension benefits.

4. Closing of A/C Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may if she/ he so desire appear in this Court on or before the said day of 24.07.2021 Given under the hand and seal of the Court on this day the 24.07.2021.

Principal District & Sessions Judge MKC-201 Mokokchung : Nagaland IN THE COURT OF

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND

S/C NO. 103/2021

NOTICE NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-I OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925 Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Puryapang has been applied by Shri Tsuknungmajem, F/o Late Puryapang, R/o H.No 458 Artang Ward. Mokokchung, Nagaland for possession of : 1) Closing LIC Policy.

Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may if she/he so desire appear in this Court on or before the said day of 25.07.2021.

Given under the hand and seal of the Court on this the 25.06.2021.

MKC-200

Principal District & Sessions Judge Mokokchung : Nagaland

Funeral service for Fr. Stan held at Mumbai

People hold posters outside the church for Jesuit priest Father Stan Swamy, in Mumbai, Tuesday. (PTI)

people of pay their tributes.

Three priests, the administrator of the Holy Family Hospital and a small choir group were present in the church at the time of the funeral service.

The church authorities said Swamy’s body will be cremated in Mumbai after completing certain formalities and his ashes will be taken to Ranchi and Jamshedpur in Jharkhand, the

state where he was based.

Also present at the service were father Joe Xavier and father Frazer Mascarenhas, associates of Swamy.

They remembered Swamy as a “courageous and fearless” man.

“He fell in love with the tribals of Jharkhand when he was studying in Chaibasa, Jharkhand. In 1970, he was ordained as a priest, and a year later he went to

Maha govt introduces 3 bills to counter Centre’s farm laws

MUMBAI, JUL 6 (PTI): The Shiv Sena-led MVA government in Maharashtra on Tuesday introduced three amendment bills in the assembly related to agriculture, co-operation, food and civil supplies, in a move to counter the new farm laws enacted by the Centre that are facing stiff opposition from a section of cultivators.

The bills have provisions for higher than MSP rate for produce in farming agreement with traders, timely payment of dues, three-year jail term and Rs 5 lakh fine or both for harassment of farmers.

They also have provisions to give power to the state government to regulate and prohibit production, supply, distribution and impose stock limits on essential commodities.

Revenue Minister Balasaheb Thorat said the central farm acts were passed without discussion and several of their provisions

Shakti Bhog CMD held in Rs 3k cr case

encroach on rights of state governments.

“The state government has right to make laws and we want to suggest amendments to the central agriculture laws which we feel are anti-farmer,” he said.

The bills which have been placed in public domain for two months for suggestions and objections are - Essential Commodities (Amendment), Farmers (Empowerment and Protection), Guarantee Price; Agriculture Related Agreements (Maharashtra Amendment) and Amendments to Central Government Farmer Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation).

The draft bills have been prepared by a cabinet sub-committee headed by deputy chief minister Ajit Pawar.

Pawar said the draft bills will be in public domain for two months during which all stakeholders can

Jharkhand to begin working for the tribals,” Father Joe said.

“He worked for the tribals and for the marginalised for five decades, he dedicated his life for them,” he said. Even from the prison he was lodged, Swamy wrote to his friends and encouraged them to continue their fight for the marginalised, his associates said.

“He was a selfless man. He never wanted anything for himself. When he was being taken away from Ranchi (by the NIA in October 2020), we packed some clothes, two sippers, and a little money in his bag,” Father Joe said.

“He was probably not allowed to take the sipper inside the prison but he was facing difficulty in eating so he told one of his lawyers to get his sipper back,” he said.

Father Joe said Swamy was “surprised” at the confusion and uproar his request (from a court in Mumbai

Prez appoints new governors for 8 states in major rejig

hold discussions and debates on their provisions.

The bills will be taken up for discussion and passage during the winter session of the legislature in Nagpur (held in December), he said.

Agriculture Minister Dada Bhuse said farming agreements (between traders and farmers) will be considered invalid if the price of agri produce being offered is not more than the MSP (minimum support price).

If the farmer is not paid in seven days of sale of his produce, a criminal offence can be lodged against the trader and punishments include three year in jail and Rs 5 lakh penalty, Bhuse said.

Co-operation minister Balasaheb Patil said under the central acts, there is no control over trader in case of a default in payment to farmer after sale of agriculture produce.

New Delhi, Jul 6 (IANS): In a major reshuffle, President Ram Nath Kovind on Tuesday appointed eight new governors giving them charge of administration of new states. While many were transferred, others were new appointments.

P.S. Sreedharan Pillai, Governor of Mizoram, was transferred and appointed as Governor of Goa; Satyadev Narayan Arya, Governor of Haryana is transferred and appointed as Governor of Tripura; Ramesh Bais, Governor of Tripura is transferred and appointed as Governor of Jharkhand; Bandaru Dattatraya, Governor of Himachal Pradesh is transferred and appointed as Governor of Haryana.

However, Thaawarchand Gehlot, who currently serves as Cabinet Minister, has been appointed as Governor of Karnataka.

Besides, Member of parliament to the 16th Lok Sabha from Visakhapatnam

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF TECHNICAL EDUCATION NAGALAND : KOHIMA NO. DTE/ ESTT-2/02/2020-21/

Dt. Kohima, the July, 2021.

NOTIFICATION

Kewal Krishan Kumar

NEW DELHI, JUL 6 (AGENCIES): Chairman and MD of Shakti Bhog Foods, Kewal Krishan Kumar, has been arrested by the Enforcement Directorate in a bank fraud case of more than Rs 3,000 crore, reports Times of India.

Kumar was arrested after the agency conducted searches on his premises in Delhi and Haryana and seized several documents.

The ED registered its money laundering investigation based on an FIR of the CBI which had booked Kumar early this year on a complaint filed by the SBI alleging cheating and forging of documents. The SBIled consortium of banks had lent Rs 3,269 crore to Shakti Bhog Foods Ltd. After 2015, the accused stopped repayment, leading to the account turning into a non performing asset.

Kumar was picked up from Delhi on Sunday and produced before a special court which remanded him in ED custody till July 9.

The agency has claimed “the arrest was in continuation of a search carried out at nine premises located in Delhi and Haryana.”

In continuation to this office notification of even number Dated, 3rd April, 2021, it is to inform all the candidates who have applied for NSEE-2021, that the list of candidates (both hard copy and online/email submission) has been uploaded in the Department website: www.dtenagaland.org.in.

Candidates are instructed to thoroughly cross check their details provided in the rows such as; Name, Father's Name, DOB, course options, contact numbers etc.

In case of any discrepancies, candidates are informed to provide the correct details in the given format (available in website) and send it to this office via email; dtenagaland@gmail.com on or before 10th July, 2021. After which, no correction or changes in any manner shall be entertained.

Sd/(Nungsangmenla Imchen) Ex-Officio Director Issued by DIPR DC-553

Dated, Kohima the 6th July, 2021

NO.DTE/SCTE/6/2020-21/

NOTIFICATION In continuation to this Office notification of even number Dated 22nd May, 2021, the last date for issued and submission of form for Diploma Engineering courses within the State for the session 2021-22 is hereby extended till 15th of July, 2021.

S/d (NUNGSANGMENLA IMCHEN) Ex-Officio Director DC-552

BAPTIST HIGH MISSION COMPOUND, KOHIMA (A fully fledged Science Higher Secondary School affiliated to NBSE)

ADMISSIONS TO CLASS 11 (SCIENCE) FOR 2021-2022 SESSION ADMISSION FORM IS AVAILABLE IN THE SCHOOL OFFICE FROM MONDAY TO FRIDAY, TIME: 9.00 AM TO 12 NOON. DIRECT ADMISSION TO THOSE SECURING 55% (Internal+External) IN ENGLISH, MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE SEPARATELY IN HSLC EXAMINATION 2021.

K-1131

for a straw and a sipper cup) created.

“Later, on a phone call, Stan asked me what was the confusion about. He said, ‘leave it if it is a problem. I will manage without a sipper’,” Father Joe said.

Those present at the service said that while working for the tribals, Swamy was aware, he was in “dangerous terrain.”

“He knew anything could happen to him. Today, anyone who works for the underprivileged or marginalised in this country, is branded an urban naxal. But Stan said he did not fear anyone because he was working for truth and justice,” Father Joe said.

Father Frazer, who was permitted to visit Swamy each day for an hour in the private Holy Family Hospital where he was admitted in May, said Swamy had been feeling “confident” that things would get better for him and his co-accused.

PRINCIPAL

Ram Nath Kovind

Hari Babu Kambhampati has been appointed as Governor of Mizoram. Gujarat Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Mangubhai Chhaganbhai Patel as Governor of Madhya Pradesh and former Speaker of Goa Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar as Governor of Himachal Pradesh.

Documents planted on computers: new report after Stan Swamy’s death NEW DELHI, JUL 6 (AGENCIES): A day after activist Stan Swamy’s death, a report from an American forensic agency claims that incriminating evidence was planted on the computer of Surendra Gadling, who, like the Christian priest, was arrested under a harsh anti-terror law for alleged links to the banned CPI(Maoist) group.

The report says Surendra Gadling’s computer had been compromised over two years before he was arrested through emails that he received, and on which others like Stan Swamy were copied, raising the possibility that Mr Swamy’s computer too may have been targeted.

The 84-year-old Christian priest and Surendra Gadling are among 16 people accused in what is known as the BhimaKoregaon case.

Till his death, Stan Swamy, like the others named in this case, had argued, including in his multiple bail applications, that the evidence presented against him of instigating a riot and of links to Maoist guerrillas was fabricated.

The National Investigation Agency or NIA claims that Stan Swamy and 15 others instigated the Bhima-Koregaon riot in Maharashtra three years ago when lakhs of Dalits had gathered to commemorate a historic battle which saw Dalits defeating an upper caste army.

All 16 of them, of which Stan Swamy was the oldest, have been arrested under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act, which enables prolonged detention for questioning; they have even been named for plotting to assassinate the Prime Minister.

NAGALAND UNIVERSITY

(A Central University Estd. By the Act of Parliament No. 35 of 1989)

Headquarters : Lumami-798627

NO. NU/ESTT-II/G-27/VOL-II/2015-441 Date: 06/07/2021

ADVERTISEMENT No.01/2021 Applications in the prescribed form are invited from eligible candidates for the post of Finance Officer, Director, College Development Council and various Teaching posts. Details of the advertisement, other terms and conditions and the application form are available in the University website www.nagalanduniversity.ac.in. Last date for receipt of filled-in application is 6th August, 2021.

Sd/Registrar DC-555

Stan Swamy

The stringent law has been used by the government to target opponents including left-leaning intellectuals, say critics.

The report accessed by NDTV is the diagnosis of Arsenal Consulting, based in Boston. Earlier this year, The Washington Post had reported on a similar document from the same firm, alleging that an unknown hacker had planted over 30 documents on the computer belonging to Rona Wilson, one of those named for terrorist links.

The latest Arsenal report, dated June 2021, analysed the hard drive of Surendra Gadling, 53, a Dalit rights activist based in Nagpur, finding even deeper proof of the planting of incriminating evidence.

“It should be noted that this is one of the most serious cases involving evidence-tampering that Arsenal has ever encountered,” reads the report.

Arsenal, according to their website, has worked on a number of high-profile cases including the Boston

Marathon bombing.

The report says his system was compromised for over 20 months between February 2016 and November 2017, and at least 14 incriminating letters planted on the computer by the same attacker who targeted Rona Wilson’s system and planted 30 files there.

Surendra Gadling was arrested over three years ago and has been in jail since.

The NIA refused to comment on the report, saying the matter is sub judice.

Stan Swamy had Parkinson’s disease. He was arrested in October last year under the stringent anti-terrorism law and moved to a Mumbai jail from his home in Ranchi, where he campaigned for tribal rights. In May, he was hospitalized. The news of his death was broken by attending doctors in court, where his hearing for bail was underway; it triggered outrage including from the Opposition and top UN Human Rights officials.

The attacker who compromised Surendra Gadling’s computer had extensive resources including time, according to Arsenal, and indulged in both surveillance and planting evidence. The report suggests that other defendants in the Bhima Koregaon case may have been compromised, including Stan Swamy.

ADMISSION OPEN!!!

ASIAN MISSION INSTITUTE Naharbari Junction, East Dimapur, Nagaland

COURSES1. Community Health Care : 10 Passed and above 2. Nursing Assistant (NA) : 8 Passed and above

FOR DETAILS, CONTACT8258953719/ 9366151812/ 9398756046 • Limited hostel seats available

DP-3116

OFFICE OF THE MEDICAL OFFICER URBAN PRIMARY HEALTH CENTRE DUNCAN BOSTI, DIMAPUR Ref. No. UPHC/DB/info-24

FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION As per the directives of State Health Society, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare Nagaland, to observe World Population Day on 11 July 2021 on the theme “Provision of Family Planning Services Even In Crisis, For A Self Reliant Nation and Family”, There will be Population Stabilization Fortnight from 11th July - 24th July 2021, Permanent & Temporary Sterilization will be carried out in Urban Primary Health Centre (UPHC), Duncan.

For registration & queries please contact, Vilhousenuo Kin. Contact No. 8729932202 S/D, M.O-In- charge UPHC Duncan, Dimapur.

DP-3107

NAGALAND PUBLIC SERVICE COMMISSION NO.NPSC/CON-35/2009

KOHIMA

NOTIFICATION

Dated Kohima, the 6th July, 2021

In partial modification of the Commission’s Notification of even number dated 28th April, 2021 consequent upon non-acceptance of some posts by the candidates for NCS & Allied Services 2019, the Commission is pleased to declare the modified list of successful candidates for the following post(s) under the Government of Nagaland.

Item No. 3: 2 (Two) posts of Assistant Election Officer (Cl-II Gazetted) under Election Department.

Rank Name Roll No Remarks 1268 1st BISALEE THONGER nd NILO KATIRY 1218 B.T. Pochury 2 Item No. 5: 3 (Three) posts of Assistant Research Officer (Cl-II Gazetted) under Art & Culture Department.

Rank Name Roll No Remarks 1276 Konyak 1st W KAIWANG KONYAK 1243 Sangtam 2nd VILILA S THONGER 1247 Chang 3rd NABUM TOMBOU Item No. 8: 25 (Twenty five) posts of Secretariat Assistant (Cl-III Non-Gazetted), under Personnel & Administrative Reforms Department.

Rank Name Roll No Remarks 1st MOANUNGSANG JAMIR 1262 1195 2nd YIBEN B HUMTSOE 1384 3rd THEJASELHOU KIRE 1388 4th HE-OHM B PHOM 1234 5th NIKALI V SEMA 1302 6th LIMATEMJEN 1347 7th KEVIZAKIE 1281 8th ASAL SOTHU 9th VIQHESHE S FUTHENA 1133 1196 10th HINOKA SHOHE 1169 11th ROSE S SEKHOSE

12th 13th 14th 15th 16th

DIETO KAPFO SHAMBA JOHN NEISETO ZUTSO CHIBENTHUNG SHITIRI VEKULHU TETSEO

17th WANMAI KONYAK L 18th TOINO K SUMI 19th PFEPILA KATIRY 20th TSUMANG KHIAMNIUNGAN 21st SIPONG SONLA CHANG 22nd LIPONGLA JINGRU 23rd NGANLANG C PHOM 24th YOUNGTSULA 25th LUNGKUBE

1385 1254 1127 1156 1299 B.T. Chakhesang 1108 B.T. Konyak 1059 B.T. Sumi (Kiphire) 1297 B.T. Pochury 1076 B.T. Khiamniungan 1177 B.T. Chang 1134 B.T. Sangtam 1009 B.T. Phom 1024 B.T. Yimchunger 1393 PwD (Hearing Impairment) /B.T. Zeliang

(JOHN TSULISE SANGTAM) NCS Secretary, Nagaland Public Service Commission, Kohima

DC-554

MUMBAI, JUL 6 (PTI): A funeral service for tribal rights activist and Jesuit priest Stan Swamy, who died in a private hospital while waiting for medical bail in the Elgar Parishad case, was held at the St. Peter’s church in suburban Bandra here on Tuesday as tributes continued to pour in for him from his well-wishers.

Swamy (84), who was in judicial custody, died on Monday afternoon at the Holy Family Hospital in Bandra, where he was undergoing treatment for multiple ailments, and had applied for medical bail in the Bombay High Court.

While a small funeral service was held at the church adhering to the COVID-19 protocols imposed by the Maharashtra government, several people, priests, lawyers, human rights activists and some family members of Swamy joined the funeral online. His body was kept in an open coffin to allow

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national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 211 Dimapur, WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

Scanner over Rafale deal

W

hile the Supreme Court of India had given a clean chit to the Modi government over the Rafale jet deal in 2018, the French themselves have done just the opposite after appointing a Judge on July 3 to investigate the deal signed in 2016 between the governments of India and France. The Supreme Court on December 14, 2018 upheld the purchase of 36 Rafale jets from Dassault, France after rejecting a petitions filed by several political leaders.

The opposition reacted by saying that the apex court was misled by the government about the deal. It would be incorrect to factor the court ruling on being misled by the government since the Rafale deal had been hogging the media headlines since 2016. Again, the apex court on November 14,2019, dismissed all the petitions seeking review of its December 2018 judgment.

Since then, the Modi government’s stocks have been soaring as high as the Rafale could fly. Both French presidents- Francios Hollande(2012-17) and presently Emmanuel Macron(2017-22)- have kept mum over the issue as part of the deal. Today, after the French court appointed a judge to probe the Rafale deal or scam; the Modi government has been dealt a big blow and the Supreme Court a reminder that its observation in 2019: “This court did not consider it appropriate to embark on a roving and fishing enquiry,” missed the point. The French judge will lead a judicial investigation into suspected ‘corruption’ and ‘favouritism’ over the Rs.59,000 crore (7.8-billion-euro) sale to India of 36 Dassault Aviation Rafale fighter aircraft,” the Mediapart said. The “highly sensitive” investigation will look into the 2016 deal for 36 Dassault-built Rafale fighter aircraft, which the Modi government signed with France in an inter-governmental deal. The UPA government had earmarked Rs 68,000 crore in 2007 for the purchase of 126 Rafale jets of which, 18 were to be imported in fly-away condition. As per the deal, the Hindustan Aeronautics Ltd (HAL) was supposed to manufacture the remaining 108 jets with assistance from Dassault Aviation. After the Modi government came to power in 2014, the deal was reviewed and rewritten. In April 2015, prime minister Narendra Modi visited Paris and announced the decision to buy 36 Rafale fighters at a total cost of Rs.59,000 crore. The Congress had claimed that the Modi government was procuring the aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore each as against Rs 526 crore each which was finalised by the UPA government during negotiations for Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircrafts (MMRCA). The government used an IAF ‘spokesmen’ to justify the Rafale purchase with the plea that the price includes the Meteor air-to-air missile. However defence experts said missile purchase can never be part of the capital cost of a fighter.

The Modi government has denied irregularities in the high-profile government-to-government deal and also refused to divulge the pricing details citing confidentiality clauses in the intergovernmental agreement with France. Questions unanswered are: why was the number of jets reduced from 126 to 36? ; why was the deal made by the UPA scrapped? Another issue was, why was Anil Ambani’s defence company favoured over the government-owned HAL?. Dassault said it had not choice on Anil Ambani-owned Reliance Defence Limited as it was as per the defence ministry’s offset policy.

Media reports said Ambani’s company was registered only 12 days before being made offset partner with Dassault. Now with the French prying open the deal, it remains to be seen if the government’s defence on its defence deal can be defended.

DailyDevotion Visions Becoming Reality The parched ground shall become a pool… —Isaiah 35:7 We always have a vision of something before it actually becomes real to us. When we realize that the vision is real, but is not yet real in us, Satan comes to us with his temptations, and we are inclined to say that there is no point in even trying to continue.

Instead of the vision becoming real to us, we have entered into a valley of humiliation.

Life is not as idle ore, But iron dug from central gloom, And battered by the shocks of doom To shape and use.

God gives us a vision, and then He takes us down to the valley to batter us into the shape of that vision. It is in the valley that so many of us give up and faint. Every God-given vision will become real if we will only have patience. Just think of the enormous amount of free time God has! He is never in a hurry. Yet we are always in such a frantic hurry. While still in the light of the glory of the vision, we go right out to do things, but the vision is not yet real in us.

God has to take us into the valley and put us through fires and floods to batter us into shape, until we get to the point where He can trust us with the reality of the vision. Ever since God gave us the vision, He has been at work. He is getting us into the shape of the goal He has for us, and yet over and over again we try to escape from the Sculptor’s hand in an effort to batter ourselves into the shape of our own goal.

The vision that God gives is not some unattainable castle in the sky, but a vision of what God wants you to be down here. Allow the Potter to put you on His wheel and whirl you around as He desires. Then as surely as God is God, and you are you, you will turn out as an exact likeness of the vision. But don’t lose heart in the process. If you have ever had a vision from God, you may try as you will to be satisfied on a lower level, but God will never allow it.

Quotes

Laws are like sausages, it is better not to see them being made. ~ Otto von Bismarck

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

Post-mortem

NSF representation to chief minister Hon’ble Sir, We bring warm greetings from the office of the Naga Students’ Federation (NSF).

At the outset, the undersigned, on behalf of the Federation, would like to place on record that team NSF 2021-23 is deeply committed to uphold and take forth the legacy of our predecessors by staying true to our founding principles while also striving selflessly to ensure that all students’ welfare issues are effectively dealt with in the interest of the Students’ and youth community we’ve been mandated to represent.

At this juncture, the Federation is compelled to place before your Hon’ble self and your good office, the following pressing issues which requires your immediate and effective intervention.

1. Indo-Naga political issue: It is no secret that the NSF has been remaining steadfast and committed to the Indo-Naga political issue. It is our conviction that the detractors of the day are yet unaware of the founding principle of the federation. However, the Federation remains undeterred in upholding the cause that is Just, Fair and Righteous.

The Federation is in deep appreciation of the PDA government, being led by your Hon’ble self, in forming the corn-committee on Naga political issue. What is left to doubt is the effectiveness of the same.

The Federation, hereby, appeals your Hon’ble self and your government to sincerely and proactively work towards ensuring that: a. Peace and Unity prevail among the Nagas. b. All the Naga Political Groups (NPGs) and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) come together under one table for an Early, Inclusive, Honourable and Acceptable solution to the protracted Indo-Naga political issue. c. Effectively liaise with the Government of India to expedite the process of Indo-Naga political dialogue with the negotiating parties and ink the final agreement to the protracted Indo-Naga political

T

issue in line with the unique ‘history and situation’ of the Naga people.

2. E-governance: The Federation is strongly of the view that effective implementation of e--Governance is the need of the hour which will bring about ‘transparency’ in governance.

Access to accurate and updated information in regard to various State Government’s functionaries, departments (including District Administration) and agencies will reign in the impetus required to effective governance. In this regard, the Federation strongly advocates e-governance as a tool to bring ‘transparency’ as a powerful agent to check corruption in the governance of the state.

The Federation therefore appeals your government to address this particular issue by ensuring that: a. Information such as the schemes & programs and list of beneficiaries, incumbency list, post creations & vacancies, progress report of the Department and viceversa are made readily available in the public domain in compliance with the laid down guidelines for departmental websites (GIGW). b. Enhance the level of citizen interaction in governance through application of Internet and mobile technologies and to ensure that the benefits are accessed by all citizens.

3. COVID-l9 related issues: The lockdown in the wake of COVID-19 pandemic has caused untold hardships to the entire populace. There has been a tectonic shift in the day-to-day affairs of every individual. Education remains one sector which is worst impacted by the pandemic threatening to throw the future of the students in jeopardy. There is a looming danger that a major section of the Naga society will be left with no resources at their disposal to meet their day-to-day requirements.

The federation, however, is convinced that the future of the students and the society cannot be compromised despite the raging pandemic and that every possible efforts are taken by all the stake-

holders in a bid to salvage the grim situation.

In light of the above, the Federation appeals your government to effectively address the following pressing issues at the earliest: a. It has come to the knowledge of the federation that most of the teachers employed by the state government has been neglecting their duties even while online classes has been on in full swing.

Such dereliction of duties reflects badly upon the noble profession.

It is therefore appealed to the state government to strictly implement ‘No work, No pay’ policy. b. It is also appealed to the state government to issue an official order with regard to fee waiver by all the schools in the state. This should he issued in line with the successive court orders. c. While appreciating the State Government, Front-line Workers and Health Care Workers for their tireless efforts and services rendered during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Federation urges upon the State government to maintain transparency and accountability in utilization of COVID-19 funds.

4. Nagaland Staff Selection Board (NSSB): The Federation appeals the State Government not to further delay the implementation of NSSB and to make it fully functional owing to the rise in the number of educated unemployed youths in the state. Further, the State Government should revise and resolve the Reservation Policy in the state within the legally permissible jurisdiction without delay.

5. SSA & RMSA Teachers, 2010 & 2013 Batches The Federation stands committed to ensure that the joint agreement signed on I8th October 2020 pertaining to the rationalization of SSA & RMSA Teachers is materialized in letter and spirit. The Federation shall no longer tread lightly on the matter if the State Government does not honour the aforementioned agreement.

Thanking you for your graciousness.

Kegwayhun Tep, President, Süpuni Ng Philo, General Secretary

Fr. Stan: steadfast in quest for justice, a victim of travesty of justice

K

nown Fr. Stan Lourdusaamy since late 1970s, as a social scientist devoted to peace, love, dignity, freedom, equality and justice. Indian Social Institute (ISI), Bangalore, during his times became one of the widely known institutes across the country for training and equipping the students, activists, NGOs, members of civil society, lawyers, leaders of peoples’ movement, civil servants and police personnel’s offering tools of societal analysis and theoretical frameworks.A brilliant mind endowed with critical inquiry and practical applications.

Those were the heydays wherein views, standpoints and perspectives criss-crossed with each other, debated and deliberated. Soft-spoken, keen listener showing absolute patience, but firm in his convictions.

As person believed in secular ideals; firmly rooted in classless and casteless society. As a visionary and dreamer, his preferential option has always been those who belonged to the vulnerable, hapless and downtrodden communities, and amongst them he firmly believed in the emancipation of Dalits and Tribals.

Fr. Stan was a person who never minced words and had ever compromised his conviction. Accordingly, he moved to Jharkhand to work amidst the Adivasis, the original inhabitants who were deprived of their land, dignity and equality in their own domicile. In accordance to the mission and vision of Jesus Christ and mandate of the Gospel, he went and engaged with the communities struggling to restore the constitutional and fundamental rights of hapless victims, especially on issues pertaining to land and those undertrials languishing in the jails for years.

Communities were empowered who have begun to handle the problems that they

encountered in democratic ways. Those voices that remained silent have started to ask critical questions, which certainly would have irked those in power and authority. The State shall never tolerate citizens to know their rights and to act on them independently and collectively. The brute state if we chronologically analyse a series of events that took place in the past one year or so leads us to come to conclusion that those in power who wanted to get rid of Fr. Stan seemed to have worked out a blue print and a plan of action – a design that went perfectly to suit them.

The state and its machinery along with judiciary and its paraphernalia charged him under many sections, refused to give him bail, ridiculed, humiliated and what not. Despite deteriorating health condition, he stood for his conviction and in the process faced death bravely. A person for decades struggled and fought for the Tribals especially for the undertrials died as an undertrial. A paradox as Fr. Stan who stood for justice, at last was silenced by the nefarious forces – a combination of the brute state and judiciary as well.

The whole country knows that it was a “planned and systematic” elimination. As a free man armoured with freedom spoke about Jesus as Freedom and at the cost of that freedom had to pay the price. This is the irony and yet those prophets and martyrs write histories and change the world better and liveable. Yesterday was the black day for the India’s criminal justice system. Fr. Stan is gone, but his revolutionary and liberating spirit shall never be quelled. A life filled with dreams, resolve and resilience; studded with passion, hope and determination lives in our midst. Fr. Stan’s life is to be celebrated – a purposeful and meaningful life.

Dr. John Mohan Razu

Pandemic tests organisational leadership

he global health crisis created by Covid-19 has predictably put in focus the role of political rulers of nations across the world but in an all-permeating manner it has also tested leadership in different spheres -- businesses, organisations and institutions in terms of setting apart the brilliant from the ordinary.

A true leader not only faces a crisis competently but ‘rides the challenge’ to take the organisation forward through the difficulty and put it on the path of progress. The first requirement of this role is for the leader to have the combination of ‘insight’ and ‘vision’ in order to see the roots of the crisis and determine how to reset the goal through necessary course corrections.

The leader has to be comprehensively well-informed about the various facets of the problem and their impact on the business at hand and be in possession of ‘business intelligence’ about demand, logistics of supply and delivery as well as the new technology that might have become available at that moment.

The pandemic did not represent a challenge of ‘competition’ that was the feature of normal times and instead came as a big ‘equaliser’ in as much as it caused the ultimate organisational ‘disruption’ for all entities and set off a new quest for technological solutions. In a competitive world of globalised norms, the successful leader would retain the organisational loyalty of the best of his or her human assets, study the rivals and keep track of the external environ affecting business. In the beginning of the Nineties, Delta in the

US overtook the PanAm as the world’s largest airline primarily because, it is said, six of the latter’s top leaders parted company with their CEO to join the new rival.

In the context of the pandemic the crisis enveloped individuals and organisations across the board and the threat of competition gave way to the challenge of restoration, innovative management and adoption of new technology for enhancing the ‘outreach’. In the period of recovery, quality of product and service will become doubly important because the customer wading through the crisis would become far more sensitive to ‘reliability’ of what was being offered. Failure in this regard will make the customer permanently hostile to the business concerned.

An intelligent leader would realise that the pandemic had produced three distinct consequences. First, it had ‘flattened’ the organisations by making excessive vertical hierarchy redundant, legitimised the concept of working from home and altered the methodology of internal communication.

Secondly, it had revolutionised the human resource development by recognising the fact that the individual was at the centre of all productivity, that teamwork had emerged as the prime instrument for recovery replacing the top-down directives and that the crisis demanded a new sense of camaraderie overcoming physical distances. And finally, the new management framework enjoined upon the leadership to revisit the earlier norms of performance evaluation, take to practices that encouraged members down below to develop a sense

of ‘ownership’ towards the organisation and make the pay packet look like a compensation for work done for a ‘cause’.

A learning forced by the pandemic is that organisations must be able to work with fewer hands horizontally spread out without compromising on productivity or quality of output -- this is different from trying to be cost effective by laying off people. Heavy vertical hierarchy has to give way to multiple leaders working with compact teams, some of whose members would be operating out of home.

Home as the new workplace is going to become part of the new normal in the postCovid times as the corporate head office will not be a crowded place anymore and a certain proportion of employees will not be required to report there everyday. In this scenario, a leader would have to learn to decentralise decision-making. Reluctance of a leader to delegate authority often arises from the fear that this will add to the accountability of the former -- a leader must know the people working for him or her well enough and have a grid of confidence with them. This is a sign of success even in the normal times. In the new normal, the leader will have to be far more communicative and be available for any guidance urgently required, even from a distance. A blend of centralised working with decentralisation of operational decisions is needed for the future.

For this to happen, the leader will be required to know the members of the organisation a lot more closely than was the case before. Covid has stressed

every one’s life and made it vital for the leader to have a developed Emotional Quotient -- this means a capacity to understand that the responses of a person are shaped also by his or her emotional state of mind.

The leader must have a pretty good idea of the life of the employee outside of the workplace, including any major problem at home, since an entirely impersonal relationship limits the willingness of the person to work for the ‘boss’. In fact, the boss-subordinate relationship will change in favour of the Indian concept of management that prescribed a ‘paternal nurtural’ leadership. In the post-Covid world the modern leadership will have to become ‘nurtural’, the paternal component would not be mandatory.

In the backdrop of several alterations in the management practices becoming the order of the day for the future, the system of performance evaluation would also have to be reformed. This is the call of leadership. Assessment of an individual in the rushed corporate life has mostly been a ‘third party’ affair with the senior acting on behalf of the organisation and at the back of the employee being reported on.

Working during Covid from home, everyone -- left to one’s own devices -- would become aware of the ‘self ’ and cognisant of his or her contribution to the organisation in realistic terms. This makes it possible for the employee to improve the output and warrants introduction of ‘self-assessment’ as a uniform practice in performance evaluation.

Moreover, in the new en-

viron the organisation will benefit from the internal ‘feedback’ that was more or less neglected so far.

‘Nobody knows everything but everybody knows something’ -- it will be good for the organisation to remember this for its own betterment. A better planning for re-skilling and upskilling is going to become essential and an improved performance evaluation system will help in that plan.

On the whole, the expected changes in the old practices of running businesses, institutions and organisations can be described as an evolution of management marking an advance over the past. Some of this will rub on the governance too -- bureaucracy would become more adept in micromanagement and the government machinery will be drawn closer to the people which is a gain for democracy. Prime Minister Modi had set an example in focusing on a pro-people agenda and guiding its comprehensive execution,

ranging from vaccine policy to the direct transfer of money to the poor and the weak during the crisis. Personal integrity of rulers is tested in times of a crisis like pandemic which allowed power to be used for one’s own benefit -- many lesser ‘leaders’ did get exposed.

Fraudulent vaccination programmes, black marketing of essential equipment and downright cheating of innocent citizens in distress did occur but only on a limited scale because the strong Modi government at the Centre acted as a deterrent. Prime Minister Modi has personally monitored the pace of economic revival ‘from below’ that is suited to Indian conditions.

His visibility in this crisis has given confidence to the people and made him a leader who would ‘ride the challenge’ of pandemic and take the nation through it successfully towards a new path of progress.

D C Pathak (The writer is a former Director Intelligence Bureau)

Reader’s Post

Who killed Father Stan?

Dear Sir, We live in troubled times where moral bankruptcy has reached its nadir. Virtues like kindness, righteousness and humility are scorned upon. Many people in this country now even celebrate the death of a man who was innocent.

Father Stan Swamy was killed by the system. It conspired and colluded to ensure he died without justice. We are up against an enemy that has no value for human life and believes in the policy of might is right.

As Christians we need to be more prayerful as we are living in the end times.

John Chowdhury, Dimapur.

Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

main 2021 remaining Amarinder meets Sonia amid RSF Names PM Modi among 37 JEE sessions in July-August infighting in Punjab Congress ‘Predators of Press Freedom’ Modi named with Kim Jong-un, Imran Khan

NEW DELHI, JUN 6 ( AG E N C IE S ) : P r i m e Minister Narendra Modi is in the list of 37 heads of state or government that the global body Reporters Without Borders (RSF) has identified as ‘predators of press freedom’. The entry against Modi notes how his “close ties with billionaire businessmen who own vast media empires” has helped him spread his nationalistpopulist ideology through continued coverage of his “extremely divisive and derogatory” speeches, reports The Wire.

India is ranked 142nd out of 180 countries in RSF’s 2021 World Press Freedom Index. RSF is the world’s biggest NGO specialising in the defence of media freedom, which is regarded as a basic human right to be informed and to inform others.

Modi joins the likes of Pakistan’s Imran Khan, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince Mohammed bin Salman, Myanmar’s military head Min Aung Hla-

Narendra Modi

ing and North Korea’s Kim Jong-un, along with 32 others who “trample on press freedom by creating a censorship apparatus, jailing journalists arbitrarily or inciting violence against them when they don’t have blood on their hands because they have directly or indirectly pushed for journalists to be murdered.”

This is the first time since 2016 that RSF is publishing such a list. Seventeen of the heads identified as ‘predators’ are new entrants. Thirteen of the 37 in the list are from the Asia-Pacific region.

Seven of the list’s

Rahul attacks govt on MNREGA wages, asks are these ‘acche din’

Rahul Gandhi

New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday alleged that MGNREGA workers are not even getting their wages in some states and asked the government what kind of “achche din” (good days) are these.

He said the rights of workers are being denied in the times of the pandemic, when they should be given financial assistance instead.

“MNREGA workers in many states are not get-

ting their wages. When the government should have given additional financial assistance to them during the pandemic, the money that is the workers’ rights is also being denied.

“There is a world beyond the false rhetoric where in some houses people are not able to even run their households - what kind of ‘achche din’ (good days) are these,” he asked.

His reference was to the promise of “achche din” (good days) made to the people by the BJP ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. In another tweet, he posted a query with a Hindi couplet to attack the Modi government.

“Fill in the blank: Rafale of ‘friends’, Tax collection - expensive fuel, blind sale of PSU-PSBs, Jail if you question. The Modi government is....,” he asked in Hindi.

world leaders have been a part of it since it was first published in 2001 and include Syria’s President Bashar al-Assad, Iran’s Ali Khamenei, Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Belarus’s Alexander Lukashenko.

The latter has gained credence as a ‘predator’ since the dramatic rerouting of a plane to capture critique and jour nalist Roman Protasevich.

Bangladesh’s Sheikh Hasina and Hong Kong’s Carrie Lam are the two women identified as ‘predators’.

For each of the predators, RSF has compiled a file identifying their ‘predatory method,’ their press release notes.

The list also highlights how each ‘predator’ censors and persecutes journalists, and their ‘favourite targets’ – the kinds of journalists and media outlets they go after, along with quotations from speeches or interviews in which they ‘justify’ their predatory behaviour.

NEW DELHI, JUL 6 (AGENCIES): The pending session of the Joint Entrance Examination Main (JEE Main) will be conducted in July-August.

The third session will start from July 25 to July 25 and the fourth between July 27 and August 2. In a statement issued today, the exam conducting body -- National Testing Agency (NTA) -- has said that aspirants need not worry about the tests being held amid Covid.

NTA, as per the statement, has said that the number of cities where JEE Main remaining two sessions would be held has been increased from 232 to 334 and JEE Main exam centres in every shift will also be increased from 660 to 828 so that students get their first choice of centre cities in JEE Main 2021 and adhere to the Covid social distancing requirement. Applicants will also be allowed to change the chosen exam cities for the JEE Main 2021 pending exams.

As per official data, the total number of candidates who have already registered earlier for the

New Delhi, Jul 6 (PTI): Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Tuesday met Congress president Sonia Gandhi at her residence here amid efforts by the party leadership to end factionalism in the party unit in the poll-bound state, sources said.

The meeting comes amid continued attack by former Punjab minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on the chief minister.

Singh and Sidhu have been at loggerheads over various issues.

Sources said that during the discussions, Singh and Gandhi will work out a formula to end factionalism by accommodating all sections, castes and regions in the overhaul of the Punjab

Delimitation process begins in J&K JAMMU, JUL 6 (AGENCIES): The delimitation exercise has formally begun in Jammu and Kashmir but has been faced with a deep political cynicism following the abrogation of the special status of the erstwhile state and its downgrading into two Union Territories in 2019.

Barely hours before the panel began hearing the views of political parties, Mehbooba Mufti-led People’s Democratic Party (PDP) decided against meeting the Delimitation Commission.

In a strongly worded letter to the Commission, the party questioned its constitution and intent.

“Outcome of the delimitation exercise is preplanned. The process is aimed at realising the political vision of a particular party. Delimitation is part of the process to disempower the people of J&K,” the

party said in its letter to the Commission.

Parties that met the Commission, including the National Conference, have raised similar apprehensions.

PDP said they want the Commission to stick to its legal mandate - redrawing boundaries of Assembly seats based on the census conducted in 2011. Any other consideration will compromise the mandate and the credibility of the process.

“We told them people have no faith in institutions and Delhi. They should try to restore the people’s faith and ensure a transparent exercise. The criteria of Delimitation should be based on the population,” Nasir Sogami of the Provincial President National Conference said.

The delimitation exercise has come into focus less than two weeks after Prime

Rafale jet controversy: A timeline NEW DELHI, JUL 6 (AGENCIES): The Rafale jets deal between India and France is back in the news after a French judge on July 3 ordered a judicial investigation into the Rs 59,000- crore deal.

The “highly sensitive” investigation will look into the alleged “corruption and favouritism” charges facing the 2016 deal for 36 Dassault-built Rafale fighter aircraft, online French journal Mediapart reported.

The Congress, which has been alleging corruption in the deal, has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to also order a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) investigation into the matter. The party raised several questions about the deal and unsuccessfully tried to make a poll issue in the 2019 general election.

The government has denied irregularities in the high-profile government-to-government deal.

The Congress has claimed massive irregularities, alleging that it teh government was procuring each aircraft at a cost of over Rs 1,670 crore as against Rs 526 crore finalised by the UPA government during negotiations for Medium Multi-Role Combat Aircrafts (MMRCA).

Here is a timeline of the deal and what happened before and after: 2011: The Indian Air Force (IAF) announces the models that meet its specifications to upgrade to multi-role combat aircraft and names the Rafale and Eurofighter Typhoon.

2012: Dassault Aviation emerges the winner with the lowest bid, beating the Eurofighter’s Typhoon and Swedish Saab’s Gripen-D light fighter jets.

April session is 6.80 Lakh and for the May session, it is 6.09 Lakh.

But the JEE Main application window reopening again from Tuesday night will increase the total JEE Main 2021 applicants.

The NTA statement issued today also mentioned furniture and fixtures, all the computers and seats will be sanitized before and after the exams. Any computer set used in one shift will not be used in the next shift.

“To avoid the crowd at the examination centre entrance due to candidates reaching together, they will be given staggered time slots for reporting. The staggering of time slots will be done to ensure uniform distribution of candidates across rooms during entry at the examination centres,” the NTA statement read. The statement further added: “The registration process at the examination will be contactless and the examinations rooms and halls where the examination will be conducted will have open windows and fans for proper air circulation.”

July 2014: The French government intervenes to push for the Rafale deal with India. At the time, the bid is for 126 aircraft.

December 2014: Both governments discuss issues such as pricing and a guarantee clause for Dassault during delegation talks.

January 2015: Then Indian Defence Minister Manohar Parrikar says there are “serious problems” in negotiations and instead of Rafales, additional Sukhoi-30MKI fighters will be adequate if talks fall through February 2015: Ministry of Defence sources announce the deal as “effectively dead”.

April 2015: Prime Minister Narendra Modi visits France.

Talks pick up and on April 10, the countries announce a deal for 36 aircraft in fly-away condition.

February 2016: Pricing issue still unresolved, Parrikar says there is a “deadlock”.

October 2016: Businessman Anil Ambani’s Reliance Defence and Dassault Aviation announces a joint venture.

September 2016: The Indian government signs a Rs 59,000crore deal with France’s Dassault Aviation to procure 36 Rafale fighter jets on September 23.

September 2018: Former French president Francois Hollande reveals he “had no choice” in selecting the Indian offset partner and Reliance was named by the Indian side. Dassault says it was its decision to choose Reliance.

December 2018: The Supreme Court (SC) of India on December 14, 2018 dismisses petitions seeking an investigation into alleged irregularities in the Rafale deal.

February 2019: A new re-

port claims the defence ministry objected to PMO’s “parallel negotiations” with France in 2015.

Rahul Gandhi alleges “black and white proof of corruption”.

May 2019: The SC reserves order on pleas filed by Arun Shourie, Prashant Bhushan, Yashwant Sinha and others against the SC’s 2018 verdict. The government files an affidavit seeking dismissal of the review.

November 2019: An SC bench comprising Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi and Justices SK Kaul and KM Joseph rejects petitions seeking a review of a 2018 decision that gave a clean chit to the government in the Rafale deal.

July 2020: Five twin-engine Rafales arrive in India. The other 26 jets are expected to be delivered by 2021-end.

March 2021: Mediapart journalist Yann Philippin, reports on the deal. In a tweet, he says that a first complaint was “buried” by a former Parquet National Financier (PNF), or national financial prosecutor chief Elaine Houlette in 2019.

April 2021: Mediapart cites an investigation by the French anti-corruption agency to report that Dassault Aviation paid an Indian middleman around a million Euros to cut the deal. A charge that the company “rejected”.

June 2021: PNF formally initiates an investigation into the Rafale jets deal on June 14 after fresh allegations of “wrongdoings” emerge in March and a complaint is filed by French anticorruption NGO Sherpa.

July 2021: On July 3, a French judge orders a judicial probe into the Rs 59,000-crore deal.

Minister Narendra Modi convened an all-party meeting on Jammu and Kashmir and urged them to join the proceedings.

The exercise is meant to pave way for Assembly elections in the Union Territory that was carved out after stripping the erstwhile state of its special status and statehood.

The Congress and the regional parties have been demanding that statehood be restored before elections are held. The Congress also questioned the exercise in J&K when the delimitation process has been stalled across the country till 2026.

“The Prime minister is talking about one constitution, one law and one nation. But they are doing the exact opposite in Jammu and Kashmir. Delimitation in the country will take place after 2026. Why is it happening here in 2021,” J&K Congress Chief GA Mir said.

DC-524

7

CM of Punjab Captain Amarinder Singh after meeting Congress President Sonia Gandhi, at Janpath in New Delhi, Tuesday. (PTI)

state unit of the party as well as the state cabinet, with just months to go for the assembly polls.

Singh was in Delhi twice last month to meet the three-member panel headed

by Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Mallikarjun

Kharge, set up to resolve the infighting in the Punjab Congress.

Singh’s meeting with Sonia Gandhi came days after Sidhu had met former party chief Rahul Gandhi and general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra.

8

business/state

GST revenue slips below Rs 1 lakh cr in June Hits 10-mth low of Rs 92,849 crore

NEW DELHI, JUL 6 (PTI): GST collection slipped below Rs 1 lakh crore in June for the first time in eight months as the second wave of the Covid pandemic and the resultant lockdowns hit businesses and the economy.

At Rs 92,849 crore, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collection is the lowest in 10 months since August 2020, when it was Rs 86,449 crore, official numbers released Tuesday showed. The GST collections in June 2021 are primarily for supplies made in May -- a month when most states were under different levels of lockdown, reducing business activity.

With significant relaxations in lockdown and business supplies picking up, the collections should see a definite uptick in the coming months, experts said.

The gross GST revenue collected in the month of

June 2021 is Rs 92,849 crore, of which Central GST is Rs 16,424 crore, State GST is Rs 20,397, Integrated GST is Rs 49,079

crore (including Rs 25,762 crore collected on import of goods) and Cess is Rs 6,949 crore (including Rs 809 crore collected on im-

port of goods), the finance ministry said.

The mop-up in June 2021 is 2 per cent higher than Rs 90,917 crore collected in June 2020.

GST collection had remained above the Rs 1 lakh crore mark for eight months in a row and was Rs 1.02 lakh crore in May. However, the collection in June 2021 dropped below Rs 1 lakh crore.

“The GST collection for June 2021 is related to the business transactions made during May 2021.

During May 2021, most of the states/UTs were under either complete or partial lockdown due to COVID,” the ministry added.

It said that e-way bill generation data for the month of June suggests that uptick in revenue is expected in the coming months.

The e-way bills generated during June 2021 has gone up to 5.5 crore, indicating recovery of trade and business, up from 3.99 crore in May. As many as 5.88 crore e-way bill were

generated in April.

“With reduction in caseload and easing of lockdowns, the e-way bills generated during June 2021 are 5.5 crore which indicates recovery of trade and business...it is expected that while the GST revenues have dipped during the month of June, the revenues will see an increase again from July 2021 onwards,” the ministry added.

ICRA Chief Economist Aditi Nayar said despite declining to a 10month low, the June 2021 GST collections provided a positive surprise.

“Overall, the GST collections in Q1 FY2022 are nearly twice as high as Q1 FY2021, highlighting the narrower impact of the state-wise restrictions necessitated by the second wave of Covid-19 in India, as compared to the stringent nationwide lockdown last year. This will buffer the revenue situation of the Centre and the states, which should support a ramping up of expenditure going ahead,” Nayar added.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

Tata Motors shares hit 10% lower circuit MUMBAI, JUL 6 (IANS): Shares of Tata Motors slumped on Tuesday to and hit the 10 per cent lower circuit for a brief period.

At 3 p.m., its shares on the BSE were at Rs 321.40, lower by Rs 24.65 or 7.12 per cent from its previous close.

It has touched an intraday low of Rs 311.45 per share.

After a positive trend for a large part of the day, the decline started around 2 p.m.

Jaguar Land Rover (UK), a wholly-owned subsidiary of Tata Motors on Tuesday said that its wholesales were lower than what the demand would have permitted during the April-June period due to semiconductor supply issues affecting the global auto industry.

Thierry Bollore, Jaguar Land Rover Chief Executive Officer noted that the supply shortage of semiconductors continues to be a challenge for the industry.

Rupee trips 24 paise to 74.55 against USD on higher crude oil MUMBAI, JUL 6 (PTI): The Indian rupee weakened by 24 paise to close at 74.55 against the US dollar on Tuesday as firmer American currency and rising crude oil prices weighed on investor sentiment.

At the interbank foreign exchange market, the rupee opened at 74.28 per dollar. It hovered in the range of 74.25 to 74.62 during the day before ending at 74.55 against the greenback.

The rupee depreciated against the US dollar on Tuesday, amid importer demand for dollars following a sharp spike in crude oil prices, according to Sriram Iyer, Senior Research Analyst at Reliance Securities.

The increase in oil prices could raise inflation expectations and widen India’s trade deficit and could hurt the rupee, Iyer added.

Meanwhile, markets still remain focused on the release of Federal Reserve monetary policy minutes on Wednesday that will be scrutinised for clues on US

monetary policy. The notes of the meeting should offer more insight on the inflation stance as well, he said.

T h e d o l l a r i n d ex , which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, rose 0.18 per cent to 92.38.

On the domestic equity market front, the BSE Sensex ended 18.82 points or 0.04 per cent lower at 52,861.18, while the broader NSE Nifty fell 16.10 points or 0.1 per cent to 15,818.25.

Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, advanced 0.19 per cent to USD 77.31 per barrel.

Morepen Labs starts production Sensex snaps 2-day winning run, ends marginally lower of test batch of Sputnik V vaccine

Su doku

KAKURO

No. 9969 Yesterday’s solution No. 9968

No. 4589 Yesterday’s solution No. 4588

No. 3613 Yesterday’s solution No. 3612

Across 1. I n j u r e s w i t h a knife (5) 6. Canal boat (5) 9. Low padded seat (7) 10. Slightly drunk (5) 11. Drinking tube (5) 12. Perceive (5) 13. Try (7) 15. So or thus (3) 17. Employs (4) 18. E ye membrane (6) 19. Synthetic fibre (5) 20. Man’s overcoat (6) 22. Region (4) 24. Regret (3) 25. Object to (7) 26. Failing, defect (5) 27. Thieve (5) 28. Competitor (5) 29. S lide unsteadily (7) 30. Defeats (5) 31. Thick (5) Down 2. Coils, spins (6) 3. Gaffers (6) 4. Pig pen (3) 5. Celestial body (5) 6. Musical instr ument (7) 7. Poker stake (4) 8. Goalkeeper (6) 12. Javelin (5) 13. Bode (5) 14. Abrupt (5) 15. Trap (5) 16. Unit of purity of gold (5) 18. Woo (5) 19. Remembers (7) 21. Reflected light (6) 22. Clothes, garments (6) 23. Prose compositions (6) 25. Shallow round dish (5) 26. Swift (4) 28. Colour (3)

bers released on Tuesday showed.

Sectorally, BSE auto, IT, teck, energy and industrials tumbled up to 1.85 per cent, while bankex, finance and power led the gainers’ list. In the broader markets, the BSE midcap index climbed 0.19 per cent, while

Dimapur DPDB recommends upgrading...

(From p-1) behaviours and not to be complacent, although the positivity rate in the district showed a declining trend.

Vaccination: With regard to vaccination, the DC said Dimapur district had the highest vaccination coverage in the State. Nevertheless, he stressed, “Our target is 100% vaccination in the district”.

Covid situation: Giving a brief update on Covid19 situation of the district, chief medical officer (CMO) said there were presently 472

beds in the district, 35 positive cases admitted in hospitals and 267 under home isolation. Further, there were four inmates at Covid care centre located at new DC complex, even as the district recorded 266 deaths (186 men and 80 women) to date, he added.

Proposal to set up college: The proposal for setting up Norman Putsure College at Ward 10, Chümoukedima was also approved by the board.

Horti dept: Dimapur district horticulture officer

Temsu shared the activities taken up by the horticulture department on the occasion.

In conclusion, the DPDB chairman called upon the members to be torchbearers in following Covid SOPs and stressed for more participation at such meetings. This was stated in a DIPR release.

LAND FOR SALE

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Below N.P.S.C office. Road attached. Bulk purchase only. @ Rs. 300/- per sq. ft. More than 70,000 sq. ft. available.

Brokers also invited.

Contact : 7085416488 K-1139

LOST NOTICE I, Mr. JONATHAN LALLAWMSANGA, am applying for a duplicate copy of HSLC (Class-X ) Admit Card and Marksheet as I have lost them.

Name : Mr. JONATHAN LALLAWMSANGA Father's Name : Byron Lalsangkima Date of Birth : 27/01/2003 Class : X(Ten) Roll No. : 191805086 Year : 2019 School : Little Star Hr. Sec. School, Dimapur DP-3114

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LOST NOTICE I, Ngaplong Konyak am applying for duplicate copy of B.A 3rd Semester Marksheet as I have lost it.

Name : Ngaplong Konyak F/Name : Thonei Konyak M/Name : Ngamyeih Konyak Roll No. : AH1838006 Regd No. : 18380103 of 2018 College : Wangkhao College, Mon. DP-3111

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LAND FOR SALE 1½ Bighas (Commercial) ` 46 Lacs (Slightly Nego) 4 Lane touched Prime Location No Broker # 7002142223

DP-3104

Crossword

Rs 1 lakh crore in June for the first time in eight months as the second wave of coronavirus lockdowns hit businesses.

At Rs 92,849 crore, the Goods and Services Tax (GST) collections were the lowest in 10 months since August 2020, official num-

the smallcap gauge slipped 0.26 per cent.

Global equities came under pressure as firming oil prices raised concerns over rising inflation and its impact on the nascent economic recovery.

Elsewhere in Asia, bourses in Shanghai and Hong Kong closed in the negative terrain, while Seoul and Tokyo ended with gains.

Stock exchanges in Europe were trading in the red in mid-session deals.

The rupee slumped 24 paise to close at 74.55 gainst the US dollar.

The international oil benchmark Brent crude was trading 0.39 per cent higher at USD 77.46 per barrel.

Foreign institutional investors were net sellers in the capital market on Monday as they offloaded shares worth Rs 338.43 crore, as per exchange data.

LAND FOR SALE 1) Padampukhuri Rs. 390/- Per Sq. Ft. 2) Kushiabill Rs. 220/- Per Sq. Ft. 3) Padampukhuri Opp. NRL Petrol Pump Rs. 650/- Per Sq. Ft. 4) Near New Showuba Rs. 60/- Per Sq. Ft. 5) Nagarjan near Ao Church Rs. 570/- Per Sq. Ft.

Contact : 9862086218 8794493450/ 8974932144

DP-3037

of Sputnik V in India, one of the key hubs,” RDIF CEO Kirill Dmitriev said.

Agreement with Morepen Laboratories provides for larger amounts of Sputnik V to be available, “both for India and our partners globally to speed up the vaccination with one of the best vaccines in the world,” he added.

RDIF has already

reached agreements earlier with other pharmaceutical companies - Gland Pharma, Hetero Biopharma, Panacea Biotec, Stelis Biopharma and Virchow Biotech - in India for the vaccine.

In total, agreements with partners in India provide for the production of more than 850 million doses of Sputnik V per year, the statement said.

“We are delighted to partner with RDIF for the prestigious project of Sputnik V production in India,” Morepen Laboratories Chairman and MD Sushil Suri said. Sputnik V is based on a proven and well-studied platform of human adenoviral vectors and uses two different vectors for the two shots in a course of vaccination, the statement said.

M&M. On the other hand, UltraTech Cement, HDFC Bank, Bajaj Finance, Bajaj Finserv, Kotak Bank and IndusInd Bank were among the gainers, spurting up to 3.22 per cent. In the Sensex pack, 11 stocks advanced, while 19 closed in the red.

“Indian market was led by financial stocks. Business updates of major banks and NBFCs for the quarter of June which showed improvement in business activity, minimising concerns over second wave impact.

“But profit-booking breached the overall market by the end of the day.

Globally, oil prices surged after OPEC called off talks to boost production despite rising global demand,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

Meanwhile, GST tax collections slipped below

DP-3080

NEW DELHI, JUL 6 (PTI): Morepen Laboratories has started production of the test batch of Russia’s Sputnik V COVID-19 vaccine at its facility in Himachal Pradesh, Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) and the domestic drug firm said in a statement on Tuesday.

The first batch will be shipped to Gamaleya Center for quality control. RDIF and Morepen Laboratories have signed a cooperation agreement in June 2021 and are actively implementing the technology transfer, it added.

“As the pandemic is yet far from over and new, more dangerous variants of coronavirus are being detected in various regions of the world, RDIF is increasing capacities for the production

MUMBAI, JUL 6 (PTI): Market benchmarks closed modestly lower on Tuesday after two days of gains, weighed by profit booking in Reliance Industries, IT and auto stocks amid lack of fresh buying triggers.

A depreciating rupee and lacklustre global cues further weighed on sentiment, traders said.

After a positive opening, the 30-share BSE Sensex gained momentum through the session, but succumbed to a fag-end selloff to end at 52,861.18, down 18.82 points or 0.04 per cent.

On similar lines, the broader NSE Nifty fell 16.10 points or 0.1 per cent to 15,818.25.

Tech Mahindra was the top loser among the Sensex constituents, shedding 2.30 per cent, followed by TCS, Maruti, Reliance Industries, Sun Pharma, Infosys and

AFFIDAVIT

I, Mr Tsuzo Lohe, have changed my name from Tsuzo to Tsuzo Lohe by Affidavit Regd. No. 2136/21, sworn before the Notary Public, Kohima on 6th July, 2021. Henceforth, I shall be known as Tsuzo Lohe for all purposes.

Tsuzo Lohe H/No 24 Upper Agri Kohima, Nagaland 797001 K-1142

LOST NOTICE I, Oken Nyising, D/o Taya Nyising have lost my original Migration Certificate and Provisional Certificate bearing Roll. No. 16AH186.

If found, please contact 8730961131 K-1138

The An-26 was flying from Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky to Palana.

MOSCOW, JUL 6 (AP) A plane carrying 28 people apparently crashed as it came in for a landing in bad weather Tuesday in Russia’s Far East, and everyone aboard was feared dead.

Wreckage from the Antonov An-26 was found near the airport in the town of Palana, according to officials. The plane was on approach in fog and clouds when it missed a scheduled communication and disappeared from radar, officials from the Kamchatka region said.

Russia’s state aviation agency, Rosaviatsiya, said that parts of the plane were

found about 3 miles (5 km) from the airport’s runway.

Part of the fuselage was found on the side of a mountain, Russia’s Pacific Fleet told news agencies, and another part was floating in the Okhotsk Sea. Sergei Gorb, deputy director of Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise, said that the plane “practically crashed into a sea cliff,” which wasn’t supposed to be in its landing trajectory.

The aircraft was in operation since 1982, Russian state news agency Tass reported. The director of Kamchatka Aviation Enterprise, Alexei Khabarov, told the Interfax news

agency that the plane was technically sound before taking off from the city of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky.

According to Russian media reports, none of the six crew members or 22 passengers on board survived. The head of the local government in Palana, Olga Mokhireva, was among those on board, spokespeople of the Kamchatka government said.

However, no bodies were found yet and there was no official confirmation of the reports.

A criminal investigation was opened, as is typical.

A search and rescue mission was underway in the Palana area, but the work was hindered in a complex mountain terrain.

The governor of Kamchatka, Vladimir Solodov, said that the area where the wreckage was found was difficult to access, especially as night fell.

“Most likely, only tomorrow we will get official confirmation” of the fate of those aboard, Solodov was quoted by Interfax as saying.

Pope Francis takes walk 2 days after surgery

Pope Francis

ROME, JUL 6 (AP): Pope Francis ate breakfast on Tuesday, read the newspapers and took a walk as he continued recovering from intestinal surgery, the Vatican said, declaring his post-operative checks to be “good” and normal. A statement from the Vatican spokesman, Matteo Bruni, said Francis had slept well during the night following the Sunday surgery. “His Holiness Pope Francis rested well during the night,” Bruni said. “This morning he had breakfast, read some newspapers and got up to walk. The post-operative recovering is regular. Routine control tests are good.”

Francis, 84, underwent three hours of surgery Sunday to remove half of his colon after he suffered a narrowing of the large intestine.

He is expected to stay in Rome’s Gemelli Polyclinic, which has a special suite reserved for popes, through the week, assuming no complications.

Egypt ends impounding of ship that got stuck in Canal

CAIRO, JUL 8 (AGENCIES): An Egyptian court on Tuesday lifted a threemonth long judicial seizure of a hulking shipping vessel that had blocked the Suez Canal for nearly a week earlier this year, paving the way for it to leave Egypt.

Following the decision by the court in the city of Ismailia, the Ever Given would be allowed to leave the canal on Wednesday, after a ceremony in the canal city of Ismailia.

Earlier, the Suez Canal Authority notified the court that it reached a settlement in its financial dispute with Shoei Kisen Kaisha Ltd.,

the Japanese owner of the Ever Given, a judicial official said, speaking on condition of anonymity in line with regulations.

The vessel ran aground in March, blocking the crucial waterway for six days.

It has been since held amid a dispute over financial compensation.

The Suez Canal Authority did not reveal details on the terms of the settlement. At first, the Suez Canal Authority had demanded $916 million in compensation, which was later lowered to $550 million. In addition to the money, local reports said

the canal would also receive a tugboat.

The money would cover the salvage operation, costs of stalled canal traffic, and lost transit fees for the week the Ever Given had blocked the canal.

The Ever Given was on its way to the Dutch port of Rotterdam on March 23 when it slammed into the bank of a single-lane stretch of the canal about 6 kilometers (3.7 miles) north of the southern entrance, near the city of Suez.

A massive salvage effort by a flotilla of tugboats helped by the tides freed the skyscraper-sized, Panama-

flagged Ever Given six days later, ending the crisis, and allowing hundreds of waiting ships to pass through the canal.

The vessel has since been held in the canal’s Great Bitter Lake while the canal and the vessel’s owners negotiated a settlement.

The blockage of the canal forced some ships to take the long alternate route around the Cape of Good Hope at Africa’s southern tip, requiring additional fuel and other costs. Hundreds of other ships waited in place for the blockage to end.

Afghan troops struggle to replace Americans

KABUL, JUL 6 (AGENCIES): After American troops withdrew without notifying them, Afghan soldiers guarding the Bagram Air Base have been left with thousands of Taliban prisoners and a certainty that the enemy will attack.

The sprawling military complex was at one point home to tens of thousands of US and allied soldiers, and one of the most important sites to prosecute the two-decade war in Afghanistan.

But the last of the American soldiers quietly left the base last week, effectively completing their withdrawal from Afghanistan and leaving a massive security vacuum that the Afghan military will struggle to fill.

The new commander of the Bagram base, General Mirassadullah Kohistani, on Monday spoke candidly about the challenges ahead, as reporters were given a tour of the largely deserted base.

“You know, if we compare ourselves with the Americans, it’s a big difference,” Kohistani said, admitting his forces could not be as “powerful” as the Americans.

“But according to our capabilities... we are trying to do the best and as much as possible secure and serve

Stabbing at German airport; 1 person injured BERLIN, JUL 6 (AP): One person was injured in a stabbing in a car park at Duesseldorf Airport on Tuesday and officers were looking for the assailant, police said.

The stabbing happened at a parking ticket machine and is suspected to have resulted from an argument among homeless people, police told German news agency dpa. There was no disruption to air traffic or to passenger operations. The assailant fled and was being sought by police.

6 students among 9 arrested in alleged Hong Kong bomb plot HONG KONG, JUL 6 (AP): Nine people, including six secondary school students, were arrested in Hong Kong on Tuesday for allegedly plotting to set off homemade bombs in courts, tunnels and trash cans as political tensions rise in the city where China is tightening its grip.

Police said they were detained on suspicion of engaging in terrorist activity under a harsh national security law that Beijing imposed a year ago as part

ties have used the law, enacted in response to anti-government protests that rocked the city in 2019, to arrest many of the city’s prominent activists.

Others have fled abroad as a result.

If the allegations are true, the group appears to represent a more radical fringe of the protest Police officers display the confiscated evidence during movement, which has dea news conference. manded broader demoof a crackdown on dissent freedoms not seen on the cratic freedoms for Hong Kong just as its liberties are in the former British colo- Chinese mainland. ny that has long enjoyed Hong Kong authori- under threat.

Israel blocks law that keeps out Palestinian spouses JERUSALEM, JUL 6 (AP): Israel’s parliament on Tuesday failed to renew a law that bars Arab citizens from extending citizenship or residency rights to spouses from the occupied West Bank and Gaza, in a tight vote that raised doubts about the viability of the country’s new coalition government.

The 59-59 vote, which came after an all-night session of the Knesset, marked a major setback for Prime Minister Naftali Bennett.

The new Israeli leader, who had hoped to find a compromise between his hard-line Yamina party and the dovish factions in his disparate coalition, instead suffered a stinging defeat in a vote he reportedly described as a referendum on the new government. The vote means the law is now set to expire at midnight Tuesday.

“The opposition last night delivered a direct blow to the security of

Israeli Arab women protest ahead of a vote by Israel’s parliament on July 5, 2021.

the country,” Bennett said Tuesday, accusing his opponents, including former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, of choosing “petty politics” over the nation’s wellbeing.

The Citizenship and Entry into Israel Law was enacted as a temporary measure in 2003, at the height of the second intifada, or uprising, when Palestinians launched scores of deadly attacks inside Israel. Proponents said Palestinians from the occu-

pied West Bank and Gaza were susceptible to recruitment by armed groups and that security vetting alone was insufficient.

Under it, Arab citizens, who comprise a fifth of Israel’s population, have had few if any avenues for bringing spouses from the West Bank and Gaza into Israel.

Critics, including many left-wing and Arab lawmakers, say it’s a racist measure aimed at restricting the growth of Israel’s

Arab minority, while supporters say it’s needed for security purposes and to preserve Israel’s Jewish character.

The law has been renewed annually and appeared to have the support of a large majority in parliament, which is dominated by hard-line nationalist parties.

But Netanyahu’s Likud Party and his allies decided to oppose it to embarrass Bennett and harm his coalition, which includes a collection of eight parties across the political spectrum, including a small Islamist Arab party.

Interior Minister Minister Ayelet Shaked, a member of Bennett’s Yamina party, said the opposition move to block the law’s renewal would lead to thousands more applications for citizenship.

She accused Netanyahu and his allies of choosing “petty and ugly politics, and let the country burn.”

Police said the group was attempting to make the explosive triacetone triperoxide, or TATP, which has been widely used in bombings in Europe and elsewhere, in a makeshift laboratory in a hostel.

Police accused the group of planning to use the explosive to bomb courts, cross-harbor tunnels, railways and trash cans on the street “to maximize damage caused to the society.”

The sprawling Bagram base now in control of the Afghan military was once home to US and allied soldiers.

all the people.”

The lack of a clear handover or transition plan appears to have made the task even more challenging.

Kohistani said he only knew of the foreign forces’ exit after they had left.

“We did not know of their timeline for departure.

They did not tell us when they left.”

Just 50 kilometres (30 miles) from Kabul, the base is key to the security of the capital while also providing strategic cover to much of the country’s rugged north where the Taliban have focused their recent offensives.

Kohistani insists his troops can hold the base from the Taliban, and that he has “quite enough” soldiers.

Though, with roughly 3,000 troops under his command, the figure is a tiny percentage of the number of

American and allied forces during its US-led heyday.

For American troops, morale was kept up in the then-buzzing mini-city with swimming pools, cinemas, spas and fast food outlets of Burger King and Pizza Hut. For Kohistani’s men, the entertainment venues are closed, the warehouses are locked and the shuttered dining facilities offer only the stench of rotten food from boxes of expired meal packs.

In a more concrete sign of the Afghan military’s ability to fight without American backing, 1,000 troops fighting the Taliban in the country’s north fled into neighbouring Tajikistan on Monday.

At Bagram, Kohistani said he was already receiving reports that the Taliban were making “movements

in rural areas” surrounding the area.

One soldier, a private named Rafiullah, offered a clear picture of what he expected would come.

“The enemy are determined and will definitely try to attack here,” Rafiullah said as behind him two Afghan military helicopters took off.

“But we will not give them the chance.”

If or when the Taliban do mount an offensive to take Bagram, one of their top priorities will undoubtedly be a huge prison that holds up to 5,000 Taliban inmates.

“We haven’t come here to sleep. Everybody here is prepared to secure Bagram.

Our morale is high,” insisted Rafiullah.

Another soldier also defiantly said he was ready to fight the Taliban, but nevertheless signalled a feeling of unease with a lack of firepower and leadership.

“We will not surrender but we need weapons and strong backing from our leaders,” he said.

If the Taliban do wrest control of Bagram, it will repeat a pattern of modern history reflecting the nation’s power struggles.

The airfield was first built by the Americans for its Afghan ally during the Cold War in the 1950s.

Major blackouts in Iran prompt rare apology from president TEHRAN, JUL 6 (AGENCIES): Iran’s outgoing president offered a rare apology Tuesday for the country’s most severe summer power outages in recent memory, as blackouts cripple businesses and darken homes for hours a day.

In a government meeting broadcast live on state TV, President Hassan Rouhani acknowledged that chronic power outages over the past week have caused Iranians “plenty of pain” and expressed contrition in an unusually personal speech.

“My apologies to dear people who have faced these problems and pain,” he said.

In recent days, the regular blackouts have spread chaos and confusion on the streets of the capital, Tehran, and other cities, knocking out traffic lights, shutting factories, disrupting telecommunications and affecting metro systems. Repeaters — devices around cities that enhance mobile phone signals — have failed, along with electronic cash registers.

Some towns in Iran’s north reported limited ac-

APOLOGY STATEMENT We the undersigned assailants of Mr. Renbemo Ovung, S/o Lt. Dr. Yinga Ovung, resident of Wokha Town would like to issue a public apology statement and accept full responsibility to the victim and his family for the inhuman assault causing grievous injury on him on 13th June 2021 without any provocation at all from him.

We accept full responsibility of the cowardly, deliberate, brutal assault and grievous injury we have caused on him. We sincerely apologize for the merciless and unacceptable physical attack on him causing further mental and emotional trauma on him and his family.

We also apologize for committing such horrendous crime on our soil and further declare that we will be fully held responsible for any further immoral or physical act caused by us to him or his family in the future. We signed this apology statement in full clarity of our own true knowledge, sound mind and health.

1. Tumbemo S/o. Shanbemo, Niropen Colony 2. Ovungthung L Ezung S/o. Likao, Niropen Colony 3. Oponthung S/o. Sabemo, Niropen Colony 4. Chanchio S/o. Chobathung, Niropen Colony

Hassan Rouhani

cess to water because the power cuts affected the piped supply. Traffic police in the capital have said the sudden power cuts have caught officials completely by surprise.

The rolling outages have given Rouhani, a relative moderate who hands the reins to the hard-line President-elect Ebrahim Raisi in August, one of the last domestic headaches of his presidency. Footage on social media, shared widely by Farsi-language news channels based outside the country, show popular anger over the blackouts breaking into the open, swelling into scattered protests at local electricity offices and gatherings in paralyzed streets.

OFFICE OF THE

LONGKHUMTSÜR TELONGJEM MOKOKCHUNG TOWN MOKOKCHUNG: NAGALAND

FELICITATION With immense pride and joy, Longkhumtsür Telongjem Mokokchung Town (LTMT) extend our heartiest congratulations to Mr PURWATI LONGKUMER, S/o Mr Taliakum Longkumer and Mrs Zulurenla Walling, on being promoted to Manager-State Bank of India, Bazar Branch, Mokokchung.

While acknowledging the laurels that you have brought to the community, the LTMT further prays that as you continue to serve the public, may the Almighty God guide you to perform your duty to the best of your ability.

Imtimongla Imchen President

Shilukala General Secretary

MKC-202

Plane crashes in Russia; 28 aboard feared dead

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international

WC-132

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE SUPERINTENDENT OF POLICE PEREN ::: NAGALAND NO:DEF/PRN/ESSTT-10/2021-22/449 Dated, Peren, the 7th July, 2021.

CALLING NOTICE To,

Regt. No. Rank Name S/O P/Add

:::::-

1118 NCE (Washer Man) Naresh Safi Jogmohan Safi Police Reserve Peren Ph. No. 8974311397 PO/PS :- Bela, Madhipur District :- Madhipur State :- Bihar You had been found absenting from bonafide duty with effect from 19-03-2021 to till date without any leave or permission from competent authority. Hence, you have been served 3(Three) Calling Notice vide No. (1) DEF/PRN/ESSTT-10/2021/139 Dtd. Peren the 26th March, 2021 (2) DEF/PRN/ESSTT-10/2021/201 Dtd. Peren the 13th April, 2021 (3) DEF/PRN/ESSTT- 10/2021/249 Dtd. Peren the 27th April, 2021 But you have not reported till date. Hence, you are hereby given 7(Seven) days time to report back for duty from the date of this publication, failing which you will be declared as deserter and dismissed from the service without further notice.

Sd/Sr. Superintendent of Police, Peren, Nagaland DC-551

Infotainment

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Queen’s ‘greatest hits’ could top UK chart for first time in 40 years Q UEEN’s 1981 “Greatest Hits” collection, which was recently re-released for its 40th anniversary, could return to the No. 1 position on the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart for the first time in four decades.

“Greatest Hits” currently has a sales advantage of more than 3,500 copies over its closest competitor. More than 80% of its sales total comes from physical retail.

First released in 1981, “Greatest Hits” stands alone as the first and only album to have sold over six million copies in the U.K. (6.75 million sales to date), with global sales in excess of 25 million. Added to that, in the U.K., the collection has now spent over 900 weeks on the album chart and has been certified a staggering 22 times platinum.

According to the Official Charts Company, which crowned “Greatest Hits” “Britain’s most popular album of the past 60 years,” one in four British households already own a copy of the LP. At the time of its original release, “Greatest Hits” spent four weeks at the top of the U.K. chart.

The new collector’sedition “Greatest Hits” CD

with exclusive slipcase cover and a limited-edition cassette format were released globally July 2. In addition, the official QUEEN online store exclusively offered the collector’s edition “Greatest Hits” CD and four highly limited band member color cassettes. This version of the slipcase CD encases a CD-sized print personally signed by band members Brian May and Roger Taylor (limited to 1000 copies only).

L a s t N o ve m b e r, QUEEN’s “Greatest Hits” hit the Top 10 of the Billboard 200 for the first time

since its release in 1981 and after a jaw-dropping 412 weeks on the chart. Its previous peak was No. 11, which it hit in 1992. The nine-times-platinum-selling career-spanning collection also hit No. 1 on Billboard’s Vinyl Albums chart with the second-largest sales week of 2020 for any vinyl release.

Spanning QUEEN’s triumphant first act, “Greatest Hits” includes some of the world’s most iconic rock songs, including the stadium-sized symphonic charttopper “Bohemian Rhapsody”, the most-streamed song of the 20th century

around the globe and the most-streamed classic rock song of all time. Other gems featured on this compendium include the roof-raising “We Are The Champions”, the crowd-rousing “We Will Rock You”, the tongue-incheek “Fat Bottomed Girls”, the stomp-stomp-stomp late’70s-disco-inspired “Another One Bites The Dust”, to the finger-snapping jukebox retro-rock homage “Crazy Little Thing Called Love” and the soaring, impassioned, gospel-tinged “Somebody To Love”.

Last year, QUEEN teamed with Target and Walmart for two separate “Greatest Hits” vinyl exclusives, both being two-disc LPs, 180-gram, with fans having a choice between ruby blend marble vinyl or red and white-colored vinyl.

In an era dominated by hip-hop and pop, QUEEN is bigger than ever with a timeless appeal and a new generation of fans. Their recently released live album, QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT “Live Around The World”, shot to No. 1 on the U.K.’s Official albums chart, their first time topping that chart since 1995’s “Made In Heaven”.

(Blabbermouth)

Richard Donner dead at 91

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roducer Ashoke Pandit on Tuesday announced that he would be backing a film based on the life of gold medal-winning track and field athlete Pinki Pramanik, who hails from Purulia, West Bengal.

Pandit says, the film will be a tribute to all athletes.

While the script is being penned by Priyanka

Ghatak, the cast is yet to be announced.

Pandit told IANS: “Writer Priyanka Ghatak read about this athlete and came up with this thought.

We worked on the story for nearly 6-7 months and did our research. We feel this story has to be narrated to the world. We have been in touch with Pinki Pramanik, met her in Kolkata and signed the

C

omposer AR Rahman and singer Ananya Birla have collaborated on a new single titled “Hindustani way” to cheer the Indian Olympic contingent at Tokyo this year.

The predominantly Hindi track mixes English vocals and sends out a message of unity and optimism.

The patriotic song composed by Rahman has been penned by Ananya along with Nirmika Singh and Shishir Samant.

“All of us are really excited to have made this special song and hope our athletes can feel the entire nation rooting for them, the Hindustani way, when they hear it. It was a pleasure working with Ananya on this project and we hope to convey all our support and best wishes to Team India through it! Jai Hind,” Rah-

Oxford scientists begin trial on novel HIV vaccine

L

egendar y director Richard Donner has passed away at the age of 91. The ‘Goonies’ filmmaker passed away on Monday (05.07.21) at the age of 91, his wife, producer Lauren Schuler Donner, and his business manager have confirmed.

No cause of death has yet been given.

The director and producer began his career in television, working on shows including ‘The Twilight Zone’, ‘Perry Mason’ and ‘The Man From U.N.C.L.E.’, before making the move to the big screen in 1961 with the low-budget ‘X-15’.

His major movie breakthrough came with 1976’s iconic horror ‘The Omen’.

Richard’s other significant work included ‘Superman’ - which featured the late Christopher Reeve as the Man of Steel - in 1978 and the ‘Lethal Weapon’ franchise. He was also a celebrated producer, working on the likes of the ‘Free Willy’ trilogy, ‘X-Men’ and ‘X-Men Origins: Wolverine’.

(Contactmusic)

Ashoke Pandit announces film AR Rahman, Ananya Birla’s ‘Hindustani on athlete Pinki Pramanik’s life way’ to cheer Indian Olympic squad rights for making the film.

Very soon the cast and entire technical crew will be on board. We go on floors very soon.”

“The film is a tribute to all athletes in the country. Most athletes come from small towns without any godfathers, big money or having family connections in that field,” he added.

Pramanik’s life story does not come without a share of controversies, including a rape allegation levelled against her and question raised on her gender identity. Will that be included in the film?

“My take has always been issue-based subjects.

How an achiever from the small town of Purulia reaches to that level, and how that dream comes down shattered. It’s the story of the rise and downfall of an achiever. We will talk about the system, the tragedies, and everything,” replied the producer.

The makers have also released a poster carrying athlete Pinki Pramanik’s photo, which reads: “Most controversial story of a ‘woman’ athlete who was accused of being a ‘man’ and implicated in rape charges.”

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

man said.

Ananya added: “It is a true honour to write and sing a song to cheer our Indian Olympic contingent at Tokyo 2020. The grit and fortitude of the Indian Olympic team in the face of such a challenging year is inspiring. It was surreal to have had the opportunity to collaborate with my role model, AR sir on such a prestigious project, from whom I have learnt so much. We are here cheering, the Hindustani way!”

The music video is directed by Danny Mamik and Sahaan Hattangadi, and features Olympic archival footage from Atlanta (1996), Athens (2004), Beijing (2002, 2008), Rio (2016), London (2012) along with exclusive training footage of this year’s contingent.

(Reuters)

S

cientists at the University of Oxford have started vaccinations of a novel HIV vaccine candidate as part of a Phase I clinical trial in the UK. The goal of the trial is to evaluate the safety, tolerability and immunogenicity of the HIVconsvX vaccine -- a mosaic vaccine targeting a broad range of HIV-1 variants, making it potentially applicable for HIV strains in any geographical region.

Thirteen healthy, HIVnegative adults, aged 18-65 and who are considered not to be at high risk of infection, will initially receive one dose of the vaccine followed by a further booster dose at four weeks.

“An effective HIV vac-

Fahadh Faasil releases trailer of ‘Malik’

A

ctor Fahadh Faasil on Tuesday released the trailer of his upcoming film, the Malayalam crime drama “Malik”.

Directed by Mahesh Narayanan, the film features Fahadh with Nimisha Sajayan, Joju George, Vinay Fort, Dileesh Pothan, Jalaja, Salim Kumar, Indrans, Sanal Aman, Dinesh Prabhakar, Divya Prabha and Parvathy Krishna in pivotal roles.

“Collaborating with a brilliant director such as Mahesh sir is always a pleasure. The storyline of ‘Malik’ is truly very special to me and we have put our heart and soul into making this film. I’m sure our viewers will also feel that after watching the amazing trailer. I hope that viewers across the world share their love and appreciation for this film too,” Fahadh says.

The film is about Sulaiman Malik, a leader who goes an extra mile to help the people of his community and provides them support against corrupt forces, shielding them from greedy agenda of encroaching land illegally.

“Malik” will stream on Amazon Prime Video on July 15.

(IANS)

cine has been elusive for 40 years. This trial is the first in a series of evaluations of this novel vaccine strategy in both HIV-negative individuals for prevention and in people living with HIV for cure,” said lead researcher Tomas Hanke, Professor of Vaccine Immunology at the Jenner Institute at Oxford, in a statement.

While most HIV vaccine candidates work by inducing antibodies generated by B-cells, HIVconsvX induces the immune system’s potent, pathogen obliterating T cells, targeting them to highly conserved and therefore vulnerable regions of HIV -- an “Achilles heel” common to most HIV variants.

“Achieving protection against HIV is extremely challenging and it is important that we harness the protective potential of both the antibody and T cell arms of the immune system,” said Paola Cicconi, Senior Clinical Research Fellow at the Jenner Institute.

At present, prevention of HIV largely focuses on behavioural and biomedical interventions such as voluntary medical male circumcision, condom use, and anti-retroviral drugs used prior to exposure.

The researchers aim to report results of the trial

by April 2022. Similar trials are also planned in Europe, Africa and the US. (IANS)

Dwayne Johnson promises Black Adam will be ‘unique’

D

WAY N E ‘ T H E RO C K ’ J O H N SON thinks the ‘Black Adam’ movie will be “unique” and “cool”.

The wrestler-turned-actor plays the titular character in the upcoming movie and he’s taken to Instagram to give his followers an insight into his preparations, as he readied himself to shoot the last scenes for the film.

He wrote on the photosharing platform: “Appreciate you guys so much for all the BLACK ADAM support - I think we’re making a movie and creating a universe that’s definitive, unique, bad a** and cool. (sic)” Dwayne, 49, also posted a video showing what he’s eating and drinking in order to be in the best possible shape for the film’s final scenes.

He captioned the video: “This coming week is a big one - our final week of production for the filming of BLACK ADAM [lightening emoji] “All the training, the diet, with Covid it’s been 2 years of character, story and production prep and it all culminates to next week.

“Here’s a look at my breakfast”: Sodium pulled, Water limited, Flank, egg whites, brown rice and blueberries. “Dialing all the

conditioning in as we save the hardest scenes for last. (sic)” He later added: “Stay disciplined, focused and trust in the process.

“And shovel it all in and drink it all down (sic)” Dwayne previously explained that he changes his diet and workout routine depending on his movie roles.

He said: “For different roles my condition and training and diet does alter.

“Depending on the role, it will really dictate the type of training I do. For ‘Hercules,’ it was a 22-week diet, while for ‘G.I. Joe: Retaliation’ it was about a 14-week diet, and for ‘Pain & Gain’ I wanted to come out looking bulky, big, and dangerous, so we adjusted accordingly.

“For ‘Hercules,’ I went for the demigod look: big and mean. When you’re playing a character like the son of Zeus, you only get one shot.” (Contactmusic)

Assassin-turned-Avenger ‘Black Widow’ finally takes movie spotlight This experimental heart drug may help treat long Covid A

fter numerous delays because of the global pandemic, Marvel’s Black Widow takes center stage in a new movie that debuts Friday and delves into the past of the Avengers character played by Scarlett Johansson.

The actress reprises the role for the ninth time in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, even though Black Widow died in 2019 blockbuster “Avengers: Endgame.”

The new “Black Widow” film will be available in theaters and for a $30 fee through Walt Disney Co’s (DIS.N) Disney+ streaming service. It previously had been scheduled to debut exclusively in cinemas in May 2020.

The film is a prequel set after the events of the 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War.” It catches up with former assassin Natasha Romanoff as she is on the run from government agents.

Johansson said it is likely this will be the last time she portrays the character.

“I think it’s always great to leave on a high note,” the actress K Y M C

Krystal Jackson poses as she attends a fan event and special screening of the film “Black Widow” in Los Angeles, June 29. (Reuters)

said in an interview. “You’ve got to set it free. It’s part of the journey when you know it’s come to an end.”

The movie begins when Ro-

manoff is handed a box of mail left at a previous apartment. Because of the contents, she unwittingly becomes the target of the mysterious Taskmaster as well as an army of

women known as Widows.

“Stranger Things” actor David Harbour plays Romanoff ’s father and Rachel Weisz co-stars as her mother. Florence Pugh portrays her sister, Yelena, who often pokes fun at the Black Widow and her fellow Avengers.

“I hope I made people laugh,” Pugh said. “The bluntness of me being just outrageously harsh to Natasha may have been funny, but I definitely smirked when the whole family got involved. They all shared the same sense of humor and timing. That was just perfect.”

Harbour plays an atypical superhero who is out of shape and struggles to fit in his superhero outfit.

“When (director) Cate (Shortland) pitched the character to me, it was him at the end of his life with all this regret and remorse and just this past his prime thing,” Harbour said. “I was like that’s fun and I’ll be able to sit around and eat doughnuts all day. It’ll be fantastic.”

(Reuters)

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erman doctors have found that an experimental drug may cure long Covid, after a 59-year-old man’s symptoms faded within hours.

Doctors at Erlangen Eye Clinic in Germany gave the drug BC 007 -- originally designed to fight heart failure -- to treat the patient’s glaucoma, the DailyMail reported.

Glaucoma is a condition where the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, becomes damaged by a fluid build-up in the front part of the eye.

The patients also have high levels of auto-antibodies, which reduce blood flow in the eye.

The drug, developed by German firm Berlin Cures, neutralises auto-antibodies, which attack the body and

are common in coronavirus survivors plagued with persistent symptoms.

The patient, suffering from glaucoma and longCovid symptoms, was given BC 007 through a single dose infusion, the report said. His sense of taste and difficulty concentrating “disappeared”, his autoantibody levels dropped and the blood flow to his eyes “improved significantly”.

“Even within a few hours, an improvement became apparent,” Dr Bettina Hohberger,

who treated the patient, was quoted as saying.

The experts said they will now use the drug in wider trials to determine its effectiveness, the report said. Blood flow problems are thought to be at the root of the long-Covid conundrum, with researchers at the Max Planck Center for Physics and Medicine in Germany, last week, identifying changes to the shape of blood cells in people who have the condition.

(IANS) K Y M C

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

England inspired by expectation, Denmark by resilience

LONDON, JUL 6 (AP): England is shouldering rising expectations. Denmark is powered by resilience and recovery.

And emotions will be high at Wembley Stadium before their European Championship semifinal match even kicks off Wednesday when there will be a moment to remember the tournament’s most harrowing incident and the player who won’t be playing for Denmark.

The England squad has signed a No. 10 jersey emblazoned with Christian Eriksen’s name that will be handed to Denmark captain Simon Kjaer by England counterpart Harry Kane.

The England players were on a bus traveling to London from their training base to prepare for their opening game of Euro 2020 on June 12 when Eriksen collapsed on the field while playing against Finland. He had to be resuscitated with a defibrillator.

England’s Harry Kane warms-up with teammates during a training session on Tuesday ahead of their Euro 2020 championship semifinal match against Denmark. (AP/PTI)

“We saw it on the screens,” said England defender Kieran Trippier, a former teammate of Eriksen’s at Tottenham. “I was close with Christian. The most important thing is he is getting better.”

Perhaps what is most remarkable is that while Eriksen recovers from his

cardiac arrest, Denmark has managed to reach the semifinals for the first time since unexpectedly winning the European Championship in 1992.

“These last four weeks have been the emotions of a lifetime,” Denmark coach Kasper Hjulmand said. “We’ve been facing

death in a way I never hoped I should.”

After losing the opening two games — including the Finland match that resumed that day — the Danes looked on the verge of elimination. But they got used to the formation switch from 4-2-3-1 to 3-4-3 and beat Russia in their final

group game to advance before ousting Wales and the Czech Republic to set up the meeting with England.

Kasper Dolberg has scored three goals, PierreEmile Højbjerg has been excellent in midfield and Kasper Schmeichel has provided leadership even beyond his saves in goal.

“With everything that we’ve been going through from the first game to where we are now is quite remarkable,” Denmark midfielder Christian Norgaard said.

“We had to pinch ourselves in the arms sometimes to realize what we’ve achieved.”

That, to some degree, was the sense in the England squad at the 2018 World Cup when the team reached the semifinals despite little being expected of them under coach Gareth Southgate.

Now that they are back in another semifinal — having also lost in the last four of the inaugural UEFA Nations League — there is

a sense that England has to deliver in a way it hasn’t since last reaching a final at the 1966 World Cup. “We’ve made a real good prog ression over the years,” Trippier said.

“I spoke to some of the younger lads before the tournament and said, ‘Have no fears. Enjoy it because they are only around every couple of years these tournaments.’”

The foundation of England’s progress at Euro 2020 has been in defense with no goals conceded in five games, only one of which has been played away from Wembley — Saturday’s 4-0 rout of Ukraine in Rome.

Trippier said moving to Atletico Madrid and being guided by Diego Simeone has helped to improve him as a defender. A career that was waning in the year after the last World Cup is flourishing again with Trippier winning the Spanish title and now hoping for a first England title, too.

New venues for AFC Women’s Once a Ranji player, Bhagat Asian Cup in India named now sells ‘dal puri’ for survival

NEW DELHI, JUL 6 (IANS): The Asian Football Confederation (AFC) and the AFC Women’s Asian Cup India 2022 Local Organising Committee (LOC) on Tuesday confirmed two new venues and host cities for the premier continental competition.

The new venues are the Mumbai Football Arena, Andheri Sports Complex in Mumbai and the Shiv Chhatrapati Sports Complex in Balewadi, Pune. The DY Patil Stadium in Navi Mumbai will remain as the third venue for the tournament, scheduled to take place from January 20 to February 6.

The tournament had earlier been awarded to Ahmedabad, Bhubaneswar, and Navi Mumbai.

But due to the travel involved and with the Covid19 pandemic still raging, the venues have been

changed and the matches will now be played at venues in close proximity.

“A s the situa tio n evolved, we had to adapt and the need was to create a bio-secure bubble. Hence, we chose Mumbai, Navi Mumbai and Pune, venues in close geographical proximity with stadiums that have previously hosted major football competitions,” said Praful Patel, president of the All India Football Federation (AIFF) and chairman of the LOC in a statement.

“Japan, Australia, China and hosts India have already sealed their places in the finals and the race to join the quartet will take centrestage from September when 28 teams across eight groups begin their quest to clinch the eight remaining places in the newly-expanded continental women’s showpiece,” said the statement.

SILCHAR (ASSAM), JUL 6 (IANS): Prakash Bhagat, once a leading cricketer from the state who played in different national and state-level tournaments, now runs a food stall in southern Assam’s Silchar to manage two square meals for his poverty-stricken family.

The 34-years-old leftarm slow bowler and righthanded batsman now sells ‘dal puri’ at a roadside stall at Itkhola within the Silchar Municipal Board, for the survival of his sixmember family.

Bhagat said that as a member of the Assam team, he had played Ranji Trophy matches in 2009/10 and 2010/11 against the Railways and Jammu and Kashmir teams.

The former cricketer had also taken a monthlong training in the Bengaluru-based National Cricket Academy (NCA) in 2003.

“During my NCA training, I bowled to Sourav Ganguly as the

Prakash Bhagat

New Zealand-bound Indian team was practicing in the academy. That time, I got a chance to meet Sachin Tendulkar, Zaheer Khan, Harbhajan Singh, Virender Shewag and Sourav Ganguly,” said Bhagat.

“I had to leave cricket in 2011 after my father (Gajadhar Bhagat) died following a massive cardiac attack at the age of 65.

“My father and elder brother, Deepak Bhagat, used to sell ‘chaat food’ in a hand-driven cart. After my father’s death, my elder

25th DEATH ANNIVERSARY of our beloved LATE DIEVIPU-Ü

Time flies fast, life goes on as its own pace but some memories can never be forgotten or erase from the mind of the dearest ones.

We cherish the sweet memories of you and you will be forever in our mind, in our heart and in our prayer until we meet again.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT 07/07/1996 – 07/07/2021

brother also remains ill,” Bhagat told IANS over phone. Deepak is married and has two small children.

Bhagat said that if the Assam Cricket Association (ACA), or any other organisation, supports him financially, he could resume his cricketing career.

“After I left playing cricket to support my family, I joined a private mobile company but due to Covid-induced lockdown, I lost my job last year,” said Bhagat.

Bhagat’s cricketing career started in 1999 at the Silchar District Sports Association’s Under-13 tournament. He played several tournaments in the Under-16, Under-19 and Under-23 categories at the state and national level.

“My consistent performances in different lower-level matches helped me find a place in Assam’s Ranji Trophy team. I was in the squad for the Syed Mushtaq Ali Trophy as well,” he added.

11 Barcelona full-back joins Leeds on a four-year deal

Junior Firpo

BARCELONA, JUL 6 ( AG E N C I E S ) : L e e d s United have signed fullback Junior Firpo from Barcelona for about £13m on a four-year deal.

The 24-year-old moved to the Nou Camp from Real Betis in the summer of 2019 and made 41 appearances for Barca, who have included a 20% sell on clause in the deal with Leeds.

The former Spain Under-21 international helped Barcelona win the Copa del Rey last season.

“I think in this team I can show the player that I am,” he said.

Firpo, who was born in the Dominican Republic and moved to Spain at the age of six, is an admirer of Leeds manager Marcelo Bielsa, who had two spells working in La Liga as boss of Espanyol and Athletic Bilbao.

“I know the coach that he is, and for me he is a really good coach. He wants to press all the time, play one against one many times, and for me that’s my football,” Firpo said.

“Physical football, running, having the ball, for me it’s not a problem and I think he will help me go to another level.”

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT “The Lord has given and the Lord has taken away, May the name of the Lord be praised.”

Job 1.21

Lt Liyale Khezhie (Kath)

15.11.1965 - 23.06.2021 We, the bereaved family of Lt Liyale Khezhie (Kath) would like to convey our appreciation for the many expressions of sympathy, prayers and gestures of kindness shown to us at the sudden demise of our beloved.

We convey our special thanks to: 1. Doctors & nurses (Kohimas).

2. Khedi Baptist Church Kohima Village.

3. Rengma Baptist Church Kohima.

4. Economics & Statistics Department.

5. Nagaland University Students unions (Meriema).

6. Neighbours, friends and well wishers.

We deeply regret our inability to thank each and every individual personally but we sincerely pray that our Almighty God bless you all abundantly.

Loving Husband, Children and Family Members K-1135

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Loving family members K-1104

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

K Y M C

Late Khehoto Sema

12/02/1974 – 02/06/2021

LT. MAIDIPINGBO PAMAI (Apingbo Pamai) Born on : 13/08/1987 – Died on : 15/06/2021

We, the bereaved family of Late Maidipingbo Pamai would like to convey our deepest heartfelt gratitude and appreciation to each and every individual, friends, neighbors, relatives, churches and well wishers who stood by us emotionally, physically and financially and also upholding us through prayers during his illness up to his last breath.

We profoundly regret our inability to thank and mention each and everyone of you personally but we sincerely pray that our Almighty God bless each and everyone abundantly.

Loving Family Members DP-3110

We, the bereaved family would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who stood by us during the brief illness and sudden demise of our beloved Late Khehoto Sema on 2nd June 2021. Your immense and continued support and expression of sympathies has been the source of our comfort and enabled us to hold on in our difficult time.

We deeply regret our inability to name and thank everyone individually but it is our sincere and humble prayer that our Lord bless each and everyone of you.

From loving Wife, Children, Father, Sisters & Family Members

DP-3108

LATE LIMAWANGSHI Born : 23/03/1983 Died : 24/06/2021 We, the family members of Late Limawangshi (Dobashi) express our immense gratitude to all, who stood by us physically, morally, monetarily and through prayers throughout his illness and during his ultimate demise on 24th June 2021.

We convey our deepest gratitude to: 1. Deputy Commissioner & staff Mkg 2. SDO (Civil) Mkg 3. P. A to DC, Mkg 4. Nagaland Dobashi Association 5. Mkg. Dist. Dobashi Association 6. Riongsanger Putu Menden Chungliyimsen 7. Baptist Arogo Chungliyimsen 8. Salangtem Ward Yimten Mkg 9. Chungliyimsen Senso Fellowship Mkg 10. Chungliyimsen Mesulim Senso Mission 11. Dr. Süngküm Jamir (Dimapur) 12. R. Among Jamir & family 13. Dr. Kilang (Mkg) 14. Kiyong Kidanger, Medemer Aser Anükapang “God Bless You All” Loving Mom, Brothers & sisters MKC-199

Date of Birth : 25/11/1969 – Date of Death : 01/07/2021

"Beyond the far horizon when we'll finally be Together.

Where love will be eternal and life will last Forever".

Words are inadequate to express our profound gratitude and sincere appreciation to one and all for your sympathy, unflinching prayer and moral support rendered during the brief illness and demise of our beloved Late Nongothung Tungoe.

We pray that the Almighty God bestow His unseen blessing abundantly upon you all.

DP-3113

Loving Wife, Daughter, Family Members & In-Laws K Y M C

12

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2021

Brazil beat Peru to reach Copa America final

RIO DE JANEIRO, JUL 6 (IANS): Brazil reached the Copa America final after a first-half goal from Lucas Paqueta -- his second in two games -- gave them a 1-0 win over Peru on Monday.

The host nation will play the winner of Tuesday’s other semi-final between Argentina and Colombia in the title decider at the Maracana stadium in rio de janeiro on Saturday.

Brazil have won the Copa America every time they hosted the tournament and in the early part of Monday’s match showed exactly why they are favourites to do so again.

Within the first 20 minutes Peru goalkeeper Pedro Gallese made two point-blank saves in succession from Neymar and Richarlison plus another two blocks when Casemiro tried his luck from further out.

With Lucas Paqueta, who scored the winner in their 1-0 quarter-final win over Chile, a standout in

Brazil’s Lucas Paqueta fights for a ball with Peru’s Yoshimar Yotun and Sergio Pena during a Copa America semifinal match in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, Monday. (AP)

midfield, Brazil played some intricate, audacious football, replete with flicks, nutmegs and backheels but it took them 35 minutes to break the deadlock.

Neymar beat three men on the left and clipped the ball across goal for Lucas Paqueta to volley home from 10 metres.

“It was a very tough

game, very hard fought,” Lucas Paqueta said.

“They are a ver y strong side but we managed to make it through a difficult spell.”

Neymar was quick to sing his team mate’s praises and said there was more to come.

“Lucas Paqueta is a great player, he’s getting better with each game,” he added. “He had a great season with his club and here he is showing that he can be a very important player for Brazil.”

While Brazil were in the ascendancy in the opening period it was a different story in the second half as the introduction of Marcos Lopez and Raziel Garcia at the break shook Peru awake.

Losing finalists in 2019, Peru pushed forward in search of an equaliser with Gianluca Lapadula forcing Ederson into a key block, with the Brazil goalkeeper looking uneasy on a couple of other occasions.

Peru pinned Brazil back for long spells of the second half but could not make their possession count as the home side extended their unbeaten run to 13 games.

Mithali’s 3 successive 50s takes her to No.1 spot in ICC rankings DUBAI, JUL 6 (IANS): Mithali Raj’s three successive half-centuries in the three-match ODI series against England helped her grab the No.1 position in ICC Women’s ODI Player Rankings for the eighth time in her 22-year-old international career.

The 38-year-old, who made 72 in the first ODI, struck 59 in the second match and then guided India to a four-wicket victory in the final match of the series with an unbeaten 75, gaining four spots to sit atop the latest weekly rankings.

Mithali had started the tour in eighth position but her series aggregate of 206 runs - the best by a batter on either side -- has helped her reclaim the top position, which she last occupied in February 2018.

“The first time she reached No. 1 position was in April 2005 after scoring an unbeaten 91 against New Zealand in ICC Women’s Cricket World Cup in Potchefstroom and the

Mithali Raj

difference of more than 16 years at No.1 is the largest for any woman batter,” said the International Cricket Council (ICC) in its statement. In other gains for Indian women players, opener Shafali Verma’s scores of 44 and 19 in the last two ODIs of the series saw her gain 49 places to reach 71st position while Jhulan Goswami is up four places to 53rd. In the bowlers’ list, all-rounder Deepti Sharma is up one place to 12th after finishing with figures of three for 47 in the final match.

For England, opener Lauren Winfield-Hill has advanced 14 places to 41st

position with scores of 42 and 36 while Sophia Dunkley has soared 80 places to 76th after scoring 73 not out and 28.

Left-arm spinner Sophie Ecclestone continues her ascent, gaining four places to reach a career-best sixth position among bowlers after returns of three for 33 and two for 36. Kate Cross’s haul of five for 34 in the second match of the series was instrumental in seeing her advance from 25th to 18th position. Natalie Sciver and Sarah Glenn have both moved up one place to reach 22nd and 43rd positions, respectively.

Messi ‘one step ahead of all of us’: Rodrigo Wimbledon: Aryna and Karolina enter semi-finals

Lionel Messi

BRASILIA, JUL 6 (IANS): Argentina midfielder Rodrigo De Paul has hailed Lionel Messi’s genius as the Albiceleste seek their first major trophy in almost three decades at the Copa America in Brazil.

Messi has been the tournament’s outstanding player, scoring four goals and providing four assists

in Argentina’s march to the semifinals. Victory against Colombia at Brasilia’s Mane Garrincha stadium would set up a tantalising final against hosts Brazil at the Maracana Stadium on July 10, reports Xinhua. “(He is) one step ahead of all of us,” De Paul told a virtual news conference on Monday. “For the first goal against Ecuador (in July 3

quarterfinal], for example, he saw me alone and luckily, it helped us to win.”

Argentina’s last major tournament triumph came at the 1993 Copa America in Ecuador, where Gabriel Batistuta fired them to a 2-1 win over Mexico in the final.

Argentina have come agonisingly close to ending the drought in the past decade, finishing runners up at the 2014 World Cup and the 2015 and 2016 editions of the Copa America.

“We are motivated and we know how difficult the game against Colombia is going to be, but we feel prepared and very excited to face it,” said De Paul.

“This is a long road in which we must face great teams, but we are willing to fight until the last day to reach the final. We want nothing more than to bring joy to all Argentines,” the Udinese player added.

LONDON, JUL 6 (IANS): Second seed Aryna Sabalenka ended the fairytale run of upcoming Tunisian star Ons Jabeur, winning 6-4, 6-3 while eighth seed Karolina Pliskova beat Viktorija Golubic of Switzerland 6-2, 6-2 to enter the semi-finals of the Wimbledon Championships here on Tuesday.

In other women’s quarter-final, 25th seed Angelique Kerber of Germany beat 19th seed Karolina Muchova of Czech Republic 6-2, 6-3.

Although Aryna hit less aces (three against four) and committed more double faults (five against two), she converted three of the 10 break-points and won 83 per cent of first-service points against Ons. Czech Republic star Karolina’s game was more power-packed than her opponent’s as she fired eight

Aryna Sabalenka

aces against none by Viktorija. Karolina, who won 83 per cent points on first service and converted four of the 10 break-points, has now reached semi-finals in all four Grand Slam

events. She had entered the last four stage at the 2016 US Open, the 2017 French Open and the 2019 Australian Open.

“I think everyone saw that what the key was to-

Karolina Pliskova

day. I wasn’t able to get into one rally when she was serving. That was really unbelievable... She was serving great. It was tough to read,” said Viktorija.

“Even when I was ex-

pecting a little bit to go one or the other side, it was still very tough to return. So even the second serves were quite good, although she had I think a huge percentage of first serves as well.”

2021 Australian Grand Prix and Moto GP cancelled 5-member athlete army from TN to Tokyo

SYDNEY, JUL 6 (IANS): Australia’s state of Victoria on Tuesday announced the cancellation of the 2021 Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix and Australian MotoGP citing low rates of vaccination that has made it impossible to stage the events.

The F1 Grand Prix, normally held in March in Melbourne’s Albert Park, was initially postponed to November in the hope that the state would be ready for

an international event by then, reports Xinhua.

Vi c t o r i a n P r e m i e r Daniel Andrews said that it would be hard for Melbourne to host the event given that vaccination rates are not at the “critical mass” needed.

“Running big international events is very challenging, but until that point [of vaccinations] we have to do everything we can to safeguard not bringing the virus in,” said Andrews.

The cancellation was confirmed by the Australian Grand Prix Corporation (AGPC) on Tuesday afternoon.

AGPC chairman Paul Little shared his disappointment that the events will be cancelled for the second year in a row.

“We’re deeply disappointed. We appreciate the challenge Australia faces with current international travel restrictions and the importance of vaccina-

tions,” Little said.

The cancellation is a huge blow to Melbourne’s economy and Victoria’s tourism and sport events industry, but organisers and authorities are now looking towards 2022.

“We are getting to work on plans for 2022 immediately and can’t wait to welcome the world’s best drivers and riders and all motorsport fans back to Albert Park and Phillip Island,” said Victoria’s Minister for

Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Martin Pakula.

Australian F1 driver Daniel Ricciardo said: “It’s a huge disappointment for all of the drivers that we won’t be coming down to Australia in November, but we understand the reasons.

“For me personally, I can’t wait to have the chance to race at home again, and it’ll be even sweeter when we do because it’s been so long.

Fingers crossed things can change for 2022.”

CHENNAI, JUL 6 (IANS): The Tamil Nadu Athletic Association (TNAA) is upbeat with five athletes from the state finding berths in the Indian Olympic team.

“This is the first time in the history of the Association five athletes have been selected to participate in the Olympics,” C. Latha, Secretary, TNAA told IANS. Latha, a former national record holder in 800

Virus outbreak forces England to select new cricket squad

LONDON, JUL 6 (AP): England was forced to select a completely new squad on Tuesday for the one-day international series against Pakistan after an outbreak of the coronavirus infected three players and four members of staff.

The initially selected squad went into isolation following the results of tests taken on Monday, a day after the team’s last ODI against Sri Lanka in Bristol.

The names of those who tested positive have not been disclosed. The remainder of the group were identified as close contacts.

The three ODIs and three Twenty20s against Pakistan, starting on Thursday with the first ODI in Cardiff, were still going ahead and at the same venues.

England’s revised, hastily assembled ODI squad includes nine new caps and will be captained for the first time by Ben Stokes and

England’s captain Eoin Morgan and teammates await third umpire’s decision for the wicket of Sri Lanka’s Dushmantha Chameera during the third ODI match, July 4. (AP)

coached by Chris Silverwood, who had been due to take some time off during the white-ball series but has been pressed back into action.

The initial squad will be back in time to play the T20 series, which starts on July 16.

“We’re in unprecedented territory in terms

of replacing an entire squad and management team,” said Ashley Giles, director of England’s men’s cricket, “and I’m proud of how everyone has come together in

order to get it done.”

Most of those who tested positive are without symptoms, the England and Wales Cricket Board said, but some are feeling unwell.

All players in the initial squad received at least one vaccine jab, but not everyone was fully vaccinated.

“We have been mindful that the emergence of the delta variant, along with our move away from the stringent enforcement of bio-secure environments, could increase the chances of an outbreak,” ECB chief executive Tom Harrison said.

“We made a strategic choice to try to adapt protocols, in order to support the overall wellbeing of our players and management staff who have spent much of the last 14 months living in very restricted conditions.”

The new 18-man squad and staff drafted in will

need to submit negative tests and complete “bridging protocols” before joining the squad in Cardiff.

That match will take place in front of a 50% capacity crowd, with the second game at Lord’s on Saturday representing cricket’s first 100% crowd since the pandemic began. The series then concludes at Edgbaston.

Stokes has been pulled out of Durham’s English County Championship match against Warwickshire. He had been left out originally by England in a bid to manage his comeback from a finger operation.

Revised England squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Jake Ball, Danny Briggs, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Lewis Gregory, Tom Helm, Will Jacks, Dan Lawrence, Saqib Mahmood, Dawid Malan, Craig Overton, Matt Parkinson, David Payne, Phil Salt, John Simpson, James Vince.

metres, is the first woman to hold the Secretary post in TNAA. The five athletes who have qualified for the Tokyo Olympics are Arokia Rajiv, NagananthanPandi (Men 4x400 relay), Dhanalakshmi Sekhar, Revathi Veeramani, and Subha Venkatesan (Mixed 4x400 relay).

Hosting atleast one national event in the state every year, organising several state events and other

programmes has resulted in more persons coming to the national limelight, Latha said.

“During the Covid1 9 l o c k d ow n , T NA A organised webinars for coaches. We had brought an Indonesian coach here to address our coaches,” Latha said.

She also said a seminar, athletes vs coaches, was held so that both parties can know what they expect from each other.

Bayern can defend its Champions League title: Kahn

Oliver Kahn

BERLIN, JUL 6 (IANS): Bayern Munich can defend its 2020 Champions League title, said former German star footballer Oliver Kahn after taking office as the club’s new CEO on Monday.

The 51-year-old successor of Karl-Heinz Rummenigge, on his first official working day in office, called the Bavarians’ current squad competitive enough to win the most important club competition and add other titles to their kitty. “To win the 10th consecutive national title is one of our big goals as no club managed to perform that

well in the past,” the former Germany keeper told Xinhua in an interview.

Bayern will enter a new season with Julian Nagelsmann as the new coach. Kahn noted that expectations regarding coach Nagelsmann “aren’t higher than with any other Bayern coach. Julian knows about Bayern’s title hunger”.

He added that the club is expecting the new coach to develop talent in the academy. Kahn and Bayern president Herbert Hainer spoke of a loss of up to 150 million euros caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The 2001 Champions League winner also said that the club, en route to fulfilling its international ambitions, is prepared to make up for the competitive disadvantage caused by the fact “that the Bundesliga’s clubs have to live with less TV money income than other leading leagues”.

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