April 9, 2021

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 122

DIMAPUR, FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021 Pages 8 ` 4.00

Israel rejects ICC probe over crimes in Palestine international, Page 7

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India reports highest spike of over 1.26L cases NIDA resolves to intensify protest NEW DELHI, APR 8 (PTI/AGENCIES): India registered a record singleday spike of 1,26,789 new COVID-19 cases, pushing the tally to 1,29,28,574, while the number of active cases also breached the nine lakhmark again, Health Ministry stated on Thursday.

The death toll also increased to 1,66,862, with 685 new fatalities being reported in a day, according to the data updated at 8 am. Registering a steady increase for the 29th day in row, the count of active cases has gone up to 9,10,319it stated.

Meanwhile, at least 37 doctors at the Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Delhi have tested positive for coronavirus. While 32 of them have mild symptoms and are in home isolation, five are admitted in the hospital itself for treatment. All the 37 doctors who have tested positive were vaccinated.

Earlier, Lucknow’s King George’s Medical University (KGMU) vicechancellor Lt Gen (retd) Dr

H. Chuba Chang takes oath as MLA DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): Newly elected legislator, H Chuba Chang, took oath as member of the legislative assembly (MLA) in the assembly secretariat on Thursday.

Chang, candidate of the ruling NDPP and PDA consensus candidate, was declared elected unopposed to the Nagaland Assembly for the by-election to the 51 Noksen assembly constituency on April 3, 2021.

A statement issued by the assembly secretariat stated that the NLA speaker Sharingain Longkumer administered the oath of office to H. Chuba Chang, at his office chamber in the assembly secretariat, Kohima at 11a.m.

PM asks states to observe COVID ‘vaccine festival’ from Apr 11-14

Vipin Puri and around 40 doctors had tested positive.

Most of the doctors, including Puri have tested positive despite taking both the doses of vaccine.

With reports of Covid-

19 infecting doctors who have been vaccinated, the Health ministry said that the government will collect data on those testing Covid-19 positive even after getting vaccinated.

HPC orders screening at Dimapur Airport

DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): In view of the rapid surge in cases of COVID-19 in several parts of the country, the High-Powered Committee (HPC) on COVID-19, at its meeting held on April 6, decided to place teams from District Task Force (DTF) at Dimapur airport for thermal screening of all incoming passenger and to check if passengers have negative report of COVID test done not earlier than three days prior to arrival in Nagaland.

DTF team would also check if a passenger has completed the COVID-19 vaccination or whether he/she has installed and registered in the nCOVID Nagaland Visitors App and submitted the ‘Self Declaration Form’ giving the DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): travel details as well as the loApropos the news item cation where it was proposed “CEO and director, NITI Aayog visits Kiphire”, published in Naga News on April 7, DIPR has clarified DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): that the CEO assured to GPRN/NSCN ato kilonser sanction the money only if and convener WC, NNPGs, doctors, nurses, science and N. Kitovi Zhimomi has ismathematics teachers were sued a statement to clarify his properly posted in Kiphire stand with regard to “detaindistrict. ment of three timer thieves” Further DIPR said that and March 22 incident.

NITI Aayog had granted an In a statement, Kitovi said additional allocation of Rs. “our apex Zeliangrong fron5 crore to Kiphire Aspira- tal organisations have linked” tional District on the basis his name and GPRN/NSCN of the performance and the government on the two reDelta ranking achieved dur- cent incidents. “I reiterate ing the month of January, to all my Zeliangrong friends 2021.The District was directed to put up the proposals comprising of different sectors/themes.

Clarification

to do home/paid quarantine.

Further, special attention would be given to people coming from 11 states with the highest COVID active cases as on April 5, namely Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Kerala, Punjab, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Rajasthan and Delhi.

In a communique to the DC & chairman, District Task Force on COVID-19, Dimapur, principal secretary home, Abhijit Sinha, stated that details of such persons be immediately shared with the respective DTFs where such persons proposed to do their home/ paid quarantine in case they were coming without a negative report of COVID test or proof of having completed COVID19 vaccination.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi Thursday said states should observe a ‘vaccine festival’ between April 11-14 to inoculate the maximum number of eligible beneficiaries against COVID-19.

In his virtual interaction with chief ministers, Modi urged them to strengthen efforts for the next 2-3 weeks to check the spread of the virus on a “war-footing.

Modi asked the chief ministers to focus on microcontainment zones and reiterated his call to work on the mantra of test, track, treat besides pushing COVIDappropriate behaviour and COVID-management to bring down the peak. He asked states to not bother much about positive cases and focus on more testing.

“Our efforts should be to inoculate maximum eligible people during the ‘Tika utsav’ (vaccination festival)

IMD predicts rainfall in NE DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted thunderstorm with lightning and squall at isolated places over Assam, Meghalaya, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura with lightning at isolated places over Ar unachal Pradesh.

According to the National Weather Forecasting Centre of the IMD, lightning and squall (speed reaching 50-60 kmph) was likely at isolated places over Assam and Meghalaya with lightning and gusty winds (speed reaching 4050 kmph) at isolated places over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura on April 9, 2021. IMD stated that lightning was likely over Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram and Tripura from April 10-12, 2021.

Kitovi clarifies on recent incidents and Nagas in general that there is no connection whatsoever between the timber theft issue and murder of three Zeliangrong brothers on March 22,”he said.

Kitovi said the place of the incidents were more than five kilometres apart, and that there was “no GPRN/ NSCN civil or military directive to commit the crime”.

Expressing sincere condolences to the families of “our three brothers who were

mercilessly gunned down by unidentified armed men on March 22”, Kitovi “unequivocally” condemned the “barbaric act” and hoped that the culprits were arrested and awarded befitting punishment. He prayed that Zeliangrong and Sumi villages between Dimapur and Peren districts will learn to co-exist as brothers and peaceful neighbours in all the times to come.

(Full text on p-4)

between April 11-14,” he said, asking youngsters to help those above 45 years of age to get the jab. April 11 is the birth anniversary of noted social reformer Jyotirao Phule, he noted.

Ten states including Maharashtra, Chhattisgarh, Karnataka, Uttar Pradesh, Delhi, Madhya Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, Kerala and Punjab have shown a steep rise in the daily COVID-19 cases accounting for 84.21% of the 1,26,789 new infections, the Health Ministry said. Modi strongly defended the current eligibility criteria for the vaccination amid demand by some states, ruled by opposition parties, to make the shot open for all above 18 years.

India’s criteria is no different from the most prosperous countries in the world, and it will have to prioritise the vaccination, he said.

“These days, due to pandemic effect, even if fuel prices come down vegetable prices rise up.”

K Y M C

DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): Chumoukedima Village Council (CVC) has reacted to the statements of various Dimapur-based Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) against the government’s proposed move to shift the office of the Deputy Commissioner Dimapur to Chümoukedima.

In a statement, CVC chairman Razuvotuo Chatsu termed it was “very unfortunate” that some CSOs were attempting to browbeat and even threaten and blackmail a legitimate government with dire consequences on the issue.

He said the opposi-

tion by the CSOs was based on their personal desire to continue having the offices located at their doorstep and ignoring the massive traffic congestion and the harrowing experiences of other thousands of commuters each day.

Chatsu stated that the CSOs opposed to the move were mostly Dimapur city based. “Understandably, they would be inconvenienced if the Deputy Commissioner’s office were to be shifted out of the city.” Chatsu pointed out that Dimapur district, however, encompassed much more areas than Dimapur

Sadar alone. Chatsu also said it was conspicuous that some of the CSOs opposed to the move do not have representatives from areas such as Medziphema, Chümoukedima, Dhansiripar, Kuhuboto, Niuland etc, but have “grandiose nomenclatures professedly covering the entire district, and are now vehemently opposing the move.”

He also drew attention to the apprehensions that as location of the new office was within the area of Chümoukedima village, the village council would dictate and control over the day to day functioning of the

DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): Miffed at the State cabinet’s deferment from taking up in the agenda for third time its demand for increasing the retirement age of State government doctors, Nagaland In-service Doctors’ Association (NIDA) has announced that it would intensify its ongoing symbolic protest until the cabinet takes a decision on the issue.

The association has now declared to go ahead with the second and third phases of agitation.

Under the second phase, all its members will go on a mass casual leave from April 12 to 14, keeping only the emergency services open, while under the third phase, all NIDA members will start an indefinite ces-

sation of routine works, except emergency services, across the State from April 15.

Noting that the cabinet for the third deferred to take up the agenda of increasing superannuation age of doctors during its meeting on Wednesday upon receipt of a representation from Naga Students’ Federation (NSF), NIDA president Dr E Phyantsuthung and NIDA Core Committee on Superannuation convener Dr Thorhusie Katiry in a press release said Nagaland was the only State in the country without a medical college.

They insisted that if the State government was willing to improve the State’s image, then it must make enabling policies.

Without such policies, they said the medical fraternity should not be blamed in the future.

Pointing out that there was no demand from any professional body in any of the 27 States implementing Government of India’s

(GoI) policy to increase the retirement age to address the acute shortage of doctors, the duo said the issue of precedence by other professional bodies also therefore did not arise.

According to NIDA, World Health Organisation (WHO) has recommended a doctor-population ratio of 1: 1000, whereas it was 1:4,056 in the State, as compared to the national average of 1:1,445.

Further, the requirement of doctors in the country is about 10 lakh, while the annual production was only 70,000 per year.

To address the issue of acute shortage of doctors and optimal use of available human resources, the Central government in 2016 decided on a two-pronged strategy – i) producing more doctors by establishing more medical colleges (Nagaland also benefitted with two out of 157 medical colleges proposed), plus several AIIMS-like institutes and enhancement of intake (Cont’d on p-5)

DyCM, CSC members visit Lamhainamdi area DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): Deputy chief minister Yanthungo Patton visited Lamhainamdi area on Thursday to take stock of the ground situation in the DimapurPeren border area, a DIPR report stated.

Accompanied by ministers-- Neiba Kronu, Paiwang Konyak, Pangnyu Phom and Kashiho Sangtam, who are all members of the Cabinet Sub-Committee (CSC) constituted earlier for boundary demarcation between Dimapur and Peren districts, Patton, who is also minister in-charge of Home, visited the place of occurrence of the unfortunate killing of

5 new Covid cases reported in Dimapur DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): Nagaland on Thursday reported five new COVID-19 positive cases in Dimapur, taking the total caseload to 12381.

With this the active cases also rose to 147.

Further, the distribution across various categories of people include 4694 cases from the armed forces/ police, 1881 returnees, 5233 traced contacts and 573 frontline workers.

Meanwhile, a total of 106199 (78365 1st dose & 27834 2nd dose) beneficiaries have been inoculated till April 8.

CVC reacts to opposition against shifting of DC office

This is it!

Mass casual leave from April 12 to 14 Indefinite ceasework from April 15

district administration. He rubbished it “as absurd as being apprehensive that the Government of India, with most of the national offices located in the precinct of Union Territory of Delhi, would be controlled by the Government of Delhi!” He further said it was also akin to wondering if the District Administration, which have its offices located within the area of Dimapur Municipal Corporation, is controlled

by DMC.” Chatsu clarified that the new building of the DC was located in the area of Chümoukedima town coun(Cont’d on p-5) cil.

Patton with CSC members and officials during the visit. (DPRO)

three persons on March 22 and also the burial site of the deceased.

Later, during a brief meeting held at 9th IR Battalion Hqs, Saijang, Patton appealed for maintaining

peace and tranquillity by taking care of law and order situation, especially in the disputed areas, so as to avert any untoward incident.

He further called for strictly adhering to the

guidelines issued by the government for maintaining the status quo. Patton asserted that the State government was serious about the disputed area that led to loss of lives for which, he said a Special Investigation Team (SIT) was constituted on March 23, resulting in the arrest of four persons.

With investigation was going on in full swing, Patton assured that those found guilty would be punished as per law after the submission of report by SIT. Several senior government officials including police officials accompanied the visiting team.

DMC directs shops to follow COVID SOP DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) has directed all the traders/business houses, shopkeepers to strictly comply with COVID-19 related standard operating procedure (SOP).

In a press release, DMC administrator Albert Ezung stated that the directive was being issued in view of the surge in COVID-19 cases across the country and the

impending threat to Nagaland particularly Dimapur.

DMC has informed traders/shopkeepers to wear face mask, keep/use hand sanitizers besides maintaining adequate physical distance inside the shop. It also requested the public to maintain COVID appropriate behaviour in public places and keep the state free from COVID pandemic.

Adult education programme launched Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 8 (NPN): To bridge the gap between the literacy and illiteracy, department of School Education has started the State Literacy Mission Authority (Adult Education) Padhna Likhna Abhiyan or SLMA for the districts of Mokokchung, Tuensang and Kiphire.

The mission was officially flagged off by School Education adviser KT Sukhalu at the school education directorate here on Thursday.

Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Sukhalu admitted that the State had delayed a bit in reaching out to the illiterates and that nothing much was achieved from the earlier programme meant for them.

While pointing out that the literacy rate of Nagaland was high in the country, he however, expressed concern over high dropout rates.

For this he called upon the

Sukhalu flagging off SLMA vehicle on Thursday. (NP)

teacher volunteers to be sincere in imparting education to the people, else, he cautioned that many direct transfer benefits (DTB) schemes would not reach the targeted people.

He also pointed out that were still many in the state who do not know how to read and write.

While acknowledging Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s initiative to come

up with the adult education scheme realising the importance of literacy, Sukhalu cautioned the volunteers that the programme was expected to have good results.

He also appealed the teachers to be sincere adding that being nodal department, it was the responsibility of the department to ensure that no one of left without being literate.

(Cont’d on p-5) K Y M C

2

SH expo ‘Hornbill’ NERTPS inaugurated in Dimapur

K Hokishe Assumi inaugurating the special handloom expo “Hornbill” on Thursday. (NP)

Staff Reporter DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): Director of industries and commerce, K Hokishe Assumi inaugurated the special handloom expo, “Hornbill” North Eastern Region Textiles Promotion Scheme (NERTPS), organised by directorate of industries and commerce, Nagaland and sponsored by ministry

of textiles, government of India under development commissioner for handlooms here on Thursday at Urban Haat.

Addressing media fraternity after the inaugural programme, production manager, director of industries and commerce, Kohima, Hokeshe K Zhimomi informed that the expo would continue for a period of 14 days and would cul-

minate on April 20.

He informed that altogether, a total number of 30 stalls from three states Nagaland, Assam and Manipur were set up in the expo, following the guideline of the ministry.

Zhimomi maintained that the objective of the expo was to showcase the products of the weavers as well as to improve their economy.

state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021

news in Brief KIN general assembly on April 10: Kuki Inpi Nagaland (KIN) has convened its general assembly 2021 on April 10 from 10 a.m. onwards at KIN Office, Ahthibung town, Peren. Installation of new KIN office bearers will also be conducted. All attendees have been requested to follow and adhere to SOPs. RDWA convenes general meeting: Rotomi Welfare Dimapur Area has convened a general meeting on April 10, 10 a.m., at its banker, Er. Akheto Shohe, residence, Thahekhu. All members have been requested to attend the meeting positively.

DMC informs business establishments: Dimapur Municipal Council (DMC) has informed all business establishments to strictly adhere to COVID-19 SOP by wearing face mask, keeping/using hand sanitisers and maintaining adequate physical distance inside the shop.

DMC further appealed the general public to maintain Covid appropriate behaviour in public places and keep the state free from the pandemic.

DDLGBU backs GB associations: Dimapur District Lotha GBs Union (DDLGBU) through its secretary, T Yanpenthung Lotha has extended its support to the resolution of Chakhroma GB Association, All Angami GB Association, Dimapur District Ao GB Union and Mokokchung GB Association to abide by the principle and procedures of selection and totally stand against the process of election of DDGBA. DBS Lazami informs ex-students: Don Bosco School (DBS) Lazami has informed all the ex-students of the school that the first alumni day will be held on April 10, 10:30 a.m. in DBS Lazami. All the ex-students have been invited to attend the said event which would be followed by a meeting. For any queries, one may contact at 9862616563/7005088577.

IDSP Phek conducts training on use of IHIP DIMAPUR: Integrated Disease Surveillance Program (IDSP) Phek conducted training on use of Integrated Health Information Platform (IHIP) for health workers at district hospital conference hall, Phek on April 6 and 7.

A press release by NHM Phek district media officer, Kutolu Nakro stated that participants were trained on data entry using different forms for various diseases and disease conditions.

Re s o u r c e p e r s o n s were state epidemiologist Dr. Asen, program officer from state Roseline, state data manager Ursy, Phek epidemiologist Dr. Limatoshi, DVBO Phek Dr. Shevo, DPM NHM Sede and data manager Phek, Kedupa Venuh.

The training was attended by medical officers, ANM and community health officers (CHO) from all the health units.

Performance review meeting of BDOs in Kohima

SDPDB Pughoboto chairman Y. Vikheho Swu MLA initiated a tree plantation drive from Mishilimi gate to mini secretariat new ADC office, Pughoboto on April 7.

The saplings were supplied by the forest department and Vikheho Swu under LADP 2020-21. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Performance review meeting of Block Development Officers (BDOs) was held at rural development (RD) conference hall, Kohima on April 8.

A press release from the department stated that commissioner and secretary RD department, Neposo Theluo urged BDOs to work on improvement of performance under RGSA and give attention to the 15th finance commission.

He urged BDOs to speed up the account opening process for 15th FC so to avoid any penalty and to provide the best materials when implementation begins.

He further stressed that BDOs should visit the field and cooperate with PHE department to assist and guide villagers during the process.

In his introduction, RD joint director K. Neibou

Lok Adalat across state on April 10

1941 – 2021

We express our profound gratitude and sincere thanks to all who stood by us during the prolonged illness and demise of our beloved Lt. Lanumeri Ao on 30th March. 2021. Your expression of sympathy will never be forgotten. May the God Almighty bless you all.

Your life was a Blessing, Your memory a Treasure, You are loved beyond Words, And missed beyond Measure.

DP-1867(A)

DP-1857

Loving Wife, Children & Grand Children

FIRST DEATH ANNIVERSARY IN LOVING MEMORY OF

LT. SHIPANTHUNG EZUNG

Your Loving wife and children

IN REMEMBRANCE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

of our beloved

LATE W. TUNGOE 09.04.2020

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B

10%

 Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST APRIL 9

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hot; a strong p.m t-storm

37 23

Mostly sunny

32 17

Guwahati Some sun; a strong t-storm

31 19

Hazy sunshine

30 15

Itanagar Occasional morning rain

24 18

Shillong

A stray afternoon t-storm

Kohima

Clouds and sun with a t-storm 25 14

22 13 31 18 27 14

Tuensang A morning shower; some sun

19 10

A t-storm around in the a.m.

25 17

Zunheboto An a.m t-storm; partly sunny

24 12

K Y M C

K-707

20%

in several cities result in further rise in COVID cases ?

A t-storm around in the a.m

It’s been a year since you left us. You will always be in our memories, prayers and hearts. We miss you always. Rest peacefully.

70%

Next poll

Dimapur Partly sunny and pleasant

(02/01/1938 – 09/04/2020)

C

15/12/1961 – 30/03/2021 LT. KUPUSHE V. YEPTHOMI ‘‘When I get home, all sorrows will be over ‘’ We, the bereaved family of LT Kupushe V. Yepthomi, would like to convey our deepest gratitude through this column to all who stood by us during our time of loss and grief. You comforted us with your presence, prayers, honored us with your time, resources and blessed us with your love and concern. Though we are unable to thank each and everyone individually yet we acknowledge all your contributions made physically and mentally. We are ever grateful from our hearts and pray that our Almighty GOD bless you all.

Extending our special gratitude to:1. Doctors, nurses and staff of Eden 11. Dimapur Bengali Baptist Church Medical Centre 12. Mukhami Baptist Akukuhou and 2. Dimapur Sumi Baptist Church Mukhami Akukuhou Women Department 3. Notun Basti/River Belt Prayer 13. Sumi Community, Boro-Lengri Fellowship DSBC Karbi Anglong 4. Notun Basti/River Belt Lothemi Loka 14. Adivasi Tea-Estate Gaon, DSBC Village Council 5. IV LRC Prayer Fellowship DSBC Village 15. Nagaland Cricket Association Council 16. Teachers and staff, 6. UNB- B Fellowship DSBC GMS Naga New Model 7. Sughuna Baptist Church 17. Bricks Field Owners Union Dimapur 8. Thokihimi Baptist Akukuhou 18. D.EL.ED (2nd Year), Diet, Dimapur 9. Thokihimi Village 19. We Care Group 10. Thokihimi Kuposhukulu, Dimapur DP-1866

LOVING WIFE, DAUGHTERS, SON-IN-LAW AND FAMILY MEMBERS

A year ago on this day, we never expected, God will call you to heaven so soon. In life we loved you dearly and in death we miss you even more. It broke our hearts to see you go but you did not go alone, a part of us went with you the day God called you home. You left us with beautiful memories and your exemplary life is still our guide and our path from earth to heaven. Though you are not with us anymore, we always feel your presence by our side encouraging us to do God's will. We are broken hearted and nothing seems the same anymore without you. But as God calls each one of us, we know we will meet again, in God's kingdom.

Your prayer and your positive energy will always guide us and you are forever in our memories and in our hearts.

Loved ones DP-1850

Wife, children & family members.

DP-1854

A

Q: Will ILP 2021 matches

Wokha

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––

A Yes. B No. C Can’t Say.

Mkg

DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): Infinity NXT, an artist development programme was launched in the presence of advisor, Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), Nagaland, Theja Meru here, on Thursday at Infinity Inc, DC Court Junction.

Speaking at the programme, Theja Meru stated that musicians and artistes had the ability to play vital role in uplifting the economy of a country or a state.

Taking the example of how BTS in South Korea and Tomorrow land festival in Belgium helped in boosting the economy by attracting tourists from other countries, he urged upon the selected candidates to have the will to work hard, plan intelligently and to expand networks consistently.

Meru further added that in order for state’s music ecosystem to thrive, it needed more than just passionate musicians.

In this regard, he added that it also required intelligent, well trained, skilled and informed musicians and hoped that the newly launched infinity NXT would push the candidates towards the much needed direction.

Delivering an overview

of Infinity NXT (INXT), CEO, Infinity Inc., Asalie Peseyie stated that INXT was an artist development programme, conceptualised and to be managed by Infinity Inc. He added that INXT was an annual program which would run for seven months, where selected candidates would be mentored in various aspects of the industry and that the program would culminate with showcase of selected candidates in December.

Peseyie also said that the programme would focus on all round development of an artist such as song writing, song and video production, styling, marketing and branding and performance.

He further added that INXT had chosen eight specialist mentors such as Nise Meruno, Alobo Naga, Mar Jamir, Angelina Pongener, Kevi Pucho, Sesino Dimasha, Yanfo Kikon, and Iliang Haralu who would be holding workshops with the artists in their own field of speciality.

The selected six candidates for the first batch of INXT were Sarah Yepthomi, Kendra, Joshua Shohe, Rylo, Temsu Clover and Nikato Tamang and chief mentors were DJ Ina, Kekhrie and Asalie Peseyie.

1961 - 2019

Q.: Will imposition of severe restrictions help to check the second COVID wave?

Imphal

Staff Reporter

Lt. Serichem Sangtam

nagalandpost.com Poll

Aizawl

enable smooth transaction/ withdrawal of funds and proper implementation of works under their specific respective schemes.

Under PMAY-G, RDO Hamdok M.Konyak read out the report and status of performance of the blocks while urging them to speed up the process of geo-tagging and registration for the sanctioned works. Grievances of BDOs were also discussed and solutions were shared.

Advisor, Task Force for Music and Arts (TaFMA), Theja Meru speaking at the launching programme (NP).

2nd DEATH ANNIVERSARY

DIMAPUR: National Lok Adalat (people’s courts) under the aegis of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority (NSLSA) will be held in all the district headquarters on April 10. This is the 1st Quarterly Lok Adalat for 2021-2021.

In a press release, NSLSA public relations assistant (PRA), Ketholeno Neihu informed that a total of 11 Lok Adalat benches at district court premises will be set up by the District Legal Services Authority (DLSAs).

Further, PRA has informed that disposal data of each DLSA would be uploaded on the web portal of the state authority at nslsa. nagalandgov.in.

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

Sekhose highlighted on the achievements of the previous financial year, where three villages: Chiechama; Okotso and Kezoma received awards under various categories.

He spoke on classification of 15th finance commission and the type differentiation of tied and untied funds. On bank accounts of various schemes, he stated that separate bank accounts should be maintained to

Infinity NXT launched in Dmu

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3

Centre sanctions over Rs 250 cr to NE to tackle COVID

New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI): The Centre has sanctioned over Rs 250 crore to the northeastern states for an effective management of the COVID-19 pandemic, Union minister Jitendra Singh said on Thursday.

Chairing a meeting of the Parliamentary Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) here, Singh said the fund has greatly helped in developing infrastructure for the management of COVID-19 and other infectious diseases.

A total amount of over Rs 250 crore was sanctioned by the Ministry of DoNER for augmenting healthcare facilities in the eight northeastern states for an effective management of COVID-19, an official statement quoted the minister as saying.

Singh recalled that long before the nationwide lockdown, in the very early stages of the pandemic, the Ministry of DoNER had promptly released Rs 25 crore to the northeastern states for gap funding to fight the COVID-19 outbreak effectively.

Jitendra Singh This amount was in the nature of untied funds, which were to be utilised on any activity relating to the pandemic and not covered under the existing central packages, the statement said. The minister assured the members of Parliament that issues such as connectivity, flood control, rainharvesting system, tourism, infrastructure development, telecommunications, residential schools and other related demands would be taken up on a priority basis in the coming days.

He said the Ministry of DoNER will play the role of a facilitator and guide for other ministries and they can approach him in a free and frank manner for identifying such projects.

The meeting reviewed issues related to the North East Special Infrastructure Development Scheme (NESIDS) and Special Packages in the NER. Singh apprised the MPs of certain important initiatives such as a separate budget for the North Eastern Council (NEC) for deprived sections and neglected areas, which was a long-pending demand from the region.

He also informed them about the holistic development of the bamboo sector and said three bamboo clusters have been approved in the Jammu, Katra and Samba areas of Jammu and Kashmir for the making of bamboo basketry, incense sticks and bamboo charcoal.

The meeting was attended

by Lok Sabha MPs Rebati Tripura, Rajkumar Ranjan Singh, Tapir Gao, Abdul Khaleque, Ramprit Mandal and Lal Rosanga, besides officials from the ministries of DoNER, tourism, railways, civil aviation, telecommunications, road transport and highways, power, ports, shipping and waterways, health and school education.

northeast/state Assam CEO received 1374 complaints G uwa h ati , A pr 8 (PTI): The office of the Assam Chief Election Officer Thursday said it had received 1374 complaints during the period the model code of conduct for the recently concluded state assembly election was in place.

Of the 1374 complaints received, 411 were dropped, 961 were found correct and two are pending, a release by the office of the CEO said.

During the period when the model code of conduct was in place from February 26 to April 8 for the three-phase poll for the 126-seat Assembly, there were 13 complaints about campaigning during the period when it was banned.

Six of the complaints have been dropped.

There were seven complaints about display of firearms and intimidation and six of them were dropped.

There were another 30 complaints about distribution of cash and 27 of them were dropped, the release said.

The other complaints included distribution of gifts and coupons, posters put up without mandatory declaration, defacement of property etc.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021

BNHS team records rare bird species in forests of Arunachal Aurangabad, Apr 8 (PTI): A team of scientists from the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) have discovered the threebanded rosefinch, a rare bird species, in the high- altitude coniferous forests of Arunachal Pradesh.

This is a first confirmed report of the species from Arunachal Pradesh and is a new addition to the list of birds in India, research team leader Dr Girish Jathar said in a release on Thursday.

The BNHS team, which was exploring the forests, photographed the birds on February 8 and identified them as three-banded rosefinch after detailed observations, he said. Three-banded rosefinches are predominantly found in southern China and Bhutan.

As per the release, the team recently published its findings in the journal “Indian Birds” last month.

The research team led

by Dr Jathar, the assistant director of BNHS, is conducting intensive surveys of finches across the eastern Himalayas.

During one of these surveys, researchers Atharva Singh and Himadri Shekar Mondal first photographed

Three-banded rosefinch

a male and a female bird of this species at Sela Pass, Arunachal Pradesh, at an altitude of 3,852 metre above sea level, the release states.

This pair was seen with a flock of white-browed rosefinch, a species commonly seen in this landscape. The species belongs to the family of finch, Fringillidae, which are seedeating passerine birds with a distinctively conical bill, Dr Jathar said.

According to Singh, the lead author of the paper, three-banded rosefinch may be using the high-altitude temperate coniferous forest of Arunachal Pradesh as a passage while migrating from China to Bhutan.

Thus, this landscape is a potential corridor for this species. Mondal, who is the second author of this

paper, said little information is available on the ecology of this species.

The altitudinal record of this species sighting from India is higher than its previous known altitudinal records from China, said Dr Jathar, who is leading Climate Change and Himalayas Programme at BNHS. This opens up an interesting ecological research on the species in the future, he said.

As per the release, at least 1,340 species have been reported in India and with the advent of technology and enthusiastic birders reaching remote areas, several species have been reported from India each year. Since 2016, India’s bird list expanded with the addition of 104 new species, he said.

Sonowal takes first dose of COVID-19 vaccine Guwahati, Apr 8 (PTI): Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal on Thursday took the first shot of COVID-19 vaccine at Gauhati Medical College and Hospital (GMCH).

After receiving his first jab, the chief minister told waiting journalists, all the eligible people in the state should get themselves vaccinated as it will help defeat the pandemic.

He also urged all to keep following COVID-19 safety protocols.

The chief minister tweeted, “Took my first shot of #COVID19 vaccine at GMCH. Vaccines are safe and will help us defeat this pandemic. I urge all eligible persons of the state to get vaccinated and continue following safety precautions.

Later addressing a joint press conference with his cabinet colleague Dr Himanta Biswa Sarma and BJP state president Ranjit Dass, Sonowal claimed that due to the united and continuous fight against COVID-19 in the last one year, Assam could check the virus from spreading further.

Doctors, nurses of Manipur’s JNIMS resign en masse COVID-19 claims five-year-old boy in Mnp

Correspondent

IMPHAL, Apr 8: Striking doctors and nurses of Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Medical Sciences (JNIMS), Imphal, one of two medical institutes in Manipur resigned en masses on Thursday, seeking fulfilment of their demand –adoption of pay structures recommended by Central 7th Pay Commission.

According to Dr S Bikramaditya, general secretary of striking Teachers’ Association, JNIMS, a total of 190 doctors submitted their resignation papers

to the director.

Members of the Trained Nurses Association of JNIMS have also tendered resignation en masse. The number of trained nurses who tendered the resignation could not be ascertained for the time being and members of striking All Non-Teaching Staffs, JNIMS were yet to follow suit.

The stern decision of the employees of the only state-run medical institution that put the healthcare services in the second biggest hospitals after RIMS was taken after no agree-

ment arrived at a meeting with the government today (Thursday).

Employees of the biggest state-run hospital agitating under the joint aegis of the three associations of JNIMS- trained nurses association , teachers’ association and non teaching staff association demanded adoption of pay structures recommended by Central 7th Pay Commission which employees of the state government had already enjoyed years ago.

The striking employees had earlier threatened to resign en masse yester-

Kohima DTF discusses surge in COVID-19 cases

DIMAPUR: Kohima District Task Force (DTF) on COVID-19 took up various issues pertaining to COVID-19 surge situation in the district during its meeting at DPDB’s conference hall on April 7. The meeting was attended by minister-in-charge for Kohima district on COVID-19, minister for PWD housing & mechanical, Tongpang Ozukum and was chaired by deputy commissioner (DC) Kohima, Gregory Thejawelie.

According to DIPR report, deliberating on COVID-19 surge and district preparedness on the issue, the meeting decided to re-activate sector officers and wards/colonies on COVID-19 to carry out COVID-19 related activities in their respective areas as executed earlier.

The meeting observed that it was necessitated because of the increase of positive cases and to monitor returnees from other states in their respective areas as precautionary measures.

In this connection, Ozukum said that without the active participation of all wards, colonies and Panchayats, the district would not have achieved this far and called upon stakeholders to continue their support towards the successful implementation of the existing SOPs. For effective implementation of existing SOPs on COVID-19 in wards and colonies, the meeting decided to recommend for authorisation of All Kohima Municipal Ward Panchayats (AKMWP) to high power committee on

COVID-19 to check and implement the SOP especially wearing of face mask and to penalize defaulters.

In this regard, DC also informed on the surprise checking conducted on April 5 and said that DTF would continue to carry out such enforcement drive for the safety of all.

As entrusted by the state health department, DTF decided to conduct random sampling and testing within Kohima town with some group of people involving their concerned unions and AKMWP organisations very soon.

CMO Kohima, Dr. Vezokholu Theyo highlighted on the recent positive cases at St. Paul training institute and informed that all necessary measures and close contacts were taken care.

LSU dismayed at ‘pathetic condition’ of GHSS Wokha

DIMAPUR, APR 8 (NPN): Lotha Students’ Union (LSU) has expressed dismay at the “pathetic condition” of Government Higher Secondary School (GHSS) building at Wokha town and sought the intervention of the chief minister in carrying out major renovation until new construction took place.

In a representation addressed to the state chief minister, LSU president Ashanthung Humtsoe and general secretary Pithungo Shitio pointed out that GHSS building was constructed in the year 1968 and ever since the inception of the institution no major renovation has taken place.

LSU stated that current enrolment of students was 1200 and the school campus

was one of the largest in Nagaland with no shortage of land to undertake any kind of infrastructure development.

However, due to the pathetic condition of the building, LSU said the students were facing a lot of hardships during monsoon season as there was no proper window and roofing.

Further, the union said that with the increase in number of students pursuing quality education, major renovations needed to take place at the earliest.

LSU also stated that concrete fencing needed to be properly demarcated in order to avoid any kind of land encroachments and for the security of the school property.

day (Wednesday). However, it was deferred after a talk with chief minister N Biren Singh who is also the chairman of the JNIMS Society under which the institution functions.

Following an assurance from the chief minister to look into their demands, representatives of the three striking bodies engaged in another round of talk with representatives of the government led by principal secretary (health) today.

As no agreement could be arrived at in the talk, the doctors and nurses

took the stern decision of tendering resignation from their job en masse.

After submitting the resignation letters, general secretary Dr S Bikramaditya of the striking Teachers’ Association, JNIMS said that they have no option but to tender resignation as the state government was not ready to fulfil their demands.

During today’s talk, citing the state’s unsound financial condition, the state government offered to adopt the 7th ROP with effect from April 1, 2021, he said.

Correspondent

IMPHAL, APR 8: After a gap of almost a half month, Manipur recorded one COVID-19 death amidst the gradually upward trend of fresh cases.

A five-year-old boy from Bishnupur district was the latest victim of the coronavirus. He expired at a private hospital in Imphal where he was admitted for medical treatment.

With the latest fatality, the cumulative number of COVID-19 fatality in the state stood at 375 on Thursday.

The death of the minor boy was at a time of a gradual upward trend in the daily caseload. State’s daily COVID-19 cases had fizzled down to single digits in the last three months.

State health department in its daily update report said that 15 fresh positive cases were recorded in the state in the past 24 hours, taking the overall infection caseload to 29,463.

Among the fresh cases, five were air passengers who were diagnosed with the viral disease when tested upon arrival at Imphal Airport.

Manipur tested all air

passengers upon arrival at Imphal airport around a month ago in the backdrop of a second wave in some states of the country.

So far, 2,656 passengers including 102 tested today were subjected to Rapid Antigen Test (RAT) . Including the five cases today, 44 persons have been diagnosed with the viral disease.

The report of the state health department said that 15 persons including one Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel were confirmed as new COVID19 cases in the state in the past 24 hours.

state

DPDB meetings held in Tuensang, Kiphire DIMAPUR: District Planning and Development Board (DPDB) meetings were held in Tuensang and Kiphire on April 8, to discuss various issues as well as agendas for the development of the districts.

Tuensang: Tuensang DPDB meeting was held at deputy commissioner (DC)’s conference hall. The meeting was chaired by DC and DPDB Tuensang vice chairman, Kumar Ramnikant.

According to DIPR report, the members discussed the agenda on transferring Chingmelen, Helipong and Sipongsang villages from Sotokur EAC administrative circle to Tuensang district administrative circle and decided to forward it to the government for further action. District level committee for aspirational block Chessore was set up with the following members: CMO, EE (R&B), EE (power); DAO (Agri); DHO (Horti); district soil conservation

Tuensang officer; PD land resource; DEO (education); DFO (forest); PD RD; DWO and president YTC. The house deliberated on upgrading class V to class VIII of Mount Sinai School Longkhim, improvement of road between main road to Imlong Theological college campus and financial assistance in construction of badminton court at GHSS Thangjam. The house decided to contribute for the same. Proposal for registration of Grace Ministry welfare society at Chessore

Kiphire village was discussed and agreed to send to the government for registration.

The board also invited the general manager of state bank of India and discussed on loopholes in the functioning, its service policies and for better delivery of services in the district. Representatives of NHIDCL were also invited to the meeting to discuss the ongoing work between Mokokchung and Tuensang. The representatives gave details of the work programme.

NHIDCL was advised

to complete the works with best workmanship and within stipulated time.

District welfare officer presented a PowerPoint presentation on the departmental activities where cases of non-beneficiaries of potential section of people were discussed and agreed to write to government for the same.

Kiphire: Kiphire district planning and development board meeting was held at DC’s conference hall under the chairmanship of deputy commissioner

& DPDB Vice-chairman, T. Wati Aier. According to DIPR report, the house deliberated on setting up of carpentry training institute at Sangphure and decided to put forward the proposal to the higher ups for further necessary actions.

Meanwhile, power department was entrusted to present PowerPoint presentation in the next DPDB meeting. The new officers, PD, DRDA Kiphire, Taliyanger and SRCS (ARCS), K. Liricham Anar were also introduced to the house.

CM, others condole demise of Rev. L. Mankup Konyak

DIMAPUR: State chief minister, Neiphiu Rio and others have mourned the demise of Rev. L. Mankup Konyak, the first ordained minister among the Konyaks (ordained on March 7, 1967), who passed away on April 7, 2021 at Tamlu village.

In a condolence note, state chief minister Neiphiu Rio described Rev. Mankup as a selfless and dedicated man of God who worked tirelessly in the Church ministry throughout his life.

Besides his immense contribution to the church, some notable mentions were: he served as the president of Konyak Students’ Union; he was the founding member of the Konyak Tribal Union and

under his initiative the Konyak uniform shawls for both men and women were adopted.

The chief minister said that late reverend played an active role as a “peace negotiator between Indian Armed forces and the Naga political groups.”

Looking at his life’s journey, it is evident that he was a man of both words and action, who relentlessly offered the best of his years to the church as well as to the society, he said. Stating that the Konyak community in particular and Naga people in general had lost a spiritual mentor and a father figure, chief minister said that although his absence would be deeply felt, his deeds would continue to live on.

Further chief minister and his wife conveyed their condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed that God would give them strength to bear the irreparable loss.

W Wangyuh Konyak: Advisor NDPP W Wangyuh Konyak, ex-MP (Lok Sabha), has expressed grief over the demise of Rev. L. Mankup Konyak.

In a condolence note, W Wangyuh Konyak said that late reverend was a pioneer in the field of Christianity not only in present Konyak area but also in Myanmar and Arunachal areas.

“Though he is no more with us physically, his deeds would always be remembered by the Konyaks,”

he stated. Further, W Wangyuh Konyak and his family conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and prayed for his soul to rest in peace.

NPF Mon division: Naga People’s Front (NPF) Mon division has expressed grief over the demise of Rev. Mankap.

In a condolence note, its general secretary (admn) HA Hongnao Konyak stated that the late reverend was among the most prominent figure not only in Konyak community but also among the Nagas.

NPF, Mon division conveyed condolences to the bereaved family members and prayed for his soul to rest peacefuly in the heavenly home.

4

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post

Post-mortem

Vol. XXxI NO. 122 Dimapur, FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021

Neither here nor there

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ut of six issues that the state cabinet deliberated, it deferred decisions on four crucial demands- implementation of Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland(RIIN); enhancement of superannuation age of medical officers from the current 60 to 65 years; shifting of the office of DC Dimapur to Chümoukedima and implementation of standing government order on ban on fresh appointments. The cabinet okayed the proposal for urging upon the Centre for a separate high court in the state and approved new courses for government polytechnics in Mon, Wokha and Peren. By deferring decisions , the cabinet may have given itself a breathing space but it will have to eventually take a call.

Past and present governments, had in fact flirted with these issues in the past. The governments had raised the bar as they felt these issues were popular. Today, when the time has come to take a call on these issue which it had flirted with, the government has now shifted the onus of responsibility on consultations with CSOs. Delegating responsibility to others is absolving responsibility. For instance, the ban on fresh appointments is a standing government order since 1997 and reiterated in 2020. However, since 1997 hundreds have been appointed through various doors-back, front, side etc whether sanctioned nor non-sanctioned or temporary attachments etc. Re-discussion is also an admission of shifting responsibility. The other issue of RIIN was another populist syndrome to bring Dimapur district under Inner Line Permit(ILP) . Probably the government felt it sounded right to go against illegal immigrants through ILP. In order to do that, there has to be a base to identify who can or who cannot be under ILP. This necessitated identification of who is or who is not an indigenous inhabitant.

The government thus constituted the RIIN commission headed by a retired chief secretary and with two others as members. The Commission submitted its report during the end of 2019 and the government assured it would do the needful.

That did not happen and the COVID-19 pandemic in March 2020 came as a relief since it provided much needed alibi in not taking any decision.

Even in February 2021,days ahead of the budget session, Joint Committee for Prevention of Illegal Immigrants(JCPI) along with other apex tribe bodies of the state, made a fervent plea on the government to table and pass RIIN at the session.

It was not done and JCPI had issued another ultimatum to enact RIIN on or before March 31 but it too went unheeded. Now the government has decided to hold a series of re-consultations with various tribe organisations which means delaying the process. On the superannuation issue as demanded by NIDA, the government has decided to consult students on the matter. The other issue of shifting office of DC Dimapur to the new complex at Chümoukedima was decided decades back but today, the government is unable to implement its own decision. Not implementing decisions only makes people feel that the government, rightly or wrongly, is in a state of indecision and can flip flop on crucial issues.

DailyDevotion His Resurrection Destiny Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory? —Luke 24:26 Our Lord’s Cross is the gateway into His life. His resurrection means that He has the power to convey His life to me. When I was born again, I received the very life of the risen Lord from Jesus Himself.

Christ’s resurrection destiny— His foreordained purpose— was to bring “many sons to glory” (Hebrews 2:10). The fulfilling of His destiny gives Him the right to make us sons and daughters of God. We never have exactly the same relationship to God that the Son of God has, but we are brought by the Son into the relation of sonship. When our Lord rose from the dead, He rose to an absolutely new life— a life He had never lived before He was God Incarnate. He rose to a life that had never been before. And what His resurrection means for us is that we are raised to His risen life, not to our old life. One day we will have a body like His glorious body, but we can know here and now the power and effectiveness of His resurrection and can “walk in newness of life” (Romans 6:4).

Paul’s determined purpose was to “know Him and the power of His resurrection” (Philippians 3:10).

Jesus prayed, “…as You have given Him authority over all flesh that He should give eternal life to as many as You have given Him” (John 17:2). The term Holy Spirit is actually another name for the experience of eternal life working in human beings here and now. The Holy Spirit is the deity of God who continues to apply the power of the atonement by the Cross of Christ to our lives. Thank God for the glorious and majestic truth that His Spirit can work the very nature of Jesus into us, if we will only obey Him.

Quotes

“There will come a time when you believe everything is finished; that will be the beginning.”

- Louis L’Amour

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021

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Covid to polls: The chaos that is India

t was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness”: Charles Dickens in A Tale of Two Cities. The author’s reflections on France and Britain in the mid-19th century now echo in 21stcentury India, trapped as we are in our Dickensian moment. If 2020 was the year of doom and gloom, 2021 is where hope alternates with despair in surreal discomfort. Early year optimism that the worst was over has descended into deepening concerns over a second Covid-19 wave.

Covid-19 cases have climbed to more than 100,000 a day, but if you are covering the state elections, you wouldn’t know that a pandemic was on. The masks are off as thousands gather at rallies. Lockdown rules and severe penalties are in place for the ordinary citizen, but devotees are in a celebratory mood at the Haridwar Maha Kumbh while cricket’s annual mela, the Indian Premier League,

is set to kick off in Mumbai.

Not more than 50 people can be invited to a wedding, but no Covid-19 protocols seem to apply to political rallies and religious gatherings. Crazy but true.

Maharashtra is the worst-affected Covid-19 state, but is also racked by political instability with the coalition government in Mumbai on a monthly ventilator. Its “Big Boss”, Sharad Pawar, was admitted to hospital for a surgery, barely days after reports surfaced of a clandestine dinner meeting between him and Union home minister Amit Shah in the backdrop of extortion charges made by a former Mumbai police commissioner against the state home minister who has finally stepped down.

It gets worse. The Union health ministry and the Maharashtra government are in an ugly face-off over vaccines. The claim that the state isn’t getting enough vaccines is a product of bureaucratic red tape, but so great is the trust deficit

between Delhi and Mumbai that the fracas is hardly surprising.

Caught in the middle are anxious citizens queuing up at vaccination centres.

Many netas, by virtue of age or other health conditions, have got their vaccinations; the lesser mortals must wait their turn.

Amid the wrangling, surely, one big lesson of 2020 is the need for the political leadership to focus on better Covid-19 management and get the economy back on track.

Sadly, it’s a lesson unlearnt. An important budget session of Parliament was cut short because netas had to hit the campaign trail.

Most Union ministers aren’t in their offices, but instead have been assigned specific districts in Bengal to handle.

Such is the obsessive desire of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to win Bengal that the central government is playing second fiddle to the party’s ambitions; it’s almost as if governance and crucial policy decisions can wait till

Kolkata is conquered.

In television studios, we are told that a V-shaped recovery is on its way, but, on the ground, as one travels from Kerala to Assam, the one unifying factor is visible economic distress, especially among those in the unorganised sector. Jobs have been lost, incomes have shrunk, fuel prices have risen, but the dominant narrative on the campaign trail is once again about religion and the Hindu-Muslim divide. In Assam, the “promigrant” Badruddin Ajmal is the “enemy” figure, while in Kerala the rhetoric of “love jihad”, Sabarimala, Hindu traditions, Muslim appeasement and Church assertion now threatens decades of harmony. In Bengal, the religious polarisation has become so acute that chief minister Mamata Banerjee revealed her gotra and recited the Chandi Path. The one state relatively free of the religion card is Tamil Nadu but that’s perhaps because the number of Muslims is not

The hunger-food waste paradox in India

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n one hand, a country struggles to feed its starving population, on the other hand, wastes a lot of food. This situation reflects a grim contrast. This contradiction puts India in a piquant situation. On one hand, India ranks 103rd in the Global Hunger Index (GHI) while on the other, in an eye-opening revelation, the average households waste 50 kg of food per person per yearor 68,760,163 tonnes a year, according to the United Nations Environment Programme’s Food Waste Index Report 2021.

It produces more, wastes more while more people go hungry.

Indians waste as much food as the whole of United Kingdom consumes. I mean food wastage is an alarming issue in India.

The Food Waste Index Report 2021 says that the household food waste in India is about 68.7 million tonnes a year.

Food Waste Index Report 2021estimates that around 931 million tonnes of food waste was generated in 2019. 61% of which came from households, 26% from food service and 13% from retail.

Around 67 million tonnes of food is wasted in India every year which has been valued at around Rs 92,000 crores. For

context, this amount is enough to feed all of Bihar for a year.

Annually, nearly 21 million metric tonnes of wheat rots in India. This figure is equal to Australia’s total annual production. According to old 2018 BMC data, Mumbai generates close to 9,400 metric tonnes of solid waste per day, from which 73% is food, vegetable, and fruit waste, while only 3% is plastic.

Meat accounts for about 4% of food wastage but 20% of the costs, while 70% of fruit and vegetable output is wasted, accounting for 40% of the total cost. India may be the world’s largest milk producer and grow the second largest quantity of fruits and vegetables (after China), but it is also the world’s biggest waster of food.

Common causes of food waste in restaurants include overbuying, overproduction, and spoilage. Overbuying is often a result of inadequate forecasting of consumer demand and the large quantities of food that restaurants typically need to purchase at one time.

Food Wastage not only leads to negative environmental impact but also causes economic loss. According to an FAO report, approximately one-third of all food produced for human

consumption is lost or wasted.

The economic costs of this food wastage are substantial and amount to about $1 trillion each year.

What we can do? Planning in the supply chain can improve with technology, reducing transit time in shipping and logistics. In addition, multiple government initiatives are also assisting in building infrastructure for the food industry.We need to plan out your meal and make our shopping list in advance to determine what we actually need. Earlier data suggested that about 20% of what we buy in urban India ends up being thrown away. We could cut down on the surplus and contain wastage. We should buy in quantities we can realistically use. We should avoid impulse buys because it will more or less find itself in the bin.If we cook at home, we should make sure we cook keeping in mind there is no excess. In case we end up making more food than what can be consumed, we should not throw it away. It is needed to be fed someone around us who needs that meal.

Mithilesh Kumar Sinha, Nagaland University, Lumami

significant enough here to make a difference at election time.

And in the midst of the spiralling poll insanity around us, the Election Commission’s role is coming under the scanner. The body is supposed to be a neutral umpire but there are allegations that it is increasingly looking like a 12th man for the ruling party at the Centre — ready to show a red card to the Opposition but hesitant to blow the whistle when the BJP plays foul. These allegations are fuelled by its own actions: Even when it did act against BJP strongman Himanta Biswa Sarma, the penalty was quickly diluted.

Meanwhile, farmers are still agitating and demanding that the farm laws be withdrawn. Their agitation has been on for at least four months now. Surprisingly, we don’t hear of rising Covid-19 cases in the farm community — though experts warn of its potential to be a super-spreader event, especially given the rising

cases in Punjab — even as those in Mumbai’s highrises bear the brunt. Is the battle-hardened kisan more immune to the virus than the sharp-suited Indian?

May be, may be not: in the India of 2021, kuch bhi ho sakta hai (anything can happen).

Post-script: Whether India’s farmers are Covid19 proof or not, netas sure think they are. On the campaign trail in Assam, Sarma, who is also the state’s health minister, has refused to wear a mask. When asked why, he brazened it out: “There is no corona in Assam.”

Another neta offers us an even better one-liner when we ask him why he doesn’t wear a mask on a roadshow.

“Please, understand, people have gathered here to see me, not you. How can they see me properly if I wear a mask?”

Rajdeep Sardesai is a senior journalist and author (The views expressed are personal)

The Importance of Mental Health Awareness

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ental illnesses affect 19% of the adult population, 46% of teenagers and 13% of children each year. People struggling with their mental health may be in your family, live next door, teach your children, work in the next cubicle or sit in the same church pew. However, only half of those affected receive treatment, often because of the stigma attached to mental health. Untreated, mental illness can contribute to higher medical expenses, poorer performance at school and work, fewer employment opportunities and increased risk of suicide.

What exactly is a Mental Illness?

A mental illness is a physical illness of the brain that causes disturbances in thinking, behavior, energy or emotion that makes it difficult to cope with the ordinary demands of life. Research is starting to uncover the complicated causes of these diseases which can include genetics, brain chemistry, brain structure, experiencing trauma and/or having another medical condition, like heart disease.

The two most common mental health conditions are: Anxiety Disorders – More than 18% of adults each year struggle with some type of anxiety disorder, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder (panic

attacks), generalized anxiety disorder and specific phobias.

Mood Disorders – Mood disorders, such as depression and bipolar depression, affect nearly 10% of adults each year and are characterized by difficulties in regulating one’s mood.

What can you do to help?

Although the general perception of mental illness has improved over the past decades, studies show that stigma against mental illness is still powerful, largely due to media stereotypes and lack of education, and that people tend to attach negative stigmas to mental health conditions at a far higher rate than to other diseases and disabilities, such as cancer, diabetes or heart disease.

Stigma affects not only the number seeking treatment, but also the number of resources available for proper treatment. Here are few powerful things you can do to help: • Showing individuals respect and acceptance removes a significant barrier to successfully coping with their illness.

• Advocating within our circles of influence helps ensure these individuals have the same rights and opportunities as other members of your church, school and community.

• Learning more about mental health allows us to provide helpful support to those affected in our families and communities.

Jean Holthaus, LISW, LMSW

N. Kitovi Zhimomi responds to Zeliangrong Community My Zeliangrong brothers and sisters, Our apex Zeliangrong frontal organisations have linked my name and GPRN/ NSCN government on two recent incidents. Firstly, the detainment and release of three timber thieves from 2nd to 13th March 2021.

Allow me to clarify the first. I own a small teak plantation area at Kiyevi Village. Every year, for the last thirty one years, to ensure robust growth, the area is cleared of seasonal shrubs and creepers. Till today no Zeliangrong organisation or individual, either in person or through Kiyevi Villagers, has ever objected or protested my ownership of the plantation area.

On 27th Febr uar y 2021, I sent few villagers to enquire about the road condition since I wanted to utilize some teak wood for personal use. Soon I was told that handful of trees were on the ground, cut down by unknown persons.

On 2nd March 2021, I requested for a police escort and visited the plantation area and found that best matured teakwood had been cut few days back, loaded and taken away the previous night or the night before.

Fortunately the presence of police escort party with me on that day witnessed every word and ac-

tion. Three persons with rations and working tools were found in my plantation. They were questioned on their presence at private teak plantation and they responded that they were daily wagers save for one who was an auto driver, hired by the owner. When asked who hired and sent them, they replied the owner would be found some distance below near the paddy field with a small car and a bike. Except for the vehicles, none was seen at the site. On inspecting their rucksacks, food stuff and handsaws, primarily to cut teak trees with minimal noise, were found. Since the supposed owner quietly left the scene, they were taken to the camp so that their employer would come forward, clear the matter and take them home.

Our Zeliangrong organisations are alleging that I, with police escort abducted the three men from Lamhai Namdi village but the police personnel would testify the fact. There is no question of abducting the men. They were caught at the spot of robbery at teak plantation under Kiyevi Village and not at Lamhai Namdi village which, I am told, is five or six kilometers away, with the same motive, intention and tools to commit more falling of teak trees. Normal daily wagers

use machetes/daos and not handsaw. While the auto driver was released, the other two confessed they were daily wagers from Rainglong Village in Tamenglong district, Manipur State. Zeliangrong Baudi, Nagaland, were invited to the camp to briefed on this matter but they did not turn up.

The Ceasefire Monitoring board too was informed of the matter as there was a huge gap between what actually happened and what was being portrayed in the media. I am convinced it is a case of timber theft and nothing else. The effort should be to trace the master thief and the recovery of lost items to the rightful owner. The Ceasefire office has assured that the hirer of the daily wagers would be identified and lost timber would be recovered.

Thus the daily wagers, even though without identifying who sent them to commit the crime, were released.

Traditionally, thieves are given befitting punishment on the spot while the quantum of penalty is decided later by the village headmen and elders.

I bear no ill-will against my Zeliangrong brothers.

Our Naga political struggle is inclusive of all Naga areas and none is a second class Naga whatsoever but as we aspire to pursue democratic

political process on the issue of Naga Integration, we must not invite or encourage fellow Nagas from other areas to indulge in timber smuggling or similar crimes in private properties and plantations. I would gladly assist if approached or requested.

Also, I believe it is wrong to announce lightening strikes, bands and protests, shutting schools and other institutions by tribal bodies demanding release of thieves and smugglers by whipping up tribal and communal emotions.

The democratic right of the people must not be used for petty issues. Our tribal minds work faster than computers when it comes to land disputes. We become judge, jury and executioner instantly without examining the historical and legal positions. Eventually, the mountains and trees will outlive all of us. If any quantity of mother earth’s produce is required from my plantation in future, be it by neighbouring Sumi or Zeliangrong villagers, I may be informed or requested so that I can oblige in a more civilized manner.

Secondly, fingers are being pointed at me and GPRN/NSCN in the killing of three Zeliang members on 22nd March 2021.

Please allow me to of-

fer my deepest condolences to the families of our three brothers who were mercilessly gunned down by unidentified armed men on 22nd March 2021. I unequivocally condemn the barbaric act. My sympathy also goes out to all aggrieved members of Zeliangrong Community. I truly believe that within the Naga family, bloodshed and killing will never solve any problem.

I reiterate to all my zeliangrong friends and Nagas in general that there is no connection whatsoever between the timber theft issue and the murder of three Zeliangrong brothers

on 22nd March 2021. The incidents are more than five kilometres apart! There is no GPRN/NSCN civil or military directive to commit the crime. I hope agencies probing the case will arrest the culprits and award befitting punishment for the crime. I also pray and hope that Zeliangrong and Sumi villages between Dimapur and Peren districts will learn to co-exist as Naga brothers and peaceful neighbours in all the times to come.

God bless Nagaland!

N.Kitovi Zhimomi, Convener, NNPGs & Ato Kilonser, GPRN/NSCN

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Poor maintenance of foot bridges

The government’s initiative to provide the public with foot bridges in Dimapur was highly applauded and appreciated by everyone. However, the lack of maintenance and civic sense on the part of the commuters appalls me. It hasn’t even been long after the installation of the newly constructed bridge but these bridges has already started sporting plastic wastes and spit stains.

Therefore, I would like to urge every sensible residence of Dimapur to refrain from dirtying the foot bridge if you are not going to clean it.

Sancho Lotha, 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.

5

national/state

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021

Why no complaint against Modi? Mamata Delhi’s daily COVID-19 tally breaches 7000-mark for first time this year

will continue to oppose vote division on religious lines: Mamata

Domjur (WB), Apr 8 (PTI): Asserting that she would continue to raise her voice against any attempt made to divide voters on communal lines, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday said the Election Commission may serve 10 showcause notices on her but that won’t change her stance.

The poll panel had on Wednesday issued a notice to Banerjee for violating the model code of conduct, after she allegedly urged the Muslim community to vote en block for the TMC at a public meeting in Tarakeshwar.

The TMC supremo, who addressed four backto-back rallies during the day, sought to know why no complaint has been registered against BJP star campaigner and Prime

Mamata Banerjee (PTI) Minister Narendra Modi, alleging that he often makes references to Hindu and Muslim votebanks while delivering speeches.

“You (EC) can issue 10 show cause notices to me but my reply will be the same. I will always speak against any division of Hindu and Muslim votes,” the TMC supremo stated.

“Why is that no complaint has been filed against

Narendra Modi, who talks about Hindu and Muslim (votebanks) every day?

How many complaints have been lodged against those who had uttered the word ‘mini Pakistan’ during the Nandigram campaigns?” the CM contended.

Making light of Modi’s ‘Didi o Didi’ barb during his rallies, Banerjee said “Everyone has his or her own style of speaking, own rhetoric. Keep mocking me as many times as you want. But if you cross the lakshman rekha, it will only be a reflection of your personality.”

Maintaining that the BJP has deployed men and machinery to hound political opponents, she claimed that national channels are also being forced to telecast news suiting the party’s interests.

Describing TMC turncoat and BJP candidate from Domjur, Rajib Banerjee, as a “traitor”, the ruling camp supremo said, “He has betrayed those who had voted for him in 2016.

I am sorry I could not see his true colours back then,” she said.

The fesity leader, while addressing a public meeting in Sreerampur, Hooghly district, further claimed that central forces might visit villages to intimidate people, and asked voters to be on their guard.

She said that the paramilitary personnel are working at behest of Home Minister Amit Shah.

“I have great respect for the central paramilitary forces but they are working on the instructions of Amit Shah.

They are committing

NIDA resolves to intensify protest

(From p-1) capacity in medical colleges across the country and ii) enhancement of superannuation age of all doctors to 62 years and up to 65 years for teaching/clinical/ patient care/implementation of health programmes/ public health programme and functions and other areas/functions, including advisory and consultancy, etc. depending on their expertise and experience.

The association said the requirement for doctors in the State was 2,073 as per WHO recommendation, whereas 1,118 doctors were registered with Nagaland Medical Council (NMC) as on date, the shortfall being 955.

And if the current allocation of 35-40 MBBS seats every year to the State was taken into account, NIDA feared that it would take 23 to 27 years to achieve the WHO recommendation.

To address the shortage of doctors in the State, NIDA recalled that it had been pursuing the issue of enhancing the superannua-

tion of age of doctors, in line with the Central government policy announced by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, with the State Government since 2016. Regretting that the State government was yet to address the issue, the association clarified that this was not for the benefit of any individual but in the interest of healthcare delivery in the State.

While appreciating and acknowledging the government efforts to strengthen the healthcare system in the State, the association said the total sanctioned post of doctors was now 511 with the creation of 120 posts in 2020 during COVID-19 pandemic. However, the figure was still short by around 800 doctors as per Indian Public Health Standard for the existing health facilities, it pointed out.

Besides the existing 114 vacancies against sanctioned posts, NIDA said 300 doctors would be required for the two upcoming medical colleges. In response to the last advertisement for recruitment to the newly-

created posts of doctors in 2020, only 168 candidates had applied for 199 vacancies. This clearly indicated huge shortage of doctors in the State as, out of the 1,118 registered doctors with NMC, 520, including contractual, were under the department and about 200 were retired (>65 years of age), meaning 398 doctors were in private sector.

Therefore, the body contended that increasing the retirement age of doctors would not adversely affect employment avenues for unemployed doctors in the State.

NIDA further pointed out that in view of delayed entry into service owing to longer duration of study, about 86% doctors retired from service on reaching the superannuation age, with the tenure of senior officers, particularly from the rank of additional director and above, being few months. This short tenure at senior levels disrupted continuity of administrative policies and momentum of development, especially in

atrocities on villagers on the eve of the polling day, and also on the day of voting. Some are even harassing women. They are asking people to vote for the BJP,” she claimed.

Banerjee called upon the state police force and said, “Your job is to ensure free and fair polls, please be stern with trouble-makers and keep your integrity intact. Do not bow your heads before Delhi.”

Asking villagers to file complaint in case of any unwarranted use of force by the paramilitary personnel, the chief minister said, “If the police station refuses to lodge an FIR, inform us.

Hitting out at the BJP for “spreading misinformation about promulgation of section 144”, the TMC supremo said.

New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI): Delhi recorded 7,437 fresh COVID-19 cases Thursday, the highest singleday surge this year, while 24 more people died due to the coronavirus infection, taking the death toll to 11,157, according to the ciity’s Health Department.

The positivity rate also mounted to 8.1 per cent from 6.1 per cent the previous day, as the massive spike in cases witnessed over the past few weeks continues.

This is also the first time that over 7,000 cases have been reported in a day this year. The daily case count for the past two days was also above 5,000.

The highest single-day spike in Delhi till date -8,593 cases -- was reported on November 11, while on November 19, the city recorded 131 COVID-19

Family members and relatives perform burial of COVID-19 victims at a graveyard, in New Delhi, Thursday. (PTI)

deaths, the highest singleday fatality since the pandemic began. On November 27, the city had recorded 5,482 cases and 6,224 cases on November 24 and 7,486 on November 18, as per official data.

A total of 91,770 tests, including 52,696 RT-PCR tests and 39,074 rapid antigen tests, were conducted a day ago, the bulletin said.

The number of cumula-

tive cases on Thursday stood at 6,98,005. Over 6.63 lakh patients have recovered from the virus. As per the latest bulletin, 24 more people died due to the disease, taking the toll to 11,157.

The number of active cases rose to 23,181 from 19,455 a day before.

The number of people under home isolation increased to 11,367 from 10,048 on Wednesday.

Adult education programme ... CVC reacts to opposition

the backdrop COVID-19, it added. The association said experienced seniors were also required to see the fruition of ongoing projects, especially the upcoming medical colleges in Kohima and Mon. Mentioning that training doctors was highly resource-intensive and that clinical acumen increased with experience, NIDA said many retired doctors were being engaged by private hospitals, even as government hospitals were deprived of utilising their expertise and experience due to early retirement. Thus, increasing the superannuation age would enable optimal use of service of highly-trained doctors, it added.

NIDA said high court has taken cognizance of the fact that a medical college in the State would help in getting manpower for catering to the needs of the State and vide its February 16, 2021 order started monitoring the progress of the medical college.

(From p-1) The adviser hoped the volunteers of SLMA would deliver better results this time, even as he appealed to the teacher volunteers to be sincere. He said, being nodal department, it was the responsibility of the school education department to ensure that no one was left illiterate. He urged village councils, GBs, student bodies, women organisation, etc, to assist the teacher volunteers, stating that one could not expect Government of India (GoI) to introduce schemes after schemes for literates the country.

In her introductory remark, special secretary School Education Kevileno Angami said the illiteracy rate of Nagaland was 14% (around 3 lakh) as per 2011 census and admitted that implementing SLMA would be a challenging task.

Acknowledging government of India for the initiative to remove illiteracy from Nagaland, she said the School Education depart-

ment was responsible for making the people literate.

She said the teaching materials for SLMA were provided by the Centre free of cost, adding that implementation of the programme would be completed in four months in the three districts. Kevileno also sought the support of the church, NGOs and student unions to achieve the objective of the programme.

In his welcome note, principal School Education director Shanavas C said three volunteer teachers would cover the three districts to teach the illiterate persons with the teaching materials. He said the teacher volunteers would cover more than just reading and writing. In his closing remark, director School Education Wonthungo Tsopoe said Mokokchung district was also among the districts with high illiteracy, especially women, as per 2011 census, because of which the district was being covered under the programme.

against shifting of DC office

(From p-1) On claims that Chümoukedima township was not a cadastral area, the CVC chairman asked whether the other 11 DC offices in the State were located in cadastral areas?.

He asserted that opposition against shifting of DC’s office now was illogical because the district was bifurcated from Kohima district in 1997 with Chümoukedima clearly indicated as its headquarters and that there has not been even a whisper of objection from any quarter.

He said that the people of the district instead collectively rejoiced and expressed heartfelt gratitude to the government for fulfilling the long-cherished dream of creating a new district.

Chatsu said when the old DC office at Chümoukedima village come up people were elated and opposing the shifting of DC office was the last thing on their minds then.

He said same was the case when the construction of the DC Complex began a decade or so back. Chatsu contended that it was, therefore, “utterly mystifying” as to how the plan to shift was being fiercely opposed now.

However, the CVC chairman said the “silver lining in this unwholesome saga” was the suggestion that the government consider setting up offices of two DCs (Rural and Urban) in the district.

Considering the extent of area and population of Dimapur district, CVC appealed to the state government study the possibility/practicality of the suggestion and do the needful at the earliest.

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND MGNREGA COMMISSIONERATE OF NAGALAND

No. COMMR/MGNREGA/CFP/2020-2I Dated Kohima the 8th April 2021

NOTIFICATION

K-709

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND

DIRECTORATE OF EMPLOYMENT, SKILL DEVELOPMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

DP-1873

NAGALAND, KOHIMA

Dated Kohima the 8th April, 2021

ADVERTISEMENT NO. DET - 7/12/2015: Applications are invited from bonafide indigenous inhabitants of Nagaland for undergoing training in various sectors through NEC funded Skill Training program as per details below; Gram: Agricomplex Medziphema

Phone:247241/247250 Fax :03862 -247241

ICAR RESEARCH COMPLEX FOR NEH REGION (Indian Council of Agricultural Research) Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland- 797106

No.RCN/Project-RC/668/Pt.III/2020

WALK- IN-INTERVIEW

Dated 6th April, 2021

Eligible candidates are invited to attend a Walk-in-Interview for recruitment of 01 SRF under Poultry Seed Project on 21st April, 2021 at 11.00 A.M in the chamber of Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema, Nagaland Sl. Desirable Pay Essential qualification Age Limit No. qualification Rs.31,000/pm M.VSc. in any discipline of 35 years for men and Experience in 1 + HRA Veterinary or Animal Science 40 years for women relevant field Terms and conditions: 1. The offer is purely contractual and co-terminus with the end of the project with no provision of regularization.

2. The candidates should bring all relevant certificates, mark sheets, experience certificate etc. in original for verification.

3. Candidates should also bring an application with full bio-data addressed to the Joint Director, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema with attested photocopies of certificates and mark sheets from Matriculation onwards. A recent passport size photograph should also be affixed on the top of the application.

Sd/Asstt. Admn. Officer DC-335

Sl. Details of Training No. 1 Train 1100 Youth/ Entrepreneurs in maintenance of tools & machineries 2 Skill Training for 1100 Youths on Machineries, Processing & Business Management 3 1100 Technicians to be trained in construction Sector

OFFICE OF THE

DIMAPUR AREA CHUCHUYIMLANG KIKUMSUNGBA ASO ELANGTSüR TELONGJEM Dimapur : Nagaland

FELICITATION

Name of Implementing Contact details Department (Email, Phone, website) Agriculture Dept. & NSRLM

6009696907 trng.tools@gmail.com www.nsrlm.in

Industries & Commerce 9863556449 industrynaga@gmail.com Dept.

PWD (Mechanical) Labour Dept.

7005360470, 8974452807 esttcemech74@gmail.com For Kohima, Phek, Zunheboto, Kiphire, Noklak, Tuensang, Longleng & Mon. 9436001016, 9862199921.

For Dimapur, Peren, Wokha & Mokokchung 9874055863, 9774482604 labcomm-ngl@nic.in

Note: Preference will be given to those candidates who have returned to the State due to the Covid-19 lockdown.

DC-336

K-735

Sd/CHIDEN YADEN Director Issued by DIPR

With great joy and honour, the Kikumsüngba Aso Elangtsur Dimapur extend our heartiest congratulations to Mrs. AKOKLA PONGEN LUCY for being inducted as the member of the National Co-operative Union of India Women Empowerment Committee on International Women's Day on 8th March, 2021 at New Delhi. She is the first woman to be inducted in such prestigious position from Nagaland.

We take pride in your achievement and may God continue to bless and guide you in your future endeavour.

T. Asenla Pongen President DACKAET

Tsuknungkala Genral Secretary DACKAET

DP-1874

Dr. T. Amenla Longkumer, MD General Medicine (Medicine Specialist) will be available for consultation daily between 9 AM and 4 PM (except Sundays / Holidays) at Eden Medical Centre from 12th April 2021.

DP-1872

INFORMATION

In pursuance of the Advertisement No. COMMR/ MGNREGA/CFP/2020-21, 8th September 2020 and the interview held on the 26th of March 2021, the following candidates have been selected for the under mentioned posts for implementation of Cluster Facilitation Project under MGNREGA in the Aspirational district of Kiphire.

Sl. Name of the Name of the Post No Candidate 1 Lucy Humtsoe State Project Officer (GIS) 2 Aoyala Longchar District Expert (GIS) 3 Shanila Seb State Project Officer (NRM) 4 Hongkin I. Chang District Coordinator (NRM) 5 Medo Linyü State Project Officer (Livelihood) The candidates are to submit their acceptance letter addressed to the Commissioner (MGNREGA) within a period of 7 days from the date of publication of this notice.

national

SC allows probe against Anil Deshmukh

Su doku

KAKURO

years ago? he asked.

When Trinamool Congress came to power in the state a decade ago it had promised to serve ‘maamaati-manush’ (mother, motherland and people), which became its slogan.

“What happened to

that slogan? I have come to ask Mamata Banerjee about it. Why is Bengal not a safe place for women? This soil had produced so many social reformers. What happened to the youth of the state who have become frustrated?” he asked.

Yogi Adityanath

No. 4504 Yesterday’s solution No. 4503

No. 3528 Yesterday’s solution No. 3527

LAND FOR SALE 1. Naga United, Dimapur

LAND FOR SALE

2. Near the boundary between Naga United & Nihoto Village Price : Rs. 165 per sq. ft. (Nego) Genuine Buyers only Contact : 8413808228

Price : Rs. 230 per sq. ft. (Nego)

20000 sq. ft., near NIT 1st Gate, Chumukedima VillageRupees 32 lakhs (negotiable) Part flat, Part slopping Contact : 09089990400

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

Location : Bamunpukhuri - A (750 meters from Miya Bazaar) 80 x 60 : Rs. 11.04 Lakhs 70 x 50 : Rs. 8.05 Lakhs 50 x 50 : Rs. 5.75 Lakhs Contact : 9402615648 7005204949 DP-1864

LAND FOR SALE

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

Highway Touched 3rd Mile Diphupar 'B' near Green Park Paglapahar (Paddy Field) Khughovi 4 Lane Touched Nihoto Village Near Naga United NO BROKERS PLEASE Contact No. : 9862954673

FOR SALE

SENIOR ENGINEER (ELECTRICAL)

Qualification : B.E/Equivalent Work Experience atleast 3 years Salary Per Month : 15,000/- + Plus Perks Ph No. 8794387256 9436006335 DP-1747

WANTED Experienced Driver for a Construction Company in Dimapur Dumper 6 Wheels & 10 Wheels Handsome Salary Package and Free accommodation Ph: 8974026229

DP-1862

Across 1. Outcome (6) 7. Calculate roughly (8) 8. Leg part (4) 10. B r i n g i n f r o m abroad (6) 11. Ingenious (6) 14. Beer type (3) 16. Worker in stone (5) 17. Active and brisk (4) 19. Manufacturer (5) 21. Start (5) 22. Malice (5) 23. Style of dress (4) 26. Take without permission (5) 28. Put on (3) 29. Sunken (6) 30. Prefer (6) 31. Portent (4) 32. Coffee type (8) 33. Sport (6) Down 1. Songbirds (6) 2. Not sacred (6) 3. Camp out in this (4) 4. Road-surfacing material (7) 5. Stops (5) 6. Number (5) 8. Box, in training (4) 9. Wrath (3) 12. Obstruct (3) 13. Defeated competitor (5) 15. Truck (5) 18. Snapshot (5) 19. Adult males (3) 20. Girl’s name (3) 21. Dear (7) 22. Girl or boy’s name (3) 23. Rule (6) 24. Soon (4) 25. Ruptures (6) 26. Lustre (5) 27. Run away to marry (5) 28. Weir (3) 30. Body part (4)

VACANCY

Toyota Fortuner 4x4 2011

LAND FOR SALE

Contact No. : 8787634016

Delhi Registration (online NOC) Excellent condition Price : 9.60 Lakhs (Negotiable) Contact : 9774849722 DP-1861 9856791924

LAND FOR SALE

LAND FOR SALE

No brokers entertained Contact - 8257057476 8837226410/9366463059 8974226498

at THILIXU VILLAGE BLOCK-III Size available at own budget

at Naga United Village, Dimapur Any size (100x50 / 100x100) Rs. 175/- per sq. ft.

Phone : 8974463704 7005224768 DP-1855

LAND FOR SALE

at Mishikito Near Nagarjan Power house 100x100 per sq. ft. Rs. 350 Contact : 8974121002

at Thilixu Village Block-04, Doyapur Main Road Touched, 90x120 per sq. ft. Rs. 450 Contact : 7005826413 DP-1846(A) 8837357101 LAND FOR SALE 1. at Nihokhu Highway touched 16 Puras 2. New Showuba 4 Puras near Four Lane Contact No. : 6033851622 8729814776 (Negotiable) DP-1827

COMMERCIAL LAND FOR SALE

at New Showuba, Dimapur Near 4 Lane Flyover.

Showuba Highway Attached.

Facing Highway : 197 ft.

Total Area : 24,723 sq. ft.

Owner's Contact : 9612170131

PADDY FIELDS FOR SALE Location : Gaili Village (near Sainik School) Size : 1000*800 sq. fts.

(Approx) Price : 80 Lakhs (*middle-man will not be entertained) Contact : 6033145239

URGENT FOR SALE

HOUSE with LAND 150 x 50 road touched Kenuozou, Kohima Price: Rs. 60 lakhs Ph. 8837262324 LAND FOR SALE

IN THE COURT OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER DIMAPUR, NAGALAND

NOTICE

Well Marked Plot at Nihoto Village Ranging from Rs. 80 to 120 per sq. feet (Negotiable)

DP-1844

No. 9885 Yesterday’s solution No. 9884

PERMANENT POSTS

Government Regd. Organisation recognized 30 candidates for the posts of a Manager in MNC Office.

Earning 45,000/- above.

Cl- X, XII, Graduate can apply.

Contact: 9612668975 K-729 9863120395

DP-1870

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and her party, the TMC have often referred to the Hathras gangrape case to mock at Adityanath government’s policing for women and the law and order situation in BJP-ruled Uttar Pradesh.

The top BJP leader criticised the Trinamool Congress government in West Bengal and derided it for failing to bring in any positive change in the ten years that it has been in power.

“Where is the paribartan (change) that Mamata Banerjee had promised ten

Adityanath claimed that Banerjee has no compassion for the youth, farmers and development. “But she has compassion for the TMC goons” .

K-734

Crossword

Kolkata, Apr 8 (PTI): Senior BJP leader Yogi Adityanath Thursday said that anti-Romeo squads will be formed in Bengal if the party is voted to power in the state.

Bengal is not a safe place for women under the present TMC government, Adityanath, also Uttar Pradesh chief minister, said addressing three poll rallies in Hooghly and Howrah districts of West Bengal He said if BJP is voted to power it will stress on women and education.

“Why is Bengal not a safe place for women? ...

Education and transport will be made free for girls in Bengal. Anti-Romeo squads will be formed in Bengal to deal with those who loiter around girls schools,” he said.

Anti-Romeo sqauds were launched in Uttar Pradesh to ensure safety of women soon after Adityanath assumed power in 2017.

No. M-204/2/147 Dated Dimapur, the 8th April 2021 Notice is hereby given that Shri/Smti T. Kodolhou Sono -Vrs- Vekedo Sono, R/o Dimapur Town/Village in the District of Dimapur, Nagaland under Rule 50 & 51 of the Assam Land Revenue Regulation Act 1886 have applied for Mutation of Land described in the schedule below:The undersigned under Rule 52 of the said Rules do hereby invite Claim/ Objection concerning to the said land if any & should there be any, should submit to this Court on or before 1 (one) month from the date of publication in local newspaper.

SCHEDULE OF LAND AND BOUNDARY Name of Patta Holder : T. Kodolhou Sono Village/Block No : Purana Bazar, Plot No. : _______ Patta No : 426, Dag No : 316/2046, Area : 00-02-07 North : Main Road, South : Arenla, East : Land of Zasheve Vese West : Land of Pusazo Shijoh Rajesh Soundararajan, IAS Deputy Commissioner Dimapur : Nagaland DP-1868

No Broker Borlengri Block-2 1 Bigha for residential plot Rs. 11 (eleven) Lakhs (Slightly Negotiable) Contact : 7005608287 K-733 8730010033

LAND FOR SALE AT RESIDENTIAL AREA 19300 SQ. FT.

NEAR SHALOM PUBLIC SCHOOL CHUMOUKEDIMA Contact: 98562 40254 Direct seller to buyer, NO Broker.

DP-1800

ernment has 23 lakh doses of the vaccines with it... which is a stock for five to six days. Now, to distribute in villages and districts is the responsibility of the state government,” Javadekar said.

He alleged that the Maharashtra government has “wasted five lakh doses of the vaccines, and it is not a small number, due to its lack of planning. The planning for carrying out a vaccination drive is the responsibility of the state government”.

T h i r u v anan thapuram, Apr 8 (PTI): Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday tested positive for COVID-19.

Vi j aya n , w h o h a d taken the first dose of the Covid vaccine last month, confirmed his infection in a tweet.

“I have been confirmed Covid+ve. Will get treated at the Government Medical college, Kozhikode,” he tweeted.

Vijayan, who is presentlyin Kannur, also requested all those who came in contact with him in recent days, to go into ‘self-observation’.

Sources from the Chief Minister’s Office told PTI that he was asymptomatic.

C h i e f M i n i s t e r ’s daughter Veena Vijayan and son-in-law P A Mohammed Riyas had earlier tested positive.

in its place. The Gyanvyapi Mosque management committee had opposed the petition.

In 1998, Anjuman Intazamiya committee moved the high court contending that the dispute cannot be adjudicated by a civil court. The high court did not pass an order in the matter and also didn’t stay the proceedings in the lower court. A sensitive issue, it was left untouched for years. The matter gained attention in 2019 again as the Hindu side pursued the matter.

On Thursday, the Varanasi court passed an order allowing the ASI to constitute a team of 5 people, of which 2 will be from the minority community. Giving its permission for the ASI survey of the mosque, the court said that all the expenses are to borne by the state government.

Anti-Romeo squads in Bengal if BJP is voted to power: Yogi

DP-1785

Prakash Javadekar

Kerala CM tests positive for COVID-19

New Delhi, April 8(AG ENCIES ): I n a significant development having far-reaching impact, a Varanasi Court on Thursday gave its approval for survey of Kashi Vishwanath temple and Gyanvapi Mosque complex by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).

The court further directed the Uttar Pradesh government to bear the cost of the survey.

In what is considered as a consequence of the Ayodhya verdict by the Supreme Court, the court order came on a petition filed by a local lawyer VS Rastogi, who had demanded that the land entailing the Gyanvapi Mosque be restored to Hindus. The petitioner claimed that Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb in 1664 pulled down a portion of the 2000-yearold Kashi Vishwanath temple to build the mosque

NEW DELHI, APR 8 (PTI): The WHO has rejected Serum Institute of India’s proposal seeking extension of the shelf life of Oxford-AstraZeneca COVID-19 vaccine, Covishield, from six to nine months, citing insufficient data, sources said.

The WHO has also sought a meeting with Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) to discuss the matter, they said.

The move comes even as India’s drug regulator has extended Covishield’s shelf life from six to nine months from its manufacturing date.

In a recent communique to Pune-based Serum Institute of India (SII), the WHO has also asked the firm to formulate the doses with enough titer and/or implement a higher specification at release so that the minimum specification of = 2.5 x 108 ifu/dose is fulfilled throughout the shelf life.

Shelf life is the length of time for which an item remains fit for use.

DP-1863

New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI): Union minister and senior BJP leader Prakash Javadekar alleged on Thursday that five lakh doses of the COVID-19 vaccines were wasted in Maharashtra due to a lack of planning by the state government.

Addressing a press conference at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office here, Javadekar, who himself hails from Maharashtra, said he has taken all the information and 23 lakh doses of the vaccines are available with the Maharashtra government.

His remarks came after Maharashtra Health Minister Rajesh Tope on Wednesday said many inoculation centres in the state are being shut due to a shortage of the vaccines and that the state now has 14 lakh doses, which would only last for three days.

“I want to make it clear that the Maharashtra gov-

he was a Minister at that time.

“For the aforesaid reasons, we are not inclined to interfere with the impugned order(s).The special leave petitions are dismissed,” the bench said.

At the outset, the bench told Sibal that it is only a preliminary enquiry and nothing is wrong in it when serious allegations are made by a senior officer against a senior minister.

It observed that the High Court order directing the CBI probe is “not in violation of federal struc-

there are allegations that another minister has taken Rs 50 crore. Same thing will happen to him”.

Justice Gupta told Sibal that a suspect is not mandatorily required to be heard. Sibal replied that there is no finding against Deshmukh in the high court order then how he can be a suspect.

“I think the Supreme Court should lay down the law that when a senior officer makes allegations against a minister then a CBI probe should be ordered. I am sure this court will never do this”, Sibal said.

Justice Gupta said, “We hope it never comes to that when the DGP of the state makes allegations against the home minister”.

Senior advocate A M Singhvi, appearing for Maharashtra, said that it was aggrieved by the CBI probe as the consent for it was withdrawn by the state earlier.

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Maha govt wasted 5 lakh doses of COVID vaccines: Javadekar

Anil Deshmukh

ture as it was passed in one particular case”.

Sibal contended that oral allegations were made against him without any substance and had no evidentiary value but a CBI probe was ordered without hearing him.

The bench said that two persons involved in the case were the police commissioner and the home minister and they were working together till they fell apart.

Sibal argued that “court has to stay on guard while ordering investigation against a constitutional authority,” and there has to be some material on which allegations are made but in this case, it is only hearsay.

He said “due to these baseless allegations damage has been done to me (Deshmukh). I should not be vilified without hearing me.

Had I been heard, maybe the damage caused could not have taken place. Today

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said “We may also add that what has been directed is only a preliminary enquiry albeit by an independent agency.”

It rejected the submission of senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Maharashtra government, that merely because the Home Minister has resigned after the impugned order would be a factor not to direct enquiry by an independent agency.

The bench said, “the two personas held the post of Home Minister and Commissioner of Police for a long period and the latter would be a post of confidence of the former”.

It also rejected the contention of senior advocate Kapil Sibal, appearing for Deshmukh, that even for directing a preliminary enquiry, he is mandatorily entitled to be heard in his individual capacity even though the State Government was represented and

ASI allowed to Survey Kashi Temple, Gyanvapi Mosque

WHO rejects SII’s proposal on vax shelf life

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New Delhi, Apr 8 (PTI): In a setback to Uddhav Thackeray-led-Maharashtra government and its former home minister Anil Deshmukh, the Supreme Court Thursday dismissed their pleas challenging the Bombay High Court order directing a CBI probe into allegations of corruption and misconduct levelled against him by former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh.

Terming it as a “matter of public confidence”, a bench of Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Hemant Gupta said, “De hors the niceties of an elaborate order passed by the High Court, we are of the view that the nature of allegations, the personas involved and the seriousness of the allegations do require an independent agency to enquire into the matter.”

The bench, while refusing to interfere with the High Court order of April 5,

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021

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LOST NOTICE I, Supongnungsang Jamir, am applying for a duplicate copy of ITI Admit Card as I have lost it.

Name : Supongnungsang Jamir F/ Name : T Aka JAmir Roll No. KM – 163 Trade – Surveyor Institute- Industrial Training Institute, Kohima K-733

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international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021

Israel rejects ICC probe over crimes in Palestine Faster global growth driven primarily by

JERUSALEM, APR 8 (AP): Israel on Thursday said it would formally reject the International Criminal Court’s decision to launch a probe into potential war crimes against the Palestinians, denying that it has committed such crimes and saying the court lacks the jurisdiction to investigate.

A panel of judges at the ICC ruled in February that the court does have jurisdiction, allowing the investigation to proceed.

Israel’s response to a formal notification sent out last month is not expected to reopen that debate, though judges may reconsider the issue of jurisdiction later in the process.

The court is expected to look at possible war crimes committed by Israelis forces and Palestinian militants during and after the 2014 Gaza war, as well as Israel’s establishment of settlements in the occupied West Bank and annexed east Jerusalem that now house over 700,000 settlers. International law prohibits the transfer of civilians into occupied territory.

The Palestinians have hailed the probe as a rare

In this July 16, 2014 file photo, smoke rises after Israeli missile strikes hit the northern Gaza Strip. (AP)

opportunity to hold Israel to account for what they say are serious, longstanding violations of international law. The Palestinians were granted nonmember observer status in the U.N. General Assembly in 2012, allowing them to join international organizations like the ICC. Israel says the court is biased against it and has no right to investigate, citing its own judicial processes and the fact that the Palestinians have neither a state nor defined borders.

“In addition to totally

rejecting the claim that Israel commits war crimes, Israel reiterates its unequivocal position that the Hague Tribunal has no authority to open an investigation against it,” the government said in a statement, detailing a letter it plans to send to the ICC. “Israel is committed to the rule of law and will continue to investigate any charges against it regardless of the source, and it expects the tribunal to refrain from violating its authority and sovereignty,” the statement

said.

The letter is in response to an official notice sent to all parties by the ICC last month. Israel could have argued that it was capable of investigating and prosecuting violations on its own, potentially deferring or even cancelling the ICC’s investigation.

Experts have said Israel might have succeeded in deferring investigations into possible war crimes by citing its own investigations into alleged misconduct by its soldiers. But the estab-

lishment and continuing expansion of settlements has been an official state policy for decades and is allowed under Israeli law.

Israel is not a member of the ICC, but Israeli officials could be subject to arrest in other countries if the court issues warrants against them.

Israel captured the West Bank, east Jerusalem and Gaza in the 1967 war, territories the Palestinians want for their future state.

Israel withdrew from Gaza in 2005 but imposed a blockade after the Islamic militant group Hamas seized power there two years later. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars and numerous smaller skirmishes since then.

Most of the international community views the West Bank and east Jerusalem as occupied territory whose final status should be decided in peace talks.

Israel considers all of Jerusalem to be its unified capital and views the West Bank as the historical and biblical heartland of the Jewish people. There have been no substantive peace talks in more than a decade.

US, China and India: World Bank prez

WASHINGTON, APR 8 (PTI): There is now a faster global growth driven primarily by the US, China and India, World Bank president David Malpass has said even as he expressed concern over growing inequality due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

He said here is also the concern of inequality in terms of vaccinations and median income that’s not going up very fast for some countries.

“But there’s also the concern that there’s inequality. Inequality in terms of vaccinations, in terms of median income that’s not going up very fast for some of the countries and may even be going down. There’s the interest rate differential, where poor countries face much higher interest rates and they haven’t gone down the way global interest rates have done,” he said.

“There’s the good news that there is faster global growth driven primarily by the US, China, and India, having strong rebounds,” Malpass told reporters at the start of the Spring meeting of the International Mon-

David Malpass

etary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank.

The annual spring meeting, which is being held virtually, focusses on vaccines, climate change, debt and recovery.

Malpass said there is an inequality in terms of the bankruptcy process, which is not available to sovereign countries, so the poorer countries do not have a way out of these very heavy debt burdens.

“There’s also inequality in terms of access to credit with a lot of the stimulus going to the upper end, and people that don’t have pristine credit ratings, for example, or small businesses, new entrants, women that would like to start a busi-

ness, having great difficulty getting credit,” he said.

According to Malpass, the World Bank and the IMF are working closely together to have successful implementation of the G20’s Common Framework to deal with unsustainable debt situations.

There was a call for the private sector to provide comparable treatment with regard to debt, he said.

Responding to a question, Malpass said that the slowness in the vaccine rollout, particularly in Europe, is concerning.

“It’s disappointing. We see in the news everyday some of the various challenges that the countries face. I fervently believe or wish for and hope for a faster rollout as excesses become available in other countries. And, we can look to the regulatory agencies to work smoothly toward their approvals so that more vaccines can be approved,” he said.

He said that people getting vaccinated is an important part of their safety and global recovery.

NZ bans arrivals from India from April 11 Criticism of armed forces punishable by law in Pak now

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BRIDGES ACADEMY Teaching Minimum Preferred Post qualification Qualifications 1 Hindi Graduate in Hindi B.Ed or Dl Ed Additional requirements: Fluency in speaking, Mastery in subject matter.

School Location Last date of application Interview Email complete CV to

K to 10 (NBSE) Changtongya Town 15th April 2021 Telephonic bridgesacademy15@gmail.com

CORE VALUES Job satisfaction, Personal and professional growth, Trainings and Skill development, Progressive and interactive teaching with the best teaching App.

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JOB VACANCY

The North East Initiative Development Agency (NEIDA) is looking for Development Professionals for immediate Recruitment Job Profile: Project implementation focusing on developing agriculture and livestock value chain, conducting farmers training, organize farmers for collective marketing, guide Farmers Producers Organizations, stakeholder management, PRA exercise, handling project finances and donor reporting, data management; ability to work in a challenging environment with a multi-disciplinary team is a must.

Qualification: Degree from a recognized University in any of the following fields: Post Graduate in Rural Management / Natural Resource Management / MSW / MA (Sociology) / M.V.Sc & AH / B.V.Sc & A.H / M. Sc (Agri) or (Horti) Work experience: Minimum 3 years in rural development sector.

Number of Posts: 3 Job posting: Kohima, Nagaland with extensive travel in rural parts of the state Salary: Will be competitive and shall be commensurate with experience Application Procedures: Please submit you detailed CV to jobs.nagaland@neida.org.in by April 18, 2021.

“Only short listed candidates will be contacted for next stage of the selection process. Candidates without the qualification listed above will not be considered” Please visit www.neida.org.in for more information about NEIDA.

Khyber Pukhtunkhwa (KP) provincial gover nment, which is led by the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), also opposed the Bill, stating that its declaration would create conflict among the existing constitutional and stationary provision, adding that its misuse could not be overruled. The KP government also maintained that the Bill would create differences and discrimination between other law enforcement agencies and public offices.

However, the Interior

Ministry maintains that the amendment is being proposed because of the increasing criticism against the armed forces in the country.

“The incidents of defaming the armed forces have increased in the country and some disruptive elements, for furtherance of their political objectives, engage in this undesirable practice, which is very defamatory and demoralising for the armed forces of Pakistan.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

JOB OPPORTUNITY

No

cules, brings into disrepute or defames the armed forces of Pakistan or a member thereof, shall be guilty of an offence punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or fine which may extend to five hundred thousand rupees, or both”.

Opposition lawmakers from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) and Pakistan Muslim League–Nawaz (PML-N) opposed the proposed amendment, stating that there was no need to introduce the Bill, as it is already covered under Article 19 of the Constitution.

Other than the opposition party’s concerns, the home department of the

We, the bereaved family members of Lt. L.Asenla (Longkumsenla), wife of Lt. Talituden of Longmisa Village, who passed away on 3rd April 2021, express our heartfelt gratitude to the churches, medical staff of Civil Hospital Mkg & Zion Hospital Dimapur, relatives, neighbours, friends and organizations who stood and supported us physically, mentally and financially during her illness and demise. We regret our inability to thank each one of you individually.

The Almighty God bless you all abundantly for your love and generosity.

Loving children and grand children.

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ISLAMABAD, APR 8 (IANS): The US Department of State has called on both India and Pakistan to hold direct talks and resolve pending issues with an aim to normalise relations.

Refraining to comment on the recent approval and then cancellation by Pakistan to import sugar and cotton from India, State Department spokesperson Ned Price said the US supports direct dialogue between the nuclear-powered neighbours.

“I wouldn’t want to comment on that specifically. What I would say is that we continue to support direct dialogue between India and Pakistan on issues of concern,” he said.

Pakistan cancelled its trade ties with India during August 2019 after the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led Indian government abrogated Article 370 and 35A and changed the special status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into two union territories.

Pakistan was quick to respond to Indian actions, as it cut off diplomatic relations with India, sending back the sitting Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad, closing the borders, disallowing visas and suspending all trade ties.

Pakistan demanded that there can be no talks with India until the reversal of the decisions Indian government took on August 5, 2019.

However, a change in policy was witnessed recently when the two sides mutually agreed to observe a ceasefire on the Line of Control (LoC), ending the escalating tensions.

India, but she felt “a sense of responsibility and obligation to find ways to reduce risks that travellers are experiencing”. The decision came as New Zealand reported 23 newly imported Covid-19 cases in managed isolation facilities on Thursday.

The Bill titled Criminal Law Amendment Bill 2020, which was introduced by the ruling party’s Amjid Ali Khan, was approved by the committee despite opposition from the political camps.

The Bill proposes amendment to Section 500 of the Pakistan Penal Code (PPC), which currently states “whosoever defames another shall be punished with simple imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years, or with fine, or both”.

The amendment proposes “punishment for international ridiculing of the armed forces etc. Whosoever intentionally ridi-

DP-1867(B)

US urges India, Pak to hold table talks

ban applies to anyone who has been in India, covering New Zealand citizens and residents, Ardern said.

The PM said that she understood that the temporary ban would affect New Zealand citizens and residents currently living in

ISLAMABAD, APR 8 (IANS): Pakistan’s National Assembly Standing Committee on Interior has approved a Bill that would punish those who intentionally criticise the country’s armed forces.

The committee has approved the Bill to amend the Pakistan Penal Code and Code of Criminal Procedure 1898, sanctioning punishment to those who ridicule armed forces through intended criticism.

As per the details of the Bill, “anyone who shall be guilty of said offence could face up to two years imprisonment or fine that may extend to Rs 500,000 or both”.

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WELLINGTON, APR 8 (IANS): New Zealand on Thursday announced a temporary ban on arrivals from India, which has witnessed a massive surge in new Covid19 cases, in order to curb the spread of the virus in managed quarantine facilities.

From April 11 to 28, flights from India to New Zealand will be suspended in order to reduce the number of arriving passengers from India who test positive for Covid-19, reports Xinhua news agency. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern told a press conference that anyone who had been in India in the past 14 days would be banned from entering New Zealand until April 28. The

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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Office of the

HOSHEPU GHAMI ALHOU QEMI KUPOSHUKULU

Hoshepu Village, Zunheboto : Nagaland

Hoshepu Ghami Alhou Qemi Kuposhukulu (Hoshepu Village Church Leader's Fellowship) is organizing two days (Special Prayer Service) on 24th and 25th April 2021 at Hoshepu Baptist Church, as Spiritual Preparation for the upcoming 75 years (Platinum Jubilee) Celebration.

Therefore, all the bonafide members residing in different towns and cities are requested to attend the said program positively and be blessed.

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HETOVI Z. CHISHI Chairman Hoshepu Ghami Alhou Qemi Kuposhukulu

05/11/1930 – 31/03/2021

We, the family members of Late Tatongjungla Tzuditzur, would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all those who extended their generosity and kindness financially, physical presence and with sincere prayer during her bedridden period and her last breath on 31/03/2021.

It is our humble prayer that the Almighty Heavenly Father blesses you all abundantly.

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Loving Children, Grandchildren and All Family Members.

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sports

Bayern lose to PSG; Chelsea beat Porto

BERLIN, APR 8 (IANS): Title holders Bayern Munich are on the verge of elimination from the Champions League after Kylian Mbappe’s double gave Paris Saint-Germain a thrilling 3-2 victory in the first leg of their quarter-final.

Mbappe str uck the opener and the winner on counter-attacks against a woeful Bayern defence and PSG captain Marquinhos made it 2-0 midway through the first half, DPA news reports.

Bayer n car ved out plenty chances but were profligate without injured star Robert Lewandowski.

His deputy Eric Maxim Choupo-Moting cut the deficit with a header and Thomas Mueller levelled but Bayern’s weakness at either end has left them with an uphill task going into next week’s return in Paris.

Lewandowski will not be available for that game as he recovers from a knee injury. PSG will hope to finish the job for an element of revenge after losing to Bayern in the fina of last year’s tournament.

A brilliant goal from Mason Mount and another from Ben Chilwell gave

French Open postponed by a week due to Covid PARIS, APR 8 (IANS): The French Open has been postponed by a week due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the French Tennis Federation (FFT) said in a statement on Thursday. The clay court Grand Slam will be held from May 30 to June 11, with the qualifying rounds scheduled for May 24 to 28.

The FFT said that the decision was made in response to France President Emmanuel Macron’s announcement last month that a scheduled to progressively get cultural and sporting events in the country back up and running would be set up from midMay onwards, subject to the improvement of the health situation.

“Using this as their starting point, the FFT worked in close collaboration with the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sport and the relevant government services on potential scenarios for organising Roland-Garros, while taking the international sporting calendar into account,” said the FFT. “In this context, it appeared that postponing the tournament by one week would be the best solution. Hence the qualifying rounds will be held from Monday 24 to Friday 28 May and will be followed by the main draw, from Sunday 30 May to Sunday 13 June,” it further said.

PSG’s Neymar prepares to take a shot as Bayern’s Leon Goretzka runs behind him during the Champions League quarterfinal match in Munich, April 7. (AP/PTI)

Chelsea a 2-0 win ‘away’ to Porto in a game which was played in Sevilla due to coronavirus restrictions.

The same venue will host the return leg as well.

On Tuesday, record 13-time winners Real Madrid beat Liverpool 3-1 and Manchester City defeated Borussia Dortmund 2-1.

Bayern kept the same team which beat RB Leipzig in a crucial Bundesliga clash at the weekend but were

exposed immediately in the Munich snow.

A lovely pass from Angel Di Maria found Neymar in space and he in turn fed Mbappe who lashed a third minute opener through Manuel Neuer.

Choupo-Moting had already headed onto the bar, the first of some 31 Bayern shots on the night, but the hosts found themselves two down when Marquinhos beat the offside trap to con-

vert Neymar’s swinging cross in the 28th minute.

Without world player of the year Lewandowski, Bayern found themselves frustrated by visiting keeper Keylor Navas but ChoupoMoting - who came off the bench for PSG in the final last season - gave them hope with a downward header before the break.

The pressure mounted and Mueller headed an equalizer from a free kick

but Bayern, despite bringing on Alphonso Davies and Jerome Boateng to rework the defence when Leon Goretkza and Niklas Suele picked up injuries, had not learnt their lesson.

Mbappe was given time with Boateng, who will leave the club after 10 years this summer, standing off him and the French international found the 68th minute winner at the near post.

Thomas Tuchel coached PSG last season but now manages Chelsea after being sacked by the Lique 1 side at Christmas and he is also on course for a return to the semi-finals.

Mount spun away from his marker and found the bottom corner in the 32nd minute to give Chelsea a lead against the run of play.

Porto faded as the game went on and Chilwell rounded keeper Agustin Marchesin for a late second shortly after Christian Pulisic thumped the bar.

The victor y eased Chelsea’s concerns after a spectacular 5-2 home defeat by Premier League strugglers West Brom at the weekend.

13th Open Naga Wrestling begins Correspondent

KOHIMA, APR 8 (NPN): A total of 86 Naga wrestlers would be vying for the top spot at the 13th Naga Wrestling Championship to be held from Friday at Khuochiezie (local ground), Kohima, from 9 a.m. onwards.

Two wrestlers including one each from nonwrestling community Ao and Lotha tribes have confirmed their participation.

Nagaland Wrestling Association (NWA) president Dr. Hiabe Zeliang informed that 61 wrestlers will compete for below 80 kg title, while 25 wrestlers for 80 kg and above.

Quarter finalists in both the categories would then vie for the ultimate championship.

Reigning Open NWA champion Menuosetuo Yiese will defend his title.

He overpowered Venuzo Dawhuo to lift the title in the final bout during the previous edition of the championship.

Other prominent wrestlers for the championship includes former Open NWA champion Dzieselatuo Keretsü, former Zeliang champion Nlumrai

NWA officials gearing up for the meet on Thursday. (NP)

Hegwang, former NWA champion Vechita Khesoh among the others.

Entry tickets for spectators will be Rs. 150 for gallery, Rs. 500 for chairs and donors at Rs. 2000.

In a first for NWA, this year, the association in collaboration with RamieTech Solutions would be introducing pay per view (PPV) for interested wrestling fans who wish to stay at home and watch the game.

Interested individuals would be able to access live stream of the championship by visiting www. nagawrestling.org. To access PPV, one can register as a member at the website provided above after which members can visit the dashboard payment link, which would be provided and after a payment of Rs 500 per access has

been made through any mode they can access the live stream on their registered devices. NWA has appealed wrestling lovers to minimize traffic jam by being mindful of their car parkings at the same time interested spectators have been requested to strictly follow SOPs laid down by the government.

The inaugural programme will be graced by advisor, Youth Resources and Sports Er. Zale Neikha and Minister for Planning & Coordination, Land Revenue & Parliamentary Affairs, Neiba Kronu, as the guest and special guest respectively. The event would be hosted by Chakhesang Wrestling Association, while ground would be managed by Chakhesang Christian Revival Churches Youth Association.

Japan denies vax priority for olympic athletes Charleston Open: Davis stuns Kenin to progress

TOKYO, APR 8 (AGENCIES): Japan said on Thursday it was not currently looking to prioritise COVID-19 vaccines for Olympic athletes, dismissing a media report that sparked a social media outcry since the country’s inoculations are trailing other major economies.

Only a million people have received the first dose of the Pfizer vaccine since February, out of Japan’s population of 126 million, and the more vulnerable elderly do not even start getting their shots until next week. New infections have spiked ahead of the Olympics, which are set to start in July. Tokyo saw 545 new cases on Thursday and its governor said she would ask the central government to impose emergency measures in the capital region.

A Kyodo news agency

report, citing government officials, said Japan has begun looking into the possibility of ensuring its Olympic and Paralympic athletes are all vaccinated by the end of June.

“Give it to my mother first,” one Twitter user wrote, adding: “Athletes are all young and healthy.”

While the gover nment has said it will push ahead with the Olympics as

planned from July 23, a vast majority of Japanese want the Games to be cancelled or postponed again.

The outrage on social media continued despite Chief Cabinet Secretary Katsunobu Kato denying the report and saying that the government was not looking to give priority to athletes.

“This is really weird.

Given that we have no idea if even all the elderly will have received their vaccines by mid-June, you’re going to have all the athletes have theirs?” a user with the handle “Aoiumi2” posted on Twitter.

Others noted that Japan’s original plan gives priority to medical workers, the elderly and those with chronic conditions, with ordinary citizens unlikely to get theirs before the summer.

CHARLESTON (US), APR 8 (IANS): Lauren Davis shocked fellow American and second seed Sofia Kenin in the second round of the Charleston tennis Open.

Lauren Davis picked up her third career win over a Top 5 player with the gruelling two-and-a-half-hour victory over world number four Sofia Kenin, rallying to claim the win 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 on Wednesday, Xinhua news reports.

“I’m super excited,” Davis said. “It was a really tough match, she obviously is an incredible player and one of the best competitors that I’ve seen. To have won this, in Charleston with these conditions, being so hot out, it’s really special for me.”

The 79th-ranked Lauren Davis is now a win away from matching her career-best run in Charleston Open, when she reached the quarter-finals in 2015 before losing to eventual runner-up Madison Keys.

“I think this gives me some really good momentum,” Lauren Davis said.

“I always have that selfbelief, but it’s just a matter of digging deep and applying that on the court.

So the fact that I was able to do this today and show myself that I can beat a Grand Slam champion, it’s very cool, and I’m looking forward to the rest of the tournament.”

Lauren Davis will now meet another American, Coco Gauff, in the round of 16.

Lauren Davis

2nd state level indigenous games competition underway Vishnu, Ganapathy-Varun

Alun Hangsing and others during the inaugural programme in Kohima on April 8.

DIMAPUR (NPN): The second state level indigenous games competitiongot underway at the Indira Gandhi Stadium, Kohima on April 8. The event was declared open by commissioner &secretary, Youth

Resources & Sports, AlunHangsing.

According to DIPR report, speaking at the event, Hangsing said games and sports have been played from time immemorial, however, over the years, it has become

part and parcel in their lives.

He encouraged everyone to give importance to indigenous games as it is deeply rooted to our culture.

Hangsing said the department has come up with different schemes and pro-

grammes relating to fitness of our body. He stressed on the importance of promoting games and sports in the state since the government of India has come up with a policy of aiming a sport power house in the world by 2028 Olympics.

Assistant director, YRS, Nyuvithu, who chaired the programme in his welcome address said, that the state level indigenous games competition which is now an annual event was launched in the year 2019.

Altogether, participants from 11 districts are taking part in the two-day event.

Dybala leads Juve to 2-1 win over Napoli in Serie A ROME, APR 8 (IANS): Paulo Dybala marked his return with a moment of magic as Juventus beat Napoli 2-1 in a high-profile rescheduled Serie A fixture.

The Bianconeri have been struggling recently as the defending champions suffered a shock 1-0 home defeat to Benevento, followed by a 2-2 tie against city rivals Torino, so Andrea Pirlo’s coaching spot was in doubt while his counterpart Gennaro Gattuso’s future was also up in the air with Napoli’s shaky performance.

The game between Juventus and Napoli was set to kick off last October, but Napoli failed to make the trip to Turin due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The Partenopei were originally handed a 3-0 defeat by de-

Nagaland Post, Dimapur FRIDAY, APRIL 9, 2021

Juventus’ Cristiano Ronaldo shows the referee how he was fouled during the Italian Serie A match. (AP/PTI)

fault and docked one point, but the Coppa Italia holders won the appeal, so the fixture was postponed.

Leonardo Bonucci and Federico Bernardeschi were left out of Juve’s squad after contracting the virus, Gianluigi Buffon got a rare start between the

sticks and Cristiano Ronaldo partnered Alvaro Morata up front while Lorenzo Insigne, Hirving Lozano and Dries Mertens led Napoli’s attacking trident.

Juve were the more aggressive side in the first half and broke the deadlock in the 12th minute

as Federico Chiesa burst down the right after a mazy run, rolling across for Ronaldo to sweep in.

Both sides had penalty appeals as Chiesa was kicked down by Lozano while Alex Sandro tripped Piotr Zielinski, but the referee waved play on.

The away side threatened Juve minutes after the interval as Giovanni Di Lorenz’s angled drive was parried by Buffon.

Juve earned a series of opportunities, but Chiesa and Juan Cuadrado were off the target, while at the other end Insigne’s strike was denied by Buffon again. Pirlo made a tactical change in the 68th minute as Morata was replaced by Dybala who was sidelined since mid-January. La Joya quickly made an impact as

he gathered from Rodrigo Bentancur before spinning around to finish with a symbolic left-footed curler.

Napoli seemed to be getting a lifeline in the dying minutes as Victor Osimhen won a penalty for Insigne to convert, but it was too late.

Juve climbed to third place with 59 points with the win, one point behind second-placed AC Milan.

Also on Wednesday, Inter Milan beat Sassuolo 2-1 at San Siro, claiming its 10th consecutive victory to sit 11 points clear of AC Milan.

Romelu Lukaku continued his fearsome form as he put Inter ahead, before setting up another for Lautaro Martinez, while Hamed Traore pulled one goal back for Sassuolo.

pair qualify for Olympics

Unprecedented 4 Indian sailors to compete in Tokyo

Vishnu Saravanan

NEW DELHI, APR 8 (PTI): In a historic first for India, four sailors from the country will compete at this year’s Olympics after Vishnu Saravanan and the pair of Ganapathy Chengappa and Varun Thakkar made the cut for Tokyo at the Asian Qualifiers in Oman on Thursday.

This was after Nethra Kumanan on Wednesday became the first Indian woman sailor to qualify for the Olympics in the laser radial event in the Mussanah Open Championship, which is an Asian Olympic qualifying event.

It is also the first time that India will compete in three sailing events in the Olympics.

So far, India had competed in only one event in all the earlier Olympics though two sailors represented the country on four occasions.

“Yes, history has been scripted. Four Indian sailors

Varun Thakkar and Ganapathy Chengappa

have qualified for Olympics to compete in three events.

It’s the maximum number of sailors qualified and also in number of events,” Yachting Association of India joint secretary general Capt Jitendra Dixit told PTI. “Nethra already qualified on Wednesday and today Vishnu and then the pair of Ganapathy and Varun made it.”

On Thursday, Saravanan was the first to qualify for the Tokyo Games in Laser Standard Class after finishing second in the overall standings.

Later, the duo of Chengappa and Thakkar finished on top of the points table in the 49er Class. The two had won a bronze medal in the 2018 Asian Games in Indonesia. “I congratulate Indian athletes Nethra Kumanan, KC Ganapathy and Varun Thakkar who have qualified for Tokyo Olympic in sailing. I’m particularly proud

of the quota of Nethra, who is India’s first-ever female sailor to qualify for the Olympics!” tweeted sports minister Kiren Rijiju.

Two sailors make a team in the 49er Class while laser class is a single sailor event. Also, two sailors qualify for Tokyo Olympics from laser class events while only one team can do so in the 49er class.

Saravanan was third till the penultimate day on Wednesday but won the medal race on Thursday to jump to second place overall with 53 points and book a Tokyo Olympics quota.

“Our athletes are making a mark in all disciplines!”

Rijiju said. The Indian pipped Thailand’s Keerati Bualong (57 points), who was second till Wednesday, for the Tokyo Games spot.

Singapore’s Ryan Lo Jun Han (31 points) was first overall in the Laser Standard Class table.

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