December 22, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 20

DIMAPUR, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Nepal PM Oli defends move to dissolve Parl international, Page 9

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New Covid-19 strain: India alert, no Patton inaugurates RCC girder bridges in Dimapur need to panic, says Health Minister

NEW DELHI, DEC 21 (PTI): The government is fully alert and there is no need to panic, Union Health Minister Harsh Vardhan said on Monday amid concerns over the emergence of a new coronavirus strain in the UK. The Union Health Ministry has called an urgent meeting of its Joint Monitoring Group on Monday to discuss the new strain, which has led to a surge in the infection rate in the UK. Responding to a question on the panic and a demand to ban flights from the UK, Vardhan told reporters, “I would say this to all that all these imaginary situations, imaginary talks, imaginary panic... don’t involve yourself in this.”

“The government is fully alert about everything.

If you ask me, there is no reason to panic the way we are seeing in this press conference,” the minister said.

He said the government had done everything that was important to handle the COVID-19 situation in the last one year. The scientific

NTC appeals govt on RIIN, cut-off year DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): Nagaland Tribes Council (NTC) has appealed to the state government to make known to the indigenous people of the state the draft copy of Registration of Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland (RIIN) before it becomes an Act. In a representation to the state chief minister, the NTC president Toniho Yepthomi and general secretary Nribemo Ngullie also affirmed that there should not be any alternation of cut-off year and date other than Dec 1, 1963 for effective date of both BEFR Act 1873/ILP and RIIN for ascertaining Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland throughout the territorial jurisdiction of the State.

Pointing out that Nagaland became a state out of 16 Point Agreement with effect from Dec 1, 1963, the NTC stated that for the purpose of identifying Indigenous Inhabitant of Nagaland, there was already laid down cut-off year maintaining Dec 1, 1963 vide State government Notification dated Kohima April 28, 1977.

Stating that BEFR Act 1873/ILP and RIIN were synonymous, NTC has, therefore, asserted that there cannot be a different date and time of its implementation.

Harsh Vardhan (File)

community, he added, had very ably risen to the occasion, continuously striving and contributing to whatever was needed to combat and understand any aspect of COVID-19.

UK flights suspended

India on Monday suspended all flights from and to the UK from December 23 to December 31 in view of the emergence of a new COVID-19 strain, joining several other nations that sealed their borders to UK. All passengers coming from the UK through flights till Tuesday (December 22) will have to undergo an RTPCR test for COVID-19 on arrival at the airports “as a measure of abundant pre-

caution”, the Civil Aviation Ministry said.

Aviation regulator Directorate General of Civil Aviation also issued a directive to all airlines that passengers coming from the UK should not be allowed to board their flights from any other city to India during the suspension period. The regulator said the suspension -- which comes in Christmas week -- would not be applicable on cargo flights.

Several countries, including France, Canada, Turkey, Belgium, Italy and Israel, have banned flights from the UK with the British government warning that the potent new strain of the virus was “out of control” and imposing a stringent new stay-at-home lockdown from Sunday.

“Considering the prevailing situation in UK, Govt. of India has decided that all flights originating from UK to India to be suspended till 31st December 2020 (23.59 hours),” the Civil Aviation ministry said on Twitter. This suspension will start after 11.59 PM of

December 22 and consequently flights from India to the UK shall also stand temporarily suspended during the period, it added.

‘New strain does not appear to be deadlier’

Indian-American physician Vivek Murthy, US President-elect Joe Biden’s pick for Surgeon General, has said there is no evidence to suggest that a new and more contagious coronavirus variant reported in the UK is any deadlier. Murthy, said that there was no reason to believe that the coronavirus vaccines that have already been developed would not be effective against the new strain as well.

“This news from the UK appears to be about a new strain of the virus that’s more transmissible, more contagious than the virus we’ve seen prior to this,” he said. “While it seems to be more transmissible, we do not have evidence yet that this is a more deadly virus to an individual who acquires it,” Murthy said.

voters’ list for Lok Sabha, assembly and panchayat polls, saying separate lists are a waste of resources.

Legislature, Executive and Judiciary should work with better coordination and national interest should be the basis for every decision, Modi said.

“We must remember that when politics take over people and nationfirst policies, the nation has to pay adversely in such situations,” he said.

Arora’s statement is crucial as the responsibility of conducting elections in the country lies with the Election Commission of India.

The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice, headed

by E M Sudarsana Natchiappan, in 2015 also recommended simultaneous elections.

In 2018, the Law Commission in its draft report recommended that all elections in a calendar year be conducted together.

Many opposition parties, including the Congress, are not in favour of the system. The Congress has termed it an ‘impractical’ idea.

DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): After delays and much to the relief of motorists, the much-awaited inauguration of bridges over Dhansiri river at Kuda village (erstwhile Full Nagarjan) and Chathe river at Diphupar-A , 4th Mile area finally took place when deputy chief minister Y Patton on Monday officially declared them open.

Speaking on the occasion, Patton, who is also in-charge of PWD (R&B), credited department officials, contractor and stakeholders for their efforts in completing the bridges early.

He said the RCC bridges would greatly benefit thousands of commuters daily.

Patton also expressed gratitude to chief minister Neiphiu Rio for asking PWD officials to commission the bridges for public use as a

Christmas gift in order to greatly ease traffic flow during the festive season.

He also thanked legislators of Dimapur for their constant help and support, thereby allowing the State government to open the bridges for the welfare of people. He also acknowledged contractor Rokolhou Angami, for his tireless efforts to complete the work at the given timeframe.

Patton also recalled that signboards bearing the name of the contractor and executing authority were set up near the bridges as per his directive. He also unveiled granite signboards at both the sites.

Works & Housing department commissioner & secretary Rovilatuo Mor, who was also present, pointed out that the old steel girder bridge over Chathe river at Diphupar behind Referral Hospital was a single-lane

bridge designed for class-B load. However, movement of heavy vehicles and excessive quarrying of sand and sand gravels within the vicinity of the bridge had weakened the bridge’s foundation.

He said the project for Chathe bridge was approved by the Ministry of Road Transpor t & Highways (MoRTH) in July 2015 and Rs 37.66 crore sanctioned for the purpose. The bridge layout was given in October 2017 after dismantling the old bridge and work for the new bridge commenced.

The project for the bridge at Kuda village was approved by MoRTH in July 2015 at an estimated cost of Rs 37.95 crore. Both the works were awarded to M/s Naagaamii Infratech Pvt Ltd, he said.

He explained that earlier there was a proposal to construct the new bridge after dismantling the old

Congress veteran Motilal Vora dies

Nagaland COVID tally 11858

Late Motilal Vora

NEW DELHI, DEC 21 (PTi): Veteran Congress leader Motilal Vora, a staunch Gandhi family loyalist who was a chief minister, union minister and Governor in a political career spanning almost five decades, died at a hospital here on Monday following post-COVID-19 complications, his family said.

A long time confidante of Congress president Sonia Gandhi, Vora completed 92 years on Sunday, they said.

The state governments of Madhya Pradesh and Chattisgarh declared a three-day state mourning from Monday. Vora was a two-time former CM of undivided Madhya Pradesh.

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON december 21, 2020 ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic AsympCritical-ICU District tomMod- Se- With- With On atic Mild erate vere out Oxy- VentiOxygen gen lator Dimapur 131 19 5 3 0 0 1 Kiphire 14 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kohima 203 4 4 0 0 0 0 Longleng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mokokchung 35 4 1 1 0 0 0 Mon 13 0 0 0 0 0 0 Peren 19 0 0 0 0 0 0 Phek 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tuensang 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Wokha

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Zunheboto Total

0 420

0 27

0 10

0 4

0 0

0 0

0 1

Death MiRecovunder Total Death gratered InvestiCases ed gation 6093 24 3436 9 116 579 479 44 240

46 1 21 0 1 2 0 0 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

35

1

0

139 0 11194 73

0 0

72 0 27 9 6 9 0 0 0

6371 39 3694 18 164 603 498 46 244

3

39

3 142 129 11858

*10 deaths not due to Covid-19 *0 deaths under investigation

DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): Nagaland COVID19 tally rose to 11858 on Monday after 16 new cases were reported-- 9 in Dimapur and 7 in Kohima.

Further, the distribution across various categories include 4643 cases from the armed forces/police, 1830 returnees, 4821 traced contacts and 564 frontline workers.

India’s tally rises to 1,00,55,560: India’s COVID-19 caseload rose to 1,00,55,560 with 24,337 new infections being reported in a day, while the number of people who have recuperated from the disease crossed 96 lakh, Health ministry stated. The death toll increased to 1,45,810 with 333 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

Centre hoping to capitalise on Naga IT experts: STPI Residents undertake road repair work in Dimapur

Participants of the 6th edition of the ‘e-Naga Summit 2020’ in virtual mode.

Correspondent

K Y M C

Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): Zeme Council Nagaland (ZCN) has appealed to the state government and National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Ltd to immediately repair and widen narrow portions of the road between Mhainamtsi and Dimapur.

Due to the ongoing four-lane construction works, vehicles plying between Dimapur and Kohima have been taking the alternative route via 7th Mile-New DC office-Shokhuvi-Razaphe-Mhaikam-Pimla-Mhainamtsi-Jhornapani/ Medziphema.

ZCN president Dr. Tumda Newme warned that the public would be forced to totally ban diverted vehicular movements passing within the district if the authorities failed to act. The council said the narrow single lane road has been maintained and used by the citizens of Peren district for many years. ZCN said that citizens of Peren district have been “tolerating silently” for the last four-five months hoping that the government and the implementing agency would at least repair and maintain the important link road. ZCN said the road now has become deplorable, adding that commuters were witness to the condition of the road.

This is it!

“Let’s say, we won’t probe you if you join the government.”

Patton along with others after inaugurating the Chathe bridge (R) New bridge at Kuda village area (NP).

EC ready for ‘One Nation, ZCN demands repair One Poll’: CEC Sunil Arora of alternative route NEW DELHI, DEC 21 (AGENCIES): Chief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora has said that the ECI Is ready to implement ‘One Nation, One Election’ system. This comes nearly a month after Prime Minister Narendra Modi pitched for the new system.

According to a re por t of News18, Arora said, “We are ready for that. After all broad amendments (in laws) by the legislature, Election Commission of India (ECI) is ready for the One Nation One Poll.”

Prime Minister Narendra Modi in November raised the pitch for “One Nation, One Election” and a single voter list for all polls in order to prevent the impact of the model code of conduct on development works every few months due to frequent spread-out polls.

“Elections are held at different places every few months, the impact it has on development works is known to all. Therefore, it is a must to have deep study and deliberation on ‘One Nation, One Election’,” Modi said.

The PM also suggested a single

bridge but later it was decided to preserve it as a heritage structure after carrying out restoration works.

Mor, however, pointed out that due to issues of relocation and negotiations for construction of the new bridge, work could not begin immediately after work order was issued. He said the contractor then took the initiative of engaging with the landowners seeking land for the new bridge after which layout was prepared in October 2017.

Host of ministers including Jacob Zhimomi, Pa n g y u P h o m , N e i b u Kronu and Kashiho Sangtam, advisers-- Nicky Kire, Tovihoto Ayemi, Kazheto Kinimi, Zhaleo Rio and NPF legislator Moatoshi Longkumer attended the inaugural programmes. DC Dimapur R. Soundararajan, commissioner of police Rothihu Tetseo, engineer in-chief Lima Dongdang, chief engineer Limanaro, SE Ahoto, EE Talitemsu and others also attended the programme.

Though officially not inaugurated, the deputy CM also announced opening of the Balijan bridge bordering Assam for commuters starting from December 21.

KOHIMA, DEC 21 (NPN): Director General of Software Technology Park of India (STPI), under Union Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology, Dr Omkar Rai said the Central government was looking forward to capitalise the strength and talent of Nagas in IT sector.

Addressing the 6th edition of e-Naga Summit 2020

in virtual mode on Monday on the theme “Emerging Technologies and its impact on future society”, Rai said OctaNE, a centre of excellence and incubation in the field of IT application in graphical design and understanding the strength and Talent of the Nagas in IT sector, has been set up, adding that this would materialise soon.

He also acknowledged the State government for fa-

cilitating setting up of STPI in Kohima and hoped that the park would be dedicated soon.

Rai mentioned that the aspiration of the State government to help Nagaland become IT hub of South East Asia was genuine as India’s ambition to become software product nation witnessed outsourcing IT products worth $147 billion in 201819 and generated revenue amounting to $191 billion.

DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): Residents of Dhobinala, Zeliangrong village, here have taken up the task of repairing the damaged stretches of road by themselves as their pleas before authorities in this regard allegedly failed to elicit any positive response.

According to Zeliangrong village GBs-Namshilung and Rangau, the repairing of the road started with contributions, donations, etc., and that the people were determined to complete it with God’s grace as the colony’s road was connected to multiple colonies and played a vital role to ease traffic jam, adding it had never objected to anyone plying on colony’s road.

Despite being located in the heart of Dimapur, the council regretted that roads in the locality have been in (Cont’d on p-8) a shoddy condition for de-

In his speech, IT&C advisor Mmhonlumo Kikon remarked that the summit in virtual mode with top experts in IT sector from Europe, Asia and India showed that the State government was committed to fulfil the vision of making Nagaland the “next IT hub of South East Asia” and exuded confidence that with the support of all the experts, the dream could be fulfilled.

In his introductory note, IT principal secretary KD Vizo explained that the theme “Emerging Technologies and its impact on future society” was chosen keeping in mind the new technologies that were emerging at a very fast pace, the need to balance “ourselves” to adopt technology for promoting efficiency, accountability and transparency and also to preserve and protect the core human values.

Concrete road being constructed by residents of Zeliangrong village.

cades. Even autorickshaws, which are the only mode of public transport for most residents, refuse to enter the colony citing bad roads, it added. The road was first blacktopped around 199495 after which it received “lipstick” carpeting under Dimapur Municipal Council’s initiative, which was washed away within a few

months, they said. In this regard, the council took the initiative of road construction after collecting nearly Rs 15 lakh in cash from local residents– landowners as well as tenants – and traders.

The council issued an appeal to not let the people consider themselves as living in a stateless society.

K Y M C

2

state

Peren farmers undertake exposure tour

Farmers with KVK Peren officials during the tour to ICAR-Nagaland Centre, Medziphema.

DIMAPUR: Three-day intra state exposure tour-cuminteraction programme was organised by KVK Peren, ICAR-RC for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Jalukie from December 17 to 19.

A press release by KVK Peren senior scientist & head (i/c), Dr. L. Babita Devi stated that, the tour was made to ICAR-Nagaland Centre, ICAR- NRC on Mithun, integrated dairy unit, Urra village, Dimapur, integrated farm at NICRA adopted village Dhansaripar, Dimapur

and integrated piggery farm at Vidima, funded by NABARD, Dimapur.

Scientists (fishery) Dr. Jyotish Barman and (horticulture), Dr. Aabon Yanthan, led the farmers and demonstrated on different component of intensive integrated farming system at ICAR Nagaland Centre. At ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Dr. S. Stephen Hanah (scientist) and Dr. Kubo Khate (farm manager) explained in detail about the different farm routines at mithun farm and

usefulness and utility of mithun. A video on mithun farming was also shown to the participants. Participants were taken to successfully established integrated dairy unit (dairy unit, fodder plot, silage unit), integrated piggery unit (piggery, fishery, banana, king chilli, toria and fodder plot) and integrated farming unit (low cost rain water harvesting unit, vegetable demo unit, nursery unit) at Urra village, Vidima and Dhansaripar, Dimapur.

Farmers to farmers

interaction, group discussion meeting and interaction programme with the experts were also done.

Programme was led by Dr. L. Babita Devi, Z. James Kikon (ACTO, soil sc) and Dr. Patu Khate Zeliange (ACTO, PBG), KVK Peren.

Altogether, 25 participants from Jalukie, Jalukielo, Jalukiekam, Beisempuikam, Jalukieram, Azailong, Nkialwa and New Chalkot villages of Peren district participated in the exposure tour.

‘National Consumer Day’ held in Kohima

DIMAPUR: NVCO & department of LMCP held its 4th day programme of the week long “National Consumer Day” on December 21 by highlighting consumer complaints in and around the state capital.

A press release by NVCO press & media cell stated that, various consumer grievances faced by general public on daily basis included complaint against new tax imposed on fuel and motor spirits by government of Nagaland as prices of essential and non-essential items have shot up due to hike in prices of fuel.

On shortage of weights/measurement and excessive charges on prices on several items including meat, etc, despite the rate given by Kohima Municipal Council (KMC), NVCO president, Kezhokhoto Savi interacted

with a butcher in one of the colonies in Kohima town where the butcher responded that they could not make profit if they were to follow KMC rate especially pork.

It was observed that they were not maintaining minimum standard of sanitation and cleanliness as per Food Safety & Standard Act and most did not hold licence either from KMC or from department of Health & Family Welfare as per the Act. Collection of donation by various societies, be in town or villages continues including selling of calendar, Christmas star, etc at exorbitant rates was brought to attention. In addition there was also practice of illegal taxation on highways and check gates by government agencies, federation and various groups including highest of-

fices and politicians deducting certain percentages on developmental projects in the name of commission, party fund, etc.

Further, Consumer Protection Act 2019 which the state government was yet to implement and State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission which was not functional since the retirement of former president of state commission were also discussed.

Other grievances included Food Commission which was yet to be set up in the state as per National Food Security Act. In the absence of this Commission, there was misappropriation in the distribution of rice.

Corruption, backdoor appointments, and unclean conduct of state general assembly election, etc was also brought to light.

Dy. CM condoles Orgns extend Christmas greetings

DIMAPUR: Deputy CM, Y Patton has expressed grief over the demise of former executive secretary, Lotha Baptist Churches Association (LBCA), Rev. N.T Murry. In a condolence note, Patton stated that late Murry was not only a pastor but also an educator and translator of the Holy Bible in Lotha dialect.

Patton also said that late Murry had been involved in various Lotha literature committees and served the Church in various capacities.

Further, Patton stated that his death was a great loss to the Lothas and the Christian community. Patton along with his wife conveyed sympathies to the bereaved family and prayed for the departed soul to rest in eternal peace.

LHD: Lotha Hoho Dimapur (LHD) in a condolence note by LHD general secretary, W. Rainbow Ngullie described late Murry as a kind hearted man, passionate visionary mentor, God fearing man, compassionate and humble man who had contributed enormously for the progress and upliftment of the society.

LHD conveyed condolences to the bereaved family and that Almighty God grant them comfort at this time of grief.

Lotha Hoho Dimapur also prayed that the departed soul rest in eternal peace.

NRPOA condoles DIMAPUR: Nagaland Police Retired Officers Association (NPROA) has expressed sorrow at the demise of one of its dynamic senior officer, late Kihoto Sumi (Retd.

DySP) who passed away on December 20.

In a condolence note, Nrilo Himb (Retd. Deputy Commandant) on behalf of the association pray that the departed soul rest in peace and that the bereaved family find solace.

K Y M C

DIMAPUR: Catholic Association of Nagaland (CAN) extended Christmas greetings and to define this pandemic circumstances at this Christmas season as positive connections to oneself, communities and wider environment. A greetings message by CAN president, Johnny Ruangmei has urged that this Christmas 2020 be an occasion of sharing, and making others happy. CAN also pray for great inner joy upon all the families in the diocese of Kohima and urged every believer to become a reflection of God’s love. CAN extended prayer that the season brings happiness, peace and divine protection of all the families during these unprecedented times.

DPON and DHH (Society): Dimasa Public Organisation, Nagaland (DPON) and Dimabang Halali Hosom (DHH Society) Dimapur in a greetings by DPON general secretary, P. M. Thaosen conveyed a warm Christmas and prosperous New Year 2021 greetings to all the people of Nagaland. It also prayed that this season may bring fruitful and successful solution at the earliest to the people of Nagaland with the blessings of almighty God.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

news in Brief NSF office to remain closed: NSF Naga Students’ Federation (NSF) has informed that its office shall remain closed from December 23 to January 15, 2021. For any information the concer ned individual/ group(s) may contact at nagastudents1947@ gmail.com, NSF (official Facebook page).

NSF also extended greetings on the occasion of Christmas and New Year celebrations.

ANCSU office closed for holiday: All Nagaland College Students’ Union (ANCSU) has informed that its office would remain closed from December 22 to January 12. In case of urgency, one may contact vice president, Inato Y Chisho at 8794766610, general secretary, Imnameren N Jamir at 7005881992 or education secretary Keneitsituo Kense at 7641935607.

NPGN/NNC disc h a r ge s : N a t i o n a l people’s government of Nagaland/Naga National Council has discharged Hoto Swu UT-1 secretary of Thilixu village from the active national service on health g round.

NPGN/NN through its MIP stated that, the selfless service rendered by him for the cause of the Naga nation would be noted and remembered.

Foundation laid for community grave yard at Pfutseromi Village

Vekhrolo Koza and others during laying of foundation for community grave yard at Pfutseromi village on December 21.

DIMAPUR: Foundation was laid for community grave yard at Pfutseromi village by Pfutseromi Village Council (PVC) on December 21, with BDO, RD block Pfutsero, Vekhrolo Koza as the special guest.

A press release by the organisers stated that, Koza unveiled the monolith at the site and Mission International India president, Rev. Dr. Kenny Kapfo ministered and dedicated it. Vekhrolo Koza in his speech said that the village had given great impor-

tance to community assets and as such Pfutseromi village was one among the area who had come up with such development.

He also said that rest was assured at the place which has been sanctified.

Rev. Dr. Kenny Kapfo cited Romans 14:8 that “if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord, so whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord.”

He also acknowledged the village council and leaders for bringing

such a project for the welfare of the community and society.

Pfutseromi VDB secretary, Zekozo Mero gave a brief report of the site.

Wepretso Mero, (Rtd), commissioner secretary & chairman, Quality Control Board, Nagaland delivered short speech.

Earlier, programme was led by Village Council Pfutseromi secretary, Kedounyi Medo and vote of thanks was by delivered by Pfutseromi Village Council chairman, M. Mero.

ARK Foundation urges all to drive safe

DIMAPUR: With road mishaps gradually increasing in the state, ARK Foundation has urged all to be responsible during the festive season.

A press release by ARK Foundation president, Ketho Angami stated that road accidents were of great concern to the society, especially during the festive days.

He requested all to not intoxicate and drive, to eat healthy, rest adequately, drink enough fluids and to follow a light

exercise routine.

Angami stated that the situation was intensified due to the present COVID-19 crisis and that while the world sees the light of the day in the form of a possible vaccine, it was of supreme importance to continue following the precautionary advisories laid out by the government and not to be complacent. Further, ARK Foundation extended safe celebrations and a prosperous New Year.

2 girl cadets selected for RDC camp DIMAPUR: Two c a dets of Army senior wing (SW), 1 Nagaland girls battalion NCC, NCC group, Kohima made it to the prestigious, Republic Day Contingent (RDC) Camp as part of the NCC Directorate North East Region (NER), which for this time had reduced vacancies due to COVID protocol.

According to PRO (Defence) Kohima, after relentless training, three SW cadets out of many volunteers were selected to attend the NER Dte Pre

RDC-I camp held at NCC Academy Jorhat, Assam from November 22.

All three cadets got selected for the pre Republic Day Contingent II camp and Pre RDC-III camp.

In the final selection, conducted by ADG NCC of North East Region Dte, two cadets cleared the test.

The girl cadets selected were SUO Rokovino, Kohima College and Sgt

Zuchobeni St Joseph’ College (Autonomous).

The cadets were trained under the aegis of NCC Group HQ Kohima by CO 1 Nagaland girls battalion NCC, Col Avinash D Pitre and Hav Sempithung Lotha.

The selected cadets proceeded to New Delhi on December 18 to attend the Republic Day Camp (RDC) and shall be returning in February 2021.

DP-5672

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

"Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise."

Luke 23:43

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Late Kevichutuo John

(21.12.1985 – 17.12.2020) Life has shown us it's hurtful side by taking you away from us when we didn't see it coming.

Through this column, we would like to thank every individual, groups well-wishers and family members who stood by us in this time of sorrow.

Your thoughtfulness, generosity and support during this difficult time was very much appreciated and of great comfort to us.

DP-5684

11.8.1959 - 14.12.2020 We, the family members of Late Mrs. K. Atoli Sema, Wife of Justice H. K. Sema, who completed her life here on earth on 14.12.2020 express our deep gratitude to all who grieved with us at the demise of our beloved wife, mother, mother-in-law and grandmother.

Losing a loved one is heart-breaking, but your presence, prayers and messages have filled us with courage, covered us with God’s love and protection and reminded us to look upwards to the Hope of Glory.

We express regret that it may not be possible to thank each one of you personally, but our Good Lord knows each one of you by name and it is our prayer that He will bless you abundantly.

In particular we wish to thank the following families In Christ: 1. Chekiye Village Baptist Church; 2. Shena New Baptists Church; 3. Hakhizhe Baptist Church; 4. Naga Christian Fellowship, Delhi; 5. Redeemer Church, Delhi.

6. Delhi Sumi Community Loving Husband, Son, Daughters, Son-in-law, Daughter-in-law and grandchildren.

DP-5701

Loving wife, children and family members.

DP-5695

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

1st Death Anniversary

D.O.B : 01.08.1982 – D.O.D : 16.12.2020 We, the bereaved family of Lt. Takajungshi Imchen extend our sincere gratitude to all the sympathizers who stood by us through prayers, financially and materially at the demise of our beloved on 16.12.2020.

We extend our special gratitude to : i. New Reserve Police 'C' Coy ii. Nokpu Union Kohima iii. Mr & Mrs Neiu Sote & Family.

We deeply regret our inability to mention each and every individual but pray to Almighty God to bless you all for the good deeds you have done for us.

Loving Wife, Son and Relatives DP-5690

DIED ON 22-12-2019 We thought of you today, but that is nothing new, we though about you yesterday and days before that too, we think of you in silence, we often speak your name. All we have are memories and your picture in a frame, your memory is a keepsake from which we’ll never part, we have you in our hearts.

Loving Husband, Children, Grandchildren & In-Laws K-2064

Mrs. Menili Swu

K Y M C

3

State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

AVSU, MTABC, SFXCC celebrate jubilees

(Inset) Y. B. Angam Phom. Gospel team presenting special song during the jubilee Rev. Lipok Pongen releasing the jubilee souvenir during Bishop of Kohima and priests with confirmation candidates at the jubilee celebration celebration on December 20. (NP) the 25th anniversary celebration of MTABC. held at Kidima village on December 20.

DIMAPUR: Auching Village Staffs Union (AVSU), Medziphema Town Ao Baptist Church (MTABC) and St Francis Xavier Catholic Church (SFXCC) Kidima celebrated silver and golden jubilees respectively at Auching village, Medziphema town and Kidima village.

AVSU: Auching Village Staffs Union (AVSU) celebrated its 25th anniversary under the theme, “Pillar of light” at Auching Baptist Church on December 20, with Association of Phom Graduate and Officers (APGO), president Y. B. Angam Phom as special guest.

While lauding AVSU for making numerous achievements during the last twenty five years and

reaching thus far, the special guest said, government employees were the pillar of society and play an important role in transforming and uplifting the community at large.

Po i n t i n g o u t t h a t people expect government job holders for all positive transformation, he called upon the union to be a torch bearer and always willing to render their service for the betterment of the society.

He also said that peace, unity and cooperation among the people were vital for development and survival and urged the gathering to strive for a better future. Special guest also reminded that celebration of jubilee was to retrospect on the achievements made

during the past twenty five years and to seek blessings for the next coming years. He acknowledged the pioneers for establishing the union despite many difficulties and urged to follow in their footsteps for positive transformation and development.

Earlier, special guest also unveiled the jubilee monolith, while dedicatory prayer was offered by Auching Baptist Church, pastor P. Belong Phom.

Programme was chaired

by K. Wongto Phom and T. Monyu Phom, scripture reading and prayer by T. Anyang Phom, exhortation by M. Langke Phom and special song presented

by Chingkang youth and gospel team. (Correspondent)

MTABC: Medziphema Town Ao Baptist Church (MTABC) celebrated golden jubilee under the theme, “Proclaiming liberty” from December 19 to 20.

A press release by MTABC pastor Anungba Imsong stated that, Rev. Lipok Pongen, church & mission coordinator, ABAM, Rev. I. Wati Jamir, pastor, DABA and Dr. Yangermongba, founder president, BCCI, Bangalore, were the main speakers. Short speeches were delivered by president, Ao Senso Telongjem Medziphema, family member of late Imtikumzuk, founder of MTABC and Baptist Church Medziphema Town. Jubilee souvenir was released by Rev. Lipok

Pongen.

During the opening ceremony, the Christian Education Ministry gave a display for the celebration.

MTABC pastor Anungba Imsong welcomed all the invitees, guests and church members. Jubilee planning committee convenor, T. Imsu Tzudir delivered vote of thanks. Youth ministry gave a vibrant display during the closing ceremony.

Dr. Akumla Longchar was the recording secretary of the whole programme.

SFXCC: St Francis Xavier Catholic Church (SFXCC) Kidima celebrated 50 years jubilee under the theme, “For the glory of God” (I Corinthians 10: 31) at new Catholic church building on December 20.

A press release by SFXCC Kidima stated that, Most Reverend Dr. James Thoppil, Bishop of Kohima was main celebrant along with Rev. Fr. Raymond D’Souza SJ, pioneer of Jesuit mission in North East India. Most Rev. Dr. James Thoppil in his homily asked the faithful to give gratitude to God for the pioneers and their sacrifices for Catholic faith mission. Bishop called upon the faithful to live with Christian principles of value, hope, sincerity, hard work, rededication, repentance and to face uncertain situation. Bishop said St Joseph College, Jakhama was a great blessing for the village as many youths have earned education and has influenced the society

in general. Fr Raymond D’Souza shared on how catechism was taught with video slide show. Earlier, jubilee monolith was blessed

by Bishop and unveiled

by Fr Raymond D’Souza, director of Eden Garden and Children’s Home, Khuzama. Golden jubilee was formally launched on January 26, and a day retreat was organised on December 13, led by Fr. Sabu, pastoral Training Centre at Bishop House, Dimapur with Ursuline Sisters. On December 16 special Holy Mass for departed souls from church community members was offered. Jubilee souvenir was released by first parish priest Fr P.J. Thomas and jubilee greeting by Keyolevo Augustine, president

of Kidima Catholic Union.

Kidima Catholic Youth Association choir was led by Zayiekhoto Benedict and Kelevito Carolus. Welcome address was delivered by Reverend Fr Siby John, parish priest of Kidima.

Bishop also administered the sacrament of 60 confirmation and 86 first communicants with 42 boys and 44 girls.

Catholic Association of Nagaland expressed greetings. Nagaland Catholic Youth Movement, Angami Catholic Union, Angami Catholic Youth Association, Angami Catholic Women Association, Southern Angami Catholic Youth Association and neighbouring villages joined the thanksgiving celebration.

ATMAs conduct various trainings & demonstrations in the state

Rural youths with ATMA and KVK functionaries during Trainees with ATMA functionaries at the raised bed nursery Rural youths with ATMA functionaries during the Participant farmers with ATMA officials during inaugural the training programme in Wokha. training held at Jalukie town. training on oyster mushroom. of farm school on November 30 at Jalukie town, Peren.

DIMAPUR: Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) has been conducting trainings and demonstrations at various blocks across Nagaland for the benefit of farmers.

ATMA Wokha: Sixday training programme on mushroom production techniques for rural youths under skill training of rural youth (STRY) was or-

ganised by ATMA Wokha in collaboration with KVK Wokha from December 7 to 12.

A press release by ATMA Wokha T Subenthung Yanthan stated that, training was organized in association with State Agricultural Management & Extension Training institute (SAMETI) & National Institute of Agricultural Extension Management (MANAGE). Training was nagalandpost.com Poll to impart skill-based trainQ.: Can COVID vaccine ing to rural youth on agroalso prevent the new based vocational areas in COVID mutant from compliance with national spreading? policy on skill development 100% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– & entrepreneurship in ag90% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– riculture and allied areas 80% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– to promote employment in 70% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– rural areas. Various topics 60% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– on mushroom cultivation for 50% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– entrepreneurship develop40% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– ment and species of mush30% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– room etc were thoroughly 20% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– covered by the resource 10% –––––––––––––––––––––––––––––– person (ACTO) KVK, Dr. 0% Mhalo Tungoe Lungalung.

A B C Practical demonstration on 30% Yes. A oyster mushroom cultivation 43% B No. was also carried out with an 27% C Can’t Say. active participation from the youths. A field visit to Next poll poultry unit, piggery unit, Q: Can the Modi govt fish cum duck farming etc dethrone Mamata in the were carried out. Altogether, 2021 assembly polls?

15 rural youths attended  Yes. the training. Training was conducted under the super No. vision of the two deputy  Can’t Say. project directors, Yanglen Y Jami and T. Subenthung WEATHER Yanthan.

FORECAST ATMA Peren: ATMA December 22 Peren district conducted skill training of rural youth (Temperature in ºC) Max Min (STRY) on raised bed nursAgartala Hazy sun 26 11 ery at Jalukie Town Women Aizawl Pleasant with plenty of sun 23 8 Welfare conference hall from Guwahati Plenty of sunshine 25 11 December 7 to 12.

Imphal Hazy sun 24 7 A press release by Itanagar Sunshine and pleasant 24 11 ATMA Peren stated that, reShillong Plenty of sunshine 18 5 source person Akam Zeliang Kohima Plenty of sunshine 21 8 and Aola Tzudir highlighted Dimapur Hazy sun 25 11 on raised bed nursery and its Mkg Pleasant with plenty of sun 22 8 benefits, attended by 17 rural Tuensang Sunny and cooler 17 5 youth from New Jalukie, Wokha Plenty of sunshine 21 10 Nkwareu, Mhainamtsi and Zunheboto Plenty of sun 20 6 Samziuram villages. Hands K Y M C

on demonstration were held at St. Xavier College, Jalukie town where the trainees were trained with the motives of “Learning by doing”. Raised bed preparation and different types of vegetables seed sowing was demonstrated.

On the 6th day the trainees were taken to organic farm at Samziuram village where raised bed nursery system was being practiced suc ATMA Kohima: ATMA Kohima district conducted training programme on oyster mushroom cultivation through paddy straw under skill training for rural youth (STRY) scheme under sub-mission on agriculture extension (SMAE) of National Mission on Agricultural Extension Technology (NMAET) of ministry of Agriculture and Famer’s Welfare, India from December 7 to12 at Perizie Colony, Kohima. A press release by deputy PD (ATMA), Rokoshuno Angela stated that horticulture inspector and team member, Nagaland Beekeeping & Honey Mission (NBHM), Mhathung Tsopoe was the resource person for the training programme.

Medicinal, nutritional and economic benefits were introduced to the trainees.

Altogether, 18 participants were trained.

ATMA Jalukie block: A g r i c u l t u r a l Te c h n o l ogy Management Agency (ATMA) Jalukie block, Peren inaugurated a fishery farm school at Jalukie town on November 23. A press release by ATMA Jalukie block stated that, the farm school was inaugurated by horticulture inspector and convener Ibotui, where Pauchikap was appointed as the farm school teacher.

Earlier BTM, Jalukie block, Aola Tzudir highlighted the concept of farm school and functions of ATMA where contingency and fish feeds were also handed over to

the farm school teacher.

Altogether 11 farmers attended the inauguration programme.

ATMA Satakha block: ATMA Satakha block, organised training and demonstration programme at Sukhai village on November 7. A press release by ATMA Satakha block stated that, training and demonstration was conducted on cultivation practices of multilayer farming, chilli cultivation through mulching sheet technique and bio compost and organic mulching.Training and demonstration was conducted by ATM, Tovi V Jimomi, where he briefed participants through audio and visual display with demonstration and also stressed on importance, benefits and positive. He also encouraged and disseminated knowledge farmers to start more focus in agriculture sector, as it was to be one major impact and key pillars for economy of the state. Training and demonstration was conducted as per request by Sukhai village.

ATMA Tening block, New Tesen: ATMA Tening block, inaugurated a piggery farm school at New Tesen, Peren on November 21. The inaugural function was held at the piggery farm of farm school teacher Aku Cerai at New Tesen village. The concept of farm school was delivered by ATM Tening, Woshan. Handing over of kits along with the contingency to the farm school teacher was also done. In the technical session ATM, Roko addressed on the importance of piggery farming and the general nutrition of pigs to the participants. Altogether 10 farmers attended the inaugural programme.

ATMA Jalukie block: ATMA Jalukie block, Peren inaugurated fishery farm school at Jalukie town on November 23.

A press release by ATMA Jalukie block stated that the farm school was inaugurated by horticulture inspector and convener ATMA Jalukie block, Ibotui where Pauchikap was appointed as the farm school teacher.

During the inauguration programme, concept of farm school and functions of ATMA was highlighted

by BTM, Aola Tzudir.

Altogether 11 farmers attended the inauguration programme wherein contingency and fish feeds were handed over to the farm school teacher.

ATMA Peren block: Agricultural technology management agency (ATMA) Peren block, inaugurated a vegetable farm school at Old Peren o n N ove m b e r 2 8 , a t the field of farm school teacher, Old Peren village.

Farm school was inaugurated by BTT convener Mapeuheile (AO) and the concept of farm school, role of farm teacher was also explained to the farmers. Pauheigalak was appointed as farm school teacher who encouraged the neighbouring farmers to be more dedicated

in their work. Altogether 15 farmers attended the inaugural programme.

ATMA Ahthibung block: Agricultural technology management agency (ATMA) Ahthibung block inaugurated pineapple farm school at Pellhang village on November 23. Special guest James Kikon (ACTO), KVK Peren in his speech encouraged the farmers to impart the knowledge and importance of sustainable farming to their children.

He enlightened them with inputs on spacing and on the benefits of pine-

apple farming. Earlier, programme was chaired by block convenor, Ahthibung, Oren Odyou, and the farm school was inaugurated by assistant chief technical officer, KVK Peren, James Kikon. The functions of ATMA and the concept of farm school were delivered by BTM, Lhaihoichong. Altogether 10 farmers attended and Nengneilhai was appointed as the farm teacher.

The farm teacher was also given all the necessary tools required in the farm along with some winter vegetables seeds.

K Y M C

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

Centre considering pension for artists: Patel

IMPHAL, Dec 21: The centre was actively considering providing pension benefits to art and culture activists, said Union minister of state for tourism and culture Prahlad Singh Patel on Monday.

Patel who arrived in Imphal on Monday on his two-day visit in the state attended inauguration of a spiritual circuit in Manipur constructed under Centre’s Swadesh Darshan Scheme.

He along with state chief minister also attended inauguration of construction/renovation of tourism infrastructure development in and around Mahabali Temple in Imphal East under NEC. Patel said that his ministry has taken up various schemes for the welfare of the artists who were taking important roles in the preservation of culture and traditions.

The ministr y was actively considering the introduction of a pension scheme for the artists recognising their contribu-

Union minister Prahlad Singh Patel and Manipur chief minister, N. Biren Singh inaugurating Spiritual Circuit in Imphal on Monday. (NP) tion in the preservation of the art and culture of the country.

Asserting the importance of preserving our rich culture and traditions inherited from the ancestors, Patel said that bringing them up would have a key role in maintaining peace not only in the country but also in the whole world.

He added that although Manipur is a small state, it has rich culture, tradition and tourism potentials since time immemorial which were still not fully explored.

Manipur chief minister, N. Biren Singh, who also spoke on the occasion said that state government has been giving top priority

for the development of the tourism sector as the state was endowed with natural scenic beauty and it would be easy to bring up at the international level.

He further stated that a review meeting has also been held to monitor the progress of development works being undertaken under Prasad Yojana (Pil-

IED found in Imphal ahead of Shah’s visit

Assam records 5 more COVID deaths, 63 cases

An IED defused by bomb experts at Kongba Bazar in Imphal East on Monday.

Correspondent IMPHAL, Dec 21: Ahead of Union home minister, Amit Shah’s visit to Imphal on December 27, security forces detected a powerful Improvised Explosive Devices (IED) in Imphal on Monday.

The IED was detected by a combined team of state police commandos and troops of Assam Rifles at the road side at Kongba Bazar in Imphal East district

under Irilbung police station of Imphal East district during search operation.

During the entire operation that lasted over an hour, traffic along the Imphal-Yairipok road was blocked as a precautionary measure.

Timely detection of the IED had averted a major tragedy that would have occurred if it had been triggered, Imphal East district SP Dr Jogeshchandra Haobijam claimed.

An official source here said that Shah will be visiting Manipur on December 27. He will attend a public reception in Imphal’s Hapta Kangjeibung, Imphal on the same day of his arrival.

He will also lay foundation stones of various new projects besides inaugurating some completed projects, the source said.

However, from the source, it could not be confirmed whether the Union home minister’s visit was related with his earlier scheduled visit in the state to hold consultations with stakeholders about the Naga peace talks.

Earlier, Shah planned to pay a visit in the state on November 29 last to hold consultations on the Naga peace talk with ministers, MLAs of the state, leaders of CSOs and other stakeholders.

However, it was postponed later.

Ahead of the VVIP’s visit, the security forces had already taken up in the state, particularly in the capital city and its outskirts, by way of conducting random search operations in sensitive areas.

Guwahati, Dec 21 (PTI): Assam’s COVID19 death toll increased to 1,017 after five more persons succumbed to the disease on Sunday, while 63 new infections took the total number of positive cases to 2,15,409, Health Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said.

He said that 64 patients were discharged during the day, pushing the total number of recoveries to 2,10,869.

Assam currently has 3,520 active cases while three patients have migrated out of the state.

“Sad to share the sad demise of five #COVID patients.....Condolences and Prayers”, Sarma tweeted.

Of the five fresh fatalities, the highest since November nine, two were reported from Cachar and one each from Golaghat, Sonitpur and Nagaon districts.

“63 cases detected out of 10147 tests conducted today with positivity rate of 0.62%,” the minister said in the tweet.

Registration mandatory to visit Meghalaya Correspondent Shillong, Dec 21: Visitors entering Meghalaya from Monday have to mandatorily register themselves at the facilitation centre or infiltration checkpoint at Umling in Ri-Bhoi district and at Umroi airport.

The facilitation centres shall be under the general direction, control and supervision of the District Task Force, Ri-Bhoi District as provided under sub-section (2) of Section 17 of the Meghalaya Residents’ Safety and Security Act, 2016 The centre has been the demand of many pressure groups and political parties.

It will act as a mechanism to check influx of illegal immigrants.

Deputy Chief Minister Prestone Tynsong inaugurated the facilitation centre in the presence of cabinet ministers and dignitaries in absence of Chief Minister Conrad Sangma who is recuperating from COVID19. “Visitors would face no hassle while entering into the State once they register before their visit or prefer to register at the facilitation centre,” Tynsong assured.

The State Legislative Assembly has passed a Resolution urging the centre to implement the ILP, which is yet to get the Centre’s nod.

Nohkalikai falls in Meghalaya Irrespective of the Central Government legislation, the FC, an initiative of the State Government, would work in the lines of the Inner Line Permit (ILP.) Any visitor to Meghalaya from Monday would have to either pre-register online with their identification documents or register at the Umling FC with the documents. The visitor who pre-registers online would be screened with an “e-device” and would further proceed with the journey into the State. Those who register at the FC would have to produce their documents at one of the many counters established. Some of the valid documents for identification includes, Voters Identity card, Driving Licenses and similar other documents.

“It is a “red letter day” for the State, and this Centre

has been inaugurated as wished by the people of the State. Our Government too wanted the facilitation centre because it wanted to make sure they (visitors) are totally safe through the registration, and faced no problems while they moved into the State,” Tynsong said, adding that the visitors would “feel homely and safe.”

Stating that the facilitation centre is a “humble beginning,” Tynsong said, “We may have shortcomings, feel free to give suggestions we will modify and improve the facilitation centre.” The Centre is a pre-fabricated structure constructed at a cost of Rs. 2.85 crore. The Conrad Sangma-led government was under tremendous pressure from pressure groups to inaugurate it swiftly as

some threatened to operate it themselves if the Government failed to inaugurate it on Monday. The pressure groups in Meghalaya want the ILP implemented following the passage of the Citizen Amendment Act and the publication of the National Register of Citizens in Assam, fearing hordes of illegal Bangladeshis pushing into the State. Tynsong further said that there would not be any queues at the facilitation centre as is being anticipated, saying that technology and the staff at the FC would ensure a smooth registration process.

“We will make sure the system is fast, so don’t hesitate to visit the most beautiful state in India,” Tynsong appealed to tourists.

Apart from the Umling facilitation centre a similar facilitation centre has been set up at the Umroi Airport as the direct maiden flight from Shillong-New Delhi-Shillong took off on Monday. Tynsong also announced that the next such facilitation centre would be established at Bajengdoba in North Garo Hills district.

He said the land for establishing the facilitation centre at Bajengdoba has been handed over to the government and work to establish the facilitation centre would start soon.

grimage Rejuvenation and Spiritual Heritage Augmentation Drive).

He also informed that the Central government was very much concerned with the preservation of historical sites located in the state and had also given assurance to render any assistance for the development of such sites.

Today’s inauguration function held at the auditorium of Manipur State Film Development Society, Imphal was attended by state tourism minister Oinam Lukhoi Singh and some other ministers and MLAs of the ruling parties apart from high ranking officials of the state government.

The spiritual circuit consisting five components - Shree Govindajee Temple, Shree Bijoy Govindajee Temple, Shree Gopinath Temple, Shree Bangshibodon Temple and Shree Kaina Temple - was developed, under Swadesh Darshan Scheme of Union ministry of tourism, with a sanction amount of Rs 53 crore with state PWD as implementing agency.

Tezpur, Dec 21 (PTI): A man was sentenced to death on Monday by a court in Assam’s Bishwanath district for allegedly raping and killing a fiveyear-old girl.

Bishwanath Additional Sessions Court Judge Dipankar Bora sentenced the man to death after convicting him under IPC Sections 363 (kidnapping), 302 (murder) and 201 (causing disappearance of evidence), among others, besides Section 6 of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offence (POCSO) Act. The incident happened in November 2018 at a tea garden in the Sootea police station area, officials said.

The convict was a relative of the girl and had come to her house for some work, they said.

He had lured the girl by offering her chocolate and took her to a nearby jungle where he raped her, killed and hid the body.

The man hails from the Lokhra Burhagaon area of the Sonitpur district.

64 members of 4 militant groups surrender before Assam CM

Sarbananda Sonowal looks at arms and ammunitions laid out by members of various militant groups. (PTI) Guwahati, Dec 21 (PTI): Sixty-four members of four militant outfits surrendered with arms and ammunition before Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal here on Monday, officials said.

Eighteen militants of the ULFA, 32 of the United People’s Revolutionary Front, 13 of the Dimasa National Liberation Army and one of the People’s Democratic Front of Bodoland surrendered at the Srimanta Sankardeva

Kalakshetra, a cultural institution.

Deputy Commanderin-Chief of the ULFA (Independent), Dhristi Rajkhowa, is one of the 64 who formally laid down arms before the chief minister.

The event was organised by the state home department and the police, officials said.

Chief Secretary Jishnu Baruah and Director General of Police Bhaskar Jyoti Mahanta were present on the occasion.

BSF-BGB to streamline mechanisms to curb border crimes Guwahati, Dec 21 (IANS): The 5-day long Director General (DG) level Border Coordination Conference (BCC) between India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB), beginning from Tuesday, would streamline mechanisms to jointly curb diverse transborder crimes and timely sharing of information between the both border guarding forces, a BSF official said here on Monday.

According to a senior official of the BSF, the BCC, held first time outside the national capital, would also deliberate on developmental and infrastructure works, joint efforts for effective implementation of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) and Confidence Building Measures (CBMs).

The 51st DG level BCC between the BSF and BGB would also review the ongoing strategies and further improve it for the better coordination between both border guarding forces deployed along the 4,096-km frontiers, including 1,116 km of riverine boundary, of the two neighbours.

Five Indian states West Bengal (2,216 km), Tripura (856 km), Meghalaya (443 km), Mizoram (318 km) and Assam (263 km) share 4,096-km border with Bangladesh.

BSF Chief Rakesh Asthana and BGB Director General Major General Md Shafeenul Islam, would led their respective delegations

BSF personnel patrolling Indo-Bangla international border. (File/PTI) in the meet, where Inspector Generals of BSF’s six of the nine frontiers would participate.

The last BSF-BGB BCC was held from September 16-19 this year in Bangladesh capital Dhaka.

A BSF release said that the Joint India-Bangladesh guidelines for border authorities-1975 envisaged that there should be frequent contacts between the border authorities of the two countries to discuss the matters of immediate administrative concern.

An Indian delegation under the leadership of former BSF DG Ashwani Kumar and the Bangladesh delegation headed by former DG BDR (now BGB) Major General Quazi Golam met in Kolkata on December 2, 1975 for the first time to discuss mutual border

IN THE COURT OF

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT AND SESSIONS JUDGE COURT

MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND NOTICE S/C No.192/2020 Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late K. Supongmetong has been applied by Smti Purnungla, W/o Late K. Supongmetong, R/o H.No. 05, Arkong Ward, Mokokchung, Nagaland for possession of: Notice is hereby given that any person interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may, if she/he so desire to appear in the court on or before 17.01.2021.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 17.12.2020 Sd/- Principal District & Sessions Judge Mokokchung: Nagaland MKC-298

Regd. No. 5505/2020

AFFIDAVIT

Date : 18/12/2020

I, Shri. BABUL BORO, S/o Lt. Sukhuna Boro, aged about 47 years, presently resident at O/o the Divisional Engineer Telecom (DET), Eastern Telecom Region (ETR), M/W Station, Super Market Complex Area, Dimapur : Nagaland and permanent resident of Uttar Jangalpara Village, Tangla, Udalguri (Assam) do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as follows 1. That I am a bonafide and law abiding citizen of India and resident of the above mentioned address.

2. That my father name has been inadvertently entered/recorded as "S BORO" in my School Leaving/Transfer Certificate.

3. That "S BORO" and "SUKHUNA BORO" is the same and one person, i.e my father.

4. That I swear this affidavit to declare that "S BORO" and "SUKHUNA BORO" is the same and one person, i.e my father and to produce this document as a proof before any concerned authority.

5. That the statements made from paras 1 to 4 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing materials is concealed therein.

DEPONENT Solemnly sworn before me on this the 18th day of Dec. 2020 NOTARY PUBLIC

DP-5683

Correspondent

Man sentenced to death for rape, murder in Assam

problems. Since 1975, the meetings between DGs of BSF and BGB were held annually alternately in India and Bangladesh till 1993.

“During discussions held in Dhaka from October 7-9, 1993 between the Home Secretaries of India and Bangladesh, it was agreed that the DG level meetings between BSF and BGB, were to be a bi-annual event. In the agreed summary of discussions during the said meeting, it was emphasised that problems in the areas of mutual interests and concerns could be progressively resolved through close contacts and continuing meaningful dialogue at various levels,” the release said.

Accordingly, DGs of BSF and BGB have been holding BCC twice a year alternatively at Delhi and

Dhaka and joint record of discussions of these meetings are forwarded to Home Ministries of the two countries after each such meeting.

IN THE COURT OF

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT AND SESSIONS JUDGE COURT

MOKOKCHUNG: NAGALAND NOTICE S/C No.193/2020 Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Tsebomotong has been applied by Smti Purnungla, W/o Late Tsebomotong, R/o H.No. 05, Arkong Ward, Mokokchung, Nagaland for possession of: Notice is hereby given that any person interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may, if she/he so desire to appear in the court on or before 17.01.2021.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 17.12.2020 Sd/- Principal District & Sessions Judge Mokokchung: Nagaland MKC-300

IN THE COURT OF

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE

MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND NOTICE S/C NO. 188/2020 NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-I OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Tongpangyongdang has been applied

by Shri/Smti Susunungla, W/o Lt. Tongpangyongdang, R/o H.No 239 (B), Tzudikong Town, Mokokchung, Nagaland for possession of : Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may if she/he so desire appear in this court on or before the said date of 17.01.2021.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this the 17.12.2020 Principal District & Sessions Judge Mokokchung : Nagaland MKC-297

5

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

11 grenades dropped by Pakistan drone Global growth discussions must be bigger: PM recovered near IB in Punjab’s Gurdaspur

Learning should be such that it furthers innovation, which is the cornerstone to human empowerment, he said.

Underlining that societies that are open minded, democratic and transparent are better suited to innovate, Modi said now is the time, more than ever before, to change the paradigm on what we see as growth.

“Discussions on global growth cannot happen only between a few. The table must be bigger. The agenda must be broader. Growth patterns must follow a human-centric approach. And, be in harmony with our surroundings,” he said.

Modi also called for keeping humanism at the core of policies.

“We must make harmonious co-existence with nature as the central pillar of our existence,” he said.

In his address at the conference, the prime minister also proposed the creation of a library dedicated to traditional Buddhist literature and scriptures.

“We will be happy to create such a facility in India and will provide appropriate resources for it,” he said.

The library will collect digital copies of all such Buddhist literature from different countries, he said.

It will aim to translate them, and make them freely available for all monks and scholars of Buddhism, Modi added.

“The library will not only be a depository of literature. It will also be a platform for research and dialogue - a true Samwad between human beings, between societies, and between humans and nature,” he said.

Its research mandate will also include examining how Buddha’s message can guide our modern world against contemporary challenges, Modi said.

The prime minister noted that “we began this

series of conferences with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe” and since then, the ‘Samwad’ has travelled from New Delhi to Tokyo, from Yangon to Ulaanbaatar.

“In this journey, it has remained true to its fundamental objectives: to encourage dialogue and debate; to highlight our shared values of democracy, humanism, Ahimsa, freedom and tolerance; and, to carry forward our ancient tradition of spiritual and scholarly exchanges,” Modi said, thanking the Japanese government for their constant support to ‘Samwad’.

“About three weeks ago, I was at Sarnath. Sarnath is where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment. This Jyoti Punj emerged from Sarnath spread across the world embracing the values of compassion, nobility and above all, ‘Manav Kalyan’, the good of entire humanity. And gently, peacefully, it changed the course of world history,” Modi said.

It was in Sarnath that Lord Buddha spoke in detail about his ideal of Dhamma which for him was more than prayer and rituals, the prime minister noted.

Special Kerala Assembly session on Dec 23 for resolution against farm laws

Two Andhra scribes booked on charge of extortion

Jupiter-Saturn conjunction: People glimpse ‘Christmas Star’

NEW DELHI, DEC 21 (PTI): Asserting that growth patter ns must follow a human-centric approach, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said discussions on global growth cannot happen only among a few as the “table must be bigger” and the agenda broader.

The prime minister’s remarks at the 6th IndoJapan Samwad Conference assume significance as they come at a time when India has been pushing for reformed multilateralism at the UN and other global fora, calling for representation reflecting contemporary realities.

Modi, in his message at the conference via video link, said hostility will never achieve peace and in the past, humanity took the path of confrontation instead of collaboration.

“From Imperialism to the world wars. From the arms race to the space race.

We had dialogues but they were aimed at pulling others down. Now, let us rise together,” Modi said.

Lord Buddha’s teachings command the strength to turn the discourse from enmity to empowerment and

T H I RU VA NA N THAPURAM, DEC 21 (PTI): A special session of the Kerala Assembly is being convened on Wednesday to discuss the three contentious central farm laws and pass a resolution against the acts, whose repeal is being insisted by farmers agitating at the borders of Delhi for nearly a month.

The decision to convene the special session on the laws was taken by the CPI-M led LDF government at a Cabinet meeting presided by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Monday, official sources said.

Finance Minister Thomas Isaac in a tweet said Kerala was in “total solidarity” with the farmers’ struggle and the session would discuss and ‘reject’ the laws.

“The cabinet has decided to recommend to the Governor to convene a special session of the assem-

Narendra Modi addresses the 6th Indo-Japan Samwad Conference, via video conferencing, in New Delhi. (PTI)

his teachings also make us large-hearted, Modi said.

“They (Buddha’s teachings) tell us: learn from the past and work towards a better future. This is the best service we can do for our future generations,” he said.

Noting that this is the first Samwad of a new decade which is happening at a critical moment of human history, Modi said, “Our actions today will shape the discourse in the coming times. This decade and beyond will belong to those societies that place a premium on learning and innovating together.”

It will be about nurturing bright young minds who will add value to the humanity in the times to come, he said.

Pinarayi Vijayan

bly on December 23. The session has been called to discuss the threeagricultural laws against which farmers have held country-wide agitations,” a press statement issued by the Chief Minister’s office said.

Assembly sources said the brief session will discuss the three agricultural laws enacted by the centre and pass a resolution against them.

Only leaders of the respective parties in the House will participate in the discussion.

Isaac in his tweet said: “Kerala cabinet decided to convene a special session of the legislative assembly on 23rd December before the scheduled session to discuss and reject the controversial farm laws. Kerala in total solidarity with the farmers’ struggle”.

The special session is being convened in the backdrop of thousands of farmers, especially from Punjab and Haryana, camping at various borders of Delhi for almost four weeks demanding the repeal of the three agricultural laws as their talks with the government representatives remained deadlocked.

The farmers are apprehending that the new laws will pave the way for a dismantling of the Minimum Support Price (MSP) mechanism and the mandi system, leaving them to the “mercy” of big corporates, which the union government insists are misplaced.

Palakollu, Dec 21 (IANS): Two journalists in Andhra Pradesh have been booked on the charge of extorting money from a rice trader, police said on Monday.

West Godavari district police registered a case under Section 384 of the IPC against Vendra Srinivas and Lazarus for allegedly threatening the trader while he was loading rice meant for a government welfare scheme.

Police said that the duo extorted Rs 95,000 from the trader, threatening that they would otherwise report the illegal rice loading to officials.

“We have registered a case against the two journalists and are investigating,” a police official told IANS. Police is yet to arrest the duo.

Incidentally, Srinivas from Narasapuram has a rowdysheet against him. Lazarus is from Palakollu town. Srinivas works with a prominent Telugu news channel based in Hyderabad.

NEW DELHI, DEC 21 (AGENCIES): People across India and the rest of the world witnessed a rare celestial phenomenon, the great conjunction of Saturn and Jupiter. The celestial event made Jupiter and Saturn appear as one bright star in the night sky. The event is visible to the naked eye as well, though those with a telescope would

CHANDIGARH, DEC 21 (PTI): Punjab Police on Monday said it seized 11 hand grenades, suspected to have been dropped by a drone flying in from Pakistan, from a field near the International Border (IB) in Gurdaspur district.

The consignment was found in a field in Salach village, located about 1 km from the border, in Gurdaspur district, Gurdaspur Senior Superintendent of Police Rajinder Singh Sohal told PTI over the phone.

have enjoyed a better view.

This is the first time in over 400 years that the two appeared so close to each other, though regular conjunctions take place every 20 years. This is the closest these two planets have been recorded since 1623.

That Great Conjunction of Jupiter and Saturn took place more than a decade after the telescope was

The grenades were hidden in a box and it was attached to a wooden frame, he said, adding the recovery was made Sunday evening.

Sohal said the Border Security Force had seen the movement of a drone on the intervening night of December 19 and 20 and had even fired at it. “ We c o n d u c t e d a search operation with the BSF personnel on Sunday and recovered grenades,” he said.

The first incident of

invented. Before 1623, the Great Conjunction took place in 1226.

The “great conjunction” is popularly referred to as the “Christmas Star.”

On December 21, almost all the viewers across the world were able to see the two gas giants very close to each other, while they were still hundreds of millions of miles apart in space.

dropping arms and weapons through drones from Pakistan came to light in Punjab in August 2019 when police recovered AK47 rifles, magazines and rounds of ammunition, hand grenades, fake currency and other items in Tarn Taran district.

Since then there have been several instances when security forces seized arms and ammunition dropped by drones flying in from across the Pakistani border.

The last time Jupiter and Saturn nuzzled up this close was in 1623, but weather conditions in regions where the reunion could be seen blocked the view.

Visibility was apparently better the time before that during the Middle Ages, on March 4, 1226 to be precise.

“The Grand Conjunction refers to the period when two planets have relatively similar positions in relation to Earth,” said , said Florent Deleflie from the Paris Observatory.

Jupiter, which is the larger planet, takes 12 years to revolve around the sun, while Saturn takes 29 years.

Every 20 years or so, they appear to observers on Earth to come closer to each other.

“With a small instrument -- even a small pair of binoculars -- people can see Jupiter’s equatorial bands and its main satellites and Saturn’s rings,” Deleflie said.

India should not be worried about Charge sheet against Azam ‘Garbage of lies’: Mamata hits out at our ties with Pakistan: Russia for his Amar Singh remarks Amit Shah over Bengal’s development NEW DELHI, DEC 21 (PTI): Russia on Monday said India should not be worried about its relationship with Pakistan but noted that Moscow is committed to develop ties with Islamabad as it is a member of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

Deputy Chief of the Russian mission Roman Babushkin said Russia’s ties with Pakistan are “independent” in nature and that his government is mindful of respecting sensitivities of other countries.

“We do not think India should be worried,” he said at a media briefing when asked about Russia’s military drills with Pakistan as well as trade cooperation.

“Russia is very cautious when it comes to respecting the sensitivities.

But at the same time we regard our relationship with Pakistan as independent in nature and we also have bilateral trade and economic agenda. We are quite committed to develop this relationship further including from the point of view of Pakistan being a partner country in the framework of the SCO,” Babushkin said.

He said the basic principle of Russian foreign

Roman Babushkin

policy is to have bilateral relations that are not aimed against any other country.

“This is the very important principle we are following when it comes to cooperation with every country in the world including Pakistan and many others,” he said.

The Russian diplomat also mentioned increasing defence and security ties between India and Russia and even referred to the extensive military exercises between the two countries and the cooperation between them which are contributing to regional stability.

Babushkin said the military drills with Pakistan were part of the counterterror framework and such collaborations including experience sharing and capacity building is natural for all the SCO member states.

The SCO is an eight-

nation bloc which is largely dominated by Russia and China, and is being increasingly seen as a counterweight to NATO. India and Pakistan became permanent members of the SCO in 2017.

In the briefing, Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev mentioned the various facets of IndiaRussia ties and noted that the special and privileged strategic partnership meant that relations between the two countries are “limitless, and they remain trusted, strong and coherent despite the current global turbulence”.

On Russia’s ties with Pakistan, Kudashev said its substance corresponds to issues like regional stability, fighting terrorism and the menace of drugs.

“Naturally, economic cooperation is a key to the progress and predictability here,” he said in the joint media briefing with Babushkin.

Pakistan and Russia have been holding military drills for last few years in the counter terrorism domain.

The two sides are also attempting to expand ties in the domain of trade and have finalised a gas pipeline project.

Azam Khan

Amar Singh

RAMPUR (UTTAR PRADESH), DEC 21 (IANS): The Rampur police have filed a charge sheet against Samajwadi Party MP Azam Khan for his alleged remarks against late Rajya Sabha member Amar Singh’s family. He has been charged with promoting disharmony, enmity or feelings of hatred among people.

Amar Singh had lodged an FIR against Azam Khan at the Gomti Nagar police station in Lucknow in 2018.

The case was later transferred to Azeemnagar police station in Rampur as the incident took place at the Jauhar University.

According to the police officials, in 2018, during an interview at the private university, Azam Khan had allegedly threatened to throw acid on Amar Singh’s family.

In the complaint, Amar

Singh had alleged that Azam Khan said communal riots would stop in the country if people like Amar Singh were eliminated. Such statements stoke communal tensions, Amar Singh had stated in his complaint.

Azeemnagar SHO Ravindra Kumar confirmed: “Azam Khan has been charge-sheeted under the charges of promoting disharmony, enmity or feelings of hatred between different groups on the grounds of religion, making comments against national integration, deliberate and malicious act intended to insult the region or beliefs of certain class of citizens, defamation and criminal intimidation.”

There are more than a hundred criminal cases registered against Azam Khan at different police stations of the Rampur district. The SP MP is presently lodged in Sitapur jail.

KO L K ATA , D E C 2 1 (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Monday accused Home Minister Amit Shah of speaking untruth on the development of the state, describing the figures given by him on the position of the state on various parameters as “garbage of lies”.

Speaking to reporters, the chief minister announced that she will visit the Birbhum district on December 28 for an official meeting, and also lead a Mamata Banerjee roadshow the next day.

At a press conference have not made village roads, tion has been shared by the in Bolpur on Sunday, Shah we are number one on that Government of India,” she accused the Trinamool count too and this informa- added.

Congress government in the state of failing to deliver, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA claiming that West Bengal MINISTRY OF AYUSH lags behind most states in the country on various Financial assistance for skill development in AYUSH sector Ministry of AYUSH invites application in the prescribed parameters, except on cor- format under Central Sector Scheme for Skill Development ruption and extortion. under Champion Services Sector Scheme for Medical value “I want to tell Amit-ji Travel for the year 2020-21 from the institutions recognized by Council of Indian Medicine (CCIM)/ Central Council for that you are the home min- Central Homoeopathy (CCH)/ Healthcare Sector Skill Council under ister and it does not suit you Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship. to shell out lies provided by 2. Financial assistance to conduct skill development training in AYUSH sector up to Rs. 1.5 lakh (for short term courses)/ your party workers without 3.00 lakh (for midterm course) per training program will be cross-checking,” Banerjee provided to the institutions and Rs. 9000 will be provided to the students as stipend. said. eligible institutes may submit complete applications Maintaining that she 3. The in prescribed format along with the required documents/ will give a detailed reply to information to judge the eligibility of the institution. The detailed guidelines are available on the website of the Shah’s accusations on TuesMinistry of AYUSH i.e. https://main.ayush.gov.in/schemes day, the chief minister said, 4. The applications in triplicate complete in all respect “I will only speak on two along with check list should reach to the Advisor (Ay.), things today, he said we are Champion Services Sector Scheme Medical Value Travel.

M/o Ayurveda, Yoga & Naturopathy, Unani, Siddha & a zero in industry, we are Homoeopathy, Room No. 207, 2nd Floor, Ayush Bhawan, number one in MSME.” B-Block, GPO Complex, INA, New Delhi-110023 on or “He also said that we before 10th January, 2021. davp 17201/11/0023/2021

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 20 Dimapur, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

Another deadly virus

W

hen it comes to fulfilling any need, individuals, irrespective of their religions, see things from the prism of their individual concerns. This can be understood from the fact that people in Nagaland have let their guards down against COVID-19 by doing what they used to do before the pandemic.

Perhaps the general public have been suppressed for too long and after Unlock :4 that has relaxed restrictions , it was felt that the worst may have passed.

However, the Central government’s Unlock:4 was primarily aimed at restarting academic, religious and economic activities since the nation cannot afford an un-ending lockdown. The Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoH&FW) has expressed alarm that if people believe that the worst is over and appear least bothered about safety protocols, then there is likelihood that the state could witness community spread, a dangerous stage where the virus is transmitted to a person who has no travel history and has no contact with those infected with the virus. In other words, community transmission is like an epidemic where the virus is present everywhere. The COVID19 pandemic has brought societies on their knees.

The health authorities are still trying to grapple with the magnitude of the threat since there is still much to understand about the deadly virus. In short, the virus wrecks the body’s resistance to diseases, perhaps like HIV and any inherent weakness or ailment could be fatal. Both young who suffer from heart problems, diabetes or kidney problems are at much risk as those over 60 years, whose bodies have weakened resistance to life threatening diseases. Most people who shop, somehow believe that wearing masks alone is enough. However, when they shop, they come into contact with items that may have been infected.

Closed up spaces in shops or malls could also contain virus-infected aerosols through coughing or sneezing from those infected with COVID-19. As the world eagerly awaits vaccine against COVID-19 and which is going to be the trillion dollar business for pharmaceuticals; the bitter truth is that these vaccines have a very short span of trials against the backdrop of the furious race to be in the market and could eventually prove that the cure is worse than the disease. Trials take years in order to ensure that side effects are limited. However since the need for the COVID-19 vaccine is very urgent, many nations are hard pressed to deliver or lose the market. According to doctors, the rush to produce the vaccines has led to haste. The resultant consequences is that the side effects will be evident only after a few years down the line. However, a desperate world wants the vaccine and quickly too.

Even as the world talks about the effectiveness of the vaccine, another shock was in store. It has now been disclosed that a new strain of the coronavirus, that spreads faster than COVID-19 has been discovered in the UK. According to official sources, a mutated variant of the coronavirus has been discovered in the UK, which has led to a surge in the infection rate there.

A number of European countries have banned flights from the UK as the British government warned that the potent new strain of the virus was “out of control” and imposed a stringent new stay-at-home lockdown from Sunday. Indeed the virus and its mutated strains could possibly remain for a long time and in its wake, leave behind wrecked economies and lakhs of deaths and billion infections.

DailyDevotion Experience or God’s Revealed Truth?

We have received…the Spirit who is from God, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by God. —1 Corinthians 2:12 My experience is not what makes redemption real— redemption isreality. Redemption has no real meaning for me until it is worked out through my conscious life. When I am born again, the Spirit of God takes me beyond myself and my experiences, and identifies me with Jesus Christ. If I am left only with my personal experiences, I am left with something not produced by redemption. But experiences produced by redemption prove themselves by leading me beyond myself, to the point of no longer paying any attention to experiences as the basis of reality. Instead, I see that only the reality itself produced the experiences. My experiences are not worth anything unless they keep me at the Source of truth— Jesus Christ.

If you try to hold back the Holy Spirit within you, with the desire of producing more inner spiritual experiences, you will find that He will break the hold and take you again to the historic Christ. Never support an experience which does not have God as its Source and faith in God as its result. If you do, your experience is anti-Christian, no matter what visions or insights you may have had. Is Jesus Christ Lord of your experiences, or do you place your experiences above Him? Is any experience dearer to you than your Lord? You must allow Him to be Lord over you, and pay no attention to any experience over which He is not Lord. Then there will come a time when God will make you impatient with your own experience, and you can truthfully say, “I do not care what I experience— I am sure of Him!” Be relentless and hard on yourself if you are in the habit of talking about the experiences you have had.

Faith based on experience is not faith; faith based on God’s revealed truth is the only faith there is.

Quotes

Things are not quite so simple always as black and white. ~ Doris Lessing

L

ast week a barasingha strayed into a field in Panchkula.

She ate a ball of wheat, only to find it was a homemade bomb and her jaw and throat were blasted off.

Passersby saw her sitting calmly on the side of the road, bleeding. They sent for the forest department.

Those worthies arrived in 4 hours and then took her to a local doctor who gave her a paracetamol injection and then sent her off to the Morni wildlife centre. She was dead on arrival. This kind of incident makes me sick with anger. The useless forest department is full of untrained flatfoots, and the useless animal husbandry department has no trained or even kind vets.

And the dreadful farmer, who killed a harmless beautiful deer on the severely endangered species list ? He has still not been arrested, and the doctor and his aspirin, the wildlife department inspector who took 4 hours to come from a mile away, are not suspended.

Dozens of elephants are getting wiped out by farmers every year in the same way. Kerala is now a well known story and four more have died since I lost my temper publicly with the first death. Five have died in Chhatisgarh from poisoning, and in Odisha the farmers simply beat or

shoot the elephants, or get the forest people to do it for them.

The excuse is always the same : that the animal endangered their crops.

That the farmers are sitting on forest land, in the elephant corridors, is ignored by all. After all, elephants don’t have votes.

But it is not that difficult to keep elephants away.

Here are some solutions from Africa, where the same thing is happening not just with elephants but with giraffes, who now are being wiped out by farmers because they enter the fields on their way to water bodies. Less than 20% of their habitat is now under formal protection.

Ele phants can no longer sustain themselves with the meagre amounts of food they find in forest areas and parks. They come into the fields, that abut these reserves, and eat the harvest. So farmers kill them.

One deterrent that has been proposed is electric fencing, but that is extremely expensive and the electricity itself varies in voltage and can kill the elephant and every other animal. (In India many farmers are fencing with knotted barbed wires, and those steel knots tear the skin of hundreds of hungry cattle every month. I get

While we stood by so many cows and nilgai in my hospital in Bareilly, with their legs and chests cut to the bone.)

Now, the NGOs and government have come up with a much better idea and are pushing it across Africa. Indians would do well to adopt it.

Elephants are terrified of bees. Bees enter their trunks when they attack and sting the sensitive tissues inside; a pain that elephants never forget. So, generations of elephants have learnt to associate bees with pain and they even have a special “bees alert” call which causes them all to flee even when they hear the sound of buzzing.

One could try frightening them with the sound, but elephants catch on to empty threats very quickly. But, as scientists have shown, if the farmer actually hangs beehives from wooden posts at 10 feet intervals with a long metal wire linking them together, this becomes a protective fence. When the elephant

hits the wire, the hives shake and the angry bees come out to defend their homes.

Beehive fences were invented in 2002, when scientists from the NGO Save the Elephants discovered that elephants avoided trees with beehives . Oxford University zoologist, Lucy King, designed the fence and it was tried out in 2008 in Kenya. Scientific studies, around the theme by her, have resulted in a project called Elephant and Bees, and this is supported

by Save the Elephants, Oxford University and Disney’s Animal Kingdom, that helps farmers build beehive fencing near fields plagued by cropraiding elephants. More than ten African countries have now taken this up.

Silent Heroes Foundation is building beehive fences in Tanzania. Their success rate is 80% and they are cheap to build. And even more exciting – they make money. The raw honey is sold by the farmers with the label “Elephant Free

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

Honey” and it goes to markets all over the world.

“Beehive fences are the first elephant-deterrent fences that has been invented that actually makes the farmer more money than what it costs to maintain the fence,” King writes.

The bees also pollinate farmers’ crops and the nearby plants, providing an ecological and economic boost to the surrounding area. They require no electricity and don’t compete with crops for space. “Although the fence is only effective at keeping around 80% of the elephants out,” King writes, “it more than makes up for that 20% of elephants that do break through, by providing an alternative income, which can be managed by either men or women.”

Elephants perform essential services like digging waterholes in dry river beds, spreading hundreds of fruit tree species with their dung which also feeds dozens of insect and small animal species, and making forest trails that act as firebreaks.

All this helps the ecology of the region, and the additional income of beehives gives farmers even more incentive to keep the elephants alive. Or, at least let them live by removing the conflict with the local community.

Elephants could bring in a lot of eco tourism

money, if we understood the concept. Africa has calculated that each elephant brings in $ 23,000 per year in tourist money. If the Indian government could understand this, they would start investing in bee fences for farmers as one option to keeping them alive King’s organization is training people, and sending them to sites around the country and continent, to try the idea for themselves.

They are also being trained on how to market the honey.

There is even a free construction manual that shows you how to make different kind of hives.

There are so many other simple solutions. There are low-tech deterrents like chilli pepper fences, which target elephants’ sensitive noses with capsaicin instead of bee venom.

An India without tigers and elephants is an India that has lost its soul.

Both animals are nearing extinction, and it would be devastating if we let them die while we stood by. I have yet to find a single government scientist – including in the funeral parlour that calls itself the Wildlife Institute of India which only employs dead minds – who has applied his mind to keeping a single wild species alive.

To join the animal welfare movement contact gandhim@nic.in, www.peopleforanimalsindia.org

Post-mortem The reduction of Christianity

A

Education for special needs children

T

ll major religions acknowledge The specious argument that he acceptance of disLearning together: The parent wish to achieve. the struggle between Good The Holy Bible states so, holds no abled children is more benefits of coeducation we Inclusive education in and Evil, and whether it is water. The Bible is just a collection efficient when there is all know. It helps in children India: In India the the thrust the Salvation of the Soul, according of religious texts, out of countless a presence of inclusive educa- of both gender learning with on inclusive education has to Judaism, Christianity or Islam or such texts, selected by some people. tion. Most of the schools in each other and developing a been missing. The lack of the attainment of Moksha/Nirvana, It provides a contextual reference India understand this aspect. better understanding. With support, understanding of according to Hinduism, Jainism, for our Lord Jesus Christ and His However, the ground realities inclusive education too the this method of education Buddhism or Sikhism, they lay out Message of Love, Sacrifice and For- are very much different than children learn within their has impacted the growth of the paths adherents should follow to giveness. The Gospels of Matthew, what we think. own capacity. But more than inclusive education. Many attain Salvation/Moksha/Nirvana. Mark, Luke and John are the only Inclusive education: the subject or books it’s the reasons can be attributed Our former Accountant General, words which should guide a Good Even after knowing most of learning environment which to this aspect. The first and Mr, Pitoho Chophi, I.A.A.S, once re- Christian; anything else in The Holy the schools in India have not helps them more. This learn- foremost is that not many lated an encounter he had with a Sikh Bible, which seem to contradict the accepted inclusive education. ing is absent in a special school are equipped with gentleman at a Christian Book Fair at Gospels must be discounted.

The schools deny this but school education. enough resources to go for If we want to close shops on reality is far stretched from Bangalore (now Bengaluru). The Sikh Thinking positively: inclusive education. Visit to gentleman, apparently unaware of the Sabbath, lets close them on Sat- what is claimed. In general, Children’s are good learners. schools have highlighted lack the seeming incongruity of a Sikh at urday, the real Sabbath. If we want schools deny admission to When they experience diver- of special educators. In fact a Christian Book Fair, seemed taken to ignore Christ’s message of loving special needs children forcing sity they are more knowledge- Mainstream teachers in lot aback by the presence of a Mongoloid everyone unconditionally, let’s stop parents to search for special able and they learn respect of schools lack understandat the same, and asked Mr. Chophi eating pork, eels, scaleless fish and schools. Why is it so and . Inclusive education does ing of education for special if he was a Christian. On receiving cheeseburgers, ban masturbation and what benefits are derived exactly the same. It shows needs children. a reply in the affirmative, the Sikh start stoning to death, adulterers and from this form of education?. the children how some people The other reason to gentleman told him, “Christianity is killing all people who claim to have Lets’ dive through some de- are different and what is worry is the curriculum for the best religion in the world, but the visions from God. tails and understands why similar. When the children special needs children. There But more importantly, where is now more thrust is given in most difficult to follow.” grow with this learning the is no standard curriculum yet With this simple statement, a the religious basis for the of prohibi- having an inclusive education respect among each other is which can help students with Sikh managed to describe Christi- tion of alcohol? Christ never spoke of system in India. created and there is better disabilities stay in the mainanity. For Christianity, in toto, is the prohibition of liquor, nor does the What is inclusive educa- understanding. stream education. Then, the humanly impossible to follow. If entire Bible say anything about liquor tion? Before we look at its examination system which Making new friends: Christian tenets could be distilled except to use it in moderation. Are importance lets understand School is a place where chil- we witness today actually and described in one sentence, it is, our tribal Church Organisations or what inclusive education is dren learn important skills belong to the British educa“Do unto others as you would have the NBCC receiving kickbacks from all about. Inclusive education and develop friendship. The tion system. them do unto you.” These simple bootleggers and liquor adulterers, that is a concept of studying in school is a place where soIt has quite tough assesswords, which are the essence of they are hell bent on perpetuating school where special children cially children learn to grow. ments which may be good for Chapter 7, Verse 12 of The Gospel of prohibition? and students study together. developing children but it’s Do they not care for the thou- Contrary to this in a special Under inclusive education too rigid for special needs Matthew, hold the guiding principle the children with and without of Christian behaviour. For every sands of people whose health are school only children with disabilities play and learn children. What we need is an being destroyed by spurious liquor? person wants to be loved, cared for, specific disabilities study. But from each other. efficient assessment system fed, clothed and sheltered; his sins Do they not care for the hundreds Inclusive education is not along with tools and techL e a r n i n g a c a d e m i c forgiven, shortcomings overlooked, driven to debt and penury because only about sharing a com- skills: Children with and nologies to accommodate his lawful dues secured and justice for of the exorbitant prices they pay for mon infrastructure. Under without disabilities learn to special needs children in wrongs committed against him. But a religiously sanctioned drink? Why this education system special write, read and learn. The ar- mainstream education. we are blissfully uncaring about the did not the NBCC join the debate on needs children get engaged rangement is highly beneficial Giving child the best unloved, the abandoned, the hungry, prohibition, organized by the Mo- in different activities of the for the families with special of education is any parent the naked and the homeless among rung Foundation and The Morung school. But to make this needs children. dream. For special needs us. We are quick to judge sinners, Express earlier this year in March? form of education a success children families this vision Fulfilling Family Dream mock the deficiencies in others, rob Why does the church never speak the school staff, teachers, ad- Or Visions: All parents wish is more important. Though people of their legal rights and ignore against the all pervading corruption ministrators, parents and kids their child can learn, grow special needs school have that has enmeshed Nagaland in its all of them have to consider their pleas for justice. and live in a healthy environ- their own advantages the The study of Christian Theology strangulating coils, and which is the this concept. ment. Though special schools inclusive education system is a personal choice, but to enter the source of all Evil in Nagaland?

Why inclusive educa- are there they lack developing is where fulfillment of this The answer to these questions lies tion is important? Inclusive Church, one must have a commita better understanding among vision lies. In India we have ment to serve God. The Church is in the simple fact that our Churches education is not only about each other. Inclusive educa- just made a beginning. not a source of employment, it is an are being led by irreligious, unethical, education together. It’s a way tion fulfills those dreams or Vijay Garg Ex.PES-1, Institution where its servants must immoral, sacrilegious and spiritually of life where special needs visions which a special needs Retd Principal, Malout choose to serve God and not to bereft men and women. These pro- children learn to grow with fessional theologians have reduced pander to their materialistic greed. developing children. When It is a CALLING, not a profession. Christianity to closure of shops on the education is different like But Nagas are seeing our churches Sundays and prohibition of alcohol, studying in special schools being run by professional theologians, because they are in bed with the evil then it translates into the professing spurious interpretations of corrupters of Nagaland. They close development difference. The shops and ban alcohol so that they developing children fail to Christianity.

The Nagaland Baptist Church may appear to be doing something understand special needs Council pokes its nose into every “religious”. children and look upon them As stated earlier, Christianity is with a difference. Inclusive business, but the business of saving souls. Our church leaders, led by the humanly impossible to follow, but education tries to bridge this N.B.C.C., have managed to reduce God does not seek perfection in us, gap. Through this form of Sir, Let us make this Christmas a truly giving time and not Christianity to issues which have what He wants is for us to struggle to education the children benothing to do with the Teaching of Je- achieve perfection. It is our struggle comes more understandable just superficially. When you have enough and more left over sus Christ. Christianity, in Nagaland, to do good that determines our ac- towards each other. In longer for yourself and family, then remember to extend a helping has been reduced to Prohibition, al- ceptability in the Eyes of God. Naga term this brings acceptance of hand to your neighbours who may be poor. However, please though Jesus Christ’s first miracle was theologians, headed by the NBCC special needs children in the do not dump stale cakes or cookies but give them of the best that you have. turning water to wine. Shutting down have given up the struggle to do good society much simpler. in Nagaland.

Some well to do families keep exchanging expensive shops on Sundays (except bakeries, How inclusive education GOD SAVE NAGALAND. benefits? There are many ben- cakes within their circles until the cakes turn stale and for it is necessary for the pastor to fill efits of inclusive education then they dump it on lesser mortals. Let us give without Kahuto Chishi Sumi, Akuhis stomach with baked goodies, in which are neglected by many discrimination and with total Christian spirit of LOVE. kau (G.B.), Hevishe Village, order to have the energy to preach, schools. Illustrated below are Merry Christmas.

Khaghaboto Range, Dimapur, and petrol pumps, for his vehicle some of these benefits : (Kahuto107@gmail.com) Susan Iralu, Kohima needs fuel to reach church).

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

Reader’s Post

With a Christian spirit

7

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

vax emergency use authorisation Nothing new in govt’s letter: Farmer leaders ‘Give after trials on sufficient sample size’ Says always ready for talks but Centre must offer ‘concrete solution’

NEW DELHI, DEC 21 (PTI): Farmer leaders on Monday said they are always ready for dialogue as long as the government is offering a “concrete solution”, but claimed that there is nothing new in the Centre’s latest letter to them seeking a date for the next round of talks.

Bharatiya Kisan Union (BKU) leader Rakesh Tikait said that the government, in its letter, mentioned that it wants to hold talks over its earlier proposal of amendments in the new agri laws.

“On this issue (government’s proposal), we did not talk to them earlier. We are currently discussing how to respond to the government letter,” Tikait told PTI. The sixth round of talks on December 9 was cancelled.

In the letter to 40 union leaders, the Agriculture Ministry Joint Secretary Vivek Aggarwal on Sunday asked them to specify their concerns over its earlier proposal of amendments in the laws and choose a convenient date for the next round of talks so that the ongoing agitation could end at the earliest.

“There is nothing new in their letter. We have already rejected the government’s proposal to amend the new farm laws. In its

Farmers during their protest against the Center’s new farm laws at Ghazipur border in New Delhi, Monday. (PTI)

letter, the government has asked us to discuss its proposal and convey a date to it for another round of talks.

“Don’t they know our demand? We just want a complete repeal of the new agriculture laws,” another farmer leader Abhimanyu Kohar said.

In the letter, the Union agriculture joint secretary said the Centre is making all efforts with “an open heart” to find an appropriate solution to resolve all concerns raised by farmers.

The officer said that in its draft proposal sent on

December 9, the government had proposed to make necessary amendments on at least seven issues, including providing a “written assurance” to the farmers that the existing minimum support price (MSP) system would continue.

Thousands of farmers have been camping at several Delhi border points against the new farm laws for the last 24 days.

“It doesn’t make sense that the government is asking us for a date. We are basically sitting here all day long waiting for the govern-

ment to hear us. They are the ones who have busy schedules.

“They should give us a date, or they can simply come to our tents here, see how we are living and talk to us,” said farmer leader Kashmir Singh, who is an assistant secretary of the All India Kisan Samiti (Punjab) said. Amarjeet Singh Rarra, general secretary of Dwaba Kisan Committee, said that farmers are always ready to meet the government but it has to come to them with a concrete solution.

“We have studied their

proposals clause by clause, and we have repeatedly told them that we want the laws to be repealed,” Rarra said The farmer leaders are expected to meet on Tuesday to discuss the next plan of action, said Gurmeet Singh of Krantikari Kisan Union.

“We have already sent them our proposals, and pointed out the issues we had with the government’s proposal. They need to respond to what we have already told them.

“Tomorrow, there will be a Sanyukt Morcha meeting to decide how and when to respond to the government. We will evaluate the government’s letter and then decide,” Gurmeet Singh said.

Asked why the talks with the government have failed to yield any result, he alleged that the three laws were “anti-farmer” and the government was “favouring the corporates” over the farmers and the common man.

“We will meet tomorrow, deliberate and then see what has to be done, but our demand remains the same — we want the laws to be repealed or we won’t move,” said Ram Singh, Haryana State President of Ambedkar Sangharsh Morcha.

NEW DELHI, DEC 21 (PTI): Any vaccine against COVID-19 should be granted emergency use authorisation only after proper consideration and conducting its trials on a sufficient sample size, a parliamentary panel chaired by senior Congress leader Anand Sharma has recommended to the government.

In a report submitted Monday to Rajya Sabha chairman and Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Home Affairs also said there was a need for a comprehensive public health law to keep a tab on private hospitals and check black-marketing of medicines.

The report comes even as the government considers applications of at least three firms seeking emergency approval to roll out their vaccines against the coronavirus in India.

The Centre last Tuesday said the applications -- by Bharat Biotech, Serum Institute of India and Pfizer -- filed with the Drugs Controller General of India are being examined by the COVID-19 subject expert committee of Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO).

The parliamentar y committee report noted that

the CDSCO has given no emergency use authorisation in the past, and suggested that all necessary and mandatory requirements must be duly fulfilled and all trial phases completed.

“Trials on small animals, human trials should be mandatorily undertaken on a sufficient sample size population…if at all emergency authorisation would be given, it should be given by Government with proper consideration and caution and this provision should be used in rarest of the rare cases,” the report reads.

The report also noted that government hospitals bore the largest share of the burden of extending comprehensive healthcare during the pandemic, as private hospitals were either inaccessible or not affordable to everyone.

Therefore, more fund should be allocated to public hospitals to strengthen the

public health Infrastructure so that they can equip themselves appropriately to handle such pandemics in the future, the committee suggested in the report.

It also recommended that learning from the experience of the pandemic, there is a need for a comprehensive public health act preferably at the national level with suitable legal provisions to support the government in keeping checks and controls over the private hospitals “as there have been reports about the selling of hospital beds by them”.

“And also keep a check on the black marketing of medicines and product standardisation.”

At the same time, the panel said it is also necessary to make people aware through campaigns on cheaper and effective repurposed medicines to prevent them from panicking and spending a huge amount of money on expensive drugs.

carrying Be prepared for mid-term BJP MP’s wife joins TMC; upset Vietnam important partner in RsMaoist 15 lakh reward polls in Bihar: Tejashwi Yadav India’s Indo-Pacific vision: PM leader says he is divorcing her killed in Jharkhand

Sujata Mondal Khan and Saumitra Khan

KOLKATA, DEC 21 (PTI): Sujata Mondal Khan, wife of BJP MP Saumitra Khan, switched over to the TMC from the saffron camp on Monday, claiming that she did not get her due recognition even after taking several risks to get her husband elected from Bishnupur during 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Shortly after, incensed by his wife’s action, Khan said he would be sending a divorce notice to Sujata, and urged her not to use his surname anymore.

Earlier in the day, at a press meet, Mondal Khan said that “misfit and corrupt leaders” are getting more importance in the saffron

camp than the loyal ones.

“Despite enduring physical attacks, sacrificing so much to get my husband elected to Parliament, I got nothing in return... I want to work under our beloved leader Mamata Banerjee and our dada Abhishek Banerjee,” she said, after joining the party in the presence of TMC MP Saugata Roy and its spokesperson Kunal Ghosh. Asked if her decision would, in any way, influence her husband, who is also the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha (BJYM) state unit chief, she said it was up to him to decide his future course of action.

“I hope he would rea-

lise one day... Who knows he might be back in the TMC one day,” the newly inducted leader of the Bengal’s ruling party said.

Khan told a hurriedly called press meet a little later that he is sending a divorce notice to Sujata, “severing our 10-year relationship”.

“You are being used by some people who did not hesitate to create rift between a husband and wife who stood by each other during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Yes, you were my pillar during the Bishnupur Lok sabha campaign.

“However, please don’t forget I had won by 6,58,000 votes and this margin was made possible because of my party, because of my reputation in the area,” Khan said. Claiming that his wife owed her popularity to the saffron camp, he said, “You (Sujata) have come this far as you had chanted Jai Shree Ram, chanted in favour of (Narendra) Modiji, as you were the wife of Saumitra Khan.”

NEW DELHI, DEC 21 (PTI): Describing Vietnam as an important partner in India’s Indo-Pacific vision, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said cooperation between the two countries can contribute to maintaining peace and stability in the region.

At a virtual summit with Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc, Modi said India looks at its ties with Vietnam with a long-term and strategic perspective.

“Vietnam is an important pillar of India’s Act East policy,” Modi said in his opening remarks, adding the scope of the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries has expanded significantly.

“Peace, stability and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region is our common aim. Our cooperation can make an important contribution in maintaining peace and stability in the region,” said Modi.

He also complimented Vietnam for the way the country handled the coronavirus pandemic.

India and Vietnam upgraded their relationship to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2016 and defence cooperation has been one of the most significant elements in the fast-expanding bilateral ties.

Both countries have stakes in the Indo-Pacific and are aiming to explore the potential for further cooperation in the region.

At the East Asia Summit in Bangkok last year, Prime Minister Modi proposed setting up of the Indo-Pacific Ocean’s Initiative (IPOI) to conserve and sustainably use the maritime domain and to make meaningful efforts to create a safe and secure maritime domain.

The 10-nation ASEAN has reflected its vision for the region in a document titled ‘ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP)’.

Sena links Ram temple fund drive to 2024 LS polls

MUMBAI, DEC 21 (PTI): The Shiv Sena on Monday alleged that the mass contact initiative to collect funds from the public for the Ram temple construction in Ayodhya is akin to “canvassing” for the 2024 general elections in the name of Lord Ram. The BJP, however, dismissed the charge, saying it is not a political issue for the party, and accused the Shiv Sena of laying roadblocks earlier in the bhoomi pujan of Ram temple construction and now by creating hurdles in the donation initiative “in which people are participating voluntarily”.

An editorial in Sena mouthpiece ‘Saamana’ said it was never decided that the grand temple will be constructed through public donations, and political campaigning in the name of Lord Ram has to be stopped at some point of time.

“But, the issue of public donations is not simple. It is political,” it alleged.

Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teer th Kshetra Trust’s general secretary Champat Rai last week said the trust is going to start a mass contact and contribution campaign across the

Proposed site of Ram Temple in Ayodhya

country for construction of the temple.

The temple will be built using domestic funds collected from the general public through the mass contact programme as the trust doesn’t have required approvals for accepting donations from abroad, Rai said.

The Marathi daily, without naming any party or organisation, said, “The temple, basically, is not being built for political gains of a political party, but for unfurling the pennants of Hindu pride of the country.”

It claimed four lakh volunteers will implement the mass contact initiative.

“This mass contact programme is campaigning for the 2024 Lok Sabha polls in the name of Lord Ram. The political campaigning of Lord Ram’s name has to be stopped at some point of time. But it cannot be seen (as happening),” it said.

The editorial asked who the volunteers (for the mass contact drive) exactly are and sought clarity about their parent organisation.

It said hundreds of kar sevaks “shed their blood and

made sacrifices” during the temple construction campaign, and asked whether it should be built seeking donations.

“It will be an insult of each soul that shed blood for the temple (construction purpose) if the volunteers are going to campaign for a political party in the name of seeking donations,” the Shiv Sena said.

“The fight for the temple was not political, but an outbreak of Hindu emotions,” it claimed.

VHP leader Ashok Singhal, Vinay Katiyar and oth-

ers had camped in Ayodhya during the early days of the temple construction campaign, the editorial noted.

BJP veteran L K Advani launched the ‘Rath Yatra’ taking the campaign across the country, while “hammers came down” on the tomb of Babri Mosque through the inspiration of Shiv Sena’s founder late Bal Thackeray, it said. “This is the history. But today, Ayodhya’s Ram temple is becoming a subject of ownership rights,” it alleged.

Talking to reporters here on Monday, Shiv Sena MP and Saamana’s Executive Editor Sanjay Raut said, “It is the insult of Lord Ram and Hindutva if donations are sought in the God’s name, going door-to-door.”

Without naming any party, he also called for stopping the “political drama” in the name of the Lord Ram. The temple is being constructed after court order. The prime minister performed its bhoomi pujan, he noted.

Several generous people are making donations in the trust’s bank account, Raut said, adding that the Shiv Sena, too, has given Rs 1 crore for the purpose.

RANCHI, DEC 21 (IANS): A Maoist guerrilla carrying a reward of Rs 15 lakh on his head was killed in a gunbattle with the security forces in Jharkhand’s Khuti district on Monday, the police said. Jindan Gudiya, zonal commander of the banned Maoist outfit, the Peoples’ Liberation Front of India (PLFI), was killed in a joint operation by the state police and the CRPF. Jindan was named in more than 100 criminal cases related to Maoist activities.

Jindan was wanted by the state police for a long time. He was the number two man in the PLFI after its Chief Dinesh Gope who carries a Rs one crore reward on his head. The police recovered one AK-47 rifle from the killed Maoist guerrilla. The Khuti police received information about the presence of Maoist guerrillas at Koyansar hill in Khuti district. A joint operation was launched by the state police and the CRPF to arrest the Maoists.

PATNA, DEC 21 (PTI): RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav on Monday called upon party workers to brace for mid-term polls in Bihar, saying fresh elections could take place “any time, even in 2021”.

Yadav made the remarks at a party meeting in Patna that saw him interacting with all the RJD candidates for the recently held assembly polls, successful and otherwise, besides top office-bearers.

An RJD source said, “Tejashwi told party workers that there was no time for complacency since the government could fall and elections take place in 2021.”

Talking to reporters later, Yadav said, “I have indeed asked our workers to be ready for elections. It would not be surprising if fresh elections take place sooner than expected.”

In the assembly polls, which concluded last month, the RJD emerged as the single-largest party with 75 seats but the five-party Grand Alliance helmed by

it fell short of achieving a majority.

The ruling NDA retained power, winning a slender majority. JD(U) president Nitish Kumar returned as the chief minister though his party finished with a dismal tally of just over 40, while the BJP won 74. Moreover, eight seats were won by the Hindustani Awam Morcha of former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi and Vikassheel Insaan Party of minister Mukesh Sahni, both of whom were with the Grand Alliance till a few months ago.

Yadav is the second prominent politician from Bihar, after Lok Janshakti Party chief Chirag Paswan, to have predicted mid-term polls. Paswan, whose party opened a front against the JD(U) and pulled out of the NDA ahead of the elections, had made a similar prediction soon after the results of the polls were declared. His party could bag only one seat though it succeeded in badly hitting the JD(U).

Emulate Congress’s go-dhan yojna: Priyanka tells Adityanath LU C K N OW, D E C 2 1 (IANS): Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra has written a letter to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath, drawing his attention to the plight of cows in Uttar Pradesh and urged him to follow the scheme by her party’s government in a neighbouring state.

Referring to photographs from Lalitpur that showed the carcass of cows, Priyanka said that it appears that the cows had died due to lack of food and water.

“This not the first photograph of its kind. Earlier too, we have seen photographs from different parts of the state highlighting the plight of cows. Concrete steps need to be taken for their welfare and accountability also needs to be fixed,” she wrote.

Priyanka reminded the chief minister that when he assumed power, he had assured that he would open ‘gaushalas’ for good upkeep of cows. She said that the government had opened ‘gaushalas’ but the conditions there remain pathetic.

She further pointed

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra and Yogi Adityanath

out to the problem of stray cattle that has been destroying crops and causing harm to farmers. She said the Congress’ government in Chhattisgarh has launched the ‘Go-dhan Nyay Yojana’ to resolve the problem and

the Yogi government could emulate the scheme. “The scheme in Chhattisgarh makes way for the purchase of cow dung which is converted into fertilizer and then sold. This makes ‘gaushalas’ self-reliant,” she stated.

DC-853

8

New Delhi, Dec 21 borrowed by the Central Government through the (IANS): Ministry of Fispecial borrowing window nance has released the 8th at an average interest rate weekly instalment of Rs of 4.6986 per cent.

6,000 crore to the states to In addition to promeet the GST compensaviding funds through the tion shortfall. special borrowing winO u t o f t h i s, a n dow to meet the shortfall amount of Rs 5,516.60 crore has been released to enue arising on account of in revenue on account 23 States and an amount implementation of GST. of GST implementation, of Rs 483.40 crore has The borrwoings are being the Government has also been released to the three done through this window granted additional borrowUnion Territories (UT) by the Centre on behalf of ing permission equivalent to 0.50 per cent of Gross with Legislative Assembly the States and UTs. (Delhi, Jammu & KashThe borrowings have States Domestic Prodmir & Puducherry) who been done in 7 rounds. The uct (GSDP) to the states are members of the GST amount borrowed so far choosing Option-I to meet Council. was released to the states GST compensation shortT h e r e m a i n i n g 5 on October 23, November fall to help them in mobilStates, Arunachal Pradesh, 2, 9, 23; December 1, 7, 14 ising additional financial resources.

Manipur, Mizoram, Na- and 21.

All the States have galand and Sikkim do not The amount released have a gap in revenue on this week was the 8th in- been given their preference account of GST imple- stalment of such funds for Option-I. Permission for borrowing the entire mentation. The Govern- provided to the States. ment had set up a speThe amount has been additional amount of Rs cial borrowing window borrowed this week at an 1,06,830 crore (0.50 per in October, 2020 to meet interest rate of 4.1902 per cent of GSDP) has been Mumbai, Dec 21 (PTI): The rupee depreciated by 23 the estimated shortfall of cent. So far, an amount of granted to 28 States under paise to settle at 73.79 (provisional) against the US dollar Rs 1.10 lakh crore in revRs 48,000 crore has been this provision. on Monday following a massive selloff in domestic equities and strong American currency overseas. However, softening crude prices and persistent foreign fund inflows restricted the rupee’s fall, forex dealers said. At the interbank forex market, the domestic unit opened steep lower DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): Nagaland technical maintenance of the helicopters at 73.74 against the greenback. It swung between a low State Transport (NST) department has from December 24-26, 2020 and from Deof 73.81 and a high of 73.63 during the session. It finally informed that the state helicopter service cember 31, 2020 to January 2, 202l.

In a press release, NST general mansettled at 73.79, down 23 paise against its previous close. would not be available for regular schedOn Friday, the rupee had strengthened by 3 paise to close uled/sortie as well as for chartering in view ager Er. Atovi Kiba Sema has expressed at 73.56 against the US dollar. of Christmas and New Year holiday and for regret for the inconvenience.

Rupee falls 23 paise to 73.79 against US dollar

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No overcrowding / Strict adherence to SOP / Sanitization of Premises / Do's and Don'ts at prominent access points / Aarogya Setu app is recommended for all entrants and organisers or vendors / Screening is mandatory.

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50 % Capacity / 200 persons ceiling limit Thermal screening / Social distancing / Hand wash or Sanitizer / Wearing Masks / Strict adherence to SOP

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

No. 9783 Yesterday’s solution No. 9782

No. 4402 Yesterday’s solution No. 4401

No. 3426 Yesterday’s solution No. 3425

Across 4. Perplex (6) 7. Snake (8) 8. Cutlery items (6) 10. Stiff (5) 13. Grime (4) 14. Anon (4) 15. Sagacious (4) 16. Monetary unit (3) 17. Bucket (4) 19. Worry (4) 21. Cotton overalls (9) 23. Courage (4) 24. Mountain lake (4) 26. Carry bricks in this (3) 27. Songbird (4) 29. Corrosive substance (4) 32. Insects (4) 33. Produce copies of (5) 34. Javelins (6) 35. Doomed, unlucky (3-5) 36. Catchword (6) Down 1. Dens (5) 2. Freight (5) 3. Noisy (4) 4. Foundation (5) 5. Twelve inches (4) 6. Surgical knife (6) 9. Favour (6) 11. Charged particle (3) 12. Enter data (5) 13. Expands (7) 15. Hairpiece (3) 16. Affirmative (3) 18. Solution (6) 20. Of the kidneys (5) 21. Squib (3) 22. Managed (3) 23. Unquestionable truth (6) 25. Racket (3) 28. Tree sap (5) 30. Is priced at (5) 31. Actions (5) 32. Loud explosion (4) 33. Sleeve end (4)

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Automakers began rolling out BS VI-compliant vehicles last fiscal, and Maruti Suzuki was among the first to introduce BS VI-compliant versions of its highselling models last year.

Meanwhile, metal prices rose upto 31% since July 1, copper, lead, aluminium, zinc and crude prices have risen 32%, 16%, 28%, 40% and 24%, respectively, during the same period, as per a report by Bloomberg.

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K-2104

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post-Diwali this year suggest a mix of lower inventory and sustained demand momentum in the market, price hikes can certainly deter customers from walking into the showrooms. That said, the market has been down for over two years, and this fiscal has been the toughest for the industry ever,” one of the executives cited above said, requesting anonymity.

Commercial vehicles, passenger cars and twowheelers have seen a sharp rise in price upto as much as 15% as the industry transitioned to Bharat Stage VI (BS VI) emission norms, which came into effect from April 1, 2020.

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DP-5660(C)

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DP-5644

No overcrowding Strict ahderence to SOP

New Delhi, Dec 21 (Agencies): The automobile companies are planning to raise prices of vehicle from January 2021 which could upset the rising demand after the coronavirus lockdown.

Maruti Suzuki India Ltd, Hero MotoCorp Ltd, Honda Motor Co. and Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd (M&M) have announced that they would increase vehicle prices from January citing the need to offset rising commodity prices and other input costs, a report

by The Hindustan Times, said. While Bajaj Auto Ltd and Royal Enfield recently raised prices.

“While low discounts

DP-5660(A)

50 % Capacity Strict ahderence to SOP

New Delhi, Dec 21 (Agencies): India plans to set tough financial targets for state-run firms to try to improve their valuations ahead of a push by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to privatize some companies, according to a draft government document and sources.

According to Mint, the government, which is trying to rein in its fiscal deficit, wants state-run firms to focus on improving market capitalisation and dividend payouts from the 2021/22 fiscal year, starting April, as well as ramping up the sale of non-core assets, the sources said. State-run companies have traditionally largely targeted raising output and increasing revenues, rather than improving efficiency and valuations, contributing to years of share price underperformance versus the broader market.

“The companies need to raise their valuation and profitability in a changing business environment. Then only we will be able to get a better price (from stake sales). Shareholders and investors should be rewarded,” said a government source with knowledge of the plan.

DP-5609

Allowed To Open

Auto companies to hike price from Jan

DP-5605

Allowed To Open

India plans to set tough annual targets for PSUs

DP-5696

Nagaland: HIGHLIGHTS OF THE REVISED CONSOLIDATED GUIDELINES

NST informs on chopper service

DP-5532(B)

two upgaps formed in this period have been filled nullifying the bullishness. The advance decline ratio on the NSE on December 21 was the worst since March 23, 2020 when the Covid fears were at the peak. This suggests across the board panic selling or profit booking,” said Deepak Jasani- Head of Retail Research at HDFC Securities.

“A large fall on a Monday does not augur well for the week. A breach of 13,209 on the Nifty could result in another 200-250 point fall.”

According to Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services: “As we all know, the vulnerability of the market was high due to quick gains made in the ongoing rally leading to low margin of safety.”

“Despite which, we do not expect a big correction rather a consolidation, in the short-term, of not more than 7 to 10 per cent in the main indices. Buying at dips can be considered as a strategy in the falling market”

GST shortfall: Centre releases 8th installment

DP-5660(B)

including India to the UK has been suspended.

The Indian markets had a ‘gap down’ opening soon started to recede at an alarming pace.

Besides, high valuation and absence of any positive trigger added weight to the slide.

All sectoral indices ended in the negative with PSU Bank, Media, Metals realty, Auto, Banks and Pharma indices being loss leaders.

Broader market indices line Midcap and Smallcap fell more than the Nifty.

At the end of the day’s trade, the Sensex plunged to 45,553.96 points, down 1,406.73 points or 3 per cent from its previous close.

Similarly, Nifty50 fell to 13,328.40 points, down 432.15 or 3.14 per cent from its previous close.

“Volumes on the NSE were the highest since November 27.

“Nifty has formed a large bearish candle which has engulfed the high low range of the previous 9 sessions. In the process

Miagre, a senior expert on cyber security from Estonia, spoke on “Cyber Hygiene”.

Nigel Anthony Eastwood, founder and group CEO of New Call Telecom International, Britain spoke on “Artificial intelligence”, while Vimal Wakhlu, former chairman of Telecom Consultancy of India Limited (TCIL), spoke on emerging technologies, opportunity and challenges.

Heli Aru Chabilan, director of international affairs unit, Education and Youth Authority Estonia, spoke on “Heralding the future of education” and Ashok Kumar Seethar Aman, centre director (egovernment leadership centre) of National University of Singapore, spoke on the topic “Use of technology for digital government service in Singapore”.

DP-5642

Mumbai, Dec 21 (IANS): A mutant strain of Covid-19 not only strained the transport links to the UK but also spooked global investors, plunging India’s stock markets deep into the red on Monday.

Resultantly, India’s equity benchmark indices fell the hardest in seven months.

It is speculated that ‘Basket’ selling by FPIs likely triggered the sharp fall in Indian markets.

Accordingly, both the key indices -- S&P BSE Sensex and NSE Nifty50 - fell by over 3 per cent on Monday.

In terms of intra-day, the Nifty50 touched a low of 13,131.45 points while Sensex plunged to 44,923.08 points.

Globally, investors were spooked at the prospects of economic damage unleashed by a new and more contagious Covid-19 strain discovered in the UK. Consequently, air travel linkages to and from many regions of the world

Centre hoping to capitalise...

(From p-1) He said though the whole world was gearing up for Christmas celebration, the department did not compromise the quality of resource persons and described them as some of the finest in the world today.

He expressed the hope that their participation would help uplift one of the most backward regions and thanked the resource persons for being a part of the summit. Resource person Liselotte, founding partner of Future Navigator, Denmark spoke on the topic “Aftershock and opportunities scenario for post pandemic future”.

Sara Fernandes, international consultant on e-Gov, cyber security and smart cities and lecturer at Minho University, Portugal spoke on “Cyber security, the new deal”, while Merie

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K-2100

New Covid strain scare: Sensex dips over 1,400 pts

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at Naga United Village Bordering Aoyim Village, Dimapur Rs. 170 sq. ft.

Any size

Contact : 8787763126 9077457157 DP-5635

7TH LONGMISA KAKETSHIR SENDEN RIJU MUNGDANG RAFFLE DRAW RESULT Declared on 21st Dec 2020 1st Prize: Sl. No. 752 2nd Prize: Sl. No. 1459 3rd Prize: Sl. No. 1963 Consolations (10 nos): 1434, 642, 1769, 1172, 322, 971, 1472, 1282, 1579, 1998.

The prize can be collected within 15 days, after which no claim will be entertained.

Contact: 9612104468 8259067453 MKC-299

Nepal PM Oli defends move to dissolve Parl

YA N G O N, D E C 2 1 (AGENCIES): Myanmar closed off public gardens, parks and a lake in its biggest city Yangon on Monday, hoping to prevent a spike in coronavirus cases during year-end holidays.

City officials trying to protect recent gains in containing COVID-19 infections put up barricades, signs and cordons around the Mahabandula park and

along the banks of the Inya lake, among other popular sites known for drawing holiday crowds.

The closures come amid fears that fatigue and frustration from the coronavirus crisis and containment measures could see a larger turnout than usual this year.

“We have seen some people do some extreme celebrations at New Year.

FELICITATION

Er. Kehuzinbe General Secretary, EUG

(Chiheiding Haikube) President, EUG

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The Employees' Union, Gaili extends its heartiest congratulations to its members for their contribution in different field: 1. Chusi Hieme, on promotion to the post of Headmaster under School Education Dept.

2. Zieba Hieme, on promotion to Deputy Director under RD Dept.

The Union expresses its happiness to its members for bringing laurels to the union and village. The Union further wishes them more success in their future endeavors.

FELICITATION

Chairman Khekishe Aye SCUV

Secretary Kenneth Aye SCUV

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The Sumi Council Unity Village with immense pride and honour would like to heartily congratulate the following persons.

1. Shri. Ahozhe Sema promoted to Deputy Director in the Department of Land Resources, Nagaland.

2. Miss. S. Atolimi Sumi, daughter of V. Shikuto Achumi for securing 48th rank and clearing her National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) 2020 for (MBBS).

The Council prays that the God Almighty continue to grant them success and good health and wishes them the best in their future endeavours.

OFFICE OF THE

ALATO (PHERIMA) STUDENTS' UNION DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

FELICITATION

Asheto Awomi President

Ruth Awomi General Secy.

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With immense pride and honour, the ALATO KIPHIMI KÜQHAKULU would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to the following individuals for their achievements in their respective fields and for bringing laurels to the Union and the village.

1. Mr. Ikato Zhimomi, S/o Mr. & Mrs. T. Hekuto Zhimomi of Alato Pherima Village : Deputy Field Officer (DFO) Cabinet Secretariat, Government of India.

2. Ms. Xukhuli Ayemi, D/o Mr. & Mrs. Johny Ayemi : for clearing UGC-NET Exam 2020 as Assistant Professor.

We wish you the best in your future endeavors.

New strain of COVID-19 is driving South Africa’s resurgence JOHANNESBURG, DEC 21 (AP): South Africa has announced that a new variant of the COVID-19 virus is driving the current resurgence of the disease, with higher numbers of confirmed cases, hospitalisations and deaths.

T h e n e w va r i a n t , known as 501.V2, is dominant among new confirmed infections in South Africa, according to health officials and scientists leading the country’s virus strategy.

“It is still very early but at this stage, the preliminary data suggests the virus that is now dominating in the second wave is spreading faster than the first wave,” Professor Salim Abdool Karim, chairman of the government’s Ministerial

Advisory Committee, said in a briefing to journalists.

South Africa may see “many more cases” in the new wave than it experienced in the first surge of the disease, said Abdool Karim.

South Africa currently has more than 8,500 people

NUNGYING VILLAGE COUNCIL Dist. Wokha – 797111 : Nagaland

FELICITATION We the Nungying Village Council extend our heartfelt congratulations to Miss. Zujano T Ngullie, D/o Tsenrow Ngullie of Nungying Village for her outstanding achievement on being qualified to pursue for MBBS through NEET 2020. She is the first from our Village to qualify for MBBS. We extend our warmest wishes and gratitude for bringing laurels to our Village.

The Village Council also wishes more success in her endeavours and bring more laurels to the community in the future.

Mongathung Ngullie Chairman Nungying Village Council WC-291

LONGSACHUNG UNION DIMAPUR : NAGALAND

FELICITATION With immense pride and honor, the Longsachüng Union Dimapur (LUD) would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Er. N. NCHUMBEMO EZUNG, S/o Lt. Mr & Mrs. NJEMO EZUNG of Longsachung Village for being promoted from JE to SDO (Elect) Power Department, Govt. of Nagaland.

The Union further wishes good luck to him and pray to Almighty God to grant him good health, wisdom and success in his future endeavors.

OFFICE OF THE

TAMLU BÜHÜ UNION DIMAPUR Motto : "Forward"

FELICITATION

Tamlu Buhu Union Dimapur with great honour extends our warmest congratulations to the following individuals for bringing laurels to the community in their various fields of different capacities during this current year of 2020.

1. Er. Peukam C Phom, for securing the post of Sub Divisional Officer (Class I Gazetted) under Public Work Department through NPSC (Combine Technical Service Examination) 2020.

2. Mr. P. Mongngoi Phom, on being promoted to the post of Project Officer under New & Renewable Energy Department.

3. Mr. Jacob H Phom for successfully clearing the Medical Officer post conducted by the Department of H&FW, Government of Nagaland 2020.

4. Mr. B. Baloi Buchem, on his promotion to the post of Junior Section Officer.

5. Mrs. Easter Bauloi, on being appointed as GNM Staff Nurse DH Dimapur.

6. Er. E. Pongmei Phom on being promoted to the post of SubDivisional Officer (MIS).

The Union further prays and wishes them success in their future endeavors in serving the people of the state for a prosperous and bright future.

Joseph Mukho Gen/Secy (TBUD)

Anglong Phom President (TBUD)

With great honour, the Central Colony Council, Walford, Dimapur is pleased to extend heartfelt thanks and gratitude to Shri TOVIHOTO H AYEMI, Hon'ble MLA and Advisor Power to the Government of Nagaland for his generosity in providing good road by Black Topping the heart of the Central Colony road as a gift to the colony. May Almighty God bless him and his family abundantly.

Central Colony Council Walford, Dimapur

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THAMDEN Gen. Secy.

Dimapur Sakshi Union

ment has introduced tougher lockdown restrictions which include limited days and hours for the trade of alcohol and the closure of beaches in areas identified as hotspots.

South Africa’s 7-day rolling average of daily new cases has more than doubled over the past two weeks, from 6.47 new cases per 100,000 people on December 6 to 14.68 new cases per 100,000 people on December 20.

The number of deaths has also increased with the 7-day rolling average of daily deaths in South Africa rising from 0.18 deaths per 100,000 people on December 6 to 0.34 deaths per 100,000 people on December 20.

ENGLAN RANGE VILLAGE COUNCIL UNION District, Wokha-797111, Nagaland

GENERAL INFORMATION The Englan Range Village Council Union and Englan Range Students’ Union in a joint press statement has warned all illegal consumption of liquor/alcohol in an around the State Highway-01 and main roads within the Englan Range area is strictly prohibited/banned.

Anyone found/apprehended shall be summon in the Court and will be penalize.

Sd/Longshibemo R. Odyuo Robin Kithan President, ERVSU Gen. Secretary, ERVCU OFFICE OF THE

MOPUNGCHUKET SENSO TELONGJEM KOHIMA :: NAGALAND

The Dimapur Sakshi Union with immense pride and joy, convey their heartfelt congratulations to SMT. IMTISANGLA, W/o Late Er. TL. Semdok for being promoted to the post of Headmistress. May God grant her long successful life.

Sd/T. SHAHNYÜ President Dimapur Sakshi Union

committee, told South Africa’s News24.

The new strain, different from the one in Britain, appears to be more infectious than the original virus.

South African scientists are studying if the vaccines against COVID-19 will also offer protection against the new strain.

Some of the vaccines, including the one developed

by Oxford University and AstraZeneca, are undergoing clinical tests in South Africa.

The scientists studying the new variant emphasised that preventive measures like wearing masks and social distancing are vital.

In response to the resurgence of COVID-19, the South African govern-

OFFICE OF THE

FELICITATION

OFFICE OF THE

(CHUMTHUNGO EZUNG) SECRETARY, LUD

hospitalised with COVID19, surpassing the previous high of 8,300 recorded in August.

“We are seeing a much earlier and much sharper rise in the second wave or resurgence than we anticipated,” Prof Ian Sanne, a member of the advisory

APPRECIATION

OFFICE OF THE

SD/(Er. MYANRAO EZUNG) CHAIRMAN, LUD

first Americans to be inoculated against COVID-19 as part of the largest largest vaccination campaign in the nation’s history.

Vice President Mike Pence, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., a n d o t h e r l aw m a k e r s were given doses Friday.

They chose to publicize their injections as part of a campaign to convince Americans that the vaccines are safe and effective amid skepticism, especially among Republicans.

Vice President-elect Kamala Harris and her

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People wearing protective face masks walk on the banks of Inya Lake, amid the outbreak of the coronavirus disease in Yangon, December 7, 2020. (Reuters)

And we think the crowd would get bigger for celebrations this year,” city administrator Myo Kyi said.

“We are so nervous of infections from the crowd because Myanmar is just about to control the infections.”

After going months with relatively few known cases, Myanmar has recorded more than 116,000 infections and 2,443 deaths as of Monday, the majority stemming from outbreaks in August.

It has kept infections to an average 1,113 per day recently, however, down by about 350 a day from three weeks ago.

Joe Biden

husband are expected to receive their first shots next week.

But missing from the action has been President Donald Trump, who has spent the last week largely out of sight as he continues to stew about his election loss and floats increasingly outlandish schemes to try to remain in power.

It’s an approach that has bewildered some top aides who see his silence as a missed opportunity for the president, who leaves office Jan. 20, to claim credit for helping oversee the speedy development of the vaccine and to burnish his legacy.

Trump, who in the past has spread misinformation about vaccine risks, has not said when he intends to get the shot. He tweeted earlier this month that he was “not scheduled” to take it, but said he looked “forward to doing so at the appropriate time.”

The White House has said he is still discussing timing with his doctors.

NOTE OF APPRECIATION

The three days Wozhuro Range Sports Meet 2020 organised by Wozhuro Range Council Union culminated successfully on 19th December 2020. In this regard, the WRCU through this column, would like to mention a few names and express its deepest gratitude to the following Range Officers and well wishers for their selfless support, both in cash and in kind and making this just concluded sports event a successful one.

1. Zubemo Tsanglao, Asst. Director, Employment, Skill Dev. & Entrepreneurship, Govt. of Nagaland.

2. Wonchio Odyuo, Jt. Secy & Director in-charge of Science & Technology, Govt. of Nagaland.

3. Chumthungo Khuvung, BDO Wozhuro, RD Block.

4. Renponthung Ezung, Treasurer, Lotha Hoho.

5. Nyanthung Patton, SDAO, Pughoboto.

6. Lichanthung Lotha, Sub-Inspector 7. Media Official from Doordarshan Kendra Meanwhile, in the sports events Phiro ‘A’ emerge the champion in the Football category. Sankiton ‘A’, UFC Wozhuro and Phiro ‘B’ emerged as runners-up, third and fourth respectively while Rising Club, Shaki and Village Team ‘A’ Shaki emerged as Champion and Runners-up in the Volleyball event. The trophy was handed over to the winning teams by Zuchamo Murry, Pastor, Sankiton Baptist Church.

Yanbemo Tungoe Mhabemo Enieo Chairman, WRCU Jt. Secretary, WRCU

FELICITATION

Through this column, the Mopungchuket Senso Telongjem Kohima would like to convey our heartiest congratulations to Smti. Obangla Jamir on her promotion, as Secretary to the Government of Nagaland.

May God bless and guide you in all your endeavours.

Sd/NUNGSANGWAPANG President

Sd/JAMITE JAMIR Secretary

K-2102

Myanmar’s biggest city closes parks to keep lid on coronavirus

WASHINGTON, DEC 21 (AP): President-elect Joe Biden will receive his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine on live television as part of a growing effort to convince the American public the inoculations are safe.

Monday’s event will come the same day that a second vaccine, produced

by Moderna, will start arriving in states, joining Pfizer’s in the nation’s arsenal against the COVID-19 pandemic, which has now killed more than 317,000 people in the United States and upended life around the globe.

“I don’t want to get ahead of the line, but I want to make sure we demonstrate to the American people that it is safe to take,” Biden has said of his decision. Biden and his wife, Jill, will also thank health care workers at the facility where they receive the shots, his incoming press secretary has said.

Top government officials last week joined the

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versy,” Oli said.

He accused some of his own party leaders of being responsible for forcing him to take this step.

“When the prime minister of the majority government was not allowed to work, I did not want to indulge in unfair practices behind closed doors and reach a compromise with them,” Oli said, adding that giving a chance to the people for a fresh mandate is “the best democratic alternative.”

“This move could be seen as an abrupt step for now, but some of my party leaders should be held responsible for creating this situation who did not coop-

“Since I am the first chair of the party, any meeting called by the other chair will not be legitimate,” lawmaker of the dissolved House Krishna Rai quoted Oli as saying.

Earlier in the day, Oli addressed the lawmakers close to him and said that he was forced to take the decision to dissolve Parliament after he was “cornered” within his party and “conspiracies” were hatched against him in collusion with national and international forces, My Republica reported.

“We have to ask for forgiveness with the people and go for a fresh election as we could not deliver what we had promised,” Oli told lawmakers.

The move to dissolve Parliament came as the intra-party feud reached a climax in the NCP which has been witnessing monthslong tussle between two factions, one led by 68-year-old Oli and another led by 66year-old “Prachanda”, also the executive chair of the party and former premier.

Biden to receive COVID vaccine as Trump remains on sidelines

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K P Sharma Oli

erate with my government,” Oli said.

Prime Minister Oli also insisted that his government had done well in terms of safeguarding the country’s territorial integrity and sovereignty.

“I was victimized for enhancing national pride by publishing a map with the inclusion of Kalapani and Lipulekh,” Oli said.

In June, Oli claimed that efforts were being made to oust him after his government redrew the country’s political map by incorporating three strategically key Indian territories.

The Nepal Communist Party’s Standing Committee has termed Oli’s move to dissolve Parliament as “unconstitutional, undemocratic and based on his personal whim”, and recommended to take disciplinary action against the prime minister.

Rejecting the party’s move, Oli earlier said the decision taken by the second chair of the party was against the party statute, The Kathmandu Post reported.

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KATHMANDU, DEC 21 (PTI): Nepal’s embattled Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli on Monday defended his move to abruptly dissolve Parliament, saying he was forced to seek a fresh mandate through elections as the rift within the ruling Nepal Communist Party severely affected his government’s functioning.

Oli on Sunday sprang a surprise on his rivals and got the President to dissolve Parliament, a controversial move amidst a prolonged tussle for power between him and former premier Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ within the ruling dispensation.

In a special address to the nation, Prime Minister Oli said that he was forced to dissolve Parliament and announce mid-term elections after he learnt about a

plan to move a vote of noconfidence against him.

“I was forced to seek a fresh mandate through elections as attempts were made against my government, not to allow it to function properly,” the prime minister said while defending his decision to dissolve Parliament and announce dates for midterm elections.

Oli, who is also one of the two chairmen of the ruling party, said that the intraparty rift in the ruling Nepal Communist Party severely affected the government’s functioning.

“The elected government was pushed to a corner and picketed against and was not allowed to work so I decided to dissolve the house,” he said.

“Against the people’s mandate and their will, national politics was dragged into an endless and goalless direction by creating controversy, making Parliament meaningless as the elected government could not receive its support but always faced opposition and dragged into the contro-

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Blames own party leaders for his decision

9

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

NAGALAND POLICE SERVICE ASSOCIATION GRATITUDE

The Nagaland Police Service Association express sincere gratitude to the State Government under the dynamic leadership of Shri. Neiphiu Rio, Hon’ble Chief Minister, Nagaland and Shri. Y. Patton, Hon’ble Dy. Chief Minister & Minister-in-charge (Home), Nagaland for the concern and commitment in completing the cadre review of the NPS, thereby fulfilling a long desired aspiration of the Association for improvement in the Service and career progression of its members.

The Association gratefully acknowledges our deep appreciation to Shri. Temjen Toy IAS, Chief Secretary, Nagaland, Shri. Jan-E Alam IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary, Chief Minister’s Office, Nagaland, Shri. Sentiyanger Imchen IAS, Addl. Chief Secretary & Finance Commissioner, Nagaland and the various State Departments for consideration of the demand and the sincere effort undertaken in promptly and carefully examining the proposals and successfully completing the cadre review process in time.

The Association sincerely appreciate the able leadership of Shri. T. John Longkumer IPS, Director General of Police, Nagaland, Shri. Renchamo P. Kikon IPS, ADG (L&O), Nagaland, Shri. S.R. Saravanan IPS, Special Secretary (Home), Shri. Sandeep Tamgadge IPS, ADG (Adm), Nagaland and all the officers and staff in PHQ for the strong support and guidance while pursuing the cadre review.

(VEKHOSA CKG) NPS (WATICHUCHANG JAMIR) NPS President, NPSA General Secretary, NPSA K-2103

Infotainment

10

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

Bayie Kro-u releases debut album

B

ayie Kro-u, a vocal group comprising of Thepfuneituo Talie, Zapusatuo Pfukri and Vitouzo Zuyie, released their debut album titled “Bayie” (Spring season), at Vivid Lounge, Kohima on Monday.

Speaking as the special guest, Nagaland Khadi & Village Industries Board, Chairman-Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu encouraged the group to share their God given talents with others since songs have a special capability to inspire besides being a medium to relate one’s culture and tradition to its listeners.

Lamenting that youngsters these days, including his three kids, were unable to properly speak “Tenyidie”, Keditsu said groups like Bayie Kro-u would be able to teach them (youngsters) Tenyidie through their songs.

Keditsu admitted that he also was unable to speak Tenyidie fluently when he first contested in the byelection and that he gradually learned it especially through listening to songs

by Methaneilie Jütakhrie.

He added that this same problem was also

Dr. Neiphrezo Keditsu with Bayie Kro-u members (in traditional vests) and well wishers during the album release. (NP)

evident in other tribes of Nagaland and that there was a pressing need for youngsters to learn their own respective dialects in order to promote one’s culture, traditions and pass on the heritage to the upcoming generations.

“I have listened and thoroughly enjoyed some of the songs you (Bayie Kro-u) have uploaded on YouTube. We should make use of technology to our full advantage and let it be a medium to pass on vital

information in the form of songs”, Keditsu said.

He extended Christmas and New Year greetings and also released the album.

Earlier the event was led by Angami Youth Organization, president-Kekhrie Pfukha, and CRC, Rüsoma, deacon-Lhouvotsolie Mezhü invoked God’s blessings. Zapusatuo gave a brief history about the album while the group performed two songs from their new album and Vi-

touzo delivered the vote of thanks. In a short interaction with media persons after the event, members of the group rued that most of the songs on their new album were written when they were younger but because of financial constraints they could not record any of it earlier.

Recalling how they had given up hopes of ever going to a recording studio, Vitouzo said they were greatly encouraged and helped by Thonuo

Kire, Khrielezo Keretsü and Thepfukhotuo Medom to push ahead with their dreams of compiling songs for the album.

Another member, Zapusatuo said initially they started jamming mostly out of fun which gradually took prominence after they started getting exposures.

Answering to a query on which singers they mostly listened to, all three members agreed that they enjoy songs by Methaneilie Jütakhrie, Visetuo Chüpuo and Lala Kro-u.

Members of the group had earlier been in two other well known local groups Vükhu Kro and Dzüluo Kro. Videos of them singing famous Tenyidie, Nagamese and Bollywood songs had gone viral on social media platforms like YouTube and Whatsapp which led to a steady fan following.

The album was recorded and mixed by Aseu Chadi with Khrielezo Keretsü on drums.

For more information on the availability of the pendrive album, interested persons may call at 70053 64008.

(Correspondent)

Eddie posthumously honoured with National GUITAR Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Award

E

DDIE VAN HALEN has been posthumously honoured with The National GUITAR Museum’s Lifetime Achievement Award.

The late Van Halen axe-slayer - who passed away after a lengthy battle with cancer in October has become the first guitarist to be recognised with the accolade in memoriam for his contribution to the history of guitar playing.

The National GUITAR Museum said in a statement: “It is perhaps fitting that we don’t need to explain why Eddie is deserving of such an honour, everyone who has ever heard his guitar playing knows. Eddie certainly would have received this award at some point in the future, as it seemed that he still had a lifetime of guitar greatness to give.

“Several of the people we’ve honoured over the past decade have left us in the years since we presented them with the award. In this case, however, the sadness of Eddie Van Halen’s passing is somehow harder to accept.

“Thanks, Eddie. We

only wish we could deliver this in person.”

Previous recipients include Black Sabbath’s Tony Iommi and the late B.B. King and Glen Campbell.

Meanwhile, Slash recently hailed Halen for his “pure musical talent”.

The Guns N’ Roses guitarist heaped praise on the rock legend for his “phenomenal” technical ability and insisted there aren’t many other “rock’n’rollers” who have that level of nuance in their playing.

He said: “Any instrument he had chosen to play would have been phenomenal, because he just had

that pure musical talent.

And he chose guitar, because that’s what turned him on.

“And for somebody with that kind of musical talent to get turned on to rock‘n’roll guitar was sort of unique unto itself, because most of us guitar players are a ragged bunch of rock‘n’rollers who don’t have too much technical ability or schooling. We just sort of go for this raw thing. And he had that, but he also had this musical, sort of classical gift.”

Slash added: “So he was just an amazing artist, period.”

(Contactmusic)

NCB grills Arjun Rampal for second time

F

or the second time in a month, the Narcotics Control Bureau on Monday grilled model-turned-actor Arjun Rampal in the ongoing probe into the drugs nexus with Bollywood being probed by the central agency, officials said here.

Rampal, 47, was summoned last week, but he had written to the NCB seeking time till December 22, citing some ‘personal’ commitments.

Earlier, he was interrogated for nearly 7 hours on November 13 after the NCB raided his home and Actor Arjun Rampal arrives at the NCB office to appear took away nearly a dozen before the agency in a drug related case, in Mumbai, electronic gadgets besides Monday. (PTI)

some (medical) tablets.

Later, he had told mediapersons that he has handed over a medical prescription of a particular painkiller which the NCB took up for prescription.

Besides Rampal, the NCB has questioned his South African girlfriend Gabriella Demetriades and her brother Agisialos Demetriades, who was arrested and later secured bail.

As the drug probe shifted the needle to the involvement of other foreign nationals, another of Rampal’s friends, Australian Paul Bartel, was arrested last month.

Unravelling the Bollywood-drugs mafia links, the NCB has arrested more than two dozen people so far, including film personalities, drug peddlers, financers, suppliers, etc.

At one point during the probe, an NCB team was attacked on November 23 by some drug-peddlers in Goregaon and earlier in December, two NCB officials were suspended pending a probe into alleged ‘lapses’ into their conduct.

Several other prominent film personalities such as Deepika Padukone, Shraddha Kapoor, Sara Ali Khan, Rakul

Preet Singh, Bharti Singh, Harsh Limbachiya, besides some other industry professionals have been questioned, and last week, the NCB has issued summons to film-maker Karan Johar.

The NCB initiated the high-profile probe into the Bollywood drugs angle after the June 14 death of actor Sushant Singh Rajput in Bandra, Mumbai.

Ranked as an A-lister, Rampal has acted in several films like “Om Shanti Om”, “Rock On!”, “Pyaar, Ishq Aur Mohabbat”, “Raajneeti”, “Housefull”, and other blockbusters.

(IANS)

Winners of the annual inter ward & shops cleanliness competition after receiving prizes from Kohima Municipal Council (KMC) on December 21. Midland ward bagged the cleanest ward award 2020 while Kitsubozou ward and Daklane ward stood second and third position respectively.

Cleanest shops award 2020: 1st - Choice Blossom, Old Taxi stand; 2nd - Sote Electronics Centre, Old Taxi stand and 3rd - Aman Grocery shop, Upper Agri.

HAPPY 75TH BIRTHDAY ANNIVERSARY TEMSÜNÜKEN LTR MOPUNGCHUKET 22nd Dec 1945 – 22nd Dec 2020

Ariana Grande announces engagement

P

welcome Dalton Gomez into our family! Ariana, I love you and Dalton so much!!!!

Here’s to happily ever after!” tweeted Joan.

Ariana’s friends from the world of showbiz have posted congratulatory messages, too. “Soooo happy for u guys!!! Love you!!!” wrote reality TV star Kim Kardashian. “YAYYYYYY!!!!! so so happy for you guys!!” wrote model Hailey Bieber.

(IANS)

Wishing a marvelous 75th birthday to the greatest father and also the best grandfather. On this auspicious occasion, it presents us with the right opportunity to express our sincerest gratitude to you for loving us unconditionally and always being there for us. We will always be grateful to you for this. May the love and grace of the Lord never leave you as you celebrate 75 years today. Happy Birthday!!

From Loving children and grandchildren DP-5680

HAPPY 50TH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY Mrs Purenuo Pielie & Mr Zasitso Pielie

K-2099

op star Ariana Grande has announced her engagement on Instagram to realtor Dalton Gomez by sharing a photograph of a diamond ring he gave her. The couple has been dating for nearly a year. Ariana posted four photographs in all.

Besides a close-up of the oval stone apparently set on a platinum ring, she has also shared three mushy images of the duo, who were reportedly dating since the start of the year. “Forever n then some,” she wrote as caption with the pictures on her verified Instagram account.

Among the first to celebrate the news was Ariana’s mother, Joan. “I am so excited to

50th WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

OFFICE OF THE

WESTERN SUMI KUKAMI HOHO HQ : DIST - DIMAPUR

SUKUSHONO NIKUMULA ATUGHIU (PROTECTION IS OUR FIRST DUTY)

TRIBAL COUNCIL CUSTOMARY COURT

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

22/12/1970 22/12/2020 Mr. V. Khuyivi Achumi & Mrs. Nikheli Achumi Beloved, I wish above all things that you may prosper and be in health, even as thy soul prosperth.

(S. VIHUTO YEPTHO) President, WSKH K Y M C

(KAWOTO X AYE) General Secretary, WSKH

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The WSKH would like to thank and appreciate Shri Jacob Zhimomi, Hon'ble Minister PHED, Government of Nagaland for inaugurating the Rostrum at Sumi Cultural Centre Vihokhu in the presence of Dr. Kakheto Zhimomi, President WSH and dedicated to all Sumis.

The WSKH would also like to thank Shri Neiphiu Rio, Hon'ble Chief Minister, GON for taking up the initiative for constructing the Rostrum through Department of Planning and Coordination, GON and funded by Ministry of Tribal Affairs, GOI during 2019-2020.

3 John 1:2

Dear Mom and Dad, We thank God for giving us loving and caring parents. We pray for your long life and may His grace, mercy and love be with you always.

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Loving children, in-laws and grand children

22ND DEC 1970 – 22ND DEC 2020

“We love because He first loved us.”

1 John 4:19

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With love Children, Grandchildren, Great Grandchildren and In-Laws K Y M C

11

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

Zenith wins Winter CC LaLiga: Real Madrid win, Atletico move clear, Barca slip

Finalist with tournament officials after the match.

DIMAPUR, DEC 21 (NPN): Team Zenith beat Lizu Naghuto Sports Association (LNSA) in the final match to lift the Winter Cricket Cup at Zunheboto District Sports Complex on Monday. The tournament was organised

by Trojans XX Club Zunheboto and ten teams participated.

Earlier, in the opening ceremony, president of Trojans XX Club, Hekato K. Yeptho said that the sole motive of the tournament was to encourage the upcoming cricketers of the town. He also said that the tournament was organised after five years and with this tournament the club is planning to organise every

year. Individual awardees –best keeper went to Kheka Zhimo Trojans XX, Club (B), Hopito Assumi of team Zenith was adjudged the best bowler of the tournament (15 wickets), Vinoto Y Kiba of LNSA was named as the best batsman and Hopito Assumi was named as the man of the tournament.

Madrid, Dec 21 (IANS): Real Madrid have moved up to the second spot in LaLiga following a controversial 3-1 win away to Eibar.

First half goals from Karim Benzema and Luka Modric after an excellent start from Zinedine Zidane’s side set them on their way to a fifth consecutive win on Sunday evening, but Kike Garcia’s magnificent strike brought Eibar back into the game, reports Xinhua news agency.

Eibar should have had a penalty eight minutes from time when the ball clearly struck Sergio Ramos’s elbow, which was away from his body, but neither the referee nor the VAR decreed a penalty and with Eibar chasing an equaliser, Lucas Vazquez added a third for Madrid on the counterattack.

Atletico Madrid remains six points clear at the top of LaLiga with a 3-1 win

Karim Benzema (R) vies with Kevin Rodrigues during the Spanish league in Eibar on Sunday. (AFP)

at home to Elche on Saturday afternoon.

Luis Suarez opened the scoring four minutes from halftime and doubled his tally in the 58th minute when he once again showed his goal-scoring instinct.

Lucas Boye threw Elche a lifeline with a powerful header in the 64th minute, before Diego Costa sealed the win from the penalty spot.

Real Sociedad slipped up again as they lost 2-1 away to Levante - their eighth game without a win.

Alexander Isak’s deflected shot put Real Sociedad ahead after 21 minutes, but Roger Marti’s sharpness in the penalty area drew Levante level seven minutes later and Jorge de Frutos decided the game four minutes from time.

Villarreal closed to a

point of Real Sociedad with a 3-1 win away to the bottom of the table Osasuna. Gerard Moreno scored twice along with Fernando Nino as Villarreal’s task was made easier by Aridane’s direct red card after just 18 minutes.

FC Barcelona disappointed again as they dropped two more points in a 2-2 draw at home to Valencia.

Dreadful defending allowed Mouctar Diakhaby to head Valencia in front in the 29th minute, before Leo Messi equalized in the fourth minute of injury time with a header after his penalty, for a foul by Jose Luis Gaya, had been saved.

It was Messi’s 643rd goal for Barca, equaling Pele’s record of goals for a single club. Ronald Araujo volleyed Barca ahead in the 52nd minute, but Maxi Gomez flicked in the equaliser with 21 minutes left to play and Barca never looked like scoring a winning goal

in the last 20 minutes.

Sevilla missed the chance to leapfrog Barca after a late equalizer condemned them to a 1-1 draw at home to Valladolid. Lucas Ocampos put Sevilla ahead from the penalty spot on the half-hour, but they paid the price for sitting back when Raul Garcia’s volley levelled the score four minutes from time.

Brais Mendez scored a goal in each half as Celta Vigo made it four wins in their last four games under new coach Eduardo Coudet.

Brais’ first goal came after 19 minutes with a header following a cross from the left wing, while his second came 11 minutes from time as he smashed home a pass from Iago Aspas.

Granada won their local derby 2-0 at home to Betis thanks to goals from veteran striker Roberto Soldado in the 13th and 19th minutes.

grabs first India look to ring in changes for 2nd Test Beijing 2022 mascot toys returned after lunar journey Murray win in 2 months

Beijing, Dec 21 (IANS): Olympic flags, emblem pins and mascot toys that returned to Earth after a moon trip onboard China’s Chang’e-5 probe were handed over to the Beijing 2022 Organising Committee (BOCOG) at its Shougang headquarters on Monday.

The return capsule of the Chang’e-5 probe touched down on Earth on December 17 after a 23-day space travel, bringing back China’s first moon samples as well as Beijing 2022 items that the probe carried, reports Xinhua news agency.

An Olympic flag, a Paralympic flag, two flags of the Beijing 2022 Olympic and Paralympic Games, two pairs of emblem pins, one pair of mascot toys and two pairs of mascot pins that returned from the

journey to the moon were unveiled jointly by BOCOG executive vice president Zhang Jiandong and vice administrator of China National Space Administration (CNSA) Wu Yanhua at the handover ceremony, followed by a video display of how these items were loaded into and retrieved from the probe.

Han Zirong, vice president and secretary-general of BOCOG, noted that

the successful return of the Chang’e-5 probe is a vivid demonstration of the lunar exploration spirit of “pursuing dreams, daring to explore, collaborating in tackling difficulties and win-win cooperation, which shares great similarity of the Olympic motto of “faster, higher, stronger”.

“This strengthens our confidence and determination to deliver a fantastic, extraordinary and excellent

India men end 2020 at 4th spot in FIH rankings, women at 9

2 022 O ly m p ic and Paralympic Winter Games,” she said.

CNSA chief engineer Liu Yongde lauded the suc cessful combination of the aerospace technology and Olympic Winter Games culture through the Chang’e-5 mission and deemed it an important step in China’s quest to become an aerospace and sporting power.

According to the BOCOG, these items will be presented in the Exhibition Hall of the Shougang headquarters and later Beijing 2022 venues where they will be open to public visits, especially for the young generation.

Lo n d o n, D e c 2 1 (IANS): Three-time Grand Slam champion Andy Murray won his first match in two months after defeating Dan Evans in straight sets at the Brits Premier League Tennis event being played in Roehampton. The 33year-old had not played since withdrawing from the tournament in Cologne, Germany, this October due to a pelvic problem.

Playing his opening match in event, the former world number one on Sunday showed great form as he defeated current British number one Evans 7-6 (7-5), 6-4. Despite coming into this tournament having only played seven matches this year because of the Covid19 suspension and injuries, Murray looked comfortable, sharp and moved freely around the indoor court.

New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS): Battered in the first Test by eight wickets after being shot out for 36 in the second innings, the Indian team may ring in a few changes for the second Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) that begins on December 26.

While Virat Kohli, who is returning to India to attend the birth of his first child, and Mohammed Shami, who is learned to have suffered a fracture on his bowling hand, will have to be replaced due to circumstances, Prithvi Shaw could lose out on form as he has failed to score in all six innings -- four in warm-ups and two in first Test during the ongoing tour.

India may bring in KL Rahul and Shubman Gill as

the replacements for batsmen Kohli and Shaw, if the latter is axed.

Rishabh Pant, either as wicketkeeper-batsman or purely as batsman, and spinner Ravindra Jadeja will also most likely make the cut.

For Shami, the team management have right-arm pace bowlers Mohammed Siraj and Navdeep Saini as replacements. The team management may add one of T Natarajan, Shardul Thakur and Karthik Tyagi as replacement in the squad.

Natarajan provides a leftarm option to the side.

India’s left-arm bowlers had, in the previous decade, produced some exciting moments on Australian tours, be it Irfan Pathan, Zaheer Khan, RP Singh, or Ashish Nehra. Over the last

two tours, in 2014-15 and 2018-19, and the ongoing one, India have not had a single left-arm seamer touring Australia even though their frontline pace attack comprising right-armers Jasprit Bumrah, Mohammed Shami and Ishant Sharma bowled them to series victory in 2018-19.

With Ishant Sharma already not there -- he is recuperating at the National Cricket Academy -- India are hard-pressed for quality pace bowlers.

Ishant’s absence, along with Rohit’s, from the touring party had upset the India skipper Kohli who had said that the two should have been doing rehabilitation with the Indian team in Australia just like Wriddhiman Saha did.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

“He that believeth on the Son hath everlasting life”.

(John 3:36)

Late Remomo Ezung (Born : 07.06.1924 – Died : 05.11.2020) With heartfelt gratitude and appreciation, we would like to extend our sincere gratitude to the family, friends, churches, neighbours, relatives, well wishers and all who helped us financially, physically and emotionally during the brief illness and demise of Late Remomo Ezung, Aree New Village.

We regret our inability to thank each and every one of you individually but it is our sincere and humble prayer that our good Lord be bless you abundantly.

Indian men’s hockey team are placed at the fourth spot.

Lausanne, Dec 21 (IANS): The Indian men’s hockey team are placed at the fourth spot in the latest FIH team rankings while the women’s team are placed at the ninth position.

Belgium men and the Netherlands women will finish the year at the top of the rankings, confirmed the International Hockey Federation on Monday.

In the men’s rankings, reigning world and European champions Belgium (2496.88 points) sit at the summit in front of Australia (2nd place - 2385.70), Netherlands (3rd place - 2257.96) and India (4th place - 2063.78).

Olympic champions Argentina (1967.39) are in fifth, followed by Germany (6th place - 1944.34), England/Great Britain (7th place - 1743.77), New Zealand (8th place - 1575.00), Spain (9th place - 1559.32) and Canada (10th place 1417.37).

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In women’s rankings, The Netherlands (2631.99 points) are 457 ranking points ahead second placed Argentina (2174.61), with Germany (2054.28) occupying third position, climbing one place following their Pro League results against Belgium in September.

Australia (2012.89) finish the year in fourth place, with England/Great Britain (1952.74) and New Zealand (1818.98) fifth and sixth respectively. Spain (7th place - 1802.13), Ireland (8th place - 1583.09), India (9th place - 1543.00) and China (10th place 1521.00) complete the top ten.

I n Ja n u a r y, F I H had introduced its new match-based model for the calculation of the world rankings, with the Pro League matches that were played in early part of the year seeing regular fluctuations in the standings before the Covid-19 global

health pandemic brought the competition - and all international hockey - to a standstill in March.

The brief return of the competition between September and November saw further exchanges of points between the men’s and women’s national teams of Belgium, Germany, Netherlands and Great Britain.

The Indian men’s hockey team’s campaign in the ongoing Pro League is scheduled to restart on April 10 and 11, 2021 with a tie against Argentina away from home. They will then play Great Britain away from home on May 8 and 9 before travelling to Spain where they play on May 12 and 13. They then face Germany away on May 18 and 19 and will finally play a home tie on May 29 and 30 against New Zealand.

The Indian women’s team is not part of the Pro League tournament.

WC-288

DP-5698

Loving wife, children and relatives

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Born: 06/08/1979 – Died:19/12/2020 With profound grief, we, the family members of Late AOLIZUK AO (Ungma Village) R/No-3014, Rank-UBC, DEF Mokokchung, would like to convey our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who has stood by us physically, spiritually, financially and materially during the prolonged illness and sad demise of our beloved on 19/12/2020.

We express our special gratitude to : 1. Shri Sharingain Longkumer, Honourable Speaker NLA 2. All Rank and File of DEF Mokokchung.

May the Good Lord bless you all abundantly for your good deeds.

Loving Wife, Children and Relatives.

MKC-296

DP-5699

K Y M C

12

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur TUESDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2020

ATKMB end Bengaluru unbeaten run in ISL

Subhasish Bose of ATK Mohun Bagan and Harmanjot Singh Khabra of Bengaluru FC during a match on Monday. (PTI)

Margao, Dec 21 (PTI): Bengaluru FC’s unbeaten run came to an end as they lose 0-1 to ATK Mohun Bagan in their seventh match of the Indian Super League (ISL) season on Monday at the Fatorda Stadium.

D av i d Wi l l i a m s showed great control and composure to give them a 33rd minute lead in a spectacular fashion to make all the difference in a dominating show by the Mariners, who remained behind Mumbai City on goal difference despite being on 16

points from seven matches.

Bengaluru FC played their hearts out to score an equaliser but looked clueless against an organised ATKMB defence to snatch a point and suffered their first loss from seven matches to remain on third position.

They are now four points behind the leaders at 12 points in the 11-team standings.

ATKMB started the first-half on the front foot and looked more threatening than their counterparts and the Aussie made all the difference with his belter of

a goal. The Sunil Chhetricaptained side on the other hand looked clueless in their attacks and hardly troubled ATKMB goalkeeper Arindam Bhattacharja.

The inclusion of Edu Garcia also bolstered the Mariners’ as the Spanish winger looked fluid and put the Bengaluru defence under pressure early on.

In the 11th minute, a surging Garcia took the possession from Roy Krishna to raid the opponent’s box before Rahul Bheke thwarted an early danger.

Looking a transformed

Cyclothon organised in Kohima

The event before being flagged off in Kohima.

D I M A P UR , D EC 2 1 (NPN): As part of activities under the aegis of Fit India Movement under the ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports and to promote fitness and healthy lifestyle, the Kohima Smart City and the Kohima Municipal Council in collaboration with the Department

of Youth Resources and Sports organised a Cyclothon in Kohima. According to CEO of Kohima Smart City Development Limited, Kovi Meyase, the event was flagged off at Razhu Point via D-Block and culminated outside the KMC/ KSCDL Office.

The CEO said that

with the campaigns like Fit India and the Cycles for Change Challenge under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, Kohima City has been witnessing an increase in cyclists and reports of higher sales of bicycles despite of the general perception that cycling was not feasible in hilly places.

side, ATKMB dominated time and almost found the the proceedings and Man- top corner again but this vir Singh and Roy Krishna time it sailed over the bar. also came close to scoring AT K M B ’ s F i j i a n early on. marksman Krishna almost But it was just after the doubled the lead after rehalf-hour cooling break, ceiving a long ball from Tiri Williams hit the top gear but his shot flew over the when he got a long cross- crosspiece from a one-onfield ball on the left outside one with Gurpreet. the box. He dislodged two Bengaluru FC looked defenders with his outstep desperate to find a way and then unleashed a pile through ATKMB’s defence driver on the top corner of and had their best opportuthe net. In the 51st minute, nity to equalise in the 74th Williams almost scored his minute but Cleiton Silva brace when Roy Krishna missed a sitter from close got the ball on the left inside range. the box and laid it back at Tuesday’s Match the edge of the box for the NorthEast United Aussie.

Vs Odhisa 7:30 pm Williams hit it the first Standings Club M W D L Pts Mumbai City FC 7 5 1 1 16 ATK Mohun Bagan 7 5 1 1 16 Bengaluru FC 7 3 3 1 12 NorthEast United FC 7 2 4 1 10 Jamshedpur FC 7 2 4 1 10 Hyderabad FC 6 2 3 1 9 FC Goa 7 2 2 3 8 Chennaiyin FC 6 2 2 2 8 Kerala Blasters FC 6 0 3 3 3 SC East Bengal 6 0 2 4 2 Odisha FC 6 0 1 5 1

Hamilton voted BBC ‘Sports Personality’ L o nd o n, D e c 2 1 (Agencies): Formula 1 world champion Lewis Hamilton has won BBC Sports Personality of the Year 2020.

Coming first in a public vote, he beat Liverpool football captain Jordan Henderson who came second, and horse racing jockey Hollie Doyle who came third.

The Sports Personality award winner is the sportsperson, judged by the public, to have achieved the most during the year.

And, Hamilton has had an incredible sporting year, equalling a record of seven Formula One world titles. that he now shares with racing legend Michael Schumacher.

He has also overtaken Schumacher to the most F1 race wins, making Hamilton the most successful driver in the sport’s history.

Winter Cricket Challenge begins today

Preparation underway for 25th silver edition of WCC in Wokha.

D I M A P UR , D EC 2 1 (NPN): Advisor IT, Science and Technology and New and Renewable Energy and BJP national spokesperson, Mmhonlumo Kikon will grace the opening ceremony of the 25th silver edition of the Winter Cricket Challenge on December 22 at local ground, Wokha. The tournament is organised by Senior Noble Klan and is

also considered the oldest locally organized tourney in Nagaland apart from NCA tournaments.

All together 24 local teams have registered and shall be vying for the silver edition championship.

The organizer expressed regret that the teams from outside the district have been denied participation due to the pandemic in this

year’s edition. The championship will be played on Group league-cum-knock out basis.

Meanwhile, the organizer has informed all the participating teams to follow all SOP protocol throughout the tournament.

Teams which fail to follow the COVID-19 SOPs will be suspended from the tournament.

Klopp and Liverpool win coach and team of the Year

(L) Jurgen Klopp (R) Liverpool were also named Team of the Year after finally winning the Premier League title.

L o nd o n, D e c 2 1 (Agencies): Jurgen Klopp has been named Coach of the Year and Liverpool Team of the Year at the BBC’s Sports Personality of the Year show.

Manager Klopp and his side were crowned 2019-20 Premier League champions - ending the club’s 30-year wait for a top-flight title.

It was Liver pool’s 19th top division title and their first since 1989-90.

Klopp’s Reds produced one of the most

memorable campaigns in Premier League history, winning by 18 points.

Such was their dominance, at one stage they led the table by 25 points - a record gap between a side in first and second in the English top flight.

That was not the only English top-flight record they set - they also recorded the earliest title win, with seven games still to play when Manchester City’s defeat by Chelsea sealed their success, and the most consecutive home

wins (24, with seven carried over from the 2018-19 season).

Despite Liverpool’s dominance throughout the season, Reds fans endured a nervous wait to see how it would end after the emergence of the coronavirus pandemic saw the Premier League suspended for three months.

But its return in June - albeit without fans - enabled them to cap their success, and they ended the season on 99 points with just three defeats to

their name - two of which came after they had sealed the title.

“My team deserve this, because they did an incredible job,” said Klopp.

“It’s a mix of talent, character, desire and the power of the club, which is a big one. That all comes together and it was a great moment when we became champions.

German Klopp, 53, arrived at Anfield in 2015 with Liverpool 10th in the Premier League, but in the five years since has guided the club to four trophies, including the Champions League title in 2018-19.

After their Premier League success, he was also named 2019-20 Premier League manager of the season and League Managers’ Association manager of the year.

On Thursday, Klopp won the Best Fifa Men’s Coach Award for the second year running - becoming the first man to win it in successive years.

Man United thrash Leeds 6-2 to move up to third Sindhu, Srikanth in 8-member India Premier League Team

McTominay after bagging his second goal to become a Premier League recordbreaker as the first player to score twice in the opening three minutes.

London, Dec 21 (Reuters): Scott McTominay and Bruno Fernandes scored two each as Manchester United turned on the style, thumping Leeds United 6-2 at Old Trafford on Sunday to move up to third in the Premier League. United are now on 26 points, above Everton on goal difference and trail from leaders Liverpool by five points, having played a game less.

It was the best display

this season from United who responded to Leeds’ well known pressing game and relentless running by playing through the press with crisp, swift passing and matching Marcelo Bielsa’s side for work-rate.

M c To m i n ay f i r e d United ahead after 67 seconds in emphatic fashion with a thundering low drive from outside the box after he had set up by Bruno Fernandes.

The midfielder then

became the first player to score twice in the opening three minutes of a Premier League match when he collected a clever pass from Anthony Martial and beat Illan Meslier with a leftfoot finish.

Fernandes made it 3-0 in the 20th minute, drilling home after the ball fell to him at the back post, after a swift United counterattack.

Victor Lindelof added the fourth in the 37th

P

GD

Pts

1

Liverpool

14

17

31

2

Leicester

14

9

27

3

Man Utd

13

7

26

4

Everton

14

6

26

5

Tottenham

14

11

25

6

Southampton

14

6

24

7

Man City

13

7

23

8

Chelsea

13

12

22

9

Aston Villa

12

11

22

10 West Ham 13 5 21 minute, converting at the second -- from the penalty back post after Martial had spot in the 70th minute flicked on a Luke Shaw after Martial had been corner. brought down in the box But Leeds gave them- by Pascal Struijk. selves a small foothold in Still Leeds continued the game when defender to push forward in numLiam Cooper headed in bers and they were rewarda Raphinha corner, four ed when Stuart Dallas beat minutes before the break. De Gea with a wonderful That goal gave Mar- curling shot from over 20 celo Bielsa’s team some metres out. encouragement for the With an animated second half and United Bielsa still urging his team keeper David De Gea had forward despite being 6-2 to be at his sharpest to keep down, Leeds left space out a Raphina header. for United to exploit and But United put the it was only a series of fine game beyond Bielsa’s side saves from Meslier that when the impressive Mc- stopped an even heavier Tominay found Dan James loss. with crisp pass and the United had not scored Welsh forward beat Mes- more than five goals in lier at his near post. a Premier League game Fe r n a n d e s a d d e d since their 8-2 win over United’s sixth -- and his Arsenal in August 2011.

squad for Thailand tournaments

PV Sindhu

New Delhi, Dec 21 (IANS): Ace shuttlers PV Sindhu, Saina Nehwal, B Sai Praneeth and Kidambi Srikanth are part of the eight-member India squad which will participate in three tournaments in Bangkok, Thailand scheduled to be held in January, next year.

The India squad also consists of Satwiksairaj Rankireddy, Chirag Shetty, Ashwini Ponappa and N Sikki Reddy and they will begin their campaign with Yonex Thailand Open from January 12-17, followed by Toyota Thailand Open (January 19-24) and the BWF World Tour Finals which is rescheduled for

Kidambi Srikanth

January 27-31.

The team will also be accompanied by singles foreign coaches Agus Dwi Santoso and Park Tae Sang and doubles coach Dwi Kristiawan, alongside support staff consisting of Kiran Challagundla, Johnson, Evangelina Baddam and M Srikanth.

“We are very happy to see badminton finally getting back on the court. It gives us hope that tournaments can eventually make a steady comeback in near future. Most of our players haven’t played tournaments in the last seven-eight months however, they have been training to the best of their abilities at the camp,”

said Badminton Association of India (BAI) general secretary Ajay Singhania in a statement.

“The purpose of sending a full-strength team in these tournaments so that players can get the muchneeded tournament practice ahead of the Olympic qualifiers,” he added.

After the coronavirus outbreak disrupted the sporting world resulting in cancellation or postponement of a number of tournaments, this will be the first time that top Indian players, apart from Srikanth, will feature in any international tournament for the first time in the post Covid-19 pandemic time.

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