December 23, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 21

DIMAPUR, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Rijiju dedicates 8 KISCE sports, Page 12

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Farmer unions defer Centre’s talks offer

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): Protesting farmer unions deferred a decision on the central government’s offer for fresh talks to Wednesday, even as they remained adamant on the demand to repeal the three farm laws.

A group of protesters showed black flags to Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar on Tuesday and even tried to block his convoy in Ambala City, as demonstrations were held in several other states in support of the thousands of farmers, mostly from Punjab and Haryana, who are on a sit-in since November 26 on the borders of the national capital demanding the repeal of the three laws.

In Uttar Pradesh, a group of farmers who were heading to join the protesters clashed with police when they were stopped at Rampur-Moradabad toll plaza.While a couple of farmer unions have been on a sit-in on the Delhi-Noida border against the farm laws, a group of protesters, mainly residents of Jewar and Dadri in Greater Noida, came out on roads in support of the laws and was stopped by police at Mahamaya Flyover.

No CBSE board exams till Feb 2021: Minister

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (AGENCIES): No board examinations will be conducted in January or February 2021, said Union Education Minister Dr. Ramesh Pokhriyal Nishank as the COVID-19 cases continue to rise in the country.

While interacting with several teachers across the nation, the minister said, “No board examinations will be conducted in January or February. A decision on the conduct of examinations will be taken later.”

The minister even tweeted, “I received a lot of requests from various students and teachers to postpone the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) board exams for Class 10 and 12. Keeping the COVID-19 pandemic in mind and after various consultations, we have decided that board exams will not be held in January, February.”

“Exact dates will be announced soon. Our government is in favour of the students”, the tweet added.

Pokhriyal also said that the importance of a Guru has always been more than God and that is why we should respect all the teachers keeping the spirit of ‘Acharya Devo Bhavah’.

This is it!

“If farmers can be called terrorists for protesting, what about politicians who loot people?”

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Farmers block the national highway at Delhi-UP Ghazipur border in Ghaziabad, Tuesday. (PTI)

In Kerala, the opposition Congress-led United Democratic Front (UDF) took out a march to the Raj Bhavan to express solidarity with the protesting farmer unions while Governor Arif Mohammed Khan declined approval for a special session of the state assembly on Wednesday proposed by the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front Government to discuss and pass a resolution against the three contentious central farm laws.

Addressing a press conference at Delhi’s Singhu Border, farmer leader Kulwant Singh Sandhu said that 32 farmer unions from Punjab held a meeting on

Tuesday and discussed the next course of action.

The farmer leader said that a meeting of farmer leaders from across India would be held on Wednesday where a decision on the government’s talks offer will be taken.

The farmer leader said that they would also write to Britain MPs, urging them to press their Prime Minister Boris Johnson not to attend India’s Republic Day celebrations on January 26. Johnson will be the chief guest at the event next month. At the press conference, Sandhu said that farmer leaders will observe “Shaheedi diwas” from De-

cember 23-26. Protesting unions have already given a call to halt toll collection on highways in Haryana from December 25 to 27.

Hopeful of resolution: Union Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Tuesday said he was hopeful that protesting unions would soon complete their internal discussions and resume talks with the government to resolve the crisis.

He met two more peasants’ bodies from Delhi and Uttar Pradesh that extended support to the legislation.

“Representatives of different farmers’ bodies had come to tell that the laws are good and are in the interest

UK COVID-19 strain: No mutation found in India yet, says Centre NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): There is no need to panic over the mutated variant of SARS-CoV-2 detected in the UK, the government said on Tuesday, asserting that no such variant or any significant mutation in the coronavirus strain has been seen in India yet.

NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul, during a press briefing, also said the mutated SARS-CoV-2 strain detected in the UK will have no impact on the potential of emerging vaccines which are being developed in India and other countries.

“As of now, based on our discussions, deep understanding of data available and our deep assessment, there is no need to panic but it is a cause to be more vigilant,” he said.

Paul said that “this new challenge, we have to counter with our comprehensive efforts”. “We will be safe

if we suppress the genomic sequence,” he said.

There is no change in the treatment guidelines so far due to this mutation and the vaccines that are being developed, particularly those in the country, will not be impacted, Paul said.

This variant of the virus in the UK is defined by a set of 17 changes or mutations, he said and added that its tendency to enter the body’s cells has become higher and transmissibility has also increased with mutation.

“It is also being said that in these viruses, the transmissibility has increased by 70 per cent, you can also call them super spreader in a way. This virus increases infectiousness but does not increase propensity for death or hospitalisation or severity of the disease.

What is affected is the tendency to affect more people

that by itself is a cause of concern. It is an adverse development,” he said. Paul said that there is no need to “panic” and added that “we are yet to spot such a virus in our country and for which there are intensive efforts in the offing.”

Passengers who have returned from the UK will be contacted, their clinical issues will be understood and tests will be conducted with specimen subject to genetic sequencing, he said.

20 passengers from UK test positive, states begin contact tracing: With as many as 20 passengers from the United Kingdom testing positive for Covid-19 at airports in Delhi, Chennai and Kolkata, the state governments have initiated vigorous contract tracking of passengers who came from UK or other European countries in the past 10 days.

Trump presents Legion of Merit to Modi

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of farmers. They had come to urge the government not make any amendments to the laws,” Tomar said after meeting the two groups.

“I am hopeful they (protesting farmers’ unions) will soon complete their internal discussions and come forward for talks. We will be able to find a solution successfully,” the minister said. However, farmer leader Kulwant Singh Sandhu accused the government of creating “dummy and fake organisations that don’t have any past” to undermine their agitation.

Earlier in the day, Tomar asserted that the new farm reform laws will herald a new era in Indian farming and said the government is still willing to continue talks with protesting unions on all contentious issues.

“The Government has had many rounds of talks with farmer unions and is willing to continue the dialogue on contentious issues, clause by clause, with an open mind,” an official statement said.

Tomar, along with Food Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Commerce Som Parkash, is holding discussions with 40 protesting unions.

Mercury level dips across Nagaland Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, DEC 22 (NPN): Mercur y level dipped across the several parts of Nagaland while the air quality in most parts of the State was poor.

As per AccuWeather report, the temperature as on Tuesday night in Zunheboto was the lowest at 4oC followed by Kohima and Phek at 6 o C while Peren, Tuensang, Wokha, Kiphire and Noklak was 7oC, Longleng and Mon 8oC, Mokokchung 9oC and Dimapur 11oC. Temperature across the State may further dip in the coming days. Fog/mist is likely to occur in early morning throughout the week.

Meanwhile, icy winds swept north India on Tuesday while cold wave conditions are predicted in parts of Delhi over the next four days as the temperature is expected to drop further.

international, Page 9

Ao legislators grateful to CM on commitment for Foothill road project Longleng and Wokha districts for reasons best known to the “immigrant people of Assam”. However, despite all these, they said Aos have been tolerating such incidents over the years.

They said since midNovember 2020, the “immigrant people of Mariani” imposed “so-called economic blockade” ; firstly under the plea that the condition along Mariani-Mokokchung road was “not good enough and not motorable”. Later, they said the immigrants raised objection to setting up of COVID-19 pandemic check post at Ao Senden village, which was “unwarranted, uncalled for” as the people of Mariani had “no business to interfere in the internal affairs of Nagaland state.”

Sensing the plight of their people, the signatories said all Ao legislators of the 13th Nagaland Legislative Assembly, took up the matter with chief minister Neiphiu Rio at the December 17 meeting. They said the meeting discussed among others, the need for speedy implementation of the Foot Hill Road construction.

DIMAPUR, DEC 22 (NPN): All 11 Ao Legislators have expressed gratitude to chief minister Neiphiu Rio for his prompt response in committing to take up the Foot Hill Road construction at the meeting held on December 17.

According to a joint statement issued on behalf of all 11 Ao legislators by minister of Rural Development, Metsubo Jamir and NPF legislator, Imkong L. Imchen, the legislators had taken up the matter with the chief minister following the economic blockade since mid-November at Mariani, imposed by people of Mariani, mostly immigrants.

The signatories said Aos are tolerant by nature as well as love for human liberty that was ingrained in their character and was reflected in their attitude towards others.

They said that Aos have boundary demarcation with Ahoms as demonstrated by countless legends. However, they said the recent “unaccounted incidents and criminal activities” perpetrated on Aos by people of Mariani, mostly immigrants had even affected Mon,

The signatories said the Ao legislators were “fully satisfied with the prompt response” of the chief minister who committed to take up the Foot Hill Road construction forthwith.

They said the chief minister disclosed that the Foot Hill Road was conceived and initiated by him during his previous tenure as chief minister but was neglected after he went to Delhi(as MP). They signatories said they agreed with the assertions of the chief minister and saw no reason not to trust the commitment he made for speedy action.

Further, the duo said the Foot Hill Road starting from Tizit to Khelma was considered as the most important socio-economic road of Nagaland. They said it would go a long way for all round socio-economic development of the entire state besides providing much needed relief to the daily commuters from across Nagaland. The signatories expressed deep gratitude to the chief minister, for his prompt response to the plight of the people and hence issue the “Statement of Appreciation”.

State COVID tally 11866; death toll 76 COVID-19 STATUS AS ON december 22, 2020 District

AsymptomModatic Mild erate

ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic Critical-ICU Se- With- With On vere out Oxy- VentiOxygen gen lator 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Dimapur Kiphire Kohima Longleng Mokokchung Mon Peren Phek Tuensang

107 4 199 0 40 13 18 2 3

14 0 4 0 4 0 0 0 0

1 0 4 0 1 0 0 0 0

Wokha

0

0

0

0

0

0

0

Zunheboto Total

0 386

0 22

0 6

0 2

0 0

0 0

0 1

Death MiRecovunder Total Death gratered InvestiCases ed gation 6128 34 3440 9 116 579 480 44 240

49 1 21 0 1 2 0 0 1

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

35

1

0

139 0 11244 76

0 0

72 0 27 9 6 9 0 0 0

6374 39 3694 18 169 603 498 46 244

3

39

3 142 129 11866

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

DIMAPUR, DEC 22 (NPN): Nagaland COVID19 tally mounted to 11866 on Tuesday after 8 new positive cases were reported-- 5 in Mokokchung and 3 in Dimapur.

Three more COVID deaths were registered on Tuesday. Out of 76 deaths, 66 were due to COVID and 10 not COVID related.

As on December 22,

there were 417 active cases while 129 migrated to other States.

Further, the distribution across various categories include 4643 cases from the armed forces/police, 1831 returnees, 4827 traced contacts and 565 frontline workers.

I n d i a ’s v i r u s t a l ly 1,00,75,116: India’s COVID-19 caseload rose

to 1,00,75,116 with 19,556 new infections being reported in a day, according to the Union Health Ministry data updated on Tuesday.

The number of daily new coronavirus infections reported in the country was recorded below 20,000 after nearly six months while the COVID-19 active caseload fell below 3 lakh.

The death toll increased to 1,46,111 with 301 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

The number of people who have recuperated from the disease surged to 96,36,487 pushing the national recovery rate to 95.65 per cent, while the COVID19 case fatality rate stands at 1.45 per cent.

The COVID-19 active caseload has fallen below 3 lakh. There are 2,92,518 active coronavirus infections in the country which comprises 2.90 per cent of the total caseload, the data stated.

State to reopen for tourists from Dec 27: Tourism deptt Pollution deaths in India rose Only domestic toursits in phase-I Dimapur will be the only entry point DIMAPUR, DEC 22 (NPN): In view of improvement in the overall situation vis-à-vis COVID-19, the State government has announced reopening of the State for tourists from December 27.

However, only domestic tourists will be allowed in the first phase and Dimapur will be the only entry point either through rail, road or air. The announcement follows a decision taken

by High Powered Committee (HPC) in this regard on December 18. Persons above 65 years of age, with co-morbidities, pregnant

women and children below the age of 10 years have been advised to avoid travelling in view of the risk of transmission of the virus.

According to a notification issued by tourism department’s commissioner & secretary I Kitto Zhimomi, any tourist who wishes to visit Nagaland will be required to obtain an Inner Line Permit (ILP).

In the first phase, ILP for tourists will be available only in online mode through the portal www.ilp.nagaland. gov.in. For further details and other conditions regarding the online ILP for tourist, tourists have been asked to refer to the notifications of November 8, 2019 and December 21, 2020 issued by the Home department. Further, every tourist will have to possess a negative report of COVID-19 test done not earlier than three days prior to

arrival in Nagaland through RT- PCR/Tr ueNat/CBNAAT and carry soft/hard copy of the test report and produce it whenever asked by the competent authority.

As negative test report of COVID-19 will not be considered adequate for entry into the State, test should be done through RT-PCR/ TrueNat/CBNAAT only.

Advising tourists with symptoms of COVID- 19 not to travel, the notification stated that such symptomatic individuals, even with a COVID-19 negative report, will be mandatorily tested on arrival/entry as per the protocols of health & family welfare department and charged for the test.

After obtaining ILP and possessing a COVID-19 negative test report, a tourist will have to register on wvvw. tourism.nagaland.gov.in or install Nagaland Tourism

Official App, available both on Google Play Store and Apple Store by clicking the ‘e-invite’ link wherein he will be required to provide the details and upload ILP number, COVID-19 negative test report and personal details/tour itinerary All tourist travel/visits will be permitted only for pre-booked/package tours and, for this purpose, an e-invite for the proposed itinerary will be generated.

Every tourist before his/her entry into the State will also have to install and register on Aarogya Setu and follow three Ws (wear mask, wash hands, watch distance) and avoid 3Cs (crowded places, close contact setting and closed & enclosed spaces) during the period of stay. The tourist will have to strictly follow all health safety protocols and SOPs and guidelines issued, as ap-

plicable to any visitor. These include travelling by private and passenger vehicles, staying in hotels and other hospitality units, going to restaurants, shops, commercial establishments, shopping malls, gymnasiums, barber shops/salons, cinema halls/theatres/multiplexes, entertainment parks/outdoor parks/recreation areas, museums/exhibitions/art galleries, religious places/ places of worship, participating in social events and for assemblies and congregations etc.

The notification stated that every tourist will also have to follow the November 12, 2020 order of the State home department regarding penal provisions for violation of certain measures aimed at containing the spread of COVID-19 like not wearing mask at public places, etc.

to 1.67 million in 2019: Lancet

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (AGENCIES): Toxic air killed more people in India in 2019 than in 2017, The Lancet said in a report.

India, whose cities top global pollution lists, faces a growing economic as well as human toll from bad air quality, which was linked to 1.24 million, or 12.5% of total deaths in the previous such study for 2017.

The analysis found pollution led to chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, respiratory infections, lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes, neonatal disorders and cataracts.

Land-locked New Delhi, the world’s most polluted capital whose winter skies are often obscured by its filthy air, recorded the highest per-capita economic hit, the journal said.

(Cont’d on p-8) The fatalities in 2019 led to

a total loss of $36.8 billion, or 1.36% of India’s gross domestic product (GDP), with the poor and populous states of Uttar Pradesh and Bihar experiencing the highest economic loss as a percentage of their GDP. “The improvements in air quality across India during the COVID-19 lockdown period, and its upsurge again with the easing of restrictions, provide interesting pointers to the extent of air pollution reduction that is possible with reduced human activity,” it added.

The government said in a statement that India would need to invest more in state-specific pollution control programmes if it were to meet its goal of becoming a $5 trillion economy by 2024, from around $2.9 trillion now.

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Assam Rifles conduct medical camps

Army doctor attending to a young boy during the health Villagers avail medical care during the camp organised Villager availing free medicine at the camp organised by at Yonghong village on December 11. camp at New Nkio.

Mon Battalion on December 14 at Aboi village.

DIMAPUR: Assam Rifles under its civic action programme (CAP) has been conducting various activities in different parts of the state for benefit of public.

Jalukie Battalion medical camp at New Nkio: Jalukie Battalion conducted activities in various districts and villages for the welfare of the public. According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), the battalion conducted medical camp at New Nkio on December 17 along with AR medicos conducted medical check-up for the

villagers. The villagers were briefed about various health and hygiene methods to be implemented during this crisis and were provided with necessary medicines.

Altogether, 146 villagers benefitted from the camp.

Meanwhile, medical and veterinary camp was also conducted in collaboration with Veterinary College, Jalukie at New Puilwa on December 16. The troops conducted medical checkup for villagers and briefed about various health and hygiene methods that was

needed to be implemented during the crisis.

The veterinary team provided necessary treatment to the livestock of villagers. 124 villagers and 360 livestock benefitted from the camp.

Tuensang Battalion free medical camps: Tuensang Battalion conducted free medical camps at Kudeh and Yonghong villages, Tuensang, respectively on December 11. According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), free medicines and medical care were provided to the

sick and the villagers were educated on importance of COVID-19 protocols, timely vaccination, personal hygiene and sanitation. Altogether 65 males, 56 females and 66 children benefitted from both the camps.

Mon Battalion medical camp at Aboi village: Mon Battalion organised a free medical camp at Aboi village, Mon on December 14. According to PRO HQ IGAR (N), the medical team provided free medical consultancy and medicines

to the villagers. The villagers were also briefed on essentials of COVID-19 precautions, hygiene and sanitation. A total of 190 patients benefitted from the camp.

Kohima Battalion: Kohima Battalion visited children of Bright Morning Star Children Home on December 22.

According to PRO, HQ IGAR (N), Assam Rifles interacted with the children of Bright Morning Star Children Home and motivated them to follow

their dreams. In addition 10 mattresses provided/ sponsored by the Sunbird Trust were also handed over to them.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

FPA India, Nagaland branch as part of the programme provided solar powered vending machine and incinerator to 10 educational institutions in Kohima namely, Chandmari Higher Secondary School, Don Bosco College, Government High School, PWD, Holy Family Higher Secondary School, Naga Bazaar Baptist School, Northfield Higher Secondary School, Little Flower Higher Secondary School, Ruzhukhrie Government Higher Secondary School, Vinyüzo Higher Secondary School and St. Mary Cathedral Higher Secondary School from December 15 to 17. (FPA India Nagaland branch)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

SABS Socio Educational Society organised pre-Christmas celebration at Deziephe village on December 22, where Sr. Lucy Raikui SABS delivered the Christmas message. (SABS Dimapur)

10/06/1942 – 04/12/2020 The righteous perishes, And no man takes it to heart; Merciful men are taken away, While no one considers That the righteous is taken away from evil. He shall enter into peace; They shall rest in their beds, Each one walking in his Isaiah 57:1,2 uprightness.

Through this column, we, the family of Late Meyiakum Pongen GB (Mongsenyimti) would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood by us during our deep grievance extending their love and support in every way, physically, financially and spiritually during the brief illness and sad demise of our beloved father on 04.12.2020.

No words are enough to express our gratitude and repay for all the support you have bestowed upon us. We sincerely pray that the Almighty God bless each one of you abundantly.

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YAN office shifted to 5th Mile

Loving Wife, Children, `Grandchildren, In-laws and Relatives

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Dimapur: Youth Association of Nagaland (YAN) informed that its office has been shifted to 5th Mile and will be closed from December 23 till January 15, 2021.

The new office will be inaugurated next year. In case of urgency, one may contact information secretary & finance i/c A. Shyerhunlo Lorin at 9856585169 and vice president Watitemjen Imsong at 9774752756.

YAN also extended Christmas greetings and prosperous New Year 2021 to all.

NVCO, LMCP observe ‘National Consumer Day’

D I M A P U R : N VC O & LMCP observed 5th day of “national consumer day” on December 22.

A press release by NVCO press & media cell stated that, NVCO president, Kezhokhoto Savi in his speech expressed that consumer movement would highlight lifestyles changes, wherein consumers can play their part and what governments and business needed to do to make sustainable the easy choice for consumers.

He stated that sustainable consumption was the use of material products, energy and immaterial services in a way that their use minimise impacts on the environment, so that human needs can be met not only in the present but also for future generations.

Further, he shared that sustainable consumption was aimed at increasing resource efficiency and fair trade which alleviate poverty and enable everyone to enjoy a good quality of life.

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nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Can the Modi govt dethrone Mamata in the 2021 assembly polls ?

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

A B C

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

BEL gifts Quattro Truelab machine to NHAK

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

A

B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

23% 72% 5%

Next poll

Q: Has COVID-19 pandemic

brought any positive impact on the world?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST December 23

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sun

26 12

Aizawl

Nice with sunshine

24 8

Guwahati Hazy sun

26 11

Hazy sun

25 7

Imphal

Itanagar Brilliant sunshine and nice

24 11

Shillong

Sunny and pleasant

19 5

Kohima

Sunny and beautiful

21 7

Dimapur Hazy sun Mkg

Sunny and pleasant

Tuensang Sunny and cooler Wokha

Hazy sun

Zunheboto Plenty of sunshine

25 11 23 8 17 5 21 10 20 6

BEL, NHAK officials and others with the machine at NHAK on December 22.

DIMAPUR: Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) under their corporate social responsibility (CSR) handed over a Quattro Truelab machine to Naga Hospital Authority Kohima (NHAK) on December 22, under the initiative of Kohima Smart City (KSC).

A press release by Kohima Smart City Development Limited (KSCDL) CEO Kovi Meyase stated that, the BEL is implement-

ing the integrated command and control (ICCC) project under the KSC. The machine was personally delivered by an official of BEL and handed over to NHAK in the presence of NHAK managing director, Dr. Thorhusie Katiry and the joint CEO of the KSC. The machine was installed by the BEL technician in the presence of the NHAK technicians.

Managing director

NHAK thanked the KSC for all the help and assistance extended to the NHAK and the citizens of Kohima in the fight against COVID-19, including the 2 smart ambulances and free dedicated Wifi for the hospital. He also thanked BEL and KSC for the Quattro Truelab machine and stated that it would go a long way in equipping the hospital in the fight against COVID.

KVK Wokha conduct 14th SAC meeting

DIMAPUR: KVK, ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Wokha conducted the 14th scientific advisory committee (SAC) meeting at KVK conference hall on December 22.

A press release by ICAR-KVK Wokha stated that, senior scientist & head i/c, Dr. Moaakum welcomed the members and briefed about the KVK mandates and activities. He suggested the committee members to evaluate the works done during the presentation for their feedbacks.

Action plan for 2021 was presented by Dr. Moaakum where suggestions and feedbacks from the members were taken up into consideration and incorporated.

The committee members observed and emphasized to take up more activities on farmers oriented approach, where farmers can manage by low inputs with high return for their livelihood. This would enable to cover more villages in the district by organising more training for rural youths and encouraged them for taking up farming for entrepreneurial development.

The annual progress report for the year 2020 were presented by the concerned subject matter specialists of KVK, Wokha. Meeting was attended by the representatives of agriculture and allied departments, Shanchobeni and Chonbenthung, horticulture officers from DHO office, Subenthung Humtsoe, agriculture officer from DAO office, Lothungbeni and Benthunglo from ATMA and Wonchano, women welfare officer from Mahila Shakti Kendra, Wokha.

Altogether 28 stakeholders, NGO representatives including farmers attended the meeting and vote of thanks was delivered by Megokhono Meyase, ACTO (horticulture).

NPCC, NMA, SJU extend Christmas greetings

DIMAPUR: Nagaland Pradesh Congress Committee (NPCC), Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) and St. Joseph University (SJU) Dimapur have extended Christmas and New Year greetings to the Nagas.

NPCC: NPCC in a greetings message by president K. Therie said that there was a cloud of dismay in the hearts of the people and it was overshadowing Christmas and New Year because of the unfulfilled political solution and the pandemic. Therie wished that

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

Nagas celebrate Christmas in peace by first being free from “the bondage of being a briber and a bribee, for our shortcomings in controlling the instinct of ‘I want more’ leads to corruption of various designs.”

Pointing out that “we never know when the pandemic will recede or perhaps we may have to live with it”, he expressed that God has promised to do everything good, in His own time. He further prayed that His grace be upon all as birth of the saviour is celebrated and conveyed a Blessed Christmas and

a prosperous Happy New Year greetings.

NMA: Naga Mothers’ Association (NMA) in a greetings message stated that this joyous celebration was a time to recall the manifestation of God into flesh and to unite “our hearts and be prepared to see the wonders of His birth in us and in our land.” NMA wished that “the joy and happiness fills us with a renewed heart and brings hope to the dampen spirits.”

NMA also appealed all to restrain from any rash and drunken driv-

ing, violence and abstain from disturbing the joyful atmosphere and to let this Christmas message of “love and peace” be spread in its fullest form. NMA further extended humble prayer that the New Year 2021 will usher peace and prosperity to all.

SJU: St. Joseph University (SJU) Dimapur in a greetings message has wished that the Christmas season fill your home with joy, love and laughter and that the New Year 2021 bring peace, tranquillity and contentment.

First Malayalam poetry book released in Dimapur

Fr. Dr. P. S. Varghese along with KSD members and Dr. Lanusangla Tzudir during the book release on December 22.

DIMAPUR: First Malayalam poetry book titled “Chillu Jalakam”, authored by Fr. Dr. P. S. Varghese was released by publisher of Heritage Publishing House (HPH), Dr. Lanusangla Tzudir at Kerala Samajam, Dimapur on December 22.

A press release by the organisers stated that, Chillu Jalakam by Fr. Dr. Palayathil Shibu Varghese (P. S. Varghese) presently serving vicar of MGOS Church, Dimapur and principal of MGM College, Dimapur is a collection of fifty poems.

The poems are filled with philosophical thoughts, his dreams and visions delightfully articulated in beautiful lines, with apt illustrations. From Gurunadhan (teacher) to Samsara Sagaram (world), it’s a journey, an experience, and the views of the poet, who has seen the world from the Chillu Jalakam

(glass window).

The poet dedicated the book to his research guide, late Dr. Caharles P Alexander, former vicechancellor of ICFAI University, Nagaland. During the function, Dr. C. P. Alexander memorial scholarship for higher studies was given to three meritorious students who are studying for BA and B.Com. Earlier, programme was presided by Kerala Samajam president Dr. N. Kumar. Kerala Samajam Dimapur (KSD) advisor Jose V.A gave welcome address and publisher Dr. Lanusngla Tzudir, gave the first copy of the book to Kerala Samajam president. The book was released in the presence of Malayalees of Dimapur. Fr. Dr. P. S. Varghese proposed vote of thanks.

The book is available in all leading books stalls of Dimapur and Kohima.

Bible recitation competition under BBBP

DIMAPUR: In commemoration of “World Sunday School Day”, Wokha District Administration, DLCW-MSK under Beti Bachao Beti Padhao (BBBP) organised an online Bible verse recitation competition on December 17 at DC conference hall.

According to DIPR report, EAC (HQ), Wokha, I. Yentinougbou congratulated participants and urged them to give their best in all they do to make proper use of God gifted talents.

Officials and winners of the online Bible verse recitation competition on December 17. (DIPR)

Meanwhile in the competition, Jemimah Tsingtao, Shentiza T Yanthan and Mhachoni K. Humtsoe bagged first, second and

third positions respectively.

Women welfare officer, DLCW-MSK, Dr. Wonchano Enny chaired the function.

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Indo-Bangla border level talks underway in Guwahati

The talks will also focus on preventing smuggling and the protection of river banks in the border areas.

Dhaka, Dec 22 (IANS): The 51st round of the Director-General level border coordination meeting between India’s Border Security Force (BSF) and Border Guards Bangladesh (BGB) was underway on Tuesday in Guwahati, Assam.

BGB PRO Mohammad Shariful Islam told IANS that the five-day talks will include discussions on border related issues aimed at enabling better coordination between the two border guarding forces, with a special focus on addressing and streamlining mechanisms on how to jointly curb various trans-border crimes and timely sharing of information.

While a 12-member Indian delegation is being represented by BSF Director General Rakesh Asthana, BGB Director General Major General Md

Shafeenul Islam is heading the 11-member Bangladesh delegation at the routine border conference.

Islam added that concerned officials from the Bangladesh Prime Minister’s Office, Home Affairs Ministry, Foreign Affairs Ministry and senior BGB officials will represent the Bangladesh delegation in the conference, while senior officials of BSF headquarters, frontier IGs and concerned officials of the Indian Home Affairs Ministry and External Affairs Ministry will represent the BSF delegation.

The last BSF-BGB border Coordination Conference was held from September 16-19 in Dhaka.

In 1975, the two sides envisaged that there should be frequent contacts between the border authorities to discuss the matters of immediate administrative

concerns.

An Indian delegation under the leadership of then BSF DG Aswani Kumar and former BGB DG Major General Kuazi Golam Dastagir met in Kolkata on December 2, 1975, for the first time to discuss and solve the trans-border problems.

Since then the DGlevel meetings were held alternatively in India and Bangladesh till 1993.

Meanwhile, the ongoing five-day talks will also focus on preventing crossborder smuggling and the protection of river banks in the border areas.

There will be deliberations on developmental and infrastructure works, joint efforts for effective implementation of Coordinated Border Management Plan (CBMP) and Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) for border management and quickest resolution of frontier related issues and undertaking steps for further strengthening the mutual trust and friendship between both border forces will be discussed in the conference.

The conference will conclude with the signing of a Joint Record of Discussions (JRD) on December 25, while the Bangladesh delegation will return home the next day.

northeast

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

Gauhati High Court orders floor Mnp destroys 1315 acres of poppy plants test for Promod Boro-led BTC Correspondent

Majority floor test by Dec 26 GUWAHATI, DEC 22 (AGENCIES): The ordeal is far from over for Promod Boro-led Bodoland Territorial Council (BTC). The Gauhati High Court on Tuesday has ordered for a composite floor test by December 26, which means Promod Boro will have to prove his majority, reports The Sentinel Assam.

Making things worse for Boro, the order has put a stay on the appointment of the nominated members, they will not be able to vote during the floor test and cannot participate in the election of the Chief Executive Member. The Court has barred the Council from taking any policy decision.

When UPPL chief Promod Boro joined hands with BJP to form the BTC, both BJP and UPPL never expected that within barely three days of having formed the Council, they would hit a legal hurdle.

It is on Tuesday, December 15 the Council was formed and the Court order for status quo came on December 18. While Promod Boro took oath as the Chief Executive Member (CEM), former NDFB leader Gobinda Chandra Basumatary was sworn in as the Deputy CEM and Diganta Barua (BJP), Gautam Das (BJP) and Ghanashyam

Das (Gana Suraksha Party) took oath of office as members of the Council.

The Court orders have come in response to a writ petition filled by Bodoland People’s Front chief and three-time CEM of BTC, Hagrama Mohilary. In the petition which was first heard on December 18, BPF said that election of the CEM was done by violating Constitutional provisions and the entire process of election of members was in violation of the Election Rules of 2004. Mohilary and six other members of BPF has challenged the validity of the appointments of CEM and the members.

Meanwhile, fearing horse-trading by Mohilary, who is known for his gogetter attitude and strong presence in the Bodoland Territorial Region, all newly elected members of the Council has been shifted to Shillong to keep the flock safe and together. According to sources, BPF to offering at least Rs 5 crore each to buy candidates. BPF needs four more to form the Council.

Another point to be noted is that provisions of antidefection law does not apply in council elections.

The new council was formed by the BJP-UPPLGSP combine. They have 22 members. The lone elected member from the Congress and another from the BPF defected to the BJP later.

IMPHAL, Dec 22: With the destruction of poppy plants to around 30 acres in Tengnoupal district on Tuesday, the Manipur police have so far destroyed illegal poppy cultivation on over 1315 acres since November last week.

PRO of Manipur police Watham Basu said that poppy cultivation on around 30 acres of field was destroyed in Machi hill range of Tengnoupal district, the district bordering Myanmar today.

A joint team of Tengnoupal district police, NAB (Narcotic Affairs of Border), Tengnoupal SDO, staff members of horticulture and forest department conducted the destruction drive, he added The state police have so far destroyed poppy plants cultivated to 1315 acres since the drive against the illegal practice commenced from November middle week, he said, adding that the drive started from November 20 and will continue further. He claimed that poppy plants covering 910 acres were destroyed in Ukhrul district, 190 acres in Senapati district, 120 acres in Kangpokpi district, 50 acres in Churachandpur district, 15 acres in Imphal East district and 30 acres in Tengnoupal district.

Despite destruction, farmers in hill districts of the state continued the illegal practice of cultivat-

Assam to accord Bodo status Mnp relaxes night curfew for few hrs for Christmas, New Year of next morning) since De- the festivals. tariat, Singh also extended of associate official language Correspondent cember 1. As per the governOther restrictions noti- his greeting to the people

Guwahati, Dec 22 (PTI): The Assam government on Tuesday said it will introduce a new law to accord Bodo the status of associate official language of the state.

The decison was taken at a meeting of the state cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal.

“The cabinet approved for introduction of Assam Official Language Amendment Bill (to replace ordinance) for Bodo Language in Devanagari script as Associate Official Language,” a release from the Chief Minister’s Office said.

In October, the state government had announced its decision to bring in an ordinance to accord Bodo

the status of associate official language.

The Cabinet also approved setting up of the Bodo Kachari Welfare Autonomous Council.

Aiming at addressing delays in different road projects, it cleared acquisition of land through direct purchase from owners through negotiated settlement, for improvement of state highways and major district roads under Asom Mala Programme and EAP. The release said the Assam government has decided to bifurcate the Directorate of Social Welfare by creating two new ones -Directorate of Women and Child Development and Directorate of Social Justice and Empowerment.

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT AND SESSIONS JUDGE KOHIMA: NAGALAND

NOTICE

NOTICE INVITING OTHER CLAIMANTS TO REPRESENTATION TO COME FORWARD (UNDER PART-X OF SECTION 373 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925) Succession Case No. 302 /20 Whereas an application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate has filed by Apfule W/o deceased Dziesekholie Keretsu, Peon of Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Kohima : Nagaland to received interest/negotiate/transfer of the assets of deceased Dziesekholie Keretsu, who died intestate on 01.12.2020 in the following assets Viz, (1) All Service Benefits (2) Family Pension (3) SBI A/C 30267367803 at Main Branch, Kohima Therefore, Notice is hereby given that any person having interests in the administration of the assets of the said deceased may appear or file claims and objection before the court on or before the expiry of thirty days of this newspaper publication.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this 21st Day of December 2020.

Principal District & Sessions Judge Kohima; Nagaland.

K-2108

IN THE COURT OF

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DIMAPUR :: NAGALAND

IMPHAL, Dec 22: Authority of Manipur government on Tuesday announced certain relaxations to COVID-19 restrictions in view of the Christmas and New Year.

The ongoing night curfew from 6 pm till 5am will be relaxed for a few hours on December 23, 24, 25, 31 and January 1 (New Year).

The state executive committee of the state disaster management authority, in an order on Tuesday, said that on December 23, 24 and 25 and December 31 and January, the curfew will be from 10 pm to 4 am instead of 6 pm till 5am The entire state of Manipur was under night curfew (from 6pm till 5am Regd. No. 8111

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 has been applied

by Shri/Smti (1) N. Orenthung Kikon (2) N. Limhachan Kikon (3) N. Benthungo Kikon, Sons of Late Nrio Lotha, R/o NST Colony, Purana Bazar, Dimapur, Nagaland for issuing of Letter of Administration in respect of Late Manchio Lotha, S/o Late Nzio Lotha for landed property covered by Patta No. 24, Dag. 30, 31, Area : 00B-02K-10Ls., Block : 9, Dimapur before this court and whereas 18.01.2021 has been fixed for the hearing on the matter. Notice is hereby given inviting objection if any from the person having interest in the above named application to be furnished on or before the fixed date/or appear in person.

Given under my hand and seal of the Court on 16th Dec. 2020.

Principal District & Sessions Judge Dimapur :: Nagaland DP-5712(B) Regd. No. 8110

DECLARATION

Date 8/12/2020

I, Shri Thsarobi Sangtam, F/o Chemhokyu T. Sangtam, resident of Phir Ahi Village, P.O Longkhim, District Tuensang, State Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That, the name Chemhokyu T Sangtam and Chunkyu are one and same person only.

3. That, the actual date of birth of Chemhokyu T Sangtam is 21-07-2003 4. That, the date of birth 21-07-2002 been used is purely a clerical error.

5. That, henceforth the name Chemhokyu T Sangtam and Date of birth 21-07-2003 shall be used in all official and other purposes.

That the above declaration from paras 1 to 5 are correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing has been concealed therein.

Deponent Solemnly swear and affirmed by the above declarant appear before me in my open court today on 08.12.2020.

Magistrate 1st Class Tuensang : Nagaland DP-5718(A)

DECLARATION

Date 8/12/2020

I, Shri Thsarobi Sangtam, F/o Khaliba T Sangtam, resident of Phir Ahi Village, P.O Longkhim, District Tuensang, State Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That, the name Khaliba T Sangtam and Khil are one and same person only.

3. That, the actual date of birth of Khaliba T Sangtam is 01-02-2005 4. That, the date of birth 29-02-2004 been used is purely a clerical error.

5. That, henceforth the name Khaliba T Sangtam and Date of birth 01-02-2005 shall be used in all official and other purposes.

That the above declaration from paras 1 to 5 are correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing has been concealed therein.

Deponent Solemnly swear and affirmed by the above declarant appear before me in my open court today on 08.12.2020.

Magistrate 1st Class Tuensang : Nagaland DP-5718(D)

IN THE COURT OF

PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE DIMAPUR :: NAGALAND

Letter of Admn. 7/2020

Letter of Admn. 8/2020

NOTICE (SEC. 278 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925)

ment order, the same will be effective till December 31.

The restriction to the gathering of more than 20 persons at a time in a function and other social gathering was also relaxed for the Christmas and New Year celebrations.

The gathering was allowed upto 50 % of the capacity of the hall with a ceiling of 200 persons in closed spaces with strict adherence to COVID appropriate behaviour, as per the order.

The order issued by state chief secretary Rajesh Kumar who is also the chairman of State Executive Committee, however, stated that community feasting should be avoided during

NOTICE

(SEC. 278 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925) Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 has been applied by Shri Apong Longchar, S/o Late Limameren, R/o Middle Colony, Purana Bazar, Dimapur, Nagaland for issuing of Letter of Administration in respect of Late Limameren for landed property covered by Patta No. 116, Dag. 542, Measuring Area : 00B-02K-17Ls., Mouza No. : 3, Dimapur before this court and whereas 16.01.2021 has been fixed for the hearing on the matter. Notice is hereby given inviting objection if any from the person having interest in the above named application to be furnished on or before the fixed date/or appear in person.

Given under my hand and seal of the Court on 16th December, 2020.

Principal District & Sessions Judge Dimapur :: Nagaland DP-5712(A) Regd. No. 8114

DECLARATION

Date 8/12/2020

I, Shri Thsarobi Sangtam, S/o Tongpilab Sangtam, resident of Phir Ahi Village, P.O Longkhim, District Tuensang, State Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That, the name Tongpilab Sangtam and Tongbila are one and same person only.

3. That, the actual date of birth of Tongpilab Sangtam is 1941 4. That, the date of birth 50 been used is purely a clerical error.

5. That, henceforth the name Tongpilab Sangtam and Date of birth 1941 shall be used in all official and other purposes.

That the above declaration from paras 1 to 5 are correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing has been concealed therein.

Deponent Solemnly swear and affirmed by the above declarant appear before me in my open court today on 08.12.2020.

Magistrate 1st Class Tuensang : Nagaland DP-5718(B)

fied by the state home department earlier will remain in force, as per the order.

Before the order relaxing the night curfew was issued, state chief minister N Biren Singh announced that there will be relaxation in curfew and other restrictions imposed to contain spread of COVID-19 for the Christmas and New Year festivals.

Talking to reporters on the sideline of a function at the chief minister’s secre-

of the state, particularly the Christian.

While wishing the people on the occasion, the chief minister said that he desired the world be freed from the COVID-19 pandemic and life return to normal with the blessing of the almighty.

Singh then appealed to the people to celebrate the festival keeping in mind the COVID-19 pandemic and strictly observing the COVID-19 SOP.

DECLARATION

Regd. No. 8113

Date 8/12/2020

I, Shri Thsarobi Sangtam, H/o Bilongla Sangtam, resident of Phir Ahi Village, P.O Longkhim, District Tuensang, State, Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India.

2. That, the name Bilongla Sangtam and Bilongla are one and same person only.

3. That, the actual date of birth of Bilongla Sangtam is 04-11-1985 4. That, the date of birth 05-09-1983 been used is purely a clerical error.

5. That, henceforth the name Bilongla Sangtam and Date of birth 04-11-1985 shall be used in all official and other purposes.

That the above declaration from paras 1 to 5 are correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing has been concealed therein.

Deponent Solemnly swear and affirmed by the above declarant appear before me in my open court today on 08.12.2020.

Magistrate 1st Class Tuensang : Nagaland DP-5718(C)

AFFIDAVIT

Regd. No. 444/2020

Dated 16/12/2020

I, Shri. Shemhring Tongsin, R/o Selouphe Village, H/No. 18, Dimapur:Nagaland, do hereby solemnly and declare as under:1. That I am a bonafide citizen of India and resident of the above mentioned address.

2. That my actual and official name is Shemhring Tongsin as entered in my Marriage Certificate, however, in some of my documents my name has been entered/recorded erroneously as SR Shemhring Anal 3. That my surname/last name Tongsin is my legitimate father's name Thumkham Tongsin and 'SR' is the initial of my Stepfather's name SR Shangphung Anal.

4. The name SR Shemhring Anal and Shemhring Tongsin refers to same and one person. Henceforth, I shall use the name Shemhring Tongsin in all my future and official correspondences.

5. That this affidavit is made to ever the above made statements.

VERIFICATION

I, hereby verify that the above contents made in Para's 1-5 are true and correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing material has been concealed therein.

DEPONENT Solemnly affirm before me NOTARY PUBLIC DP-5710

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND OFFICE OF THE DEPUTY COMMISSIONER TUENSANG : NAGALAND

NO.LR-2/2015-16/4419

Dated Tuensang, the 18 Dec'2020 th

PUBLIC NOTICE Whereas Shri C. Tochi Yim, S/o Chimkiumong Yimchunger, resident of Old Medical 'A', Tuensang have applied for issue of Succession Certificate for change of ownership from Shri C. Toshi Yim to Shri Shiuthong, S/o Tsangli site allotment Permit No.466/Tsg. Notice is hereby issued that any claims and objections pertaining to the above mentioned properties should be submitted to the Office of the undersigned within a period of 30 (thirty) days from the date of publication. Otherwise change of ownership will be issued under the Indian Succession Act 1925.

DP-5705

SD/(KUMAR RAMNIKANT) IAS, Deputy Commissioner Tuensang: Nagaland

Poppy plants destruction at Machi hill range of Tengnoupal district on Tuesday. ing poppy. The state police have been conducting drives against illegal poppy cultivation every year for last decade.

During the 2019-20 crop year too, the state police have destroyed poppy plants in a total of 2,300 acre in the state.

Earning a good income through poppy cultivation was one of the major reasons behind the ever expanding area of poppy cultivation. The farmers were also allegedly supported by drug mafia and the cross-border network of illegal drug traffickers.

As such, the state became a major source of narcotic drugs. Like in the previous years, the state government launched a massive poppy plant destruction drive from November 20

last. The state police department was conducting the drive in coordination with various departments like horticulture and forest.

Assam Rifles and other Central security forces are also assisting the police in the drive, the PRO said.

Meanwhile, a team of NAB police station arrested one drug trafficker along with 370 gram of Heroin powder in his possession from Tuijang village along Tiddim Road in Churachandpur district on Monday evening, around 4 pm.

The alleged drug trafficker was identified as Thanglet Doungel (35) son of late Thanglun Doungel of Loibol Khunou of Kangpokpi district, presently residing at Kholunphai village of Churachandpur district.

Happy Birthday Dear Baby Senden Amri.

We’re all so grateful you came into the world because you make our world better everyday. May God give you the strength and wisdom to smoothly surmount all the challenges life brings you.

With Love - Aya, Aba, Azao, Awao and Loved ones IN THE COURT OF DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE, WOKHA : NAGALAND

S/C No. 114/20 NOTICE NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTIONS OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-1 OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925.

Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefit of Late Roland K. Lotha has been applied by Smti. Lobilo Kikon, W/o. Lt. Roland K. Lotha, Wokha, Nagaland for possession of: 1. SBI A/c No. 31870115668., 2. Service claims and benefits.

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 22/01/2021.

Given under the hand and seal of the court on this day the 22/12/2020.

District & Sessions Judge WC-292 Wokha : Nagaland

Regd. No. 8136

DECLARATION

Date 9/12/2020

I, Shri Thsarobi Sangtam, F/o Suri T Sangtam, resident of Phir Ahi Village, P.O Longkhim, District Tuensang State Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and declare as under:1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

That I am a bonafide citizen of India.

That, the name Suri T Sangtam and Suri are one and same person only.

That, the actual date of birth of Suri T Sangtam is 31-01-2006 That, the date of birth 01-07-006 been used is purely a clerical error.

That, henceforth the name Suri T Sangtam and Date of birth 31-01-2006 shall be used in all official and other purposes.

That the above declaration from paras 1 to 5 are correct to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing has been concealed therein.

Deponent Solemnly swear and affirmed by the above declarant appear before me in my open court today on 09.12.2020.

Magistrate 1st Class Tuensang : Nagaland DP-5718(E) Regd. No. 298/2020

AFFIDAVIT

Date : 21/12/2020

I, Smti. Mhabeni Lotha, W/o Yansathung Jami, aged 48 years, resident of Upper NST Colony, H.No. 174, Wokha, Nagaland, do hereby solemnly affirm and declare on oath as under: 1. That, I am a bonafide citizen of India belonging to Lotha Naga Schedule Tribe in the state of Nagaland.

2. That, my name Mhabeni Lotha is the official name but in my Indian Passport (No. P. 730908) my name has been inadvertently entered as Chumdemo Mhabeni Tsanglao which is one and same person.

3. That, I affirm to use Mhabeni Lotha in all my official correspondence hereinafter.

4. That, my parents name entered in my Indian Passport as Chumdemo Tsanglao & Amungi Tsanglao where as in my academic and other related document I have entered my parents name as Chumdemo Lotha and Amungi Lotha respectively which is one and same person.

5. That, this affidavit is made absolute and nothing has been coerced to mislead any authority/Agency whatsoever.

(MHABENI LOTHA) DEPONENT Solemnly affirm before me by the deponent at Dimapur on this day 21st December 2020.

NOTARY PUBLIC DP-5708

AFFIDAVIT DECLARATION I, Shri. Lichonthung Ezung, Army Number – 14705317F, 3 Naga Regiment, S/o. Shri. Yimlothung Ezung, do hereby solemnly affirmed and state as follows: 1. That, I am a bonafide citizen of India hailing from Lotha/Naga Tribe and permanently residing of the above mentioned address.

2. That due to inadvertent and bonafide error, my name has been wrongly entered as Shri. Lichunthung Ezung in some of my service records, official records instead of my correct and official name as Shri. Lichonthung Ezung which I have been using in all my official documents.

3. That this declaration is sworn solely for the purpose of declaring that Shri. Lichunthung Ezung, Lichonthung Ezung is one and same person and from hereon my correct and official name shall be Shri. Lichonthung Ezung and the same shall be recorded in all official records and documents.

4. That the statements made in this declaration in para 1-3 are to my personal knowledge and nothing is concealed thereof.

Sworn before me by the declarant on this day the 22/12/2020.

Declarant Regd. No. 781/20 Date 22/12/2020 Notary Public WC-294

5

national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

farm laws to herald new No religious discrimination in dev: PM at AMU eraNew in Indian agriculture: Tomar ALIGARH (UP), DEC 22 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said ideological and political differences should be set aside for the sake of development and assured that nobody will be left behind in the path to progress because of their religion.

“Politics can wait, society can wait. But the country’s development cannot wait,” he said at the centenary celebrations of Aligarh Muslim University, which he called “mini-India” and lauded for its diversity.

Modi said the country is now moving on a path where people would get the benefits of development without any bias, and where they are assured of their constitutional rights.

“The country today is moving on a path where nobody should be left behind because of their religion,” he added.

He said the government’s welfare scheme have benefitted everyone without discrimination, following the “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas” motto.

Listing some of them, he said, “What belongs to the country belongs to every citizen. Everybody should get it.”

In the address delivered through video conference, he said development

Narendra Modi addresses during the Centenary Celebrations of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), through video conference, in New Delhi, Tuesday. (PTI)

should not be seen through the prism of politics.

“We have to understand that politics is an important aspect of society.

But in society there are also issues other than politics,” Modi said.

He released a postage stamp commemorating 100 years of AMU. He said there is space beyond ‘siyasat’ (politics) and ‘satta’ (power), which should be explored by campuses like AMU. “It is natural to have differences in society. But when the issue is securing national goals, these differences should be set aside.”

Modi listed economic development, education, standard of living and nationalism (`rastravaad’) among the common goals.

“These are some of the issues on which we cannot differ in the name of our political or ideological

(vaicharik) compulsions,” he said.

This was the first time in over five decades that a prime minister participated in an AMU event, after Lal Bahadur Shastri in 1964.

The PM’s address also comes against the backdrop of sporadic protests

by AMU student groups in past months over issues like the new Citizenship Amendment Act, and the targeting of the campus by some BJP leaders.

He said when people come together for the goal of development, some elements may feel uneasy.

“Such elements are found in every society in the world. These are people who have self-interest and to fulfil it they can adopt any device and all types of negativity”, the PM said.

But the space occupied by such people will shrink when the goal is to make a

new India, he said.

Modi said the poor, the deprived and the youth do not want to wait any longer.

“We should not waste time on ‘matbhed’ (differences) and move forward on common ground to build a new India, that is ‘Atmanirbar Bharat’,” he said, stressing “self-reliance”.

“We have to work unitedly to ensure that the feeling of ‘Ek Bharat, Shresth Bharat’ (One India, Great India) gets strengthened day by day on the AMU campus,” he said, lauding the university.

He called AMU “mini India”. Urdu and Hindi, Arabic and Sanskrit are all taught on the campus, he said. Along with Quran, the translations of Gita and Ramayana are kept in the library.

“This diversity is the country’s strength. We have to neither forget it nor let it

get weakened,” he said.

He said over 1,000 foreign students are studying at AMU and it is important to showcase the country’s greatness to them.

On the Swachh Bharat campaign, he claimed that with the construction of lakhs of toilets the rate of Muslim girls dropping out of schools has reduced sharply.

Over one crore Muslim girls have also been given scholarships, he said. He said 35 per cent of the students in AMU are women, and congratulated the university for this.

The prime minister said the government is working on increasing opportunities in higher education, and gave statistics showing the rise in the number of institutes since the BJP-led government came to power in 2014.

The PM advised AMU scholars to conduct research on unknown freedom fighters and highlight their contribution.

Modi said AMU has produced great personalities over the past 100 years and has shaped the lives of many.

He also praised AMU’s efforts in fighting coronavirus by conducting free COVID-19 tests, setting up a plasma bank and contributing to the PM Care fund.

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): Asserting that the new farm reform laws will herald a new era in Indian farming, Agriculture Minister Narendra Singh Tomar on Tuesday said the government is still willing to continue talks with protesting unions on all contentious issues.

The minister said the agriculture sector is the backbone of the Indian economy and the Narendra Modi government is focusing on doubling farmer’s income by 2022.

He was interacting with members of international media from the Foreign Correspondents’ Club of South Asia.

“The minister reiterated that reforms have been made in the interest of farmers and will bring about a new era in Indian agriculture. The Government has had many rounds of talks with farmer unions and is willing to continue the dialogue on contentious issues, clause by clause, with an open mind,” an official statement said.

Tomar, along with Food Minister Piyush Goyal and Minister of State for Commerce Som Parkash, is holding discussions with 40 protesting unions.

Five rounds of formal

Narendra Singh Tomar in a meeting with the representatives of two farmers’ bodies in New Delhi. (PTI)

talks between the government and these unions have failed to break the deadlock as farmers are insisting on the repeal of the three laws and are camping at various border points of Delhi for nearly four weeks now.

On Sunday, the Agriculture Ministry wrote a letter to farmer unions to choose a convenient date for the next round of talks so that the ongoing agitation could end at the earliest. It also asked them to specify their concerns over the government’s proposal for amendments in the new agri laws.

Tomar described the Farmers Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act 2020, Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement

on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act 2020 and the Essential Commodities Amendment Act 2020 as the biggest agricultural reforms in the country so far.

These reforms will provide farmers market freedom, encourage entrepreneurship, access to technology and transform agriculture, he said.

Tomar said India, being is a large democracy, functions on the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas’.

During the interaction, officials of the Agriculture Ministry explained in detail the provisions under the Farm Acts and how they will benefit the farmers and lead to the betterment of Indian agriculture in the new ecosystem.

Bengal ahead of other states on Health condition of passengers arriving from UK to be checked: Jain all development indices: Mamata

Mamata Banerjee

under the TMC rule. “When the home minister of the country says something, it should be backed by data, facts and figures. Bengal is ahead of other states on all development indices. But

Suresh Raina, Sussanne Khan held in raid at Mumbai club

Suresh Raina and Sussanne Khan.

MUMBAI, DEC 22 (PTI): Thirty four persons including cricketer Suresh Raina and Bollywood celebrity Sussanne Khan were held after a raid at a posh club near the Mumbai airport on Tuesday for violating social distancing norms, police said.

Thirteen women who were among those held were allowed to leave after being served notices while the men were shown as arrested and granted bail later, police said.

The raid took place at the Dragonfly Experience club near the Mumbai international airport at around 3 am, police said, adding the 34 also included seven staffers of the club.

They were booked under sections 188 (Disobedience to order duly promulgated by public servant), 269 (whoever unlawfully or negligently does any act which is, and which he knows or has reason to believe to be, likely to spread the infection of any disease dangerous to life), and 34 (Acts done by several persons in furtherance of common intention) of IPC, police said.

“Party (Nahin) Cha-

legi Till Six In The Morning! A raid was conducted at a nightclub in Andheri at around 3 am, for flouting COVID prevention norms.

Action has been initiated against 34 people, out of which 19 were from Delhi & Punjab, including some celebrities #NewNormal,” Mumbai Police tweeted.

The raid was conducted after the club establishment remained open beyond the permissible time limit and did not adhere to coronavirus norms, police said.

“Suresh was in Mumbai for a shoot which extended to late hours and was invited by a friend for a quick dinner post the same prior to him taking his flight back to Delhi. He was not aware of the local timings and protocols,” a statement on behalf of Raina said.

“Once pointed out, he immediately complied with the procedures laid out by the authorities and regrets the unfortunate and unintentional incident. He always holds rules and laws laid down by governing bodies with the highest regard and will continue to do so in the future as well,” it said.

Amit Shah ji deliberately tried to depict a gloomy and dismal picture of the state.

I was challenged... here is my reply,” Banerjee said at a press meet here.

Kolkata has twice been accorded the ‘safest city’ tag in the country, she said.

“According to NCRB data, political killings, other incidents of crime and rape cases have decreased during the TMC rule. BJP leaders, while pointing fingers at others, should also speak up against the Hathras rapemurder incident in Uttar Pradesh,” Banerjee added.

tests are being conducted at the Delhi airport for all passengers arriving from that country,” he said.

Jain said Delhi has fought difficult battles with COVID-19 and all efforts will be made to ensure that the improvement made in the management of the pandemic is “not reversed”.

The Civil Aviation Ministry on Monday said all flights from the UK to India and vice versa will remain suspended from Wednesday to December 31 in view of the emergence of a mutated variant of the coronavirus there.

Six passengers travelling on Air India’s London-

Delhi flight tested positive for COVID-19 on arrival, a senior government official said. The flight landed around 11.30 pm on Monday.

In the last two weeks, about 6000-7000 people have landed at Delhi airport, many of whom would have travelled to other places like Punjab from thereon, Jain said.

“We will go house-tohouse and do check-up of passengers to assess their condition, and also advise them to isolate themselves for some time,” he said.

Sources said passengers coming from the UK are being administered RT-

PCR tests at the airport.

Anyone testing negative but with symptoms will be kept in institutional isolation and those testing negative will also be asked to go into self-isolation for seven days, they said.

Jain has also appealed to those who have recently come from the UK to monitor their health and go for tests at the slightest of COVID-like symptoms, and inform the government.

Asked about the threat of the new virus strain entering Delhi, he said, “Chief Minister Kejriwal had appealed to the Centre to close flights from the UK, and it had been done. So, we are

doing everything possible to contain the spread”.

A new vaccine is being prepared to treat COVID19, he said.

Asked if the new strain could negate its efficacy, he said, “Only scientists and ICMR can comment on it”.

Delhi recorded 803 fresh cases of COVID-19 on Monday, the lowest since August 17, taking tally to over 6.17 lakh, even as the death toll increased to 10,304 with 27 new fatalities.

“We recorded such a low number of cases and a positivity rate of 1.29 per cent,” Jain said.

Pak-dropped AK-47, ammo recovered in Punjab CHANDIGARH, DEC 22 (IANS): Less than 48 hours after recovery of 11 Arges 84 hand grenades, Punjab Police on Tuesday recovered an AK-47 rifle and a magazine with 30 cartridges, evidently a part of the same consignment that was dropped by the Pakistani drone in the border Gurdaspur district.

The seizure comes amid concerns raised by Chief Minister Amarinder Singh of fresh spurt of efforts by Pakistan-based militants to disturb the border state’s peace.

The Chief Minister had recently also met Union Home Minister Amit Shah in this regard.

Representational image.

According to Director General of Police Dinkar Gupta, an extensive search operation had been launched by the Gurdaspur police in the area where the drone, which was fired at by the police and the BSF, was

sighted.

He said the package containing the assault rifle appeared to have been dropped in the wheat fields in the area of Wazir Chak village in Gurdaspur.

Gupta said the recov-

ered assault rifle and the magazine with 30 cartridges had also been attached with a wooden frame and lowered from the drone with a nylon rope like the hand grenades which were recovered from village Salach on Sunday.

He said this package seemed to be a part of the same consignment, which was dropped by the drone on the night of December 19.

The spot where the assault rifle was found is just about 1.5 km away from the spot from where the hand grenades were recovered, he said. Gupta said search operations were still continuing as follow-up action.

J-K DDC polls: Gupkar alliance maintains overall lead BJP emerges single largest party as of now S R I NAG A R / J A M M U, giving a befitting reply to the DEC 22 (AGENCIES): The BJP in the DDC polls. “The People’s Alliance for GupBJP is the one which turned kar Declaration (PAGD), an these elections as a referenamalgam of seven political dum of its policy of 2019. I parties, has won over 90 seats hope they have understood while the BJP emerged as the the desire of the people,” he single largest party winning 65 said. seats as of now. Counting of Seven political parties, votes for the 280 District Deincluding the NC and the velopment Councils (DDC) Peoples Democratic Party in J&K is still underway.

(PDP), contested the polls in Notably, as many as 39 seats an alliance, under the banner were bagged by Independent of PAGD formed for restocandidates, while the Con- Manzoor Ahmad of PDP is welcomed by his supporters ration of Article 370. The after his lead in the DDC election results. (PTI) gress party won 20 seats.

Congress was initially a part So far, the res ult indiof the PAGD but distanced ley– one in Srinagar and one in Tulail cates PAGD as the major winner in the seat in Bandipora district. itself when the BJP targeted the opKashmir valley as the Centre-backed Reacting on the results, National position party for being in league with Jammu and Kashmir Apni Party has Conference (NC) vice president Omar the ‘Gupkar Gang’. The elections will failed to make a mark. Meanwhile, in Abdullah said that people from Jam- decide the fate of nearly 2,181 candiaccordance with expectations, the BJP mu as well as Kashmir have extended dates for the 280 DDC seats in Jammu has maintained its dominance in the complete support to the Gupkar al- and Kashmir. The elections, held in Jammu region. In a first, the party has liance and endorsed its plan seeking eight phases, began on November 28 also won two seats in the Kashmir val- restoration of J-K’s special status by and ended on December 19.

Form No. INC-25A Advertisement to be published in the newspaper for conversion of Public company into a Private company Before the Regional Director, Ministry of Corporate Affairs North Eastern Region In the matter of the Companies Act, 2013, Section 14 of Companies Act, 2013 and Rule 41 of the Companies (Incorporation) Rules, 2014 AND ln the matter of M/s EANFER LIMITED having its registered office at Entrepreneurs Associates, PWD Junction, NH 29, Kohima, Nagaland – 797001.

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the company intending to make an application to the Central Government under Section 14 of the Companies Act, 2013 read with aforesaid rules and is desirous of converting into a Private Limited Company in terms of the special resolution passed at the Extra Ordinary General Meeting held on 03/12/2020 to enable the company to give effect for such conversion.

Any person whose interest is likely to be affected by the proposed change/status of the company may deliver or cause to be delivered or send by registered post of his objections supported by an affidavit stating the nature of his interest and grounds of opposition to the concerned Regional Director (Morello Building, Ground Floor, near Meghalaya High Court & Shillong Gp, Kachahari Road, Shillong – 793001) within fourteen days from the date of publication of this notice with a copy to the applicant company at its registered office at the address mentioned below: Entrepreneurs Associates, PWD Junction, NH 29, Kohima, Nagaland - 797001 For and on behalf of the Applicant Sd/(Yutho Sangtam) Director DIN : 08778620 Address of registered office Entrepreneurs Associates, Date : 23/12/2020 PWD Junction, NH 29, Place: Kohima , Nagaland Kohima, Nagaland – 797001

K-2107

KOLKATA, DEC 22 (PTI): Slamming Union Home Minister Amit Shah for “deliberately trying to project a dismal and gloomy picture” of West Bengal, Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Tuesday contended that the state has fared well on all development indices.

Issuing a point-bypoint rebuttal to assertions made by Shah against her dispensation, during his visit to Bengal last week, Banerjee cited NCRB data to state that political killings and other crimes have decreased in the last ten years

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): Amid mounting concern over a new strain of COVID-19 detected in the UK, the Delhi government on Tuesday said it will visit the houses of passengers who have arrived here recently from the UK to check their health condition.

All passengers arriving from the UK are now being tested for COVID-19 at Delhi airport, Health Minister Satyendar Jain told reporters.

“The Delhi government is on alert in the wake of a mutated coronavirus strain detected in the UK. The situation is being closely monitored and mandatory

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OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 21 Dimapur, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

One India, One Election

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hief Election Commissioner Sunil Arora has given the ECI’s thumbs up for holding simultaneous polls across India that resonates and echoes with prime minister Narendra Modi and BJP’s call for ‘One India, One Election’. This means Lok Sabha and state assembly elections will be held together. Modi has been repeatedly emphasising on ‘One Nation, One Election’ as a necessity for development. There is an election in India almost every month- Madhya Pradesh, Manipur and Bihar, among other States, had elections recently- which involves a lot of money. Modi has asked the presiding officers of elected bodies to ponder over the idea of having one election and one voters’ list.

The prime minister is right in pointing out that frequent elections hampered development due to the huge expenditure involved. The country has adopted a quasi-federal set-up in our Constitution. India is neither unitary like Britain nor fully federal like the US. Members are elected for the Lok Sabha and the Legislative Assembly. The historic split in the monolithic Congress in 1969 ultimately led to the premature dissolution of the Lok Sabha, thus disrupting the simultaneous elections to the lower house and state assemblies. Another factor that helped this disruption was the liberal use of Article 356 of the constitution for the dismissal of state governments and dissolution of assemblies before this terms ended. Given these circumstances, it was not possible to hold simultaneous elections. In fact, no one gave any serious thought to it in all these years. “One Nation One Election” is not a unique experiment in our country.

Simultaneous elections have been conducted for the Lok Sabha and the state assemblies simultaneously in India in 1952, 1957, 1962 and 1967. This practice was discontinued in 1968-69, because some Legislative Assemblies were dissolved earlier due to various reasons.

Since then India is trying hard to adopt the old election system but there is no consensus among the political parties. Holding just one mega election would be too complex an exercise to tackle in a country as large and as complex as India. It would be a logistic nightmare requiring, for example, about twice as many electronic voting machines and Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail machines as are used now. There is also the view that simultaneous elections would benefit the party that is nationally dominant at the cost of smaller regional players - in other words, the BJP would get an unfair advantage. Also, what happens if any government collapses before completing its term? Several state legislatures have been extremely unstable in recent years, and the BJP has been the primary agent of instability in many cases. The anti-defection law is special to India. It has, however, failed in its mission. Split and merger gave room for conflict between the Speaker’s jurisdiction and the court’s role. The prime cause for the instability of elected governments could be traced to the decision of the Governor who is beholden to the party in power at the Centre, to dismiss State governments run by opposition parties. Destabilisation of elected State governments is blatantly being resorted by all political parties.

This has led to a term called ‘resort politics’. The plea for ‘One India ,One Election’ is not merely about development as it has a hidden agenda of legitimising one party one government rule that is fraught with inherent dangers for the country.

DailyDevotion The Drawing of the Father

No one can come to Me unless the Father who sent Me draws him… —John 6:44 When God begins to draw me to Himself, the problem of my will comes in immediately. Will I react positively to the truth that God has revealed? Will I come to Him? To discuss or deliberate over spiritual matters when God calls is inappropriate and disrespectful to Him. When God speaks, never discuss it with anyone as if to decide what your response may be (see Galatians 1:15-16). Belief is not the result of an intellectual act, but the result of an act of my will whereby I deliberately commit myself. But will I commit, placing myself completely and absolutely on God, and be willing to act solely on what He says?

If I will, I will find that I am grounded on reality as certain as God’s throne.

In preaching the gospel, always focus on the matter of the will. Belief must come from the will to believe. There must be a surrender of the will, not a surrender to a persuasive or powerful argument. I must deliberately step out, placing my faith in God and in His truth. And I must place no confidence in my own works, but only in God. Trusting in my own mental understanding becomes a hindrance to complete trust in God. I must be willing to ignore and leave my feelings behind. I must will to believe. But this can never be accomplished without my forceful, determined effort to separate myself from my old ways of looking at things. I must surrender myself completely to God. Everyone has been created with the ability to reach out beyond his own grasp. But it is God who draws me, and my relationship to Him in the first place is an inner, personal one, not an intellectual one. I come into the relationship through the miracle of God and through my own will to believe.

Then I begin to get an intelligent appreciation and understanding of the wonder of the transformation in my life.

Quotes

Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies. ~ Mother Teresa

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

Post-mortem

Is honorable solution to the Indo-Naga political conflict possible?

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he ter m “honorable” has become the most irresistible word for any Naga debating or reflecting on the ongoing Indo-Naga political talk. Unsurprisingly, it has found expression in both the “Framework Agreement” and “Agreed Positions”. However, the manner and trend in which the Indo-Naga talks are being carried out, of late, make one to wonder if there is going to be any honorable solution at the end of the day. It certainly makes me to wonder if this term has been reduced into a merely fashionable expression.

What is this thing called honorable anyway?

Keeping the above concern at the background, let us take a look at some of our own Naga cultural practices with which honor was mostly associated with. There are two that stand out, namely, ‘Feast of Merit’ and ‘Head-hunting’.

The performers of the feast and the warriors used to be given a high honor. They were the definition and embodiment of the values and ideals of the Naga cultures; in other words, they lived out those ideals and values such as discipline, courage, honesty, justice, patriotism, sacrifice, hardwork, etc. Honor is about

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just living, or living justly.

Thus, to be honorable is to exemplify values, ideals and norms of the people both in words and in deeds.

Such people embody and inspire, and also protect and promote the core values of the people. They were the living institutions of learning. Honor was something to be earned and recognized through one’s noble deeds for the community. Most importantly, it was never something that is “negotiated” or “bought” or “exchanged”.

Outside the Naga culture, I am particularly drawn to the intriguing Tamil culture of Sangam in relation to warfare: that as a warrior, it is dishonorable either to receive injury at the back or to cause injury at the back of the other. It was interpreted respectively as fleeing from fighting which is a sign of cowardice or betrayal and attacking a person who is not ready or willing to fight. There is absolutely no honor in fighting someone who is unequal or unwilling to fight. Thus central to this practice is the identification of an honorable warrior with ideals and virtues like fairness, equality and courage.

Do we get the above connotations of honor or

honorable in the ongoing Indo-Naga political talks?

Are the talks likely to result in honorable solution judging by the conditions under which the talks are being held? Perhaps, a little history digging may be helpful. When the IndoNaga conflict became so intense with the smoke going up and the blood flowing down from the Naga hills incessantly, there was an urgent necessity to broker peace and bring respite to the Naga hills since the warring parties were not in a position to have any dialogue: the Nagas under Naga National Council wanted independence and the Indian state was hell bent on bringing the Nagas within the Indian Union. Amidst this impasse, we learned that the Naga People’s Convention was formed. In its first convention held at Kohima from 22nd – 26th August 1957, A. Kevichusa, the first Naga graduate and a government officer then, is said to have proposed the idea that any attempt to find solution must be a “satisfactory political settlement”. It is a stroke of genius to come up with such slogan at that point of time in history. He was truly a pathfinder. Among others, it was meant to save the

honor of the Nagas. Probably, this slogan appealed to the Nagas and set the tone for the entry of cognate terms like “honorable”, “just” or “acceptable” into the Indo-Naga talks in search of possible solution.

In this way, Kevichusa had offered a key locution to help the Nagas navigate our path in the uncharted political jungle.

How do we then pursue a satisfactory political settlement, one that is just, honorable and acceptable?

To begin with, the Indian state should think and act in keeping with its recognition of the uniqueness of the Naga history. A unique challenge requires a unique solution. It must constantly remind itself that the Naga struggle is not in violation of any prior agreement or treaty with the Indian state; originally, it is not even a revolt or insurgent movement against the state or certain policies of the state. The Nagas are neither fighting nor begging for any special favor or privilege from the Indian state. We are in the main telling the Indian state to do the rightful thing – to honor the right of the Nagas to determine their own destiny; all that we are saying is “leave us alone to determine ourselves as in the ancient time” (to

Immanuel (God with us)

recisely 25th December is not the birth of Jesus although universally celebrated. The Bible has not mentioned about the date of the birth of Jesus. Whatever the date maybe it is not the subject but incarnation of God is accepted by all mankind since 2000 years ago. It was announced

by Prophet Isaiah 800 years before Jesus was born. “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign: Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a son, and shall call His name I M M A N U E L” ( I s a i a h 7:14).

The most wondrous story of Human history is God becoming Man. It is amazing to imagine how our Heavenly Father, became a baby in the lap of a Virgin Mary who became speechless in the form of Human being. Biologically or scientifically it is unbelievable of a virgin to give birth without a husband.

What a beautiful story it is that God became human, walked with human, talked as human, lived and suffered as human being. He became human like you and me so that we can believe how God fulfilled His promise from the creation.

As the time came, he had chosen before the foundation of the world, that in the dispensation of the fullness of time he might gather together in one, all things in Christ, both in Heaven and here on earth.

Particular events became sacraments charged with the whole doctrine of God. Paul in his letter to Galations 4:4-5, “But when the set time had fully come, God sent his Son, born of a Woman, born under the law, to redeem those under the law, that we might receive adoption to Sonship.”

The promises and prophecies in the Old Testament look forward to this hour. The time had come toward which the history of Israel had been moving.

At the time of our Lord’s coming, the religious life of the Jews centred upon the law and worship in the synagogues and Temple.

The Scribes and Pharisees were occupied in the study of the law to fulfil all righteousness. The Sadducees were occupied in political intrigues and administration of temple worship with its large economic.

The Zealots were determined to secure freedom from Roman empire. The mass of the people were chuffing under the Roman and Herodias rulers.

God completely disarmed the universal history with baby’s phenomenal birth. The immortal put on mortality. In the fullness of time, the seed of God united with a Virgin woman and that which was born was called the Son of God, wonder of wonders.

Out of Nation, of the line of David was born in Bethlehem a child whose name was to be called, Wonderful, Counsellor, and the Mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace of whom Isaiah prophesied 800 years ago (Is.9: 6). The fullness time had come in the counsel of God, for the revelation to be made in Jesus Christ His son.

The angels disclosed the miraculous birth and a new light was places in the heaven to mark the moment. Kings of the earth followed the Natal Star to bow before an infant and offer Him their gifts. Humble Shepherds knelt in awe before a wooden manger to Worship the Chief Shepherds of all the ages.

T h e mu l t i t u d e o f heavenly beings sang, “ Glory to God in the highest and on earth, peace, good will toward man”( LK. 2: 14). This is the message of Christmas , how God fulfilled His promised in Genesis, “And I will put enmity between thee and the woman, and between thy seed and her seed; it shall bruise thy head and thou shall bruise his heel” (Gen.3: 15).

The Jews were a people of God though whom the great revelation was to be made to mankind. The revelation came as a little Child born of a Jewish mother and brought up in a Jewish law. While in the fullness of time God’s

revelation came through Jesus Christ, there were cer tain features which were useful in the proclamation of the revelation.

The conditions existing in the Roman Empire under Emperor Augustus Caesar were helpful for spreading the Gospel by the early Christians. The barrier between Romans and Jews, Greeks and Barbarians were breaking under the Cosmopolitan policy of Rome for making a community of interest for all people. Rome citizenship with special privilege gave an understanding of a Christian citizenship in the Kingdom of God where there is no distinction but all are one in Christ (Gal.3: 28). In this way God had prepared Roman political power to spare the Gospel to all over the world.

Above all, Hellenistic culture and descendants of pagan religions were the most fertile soils to accept the Gospel message of the revelation of the Son of God as Saviour of all Nation.

It is indeed to the cross that we call all humanity.

Every Christmas should be a celebration of peace; it should be an occasion for seeking strength and power, and a day to be a peace maker. What good are all our celebrations or declarations if there is no prophet, no messenger of peace to carry it out? Let us not romanticize our Christmas with material gain or physical enjoyment or with fancy decorations.

If Naga had the choice to be Hindu, Buddhism or Muslim then Naga would have been one of these major religion 2000 years ago.

But, God has chosen Naga people on His own time to be Christian. I deeply believe that God has blessed Nagas immensely. Hence, it is too dear to forsake God’s precious gift. Therefore, let us not worship the materialistic things but worship Him truly from our hearts. May God be with us as we prepare to celebrate the Birth of our Lord.

Rev. Dr. V. K. Nuh. Chairman, Naga Archives and Research Centre, Toulazouma, Dimapur

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borrow a phrase from the Nagas’ memorandum to the Simon Commission in 1929). The Nagas asserted our desire to be independent even before India got its Independence. As such, the Nagas are basically defending the independence and freedom which we inherited from our ancestors. This is what makes the Naga struggle unique and honorable.

Right from the inception of the Naga nationalism, Nagas never wanted a violent movement. The Naga people, especially the leaders, knew that to fight with the Indian state is like the battle between the ant and the elephant. However, when the Indian state imposed violence on the Naga people and insulted the honor and rights of the Nagas by letting loose its mighty military force backed by draconian laws like the “disturbed act” and the “armed forces special power act”, Nagas were left with no option but to fight in defense of their honor even in the face of death as surrender is a word not found in the dictionary of Naga languages and cultures. Our ancestors were fiercely violent when called for but in normal times, they were regulated by some of the noblest ideals

and principles of democracy. This is the heritage we are proud of even today and continue to defend against all odds.

Although, it is a fact of history that Nagaland state today is part of the Indian union, it should not be confused with the truth of the history of the Naga people’s aspiration. Honor is about how we want to be seen and treated as a people. As such, the ongoing political talk should not be seen as a negotiation for honorable solution if it is just about what economic packages or constitutional privileges Nagas will get in exchange of surrendering our rights to live as free people. Issues involving economic packages or constitutional privileges or any other interests may be said to be negotiable (and acceptable). However, a political solution in order to be honorable must be grounded in the truth of people’s identity, history, and aspiration. It must safeguard both the cultural heritages and freedom to shape its identity and destiny.

Dr. Venusa Tinyi Assistant Professor Department of Philosophy University of Hyderabad (Currently a Fellow at the Indian Institute of Advanced Studies, Shimla)

The significance of ‘National Consumers Day’

he significance of “National Consumer Day” is that on December 24 in the year 1986, the Consumer Protection Act, 1986, had received assent of the President of India. The Act is considered to be a historic milestone in the country. Every year 24th December is observed as “National Consumer Day” and the observation of the day provides an opportunity for highlighting the importance of the consumer movement and the need to make the consumer more aware of their rights and responsibilities, particularly in the rural areas. This year the Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation(NVCO) along with the department of Legal Metrology & Consumer Protection(LMCP), Govt. of Nagaland had conducted a week-long observance of National Consumers Day from 18th -24th Dec, 2020 with the national theme- “The Sustainable Consumer” The slogan – ‘An alert consumer is an asset to the nation’ speaks volumes on this occasion. Despite of National Consumer Day falls on the eve of Christmas i.e 24th Dec, 2020, the State of Nagaland is giving so much importance as the day is going to observe in various ways in all the district under the initiative of Assistant Controller in the district offices. The moment a person comes into this world, he/she starts consuming such as he/she needs milk, clothes, oil, soap, water and many more things and these needs keep taking one form or the other all along his life. Thus we all are consumers. When we approach the market as a consumer, we aspect value for money, i.e. right quality, right quantity, right prices, information about the mode of use, etc.

But there may be instance where a consumer is harassed or cheated. He may be supplied with goods which do not perform as per their description or have one or more defects. Likewise, in case of services, there may be deficiency.

A vigilant consumer can contribute in reducing the problem of sub-standard, defective goods, deficiency services, adulteration, unfair trade practices, etc to a

large extent. The responsibility for the promotion and protection of consumer rights rests with all of us and more particularly with governmental agencies. As the President of Nagaland Voluntary Consumers’ Organisation(NVCO) Kezhokhoto Savi make an appeal to every citizen/consumer to always remain alert while buying goods and availing services. The NVCO assured the citizens that the organisation will continually fight for the interest of consumers and it is all set to reach out the rights of the consumers to every nook and corner in the state. Consumer disputes redressal agencies(popularly) known as consumer forums are set up under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986 as District, State and National level to provide simple and inexpensive quick redressal against consumer complaints and now the state government must implement the Consumer Protection Act 2019 which has already replace the Consumer Protection Act 1986. A consumer can file complaint in the consumer forum against any defective goods purchased or deficient service rendered including restrictive/unfair trade practices adopted by any trader/person.

Normally a complaint is to file within two years from the date on which cause of action arose. The consumer forum/commission has the power to order removal/ replacement of defect/deficiencies in goods and services, refund of price paid, compensation for loss/injury suffered, discontinuation of unfair/restrictive trade practices, withdrawal of hazardous or unsafe goods or award adequate cost to parties etc. Therefore, do not hesitate to call up Nagaland State Consumer Helpline Toll Free No. 1800-345-3701 or approach the consumer forum or state consumer disputes redressal commission to assert your rights, whenever necessary. Only alert consumers can protect themselves and the society from the exploitation of Trade & Industry. Remember, your own welfare now remain in your own hands.

Adv. Kezhokhoto Savi President, NVCO

Reader’s Post

Sir,

Erratic power supply in Dimapur

As we are coming very close to the biggest festive season of the Christmas and the New Year, we have been facing erratic load shedding in Dimapur city every day and night for the last many days, even after inauguration of the 132/66/33 Kv substation Nagarjan that was upgraded to 2x100 MVA by the Hon'ble Advisor, Power Department, H Tovihoto Ayemi on December 9, 2020. In fact, the consumers were very enthusiastic on hearing the good news of the new upgradation with great hope of having an uninterrupted power supply in Dimapur city henceforth. But it is regretted to observe the worsening condition of the power supply day by day from the pre-upgradation status causing a great disappointment to the consumers. Will the concerned authority kindly look into the matter and take immediate remedial steps to restore regular power supply in Dimapur during the upcoming festive seasons of Christmas and the New Year N A Kasar, Kuda Vill. C Khel, Dimapur Reader’s note: Articles or letters published in any of the columns do not reflect the view of this newspaper nor that of the Editor in any manner.

20 passengers from UK test Covid-19 positive Government issues stringent SOPs

NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): At least 20 passengers from the UK tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday as the government issued a stringent set of SOPs mandating RT-PCR tests at airports for each traveller from the country and isolation in a separate unit of an institutional facility for positive cases in view of the new coronavirus strain.

There is no need to panic but there is cause to be more vigilant, said NITI Aayog member (Health) Dr V K Paul.

“We are yet to spot such a virus in our country… We will be safe if we suppress the genomic sequence,” Paul said at a press conference while stressing that the mutated SARS-CoV-2 strain detected in the UK has no impact on the potential of emerging vaccines.

Ahead of the December 23-31 suspension of flights to and from the UK that comes into effect at 11.59 pm on Tuesday as India joins about 40 others in sealing off the country, passengers were under close watch and hundreds were tested at various airports.

The process took many hours, resulting in scenes of chaos and confusion at several airports, including Delhi, Mumbai and Kolkata.

Of the 20 that tested positive, six were on a flight that landed in Delhi at 11.30

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national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

Municipal workers in personal protective equipment look on as passengers from United Kingdom arrive in Mumbai, Tuesday. (PTI) pm on Monday, two on a flight that came into Kolkata on Sunday night, four that arrived in Ahmedabad on Tuesday and eight, including a crew member, in Amritsar who also reached today. All were direct Air India flights from London.

According to the government’s standard operating procedures (SOPs) for passengers from the UK issued on Tuesday, those testing positive will be isolated in a separate unit of an institutional facility.

“Five passengers were found COVID-positive at the Delhi airport. One passenger who took a connecting flight to Chennai was tested there and found positive,” an official in Delhi said.

A second flight from London landed in Delhi at 6 am on Tuesday and two more were scheduled for the night. All the passengers were being tested, said Dr Gauri Agarwal, founder of

the Genestrings Diagnostic Center handling coronavirus testing at Delhi airport.

The positive samples were sent to the National Centre for Disease Control for research on the new strain using next gen sequencing technology which will help understand the implications on ongoing vaccine efficacy, Agarwal told PTI. “The Delhi government is on alert in the wake of a mutated coronavirus strain detected in the UK,” said Delhi Health Minister Satyendar Jain..

Jain said Delhi has fought difficult battles with COVID-19 and all efforts will be made to ensure the gains are not reversed.

Other states were also on guard.

In Kolkata, a West Bengal Health and Family Welfare Department official said those sitting near the two passengers who were

positive will be told to be in home isolation for two weeks.

“The Air India flight from London arrived at around 10.30 am,” said Deputy Municipal Commissioner of Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) Om Prakash Machra. The entire process of testing ended only in the evening with 275 passengers tested. Of the four who tested positive, one is a British national.

Punjab Minister for Medical Education and Research O P Soni said the eight who tested positive for the infection in Amritsar will be quarantined.

With passengers inside the terminal buildings for hours, anxious relatives waited outside for some news. Amrik Singh, whose son Sukhwinder arrived from the UK, was one of them.

“I got a message from inside that several passen-

gers have protested the delay in the sampling and testing process. I failed to understand why all passengers have been detained there for more than 12 hours on the pretext of testing,” he said.

In Mumbai, no COVID-19 symptomatic person was on board the three flights that came in on Tuesday with about 590 passengers on board.

Officials in Hyderabad said 358 passengers had arrived in Telangana from the UK over the last week and efforts were on to trace them. As concerns over the spread of the COVID-19 variant mounted, the government put out SOPs that were detailed and exact.

The Health Ministry’s guidelines for epidemiological surveillance described the activities to be undertaken at the point of entry and in the community for all flyers who have travelled from or transited through the UK from November 25 to December 23.

It stated that all travellers from the UK will be required to declare their travel history of the past 14 days and fill up a self-declaration form to be screened for COVID-19.

All passengers coming from the UK from December 21 to 23 would also be subjected to RT-PCRs test on arrival and this has to be ensured by respective state governments, the SOP stated. Those found negative at the airport would be advised quarantine at home and followed up.

State authorities would

be responsible for earmarking specific facilities isolation and treatment of positive patients.

Also, contacts of such travellers found COVID-19 positive at airport testing would be subjected to institutional quarantine and tested according to ICMR guidelines.

“Necessary action to send the samples to the National Institute of Virology (NIV), Pune, or any other appropriate lab for genomic sequencing will be initiated at the facility level,” it stated “If the genomic sequencing indicates the presence of a new variant of SARS-CoV-2, then the patient will continue to remain in a separate isolation unit.

While necessary treatment as per the existing protocol will be given, the patient shall be tested on 14th day, after having tested positive in the initial test,” it added.

The ministry also stated that state-wise passenger manifest of the flights from the UK landing at various airports in India for the past four weeks from November 25 to December 23 shall be conveyed by the Bureau of Immigration to the state government and Integrated Disease Surveillance Programme (IDSP) so the data would be provided to the surveillance teams.

The new SARS-CoV 2 variant is said to be 70 per cent more transmissible, though health experts say there is no evidence that it is more deadly or would react differently to vaccines.

‘Mutated CoV-2 strain in UK has no impact on emerging vax’ NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): There is no cause of concern or panic over the mutated variant of SARSCoV-2 detected in the UK, the government said on Tuesday, noting that no similar or significant mutation has been seen yet in the coronavirus strain in India.

Addressing a press briefing, NITI Aayog member (health) Dr V K Paul said that the mutated SARSCoV-2 strain detected in the UK has no impact on the potential of emerging vaccines.

“As of now, based on our discussions, deep understanding of data available and our deep assessment, there is no need to panic but it is a cause to be more vigilant. This new challenge we have to counter with our comprehensive efforts. We will be safe if we suppress the genomic sequence,” Paul said. There is no change in treatment guidelines due to this mutation and the vaccines that are being developed, particularly those in the country, will not be impacted, he said.

Paul said that mutation might result in the virus becoming more infectious and spreading more easily between people.

“It is also being said that in these viruses, the transmissibility has increased by 70 per cent, you can also call them super spreader in a way but it does not increase the propencity of death, hospitalisation and severity of the disease. What is affected is tendency to affect more people that by it-

self is a cause of concern. It is an adverse development,” he said.

Paul said that there is no need to “panic” and added that “we are yet to spot such a virus in our country”.

Union Health Secretary Rajesh Bhushan said there has been a sustained decline in COVID-19 cases in India since mid-September.

“India has reported 124 COVID-19 cases per million population in the last seven days as against the global figure of 588. India has reported two COVID-19 deaths per million population in the last seven days as against the global figure of 10 deaths,” he said.

Bhushan said that 26 states and UTs have less than 10,000 active cases of COVID-19.

The government has issued standard operating procedures listing the activities to be undertaken at the point of entry and in the community for all international passengers who have travelled to or through the UK in the past four weeks, from November 25 to December 23, he said.

Th e Uni o n h e a l t h ministry said that 61 per cent of COVID-19 deaths reported in a span of 24 hours were from Maharashtra, West Bengal, Kerala, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh. While, 57 per cent of COVID-19 cases reported in a span of 24 hours were from Kerala, Maharashtra, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Tamil Nadu, Madhya Pradesh, it said.

Rahul slams BJP on banks’ loans write-offs Sister Abhaya case: Priest, Nun found guilty of murder off Rs 1,51,989 crore and the foreign banks shared the remaining 17,995 crore, besides an additional write-off

by Scheduled Banks totalling Rs 1,295 crore (Total - Rs 7,95,649 crore).

In a silver lining, however, during the BJP rule, there was some recovery from the write-offs between 2015 and 2019 -- a paltry Rs 82,571 crore or roughly 12 per cent of the total Rs 7,94,354 crore written off, according to the RTI reply.

“The official data said that in the UPA’s 10 years (2004-2014), the total loans written off was Rs 2,20,330 crore, but in less than five years of the NDA (20152019), that figure zoomed up by almost 350 per cent to Rs 7,94,354 crore,” Sarda explained. The surprising aspect is the huge increase in the write-offs by foreign banks -- from 2004-2014, it was Rs 19,945 crore in the UPA’s 10-year tenure (Rs 1,995 crore each year on an average), but shot up to Rs 17,995 in the NDA’s four years between 2015-2019 (Rs 4,499 crore annual average).

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM, DEC 22 (PTI): Twenty eight years after the mysterious death of Sister Abhaya, an inmate of St.Pious convent at Kottayam in Kerala, a CBI special court here on Tuesday held it was a case of murder and found a priest and nun guilty of killing her.

Special CBI Judge K Sanal Kumar, while pronouncing the verdict, said the murder charges against the two will stand. The court held that Fr Thomas Kottoor and Sister Sephy of the Catholic Church were guilty of murder under Sections 302 (punishment for murder) and 201 (tampering of evidence) of the Indian Penal Code. It also found Father Kottoor guilty of offence under Section 449 of the IPC (criminal trespass).

The court will pronounce the quantum of sentence on Wednesday.

The accused, who were on bail, were taken into judicial custody after the mandatory COVID-19 testing.

Father Kottoor was shifted to the Poojapura

Central jail and Sister Sephy, to the Attakulangara women’s prison here.

The order came in connection with the controversial death of 21-year-old Abhaya, whose body was found in the well of St Pius convent on March 27, 1992.

Abhaya,a second year student of BCM college, Kottayam, was staying at the convent. Another accused in the case, Fr JosePuthrikkayil, was discharged earlier due to lack of evidence.

Initially, the case was investigated by the local police and state crime branch, which concluded that Abhaya had committed suicide.

The CBI, which took over probe on March 29, 1993, filed three closure reports, saying that though it was a case of murder, the culprits could not be found.

However, on September 4, 2008, the Kerala High Court came down heavily on CBI over the handling of the case, saying the agency was “still a prisoner of those who wield political and bureaucratic power” and directed that the Delhi unit

Fr Thomas Kottoor, Sister Sephy and Sister Abhaya

hand over the probe to its Kochi counterpart.

Following this, the CBI arrested two priests and a nun in 2008 --Fr Thomas Kottoor, Fr Jose Poothrikkayil and Sister Sephy on the charge of murder.

According to the prosecution, Kottoor and Poothrikkayil were allegedly having an illicit relationship with Sephy, also an inmate of the convent.

On the night of March 27, 1992, Abhaya allegedly saw Kottoor and Sephy in a compromising position, following which the three accused hacked her with an axe and threw her into the

seeks India and Japan discuss regional security situation Gaubanrakshak on tourists NEW DELHI, DEC 22 (PTI): In the backdrop of China’s growing assertiveness in the region, India and Japan on Tuesday strongly opposed any attempts to “unilaterally change” the status quo by “coercion” or any activities that escalate tension and highlighted the importance of a free and open maritime order.

Issues relating to the regional situation figured during a telephonic conversation between Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and his Japanese counterpart Nobuo Kishi, according to a statement by Japan’s defence ministry.

“The two ministers also exchanged views on regional situations, including the East China Sea and the South China Sea, and reaffirmed their continued close cooperation,” it said.

“In this context, the ministers affirmed their intention to continue exchanging views in light of the current events occurring

Rajnath Singh and Nobuo Kishi

in the region and concurred in sending a clear message that they strongly oppose any attempts to unilaterally change the status quo by coercion or any activities that escalate tension,” it added.

A readout issued by India’s defence ministry said the two ministers exchanged views on the security situation in the region and the need for a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law.

“The ministers reviewed the progress on various bilateral defence cooperation initiatives and

expressed commitment to further elevate engagements between the armed forces under the framework of the India-Japan special strategic and global partnership,” it said.

Notwithstanding the coronavir us pandemic, China has been resorting to military assertiveness in the South China Sea, East China Sea and along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh, triggering mounting global concerns and criticism.

India and Japan have regularly been discussing the evolving situation in the

Indo-Pacific, and have signalled to expand cooperation to deal with common challenges.

In September, the two countries signed a landmark agreement that allowed their militaries to access each other’s bases for logistics support. The pact was signed in the backdrop of growing concerns over China’s military muscle flexing in the region.

The Indian readout said the ministers agreed that in the recent past both countries have made “notable strides” in defence industry and technology cooperation and looked forward to even greater cooperation in the field.

“They expressed satisfaction at the signing of the agreement on reciprocal provision of supplies and services in further promoting defence ties between the two countries,” it said.

In a tweet, Singh said India is committed to further elevate engagements

with Japan.

“We expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries. India is committed to further elevate engagements with Japan under the Special Strategic & Global partnership framework,” he said.

During the conversation, Singh congratulated Kishi on his appointment as minister of defence and expressed satisfaction at the ongoing defence cooperation between the two countries in spite of the COVID 19 pandemic.

The Indian readout said both ministers welcomed the successful conduct of the Malabar exercise last month as well as the bilateral naval drill between Indian and Japanese navies in September.

The Japanese defence ministry also said Singh and Kishi highlighted the importance of a free and open maritime order based on the rule of law.

eating beef in Goa

PANAJI, DEC 22 (IANS): Tourists should be banned from eating beef in Goa, in order to scale down the slaughter of nearly 200 heads of cattle, whose meat is sold in the coastal state every day, a Goa-based gau-rakshak organisation Govansh Rakhsa Abhiyaan demanded in a memorandum to Chief Minister Pramod Sawant on Tuesday.

In the memorandum, the organisation has also demanded that the Goa government emulate Karnataka government’s new anti-cattle slaughter law, the Karnataka Prevention of Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle Bill (2020), in Goa to prevent slaughter of cattle in the future. Bandekar also said that nearly 200 cattle are slaughtered to feed the demand of 25 tons of beef in the state every day, adding that most of the volume is consumed by visiting tourists.

well, it had said in its charge sheet. The accused were arrested in 2008 and released on bail by the Kerala High Court a year later.

As the two accused came out of the courtroom,Sister Sephy refused to talk to the media, while Fr Kottoor claimed he

was innocent.

“I am innocent. I have done no wrong. God is with me. I will proceed as per God’s plans”, he said.

A b h a y a ’s p a r e n t s Thomas and Leelamma died a few years ago waiting in vain for justice for their daughter. Her brother said he was happy with the verdict. During the course of the trial, which began in August 26 last year, many prosecution witnesses had turned hostile.

Adakka Raju, a petty thief who had gone to the convent that fateful day to steal something, had told the court he had seen the two priests at the convent in the wee hours . He stuck by his words throughout the period of the trial.

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This is to inform all the concern Patta/Permit holder of Diphupar 'B' village that, the Land Permit Renewal for the year 2021 to 2024 will be starting from 11th January 2021. Therefore, all concerned are informed to submit their old patta to their respective Sector/Khel GB's or to the village council chairman along with three recent passport size photos for renewal. Late fine shall be imposed to the defaulters. Further, the village council also informs all financial institutions/agencies that old permit which expires on 31st March 2021 would stand invalid.

Kahuto N Chishi Chairman

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DP-5706

figures of bad loans written off during the UPA regime from 2004-2014.

During the UPA’s 10year rule, around Rs 2,20,328 crore was written off by various banks, and this figure shot up to Rs 7,94,354 crore during the NDA regime from 2015-2019, resulting in a corresponding reduction in the banks’ NPAs. The data provided to Sarda gave shocking insights into the state of affairs of not only public sector banks, but also those in the private sector and foreign banks.

Of the loan write-offs in the Congress’ decade (2004-2014), the PSBs accounted for approximately Rs 1,58,994 crore, while the amounts written off by the private banks was Rs 41,391 crore and for foreign banks it was Rs 19,945 crore, with no write-offs by Scheduled Banks. Later, in the NDA regime (2015-2019), the figures provided show a phenomenal increase with the PSBs accounting for a stupendous Rs 6,24,370 crore loan write-off, with the private banks writing

DP-5715

MUMBAI, DEC 22 (IANS): Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday slammed the Bharatiya Janata Party-led NDA government on the much-debated issue of banks’ loans writeoffs perpetrated in the past few years.

Reacting to a story by IANS (Dec. 20), Gandhi tweeted: “A new record by Modi Government. Attacking the common man, busy protecting his friends.”

The reference was to an IANS report based on RTI in which it was revealed how the NDA scored three times over the erstwhile Congressled UPA government in the matter of loans-write offs.

Earlier, the re por t was tweeted by BJP MP Subramanian Swamy and Aam Aadmi Party National Spokesperson Preeti Sharma-Menon in the past two days. As per the RTI revelations to a Pune businessman Prafful Sarda, the BJP achieved the highest loans write-off between 2015-2019 - which turned out to be more than three times compared with the

(From p-1)

New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS): Reliance Capital’s (RCAP) expression of interest (EOI) for asset monetisation garnered mega response with 70 bids being received. SBI Life and Apollo are among the 10 new bidders who have submitted expressions of interest for Reliance Capital’s assets, taking the total number of bids to 70.

December 1 was earlier the deadline for the submission of EOIs. Over 60 different bids have been received with SBI Capital Markets Limited and JM Financial Services Limited, the advisors to the lenders. Later the date for submitting the bids was extended to December 17.

Over eight bidders have bid for entire RCAP assets on as-is-where-is basis. The prominent among them are Oaktree, J.C. Flower and multiple ARCs. For Reliance General Insurance, which is owned 100 per cent by RCAP, there are 18 bidders and prominent among them are, Chryscap, J.C. Flower, Blackstone, KKR, CVC Capital Partners, and Bain Capital.

For Reliance Nippon Life Insur-

Every tourist on entry and during the entire duration of stay in the State will have to self-monitor his/her health for development of any COVIDlike symptoms – fever, cough, difficulty in breathing etc, – and immediately report to the nearest government hospital or contact the respective district health helpline or State helpline 1800 345 0019 in case of development of any aforesaid symptoms, besides following the advice of the respective district administration and health authorities.

All cost that may be involved in testing/treatment/ isolation will be borne by the tourist.

The notification cautioned that any violation of the SOP could lead to penal action as per the relevant section of Disaster Management Act 2005, and the Nagaland Epidemic Disease (COVID-19) Regulations 2020.

Crossword

Su doku

KAKURO

ance, in which RCAP owns 51 per cent controlling stake, has received 16 bids, including Bain Capital, NIIF, Arpwood Partners, Dabur Investments, Bandhan Bank, and Multiples Asset Management among others.

For Reliance Securities, there are eight bidders, including Bain Capital, Religare Broking, Edelweiss Securities and other ARCs. For Reliance ARC, there are six bidders, including Bain Capital, International Asset Reconstruction Company and other ARCs. For Reliance Health, there are eight bidders - Blackstone, Bain Capital, Arpwood Partners, and other ARCs. There are also multiple bidders for RCAP’s stake in ICEX and Paytm E-commerce business.

Reliance Capital asset monetization process, to unlock value of its underlying businesses and to make RCAP debt free, was launched on October 31, 2020.

The monetization process being run under the aegis of Committee of Debenture Holders and the Debenture Trustee Vistra ITCL India

Ltd - which represents 93 per cent of total outstanding debt of Reliance Capital.

EOIs were invited for all or part of RCL’s stake in the following key subsidiaries and assets individually or in any combination thereof. This includes 100 per cent stake in Reliance General Insurance Company Limited (RGI). It has a paid up capital of Reliance General Insurance is Rs 252 crore as of September 30, 2020.

It is the 4th largest Private General Insurance Company with market share of 4.5 per cent as of March 2020 in the General Insurance category. It has shown consistent growth in AUM Year-on-Year with investment book of Rs 12,315 crore as on September 30, 2020.

The company performed its best even during COVID times with Gross Direct Premium Income of Rs 4,501 crore during the first six months of FY20- 21. It has a strong distribution network of 134 branches with amongst largest agency force of 46,742 as of September 30, 2020 across the country.

State to reopen for...

No. 9784 Yesterday’s solution No. 9783

No. 4403 Yesterday’s solution No. 4402

No. 3427 Yesterday’s solution No. 3426

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India received FDI from China worth USD 2.43 billion (Rs 15,526 crore) between April 2000 and September 2020.

Further sources said that certain Chinese companies have applied for registration for bidding in government contracts and those proposals have been sent to the home ministry.

There are no restrictions on Chinese firms for bidding in projects funded by multilateral institutions, they said.

Rupee settles 5 paise lower at 73.84 against US dollar

Mumbai, Dec 22 (PTI): The rupee pared most of its initial losses and settled for the day 5 paise lower at 73.84 (provisional) against the US dollar on Tuesday, tracking a rebound in domestic equities.

At the interbank forex market, the domestic unit opened at 73.95 against the US dollar and witnessed an intra-day high of 73.82 and a low of 73.95.

The local unit finally closed at 73.84 against the American currency, registering a fall of 5 paise over its previous close.

On Monday, the rupee plunged 23 paise to end at a two-week low of 73.79 against the US dollar.

Meanwhile, the dollar index, which gauges the greenback’s strength against a basket of six currencies, was trading 0.29 per cent higher at 90.30.

“Market sentiments were hurt amid concerns over new virus strain in UK. Traders fear that emergence of new strain of coronavirus in Britain has led to fresh travel restrictions, which may impact global economic recovery. Rupee may trade in the range of 73.40 to 74.25 in next couple of sessions,” said Saif Mukadam, Research

Analyst, Sharekhan by BNP Paribas.

Rupee, which opened sharply lower, gained some strength during the day and settled 5 paise lower against the US dollar, as US lawmakers passed USD 900 billion coronavirus relief deal and a USD 1.4 trillion full-year spending bill that will fund the government through next September, Mukadam said.

Moreover, after the UK and the US, now European Union Medicine agency said vaccine developed by Pfizer-BionTech is safe and effective against COVID-19, making way for EU authorities to authorize the use of vaccine.

On the domestic equity market front, the BSE Sensex ended 452.73 points or 0.99 per cent higher at 46,006.69, while the broader NSE Nifty advanced 137.90 points or 1.03 per cent to 13,466.30.

Foreign institutional investors were net sellers in the capital market as they offloaded shares worth Rs 323.55 crore on a net basis on Monday, according to provisional exchange data. Brent crude futures, the global oil benchmark, fell 1.37 per cent to USD 50.21 per barrel.

18.1M to be employed by direct selling sector New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS): Direct selling sector is poised to employ more than 18 million by 2025 and as per industry estimates, the Direct Selling industry in India, which currently ranks No. 15, globally, is expected to grow at a Compounded Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of about 4.8 percent to reach Rs 15,930 crore by 2021.

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Another interesting trend that is noticeable is that the sector has been instrumental in employment generation for nearly 122 million Indians who lost their jobs this due to the pandemic.

Gautam Bali, Managing Director, Vestige Marketing Pvt Ltd., said, “Direct Selling is one of the fastest-growing sectors in India today. Despite these challenging times, the sector has witnessed spectacular growth in the last three quarters.

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SBI Life and Apollo join the race for RCap assets

that a company or an individual from a country that shares land border with India can invest in any sector here only after getting government approval.

The decision was taken to curb opportunistic takeovers or acquisitions of domestic firms due to the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“We have received 120-130 FDI proposals from China, worth about Rs 12,000 crore - Rs 13,000 crore,” they added.

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DP-5722

across the globe.

As transactions on contactless cards are done without any security code, there are risks that an unauthorised transaction may go through without your authentication. Moreover, incidents of online financial frauds have increased many fold with the increase in online transactions during the pandemic.

“At our recently concluded India Forum, several cybersecurity experts came together to discuss the risks attached to contactless

New Delhi, Dec 22 (PTI): The government has received over 120 foreign direct investment (FDI) proposals worth about Rs 12,000 crore from China since April, when it was made mandatory for a company from countries sharing land border with India to invest in any sector only after getting government approval, sources said.

As per that decision, FDI proposals from China need government approval for investments in India in any sector.

An inter-ministerial committee has been formed by the government to scrutinise these proposals, they said adding most of the investments are for brownfield projects (means in existing Indian companies).

In April this year, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) came out with a press note stating

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DP-5605

the opportunity to grow further by developing their point of sales terminals and encourage merchant acceptance – which is essential for the growth of the sector,” said Nitin Bhatnagar, Associate Director – India, PCI Security Standards Council, the organisation that was founded in 2006 by American Express, Discover, JCB International, MasterCard and Visa Inc and is involved in maintaining, evolving and promoting Payment Card Industry standards for the safety of cardholder data

New Delhi, Dec 22 (PTI): Gold prices fell Rs 243 to Rs 49,653 per 10 gram in the national capital on Tuesday, reflecting the weakness in global price of the precious metal, according to HDFC Securities.

In the previous trade, the yellow metal had closed at Rs 49,896 per 10 gram.

Silver prices also declined Rs 216 to Rs 67,177 per kilog ram from Rs 67,393 per kilogram in the previous trade. In the international market, gold and silver were trading lower at USD 1,868 per ounce and USD 25.70 per ounce, respectively.

Navneet Damani, VP – Commodities Research at Motilal Oswal Financial Services, said, “Gold saw some selling pressure after trading higher in the early morning session, as support from the US Congress passing a long awaited near USD 900 billion coronavirus aid was countered by a stronger dollar, while some profit booking also weighed on sentiment.”

DP-5642

Transactions on contactless cards are processed without any security code.

payments as well. Cybercriminals have altered their tactics during this pandemic to exploit people through the Covid-19 messages. Cybercriminals will be looking to gaining access to databases of businesses for confidential payment card information. It is absolutely important that merchants, payment solution providers and vendors to look into the adoption of PCI Data Security Standards to help protect their customers payment data,” said Bhatnagar.

As transacts are done without any security code, it is very important to keep the contactless cards securely. If you lose a contactless card, there are high chances that you may lose some money without any authentication from your part. More the limit of transaction limit, the risk is more.

Apart from keeping your contactless card safe, you also need to ensure that transactions on such a card is done at reliable places to prevent data theft.

DP-5660(B)

New Delhi, Dec 22 (Agencies): The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) in its latest Monetary Policy Committee meeting has proposed to increase the limit for contactless card transactions from Rs 2,000 to Rs 5,000 from January 1, 2021.

However, before opting for a contactless card and using it, you should know its pros and cons.

According to Financial Express, as the transactions on contactless cards are processed without any security code, these are very easy and you don’t have to remember the PIN. At the time of Covid-19 pandemic, contactless payments are also safer than handing over a card and punching PIN. “The RBI’s decision to increase the limit for contactless card transactions from Rs. 2,000 to Rs. 5,000 will give a much required boost to India’s digital payments industry. This hike in the limit will allow more people to transact conveniently and safely during this pandemic.

This also gives businesses

Govt received 120-130 FDI proposals from China since April: Sources

K-2100

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

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business/state Gold dips Rs 243, silver declines

DP-5660(A)

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Trump presents Legion of Merit to Modi Washington, Dec 22 (PTI): President Donald Trump has conferred the Legion of Merit, one of the highest military honours of the US, on Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in elevating bilateral strategic partnership and accelerating emergence of India as a global power.

India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, accepted the award on behalf of the prime minister from the US National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien at the White House on Monday.

President Trump “presented the Legion of Merit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his leadership in elevating the USIndia strategic partnership,” O’Brien said in a tweet.

Modi was presented with the highest degree Chief Commander of the Legion Of Merit which is given only to the Heads of State or Government.

He was given the award in recognition of his steadfast leadership and vision that has accelerated India’s emergence as a global power and elevated the strategic

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international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

India’s Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, accepts the ‘Legion of Merit’ award on behalf of the Modi from the National Security Advisor Robert O’Brien at the WH. (PTI)

partnership between the United States and India to address global challenges.

In New Delhi, the Ministry of External Affairs said the award is in recognition of Prime Minister Modi’s steadfast leadership and vision for India’s emergence as a global power.

“The award is in recognition of the Prime Minis-

ter’s steadfast leadership and vision for India’s emergence as a global power, and exemplary contribution made by him for the advancement of the India-United States strategic partnership and promoting global peace and prosperity,” it said in a statement. O’Brien in another tweet said that Trump also presented the Legion of

Merit to Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Japan’s former prime minister Shinzo Abe. The awards were received by their respective ambassadors in Washington DC. P r e s i d e n t Tr u m p “awarded the Legion of Merit to Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe for his leadership and vision for a free and open Indo-Pacific,” he said. Trump awarded the Legion of Merit to Australian Prime Minister Morrison for his leadership in addressing global challenges and promoting collective security, O’Brien tweeted.

The United States is the latest country to confer its highest award to the Indian prime minister.

Other awards include Order of Abdulaziz Al Saud

by Saudi Arabia in 2016, State Order of Ghazi Amir Amanullah Khan (2016), Grand Collar of the State of Palestine Award (2018), Order of Zayed Award by the United Arab Emirates (2019), Order of St Andrew

by Russia (2019), Order of the Distinguished Rule of Nishan Izzuddin by the Maldives (2019).

Israel on cusp of fourth national elections in two yrs

20 prominent political leaders’ lives in grave danger: Pak Interior Minister

JERUSALEM, DEC 22 (AP): Israel appeared headed to its fourth election in two years on Tuesday after a last-ditch effort to keep the government afloat and push off the automatic dissolution of parliament failed.

Negotiations meant to bring about a budget compromise between the government’s two main parties broke down early Tuesday and in a late-night Knesset session, members of the Likud and Blue and White parties voted against a proposal to postpone Tuesday’s budget deadline for another two weeks. The measure failed by 49 votes to 47.

If the government does not pass a budget by midnight Tuesday, Israeli law stipulates that the Knesset dissolve and triggers snap elections in 90 days. Most avenues to evade that deadline have been closed off.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s Likud and Defense Minister Benny Gantz’s Blue and White party have been at loggerheads over the national budget issue since forming a unity government in May.

ISLAMABAD, DEC 22 (IANS): Pakistan Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid has warned of imminent threats to the lives of at least 20 prominent politicians, majority of whom are part of the opposition political parties, rallying to topple the ruling government.

“High threat alert has also been issued and the Pakistan Democratic Movement’s (PDM) chief has also been informed,” he said.

Rasheed advised the head of PDM, Maulana Fazl-ur-Rehman, leader of Jamiat-ulema-Islam Fazl (JUI-F) to stop rallying the anti-government movement for personal gains and self-centred battles.

“He (Fazlul Rehman) has no political future. He is calling the assembly illegitimate. He was once a presidential candidate in the same assembly. His dreams will never come true,” said Interior Minister Sheikh Rasheed.

The threat issued by the Interior Minister comes at a time when PDM is

Sheikh Rashid

brushing aside the government’s orders of not holding public gathering amid increasing spread and fear of novel coronavirus.

The PDM has been demanding the immediate resignation of Prime Minister Imran Khan and has refused to engage in any kind of dialogue before their prime demand is met.

Rasheed said that former prime minister Nawaz Sharif had buried his politics by clashing with major institutions including the army and the judiciary.

“Nawaz Sharif is requested not to put the people to the test. Imran Khan will make such a legislation that the corrupt will not be spared”, he said.

On the other hand, opposition party alliance PDM has stated that the government is putting out fake threat alerts to stop PDM’s increasing strength and influence against the government.

Opposition leaders have said that every attempt of the government to stop the PDM movement is failing, adding that the people are taking to the streets as they are fed up of the incompetent leadership.

The PDM has announced to launch a long march towards the capital Islamabad and stay on with the protest until Prime Minister Imran Khan resigns as the country’s PM, allowing them to hold early elections and form the government.

However, the ruling government leaders say that PDM is using the sentiments of the people to create pressure on the government and seeking relief for Nawaz Sharif and Asif Ali Zardari from corruption cases against them.

Biden receives 1st dose of Covid vaccine BioNTech CEO confident vaccine will work on UK variant

FELICITATION

With immense pride and honour, the Tamlu Buhu Union Kohima (TBUK) would like to extends our heartiest congratulations to the following individuals for their achievement in their respective field.

1. Shri. B. Baloi Buchem promoted as Junior Section Officer, Nagaland Civil Secretariat.

2. Dr. Jacob H. Phom for successfully clearing the post of Medical Officer under Health and Family Welfare.

3. Er. E. Pongmei Phom promoted as Sub-Divisional Officer (MIS) Dimapur, under Power Department.

The Union Prays that the God Almighty continues to grant them success and good health and wishes them the best in their future endeavor.

Shahlong Buchem Hamjen Phom President, TBUK Secretary, TBUK

NAGALAND SECRETARIAT SERVICE ASSOCIATION

OFFICE OF THE

SURUHUTO TOKUKUJO KUQHAKULU

NAGALAND: KOHIMA

CONDOLENCE MESSAGE

CHUKITONG TSUNGIKI EKHÜNG CHUKITONG, WOKHA : NAGALAND *********************************

FELICITATION

The President, her colleagues and the Executive Council of the Nagaland Secretariat Service Association (NSSA) through this column, would like to express our profound gratitude and appreciation to all who has contributed towards the NSSA Golden Jubilee Celebration on 10th December, 2020 at the Secretariat Park under the theme “Braced to Excel”.

1. Shri. Y. Patton, Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister, Nagaland and his colleagues.

2. All Special Invitees.

3. Dr. Kevichalie Metha, President, Kohima Baptist Pastors’ Fellowship.

4. Shri. J. Alam, Chief Secretary, Government of Nagaland.

5. Directorate of Agriculture, Nagaland.

6. Directorate of Urban Development, Nagaland.

7. Department of Forest, Environment & Climate Change, Nagaland.

8. Department of Information & Public Relations, Nagaland.

9. Home Department, Nagaland Civil Secretariat, Nagaland.

10. Nagaland Assembly Secretariat Staff Association.

11. Various Sister Associations.

12. All Well Wishers.

13. Media Fraternity.

14. Retired NSSA Members.

15. Jubilee Planning Committee & Sub-Committees.

16. All NSSA Members.

We, the Suruhuto Tokukujo Kuqhakulu Kohima (STKK) express our heartiest appreciation and congratulations to its following members:1. Mrs. T.Apila Anar, W/o Mr. Khehovi Yepthomi on being promoted to the post of Headmaster under School Education, Nagaland.

2. Mr. Jehovi Achumi on being promoted to the post of Assistant Superintendent under the establishment of PHQ Nagaland, Kohima.

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

(AKHETO ACHUMI) Vice-President, STKK

(IVETO AWOMI) Secretary, STKK

FELICITATION

clear,” Wieler said. “What is clear is that the more widely viruses spread, the more opportunity they have to change.”

A leading German virologist who was initially skeptical about reports that the strain was much more contagious voiced concern after seeing further data.

Christian Drosten, a professor of virology at Berlin’s Charite hospital, tweeted that “unfortunately it doesn’t look good.”

But Drosten added: “What is positive is that cases with the mutation so far only increased in areas where the overall incidence was high or rising. So contact reduction also works against the spread of the mutation.”

The president and colleagues of the NPF Kohima Division is profoundly shocked and pained to hear the sudden and untimely demise of Lt. Mr. KHRIEZENYÜ CHIELIE on the 18 th December 2020. He was an energetic and a dynamic leader who selflessly rendered his service for the NPF party through thick and thin.

The Kohima division has lost a leader, a brother and a friend who is always there at the forefront to give his best for the party. His death has created a vacuum in the NPF family which will be hard to fill in the days to come.

At this moment of grief and sorrow the division sincerely offers its deepest condolences to the bereaved family. May the Almighty God grant you strength and solace to get through these dark hours.

“Those we love can never be more than a thought away, for as long as there's memory, they live on in our hearts.”

“Adieus Khriezenyü” Rest in Peace.

NPF Kohima Division K-2110

KOHIMA : NAGALAND

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

Sd/(ZANBENI ODYUO) Asstt. Secretary, NSSA

ing the vaccine, which goes by the brand name COMIRNATY in Europe, is 95 per cent effective in preventing infection with COVID-19.

“All countries across the EU that have requested doses will receive them in the next five days, the very initial supply, and that will be followed up next week with further supplies,” said Sean Marett, BioNTech’s chief commercial officer.

Several EU countries have said they plan to start vaccinating on Sunday. Germany’s health minister, Jens Spahn, said he expects the country to receive more than 1.3 million doses by the end

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OFFICE OF THE

Sd/CHUBASANGLA LONGKUMER President, NSSA

Ugur Sahin

of this year. Germany is among the European countries that have banned flights from the U.K. because of the new variant there.

“We want to avoid for as long as we can that a possibly dangerous virus variant spreads to continental Europe,” said Spahn.

But Lothar Wieler, the head of Germany’s national disease control center, said it was very likely the U.K. variant is already circulating in Germany.

Wieler, who heads the Robert Koch Institute, said it was common for viruses’ genetic material to change, and that can affect how transmissible they are.

“Whether that is really the case with the variant in England is not yet entirely

The Kohima Lotha Hoho highly appreciates and thank Shri. Y.Patton, the Hon’ble Deputy Chief Minister Government of Nagaland for having constructed a grand Clock Tower at Wokha Town, the District H.Q and it inaugurated by Shri. Jacob Zhimomi, the Hon’ble Minister PHED on 12/12/2020 for the benefit of the public.

The Hoho also express our profound happiness and congratulates Shri. Mhonlumo Kikon, the Hon’ble Adviser for Information Technology, New Renewable Energy, Science and Technology, Government of Nagaland for being appointed National Spokes person of BJP. The Hoho also congratulates Shri. K. Libanthung Lotha, Commissioner and Secretary and Smti. O. Ethel Lotha, Secretary on being inducted to the prestigious Indian Administrative Service (IAS). May the Almighty God continue to bless and guide in future endeavour.

Sd/C. Pankathung Lotha S. Chonbemo Lotha Chairman General Secretary Kohima Lotha Hoho Kohima Lotha Hoho

FELICITATION

The Chukitong Tsungiki Ekhüng (CTE) heartily congratulates our esteemed member, Shri. Z. Chanbemo Kikon, on his recent promotion to the post of Headmaster under the Department of School Education, Government of Nagaland.

CTE further wishes him success in all his future endeavours.

Renphamo Ezung H. Wotsenthung Chairman, CTE Secretary, CTE

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Berlin, Dec 22 (IANS): A gunman who carried out an attack at a synagogue in the German city of Halle last year killing two people, has been sentenced to life imprisonment followed by preventive detention.

The sentence, by the Higher Regional Court of Naumburg on Monday, effectively rules out Stephan Balliet’s early release after 15 years in prison, reports Xinhua news agency.

The trial of the rightwing extremist ended with the maximum penalty possible under German law.

The judges found the 28-year-old Balliet guilty of two counts of murder and more than 60 counts of attempted murder.

The court also determined the “particular gravity” of his guilt.

On October 9, 2019, Balliet tried to kill more than 50 people who were observing Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar, in the Halle synagogue.

two weeks from now to get the data,” he said. “The likelihood that our vaccine works ... is relatively high.”

Should the vaccine need to be adjusted for the new variant the company could do so in about 6 weeks, Sahin said, though regulators might have to approve the changes before the shots can be used.

Having to adjust the vaccine would be a blow for the rollout of immunization campaigns and rein in the pandemic that has so far killed more than 1.7 million people worldwide.

BioNTech’s vaccine, which was developed together with U.S. pharmaceutical company Pfizer, has been authorised for use in more than 45 countries including Britain, the United States and the EU. Hundreds of thousands of people have already received the shots.

The companies submitted data to regulators show-

DP-5716

2019 German synagogue attacker gets life sentence

and the people who put this together, the front line workers, the people who were the ones who actually did the clinical work, it’s just amazing. I wish we had time to take you through the whole hospital to see how busy and incredible you all are. And we owe you big. We really do.”

Biden, who is considered in the high-risk age category for Covid-19, got inoculated after top U.S. infectious disease expert Anthony Fauci strongly recommended that he do so. Fauci has been named Biden’s chief medical adviser when the presidentelect takes office in January.

It’s not clear when the Bidens will receive the

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WASHINGTON, DEC 22 (IANS): US Presidentelect Joe Biden on Monday received the first dose of the coronavirus vaccine during a televised event in his home state of Delaware.

The 78-year-old former Vice President was administered the Pfizer BioNTech coronavirus vaccine, which requires a second dose weeks apart to reach 98 per cent efficacy. Biden’s vaccination followed that of his wife Jill Biden earlier on the same day, the Xinhua news agency reported.

“What I want to say is we owe these folks an awful lot,” Biden, donning a black mask, said after getting the shot at ChristianaCare Hospital in Newark, Delaware. “The scientists

Berlin, Dec 22 (AP): German pharmaceutical company BioNTech is confident that its coronavirus vaccine works against the new UK variant, but further studies are needed to be completely sure, its chief executive said Tuesday.

The variant, detected mainly in London and the southeast of England in recent weeks, has sparked concern worldwide because of signs that it may spread more easily.

While there is no indication it causes more serious illness, numerous countries in Europe and beyond have restricted travel from the UK as a result.

“We don’t know at the moment if our vaccine is also able to provide protection against this new variant,” CEO Ugur Sahin told a news conference the day after the vaccine was approved for use in the European Union. “But scientifically, it is highly likely that the immune response by this vaccine also can deal with the new virus variants.”

Sahin said that the proteins on the UK variant are 99% the same as on the prevailing strains, and therefore BioNTech has “scientific confidence” that its vaccine will be effective.

“But we will know it only if the experiment is done and we will need about

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President-elect Joe Biden receives his first dose of the coronavirus vaccine from Nurse partitioner Tabe Mase. (AP/PTI)

second doses.

“I’m looking forward to the second shot. So is Jill,” Biden said.

Jen Psaki, spokeswoman for the Biden transition team, told reporters Friday that Vice Presidentelect Kamala Harris and her husband, Doug Emhoff, would receive their vaccinations next week.

Vice President Mike Pence and second lady Karen Pence, together with Surgeon General Jerome Adams, were administered the vaccine Friday at an oncamera event.

The first dose of the Pfizer BioNTech vaccine, the result of US-German collaboration, began to be injected to health care workers across the US last week after getting emergency use authorisation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and have been delivered to 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.

The FDA also gave green light to the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine on Friday.

Covid-19 cases and deaths spiked during the ongoing holiday season in the US, with total infections nearing 18 million and cumulative deaths around 3,18,600 as of Monday afternoon.

FELICITATION With immense pride and joy, we the teaching and non-teaching staff of City College of Arts & Commerce, Dimapur take pleasure in congratulating N a l i n a Ku m a r S . , S / o K.S.K. Nair on being conferred with Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mathematics from Veer Bahadur Singh Purvanchal University on the topic "Delay Mathematical Models in Epidemiology" We wish him the very best in his future endeavors.

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Teaching & Non Teaching staff City College of Arts & Commerce Dimapur : Nagaland.

Infotainment

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

Project 72 hrs beautify Lower PWD Kohima Set goals that involve giving to others to be happier in 2021 P T roject 72 Hours, a voluntary organisation famous for their lifesize murals and caricatures all over the state, has beautified Lower PWD colony, Kohima, Tuesday, with a mural of young kids in Naga traditional attires to spread the message, “Be The Reason Someone Smiles Today”.

The group comprising of young men and women from Kohima, pledges 72 hours of their time to work for the community annually and that is where the namesake of the group is derived from.

Apart from painting murals on walls at strategic locations, the group also conducts cleanliness drives, remove posters pasted on public properties, organise cleanliness seminars and put up signages for public awareness on various issues.

Project 72 hrs was formed in the year 2015 and over the years, the group

Project 72 hrs members along with Lower PWD youth members and co-ordinator after completing the project on Tuesday. (NP)

has earned itself a reputation for painting more than 20 realistic traditional and theme based mega murals in almost all the districts of Nagaland.

They take up projects mostly upon invitations from the concerned civil society organisations and departmental campaigns based on community wellbeing.

The group also takes up

city beautification projects in collaboration with department of Art and Culture, Tourism, Government of Nagaland and other likeminded NGOs. There are currently eight active members who engage in regular community services ensuring that they devote at-least 72 hours to serve the community in a year.

Lower PWD Youth

president-Kevimese Mere while thanking the group on behalf of the colony for putting in their effort, sacrificing their time and braving the winter wind to beautify the city, said he was greatly encouraged by their dedication.

He said being a concerned citizen himself, he had been closely following the group’s various projects all over the state and that

he was very appreciative of how a bunch of young men had devoted so much time into community service without any hopes for repayment from any corner.

He added that if youths from all the parts of the state could come up with such initiatives, it would change the face of “our” state.

Wa d e n Po n g e n e r, a member of the group, thanked the colony for allowing the group to close the year 2020 with this project since they could not take up other major projects owing to the Covid-19 lockdown.

He also thanked the youths for extending a warm hospitality towards the group by providing warm refreshments to the members until the project was completed.

The group would be taking up their next project in Tuensang which would be the kick off for year 2021.

(Correspondent)

oss out your usual list of New Year’s resolutions and set goals that involve giving to others to be happier in 2021, suggest experts.

Their study published in the Journal of Personality and Social Psychology showed that happiness increases as your focus of concern and care gets wider.

“We found that when people are focused on giving to others they experience deeper satisfaction than when their goals are more self-oriented,” said Richard Ryan, Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Rochester in the US. “For example, experiments show that doing something benevolent for others, even when you will never meet the beneficiary, increases your positive

mood and energy,” said Ryan.

Together with Edward Deci, also a University of Rochester Professor Emeritus of Psychology, Ryan is the co-founder of the self-determination theory (SDT), a broad framework for the study of human motivation and personality.

Developed by the duo over nearly 40 years, the theory has become one of the most widely accepted frameworks of human mo-

tivation in contemporary behavioural science.

Its starting point is the idea that all humans have the natural - or intrinsic tendency to behave in effective and healthful ways.

According to Ryan, acts of willingly helping others satisfy all three of the basic psychological needs identified in SDT research: the needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness.

(IANS)

‘The White Tiger’ gets a release date

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entrepreneur”.

The trailer starts with Balram narrating his journey and his dreams about becoming a successful entrepreneur. He also expresses his wish to work for Ashok (Rajkummar), but how he is reminded of his social status and class divide.

For long, he has been trained to be a servant and serve his master. He rebels and takes charge of his own life when the couple (Priyanka and Rajkummar) try to trap him in a road accident case to protect themselves.

Priyanka is also attached to the project as an executive producer along with Emmy awardwinning filmmaker Ava DuVernay. “‘When I first saw him, I knew this was the master for me.’ What a line. Proud to be a part of the team to share Ramin Bahrani’s THE WHITE TIGER, based on the Booker Prize winning novel by Aravind Adiga. Roaring onto Netflix globally on January 22,” DuVernay tweeted.

(IANS)

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T

he Priyanka Chopra and Rajkummar R a o - s t a r r e r, T h e White Tiger, will release on January 22. The team of the film revealed the release date while sharing a new trailer of the project.

“The White Tiger comes to Netflix globally on January 22. #TheWhiteTigerNetflix,” Rajkummar shared.

American-Iranian filmmaker Ramin Bahrani directs the India-centric film that stars Adarsh Gourav in a central role. The film is based on Aravind Adiga’s Man Booker Prize-winning novel of the same name.

In the film, Priyanka and Rajkummar are seen as an affluent couple, who have been living with their family in India after returning from the US for their business. Adarsh is seen as their driver, Balram Halwai.

From class divide to the dark realities of the society, the film will explore several themes through the story of Balram Halwai as he “uses his wit and cunning to escape from poverty and become an

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sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

Tokyo Olympic see budget WBA organizes charity tour Pak register consolation increase for delayed event win in final T20I against NZ

Mohammad Rizwan

Napier, Dec 22 (IANS): A brilliant knock of 89 from wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan made sure the decent work done by the bowlers didn’t go in vain as Pakistan registered a four-wicket win in the third and final T20I against New Zealand on Tuesday.

Opting to field, Pakistan bowlers kept the New Zealand batsmen in check and despite Devon Conway’s 63-run knock, the hosts could muster 173/7 in their allotted 20 overs at the McLean Park.

Besides Conway, Tim Seifert -- who had been New Zealand’s hero in the first two games -- contributed with 35 runs, which came off 20 deliveries.

Glenn Phillips’s 31 off 20 was also another notable

performance for the Black Caps.

For Pakistan, rightarm medium-fast bowler Faheem Ashraf was the pick of the bowlers as he returned with brilliant figures of 3/20 in his four overs. Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi also picked two wickets each, giving away 44 and 43 runs respectively.

Chasing the target, Pakistan started off well as Haider Ali and Rizwan made 40 runs for the first wicket in 5.2 overs. After Ali’s dismissal, Mohammad Hafeez joined forces with Rizwan and the duo shared a 72-run stand and put the visitors on track of their solitary win in the series.

However, after Hafeez’s dismissal on his indi-

vidual score of 41, Pakistan lost three quicks wickets in the form of Khushdil Shah (13), Faheem Ashraf (2) and captain Shadab Khan (0). Towards the end, Iftikhar Ahmed kept his calm and scored 14 unbeaten runs to take Pakistan over the line with two balls to spare and end the T20I series with a scoreline of 1-2.

For the hosts, Tim Southee starred with the ball as he picked two wickets in his four overs while conceding 25 runs. Scott Kuggeleijn also scalped two wickets. However, he was expensive as he gave away 40 runs in his four overs.

Rizwan, who smashed 10 fours and three sixes during his 59-ball inning, was adjudged the Player of the Match while Seifert was declared the Player of the Series.

New Zealand and Pakistan will now compete in a two-Test series beginning Saturday at the Bay Oval in Mount Maunganui.

BRIEF SCORES: New Zealand 173/7 (Devon Conway 63; Faheem Ashraf 3/20) lose to Pakistan 177/6 (Mohammad Rizwan 89; Tim Southee 2/25)

L o nd o n, D e c 2 2 (Agencies): Organisers of the delayed Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games will spend $900m (£670m) on measures to stop the spread of coronavirus at next year’s events.

According to BBC, the final budget means the Games will cost $15.9bn (£11.8bn) - up $2.8bn (£2.1bn) from figures last year. It could make the Tokyo Games the most expensive summer Olympics in history.

“Whether you see this budget as expensive or not depends on how you look at it,” said Tokyo 2020 chief executive Toshiro Muto.

“You can look at it from a cost perspective or an investment perspective.

If you look at it purely in terms of cost, it doesn’t make sense.

“But if you look at it as a positive investment, I think there are areas where it can be identified as such.”

The coronavirus plans include the creation of an infection control centre in the Olympic and Paralympic Village, as well as plans to regularly test athletes and ban cheering in venues.

A poll last week by national broadcaster NHK showed that the majority of the Japanese general public oppose holding the Games

next year, favouring a further delay or outright cancellation of the event.

But organisers insist the Games can be held, and have ruled out another delay.

Games elements, including athlete welcome ceremonies, have been scrapped in a bid to save money and the “look” of the event will also be scaled back.

But the savings, plus extra revenue from sponsors, have been cancelled out by extra costs including rebooking venues and transport to retaining the huge organising committee staff.

Organisers increased the service budget of the Games to $7.1bn (£5.3m), with extra money allotted for the opening and closing ceremonies.

However, the International Olympic Committee has agreed to cover the costs of moving the marathon and race-walking to northern Sapporo to beat Tokyo’s summer heat.

“We are trying to hold a global event during a pandemic, and if we are able to do that, it would mean that we can co-exist with Covid19,” added Muto.

“We would be able to provide a model for living with the virus, and I think in that sense this event can be a meaningful one.”

Members of Wokha Bikers Association on Tuesday.

D IMAP U R , D EC 2 2 (NPN): Wokha Bikers Association (WBA), a group of mostly young like-minded individuals including constituency MLA, Dr. Chumben Murry set out on its maiden tour to some remote villages in Nagaland. Spreading a message of love and kindness during this festive season, the association handed out blankets, shawls and other necessities to the

elderly/aged old persons.

The tour was conducted following SOPs. The association expresses gratitude to Vanchamo Ngullie, joint director, Land Resource for extending help and support towards this endeavor.

Wokha Bikers Association was formed with a vision to promote human values and to encourage the society to cultivate a habit of kindness and goodwill.

The founder of the asso-

ciation, Myanthung Kikon proclaimed that this was a small initiative in their attempt towards a better society. “Safety is a major concern, especially for twowheelers in Nagaland,” as stressed by Kikon, and it was the endeavor of the association to spread awareness about road safety, traffic regulations, wearing proper gears and maintaining a safe speed limit, especially for two wheelers.

Union Baptist Church BSF camp Keyake conducted its annual Christmas sports meet on December 20.

BSF 93 Bn pay tribute to 1971 martyrs BWF announces calendar for 1st half of 2021

(Correspondent)

K o h i m a , D EC 2 2 (NPN): The 93 Battalion of Border Security Force (BSF), Chedema, Kohima, under its battalion commander, Commandant Surinder Singh, organised a rally/half marathon here Tuesday to commemorate the sacrifice of Indian soldiers martyred in the 1971 war.

Superintendent of Police (SP), Kohima, Manoj Kumar, flagged off the 15 km marathon which took off from Police Headquarters, Kohima, traversed along main town onto Pezielietsie Junction and wheered towards Don Bosco School and finally winded up at the battalion’s headquarters. Prior to the flagging off, the Commandant highlighted that the 93 Bn was one of the oldest battalions in the country which was raised on 1st April, 1968.

New Delhi, Dec 22 the Tokyo Olympics. “The gether.

(PTI): The India Open qualification period will The new-look BWF Super 500 will be held from be extended until Week calendar also sees a number May 11 to 16 and will serve 19 with the Indian Open of tournaments postponed as the last qualification 2021 being the last tournaevent for the Tokyo Olym- ment in the qualification pics, the Badminton World period,” the BWF said in a Federation (BWF) con- statement. firmed in its new calendar “Qualification will be for the upcoming year. determined from the Race The Olympic Qualify- to Tokyo Rankings pubing period for Tokyo will lished on 18 May 2021. restart next year and the BWF Council decided first qualifying tournament that this will also be used for will be the Swiss Open from seedings the Tokyo Olympic March 2 to 7 followed by Games in 2021,” it added.

German Open from March This year, India Open 9-14. was originally scheduled The USD 400,000 In- in March but postponed dia Open will be the last of to December 8-13 due to SP Kohima Manoj Kumar flagging off the half marathon in Kohima on Tuesday. the 17 events to earn points COVID-19 pandemic. It When the 1971 war marathon to remember and A total of around 50 towards sealing berths for was later cancelled altobroke out the battalion was pay tribute to their comrades jawans along with the Comdeployed in Tripura where who made the ultimate sac- mandant took off from the th it took active part in the rifice for “our” motherland starting point, who were HAPPY 25 WEDDING ANNIVERSARY war and earned huge laurels and also to draw inspira- later joined by their fellow because of the commend- tion from their martyrdom. jawans stationed at straable services it rendered, the Inspector Surender Kumar tegic locations along the commandant said. also gave a brief insight into route taking the total to 120 He added that the bat- the main motive behind or- jawans who completed the talion had organised the ganising the marathon. marathon.

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DC-854

From, Family Members & Relatives

NCC SJC FELICITATES The Associate NCC Officer and NCC Cadets of St. Joseph’s College (Autonomous), Jakhama (1 Nagaland Girls’ Battalion NCC, Kohima) extend heartiest congratulations to the 05 NCC Cadets of the College who topped in the Three Year Degree Course Examinations of Nagaland University 2020.

5th Rank 11th Rank 14th Rank (Business Administration) (English) (Sociology) SGT Arnala Longkumer LCPL Thungchibeni T. Erui CDT Keshenle Khing May they soar higher with further success!

16th Rank (Political Science) CDT Dzüzienuo Sanchu K-2111

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1st Rank (History) Suo Vinole Kiso

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New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS): India captain Ashalata Devi, who will be getting an opportunity to play in the AFC Asian Women’s Cup scheduled in 2022 in front of her home fans, wants to inspire the next generation of women footballers in the country.

“It will be a huge honour to represent India on such a big stage. The whole team is excited about it and we are preparing really well for it. We saw the U-17 World Cup in 2017 and the kind of support that the team got. We are hopeful of getting the same support,” said Ashalata as per the-aiff.com.

“I hope the two tournaments that we are hosting next year - AFC Women’s Asian Cup 2022 and FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup 2022 inspire new girls to take up football. When they see us playing in front of packed stadiums, it will definitely motivate them,” she added.

According to Ashalata, it is important for footballers to start at a young age as it helps in formation of a player and learning the basics.

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Ashalata aims to inspire next generation

from first and second quarters of the season, and a handful of Grade 2 tournaments cancelled.

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12

sports

Rijiju dedicates 8 KISCE

Djokovic withdraws from ATP Player Council elections Neikha asserts to hone skills in archery, boxing and wrestling London, Dec 22 (Reu-

Kohima, Dec 22 (PTI): Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday virtually inaugurated eight Khelo India State Centre of Excellence (KISCE), including one in Nagaland.

The KISCE inaugurated in other states are Kar nataka, Ar unachal Pradesh, Kerala, Manipur, Mizoram, Odisha and Telangana.

Speaking on the occasion, the Union Minister of State for Youth Affairs and Sports (Independent Charge) said the central government wants to develop the sports culture in India.

Khelo India has become a brand, he said, adding that everybody, including boys and girls want to be part of the Khelo India programme. Khelo India games is becoming the most popular sporting event in the country, he said. Rijiju said sports must become a way of life and culture in India.

The Government of India has collaborated with the state governments to create basic facilities for the young boys and girls, he said, adding that India has huge talent in sports

Advisor Zake Neikha with YRS director Akumla Chuba and Olympian Chekrovolu Swuro during the virtual launch of KISCE Nagaland on Tuesday.

but many of them cannot rise because of the lack of facilities.

Rijiju said the government is starting the KISCE on top of the existing National Centre of Excellence in partnership with state governments.

“The ministry is ready to provide necessary finan-

cial assistance to ensure that the KISCE develops with proper infrastructure and manpower. Emphasis on making India a global super power with high quality coaching and training,” he said.

India is a large country and the target is to move to top 10 in the next Olym-

pic Games, he said, adding that the sports centres will be developed up to the required standards. “We will work hand in hand with the state governments to ensure proper development of the sportsperson in the states,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, advisor of Youth Affairs and Sports of Nagaland, Zale Neikha in his speech conveyed gratitude to the Government of India, Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports for setting up the Khelo India State Centre of Excellence and giving the opportunity to Nagaland in the first phase of the sports ministry programme.

The priority sports for Nagaland are wrestling, archery and boxing, he said while asserting that Nagaland will make every effort to hone these skills.

“We will make sure that our young Indian sportspersons take up this opportunity in all seriousness in the next four years and make a mark in the history of Indian Olympics following in the footsteps of Dr. T. Ao and Chekrovolu Swro and make our great nation proud,” he said.

ters): World number one Novak Djokovic has withdrawn from this month’s ATP Player Council elections citing the governing body’s new rule that would make it a “conflict of interest” because of his role in the Professional Tennis Players’ Association (PTPA).

The Serb set up the breakaway PTPA on the eve of the US Open in September and resigned as head of the player council but last month he confirmed that he had been nominated by his fellow professionals for the current elections which he accepted.

However, the new ATP rule means he has had to withdraw. “Unfortunately, given these latest developments I feel it is now necessary to remove myself from the list of candidates,” he wrote in a statement on Twitter posted on Monday.

“I do not wish to create conflict or uncertainty around the player elections or create any issues that may arise.” Djokovic repeated the assertions he made several times this year that the PTPA wanted to co-exist with the sport’s governing bodies but the ball was now in their court.

ISL: NorthEast, Odhisa share points after draw

Action in the match between NorthEast United and Odhisa on Tuesday. (ISL)

New Delhi, Dec 22 (Agencies): It could have been another defeat but Odisha FC clawed back a point despite taking the lead early against NorthEast United, drawing 2-2 in an Indian Super League game at the GMC Stadium, here on Tuesday.

According to News 18, Odisha took the lead through Diego Mauricio (26’) before Benjamin Lambot (45+1’) drew parity. Kwesi Appiah (65’) then converted a pen-

alty to put the Highlanders ahead but soon saw his goal cancelled out by Cole Alexander (67’).

Odisha named an unchanged eleven from the side that lost to Bengaluru FC while NorthEast coach Gerard Nus rang in four changes with Federico Gallego handed a start.

The first half saw a cagey contest with both sides heading into the break level after creating plenty of chances. The first big chance

of the game arrived during the 10th minute but Odisha keeper Arshdeep Singh produced a fine save to deny an opener for the Highlanders.

Gallego picked up Kwesi Appiah with a long ball, and the latter made space for himself between two markers but saw his shot blocked by Arshdeep.

Minutes later, Odisha carved out a great chance at the other end from a set-piece and should have bagged the lead.

Diego Mauricio had two attempts on goal and his second one seemed to be heading into the net before Dylan Fox pulled off a fine goal-line clearance to keep it goalless.

But the Brazilian redeemed himself with a wonder-strike to hand his side the lead. Mauricio, receiving the ball from outside the box, cut inside before drilling a low shot that trickled into the back of the net. The ball went in following a light

deflection off Lalengmawia, leaving the keeper with no chance.

NorthEast piled on the pressure after conceding and missed three chances from set-pieces. However, a lapse in concentration from Odisha in stoppage time saw them concede.

Lambot made a run at the far post and picked up Ashutosh Mehra’s cross before heading home.

Nus’ side began the second half from where they left off and deservedly took the lead. They won a penalty after Appiah was tripped in the box by Arshdeep. The Ghanian stepped up to take the spot-kick and struck it with venom to notch his third ISL goal.

Their lead didn’t last long as Alexander equalised for Odisha by beautifully curling his shot at the far post.

Nor thEast nearly scored the winner in the dying minutes but substitute Khassa Camara’s long-range strike missed the crossbar by inches.

Wednesday’s match Jamshedpur vs Goa 7:30 PM

Nagaland Post, Dimapur WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2020

25th WCC kicks off in Wokha

D IMA P U R , D EC 2 2 (NPN): Tempo Cricket Club thrashed Atom SC by eight wickets in the opening match of the 25th edition of Winter Cricket Challenge at local ground, Wokha on Tuesday. Tempo CC chased down 103 runs in 12 overs.

The tournament is being played under the theme, “Dreams Amplifying Hopes”.

Earlier, the opening ceremony was graced by advisor, IT, Science & Technology and New & Renewable Energy, Mmhonlumo Kikon as guest of honour.

Kikon, who also unveiled the monolith and released the winter cricket silver jubilee edition souvenir magazine acknowledged the past and present officials of Senior Noble Klan, the organiser of the tournament, for their milestone achievement along the journey of 25 years and having impressed a game of cricket.

He said despite the challenges, the pioneers and present officials of Senior Noble Klan have made a landmark achievement.

Keeping this in mind, he encouraged the players to compete in true game spirit reminding them that winning was not only important but developing sports

Rijiju urges Indians to make fitness a priority New Delhi, Dec 22 (IANS): Union Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday shared his fitness video and urged all Indians to join the initiative by posting their fitness videos in order to make the country a fitter nation.

“Millions of Indians have joined the vision of our PM Narendra Modi Ji to make #NewIndiaFitIndia. We can strengthen the Fit India Movement.

Share your fitness videos with me and together let’s make India a fit, healthy and strong nation. Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz” he said in a tweet.

‘Fitness Ka Dose Aadha Ghanta Roz’ campaign was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier this year as part of the nation-wide Fit India Movement. It has gained the support of celebrities from different walks of life who have urged Indians to follow the basic mantra of 30 minutes of fitness every day.

Mmhonlumo Kikon addressing the gathering on Tuesday.

culture and realizing their hidden talents and strength was more important.

He said that Nagaland Cricket Association has reached national level by participating in Ranji and Vijay Hazare Trophy.

He therefore encouraged the players to expose beyond their talent with hardwork and determination and hoped that the young players will outshine and represent Nagaland state at the national level as well as at the international level.

He also advised the Senior Noble Klan to not only remain as an organization but to nurture and train the young players in the spirit of sportsmanship, develop their hidden talents and pave a platform for them to represent at the national level.

Kikon further urged the players to uphold the game of spirit and assured

all possible help to develop their talent and wished them grand and successful tournament.

Earlier, the opening ceremony commenced with an invocation by associate pastor WTBC, Zurenthung Humtsoe followed by a minute of silent in honour of the departed cricketers.

Pankathung Ovung in his presidential address gave a brief highlight on the foundation of Senior Noble Klan.

The programme also witnessed silver edition blessings from Rev. Dr. L. Tsanso, Executive Secretary, Lotha Baptist Churches Association.

Highlights of the programme included special song by Sojano Tsopoe and acknowledgements from Khyolamo Humtsoe, secretary organising. The programme was chaired by T. Penthungo Lotha.

FIFA files criminal complaint against Blatter over museum Geneva, Dec 22 (AP): FIFA has filed a criminal complaint against former president Sepp Blatter over the finances of its lossmaking soccer museum in Zurich.

FIFA said on Tuesday it suspected “criminal mismanagement by FIFA’s former management and companies appointed by them” to work on the museum -- long seen as a pet project of Blatter’s -- in a renovated and rented city center building.

The FIFA World Football Museum opened in 2016 after $140 million of soccer money was spent refurbishing the 1970s office building to also include 34 rental apartments.

It was intended to open around May 2015, when Blatter won a fifth presidential election, but was delayed until after he left office under pressure from American and Swiss investigations of international soccer officials. Blatter committed FIFA to a rental contract with the building’s owner, insurance firm Swiss Life, that requires paying $360 million through 2045

Sepp Blatter

at above market rates, soccer’s world body said.

FIFA said its criminal complaint was delivered by hand to canton (state) prosecutors in Zurich.

Blatter risks investigation at local level while already a suspect in two criminal proceedings opened by federal prosecutors into how he spent FIFA’s money as president.

Those investigations involve FIFA paying $2 million to former UEFA president Michel Platini in 2011 and $1 million to the Trinidad and Tobago soccer body -- effectively to disgraced former FIFA vice president Jack Warner -weeks before the Caribbean islands’ general election in 2010.

Chelsea hammer West Ham 3-0

L o nd o n , D e c 2 2 (AFP): Tammy Abraham hit a quickfire late double on Monday as Chelsea beat West Ham 3-0 to reignite their Premier League challenge after a consecutive defeats. The Hammers proved tricky opponents at an empty Stamford Bridge but lacked the firepower to hurt Frank Lampard’s men, who led early through Thiago Silva’s bullet header. Chelsea enjoyed a strong start to the season before losses to Everton and Wolves checked their progress but the victory at the London Stadium lifts them into fifth spot.

Champions Liverpool have opened up a five-point gap at the top of the table but behind them, just seven points separate secondplaced Leicester from 11thplaced Wolves.

West Ham had the ball in the net in the seventh minute after a cleverly worked free kick but Declan Rice was denied by the off-side flag after an impressive finish from a tight angle.

Three minutes later Chelsea were in front when Silva powered home a header from Mason Mount’s

Abraham celebrates after scoring the second goal.

corner. The Brazilian found the net from close range after a well-timed run, leaving West Ham goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski rooted to the spot. Chelsea enjoyed the lion’s share of possession after their goal without creating much of note but West Ham worked their way into the game as the half wore on. Timo Werner, who has not scored for Chelsea since early November, had a golden chance to double their lead in the closing minutes of the first period but got the ball caught under his feet and Fabianski saved comfortably.

David Moyes’s team made life uncomfortable for

the home side after the break but did not make the most of their regular forays forward despite the introduction of forward Said Benrahma.

They were made to pay when Abraham, back in the starting XI, doubled Chelsea’s lead with 12 minutes to go, settling their nerves and ending his own drought.

Werner cut inside and saw his scuffed shot tapped in by the England international, who was played onside by Aaron Cresswell.

Two minutes later Chelsea were 3-0 up when Abraham fired home from a tight angle after Fabianski had done well to keep out Christian Pulisic’s header.

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