December 7, 2020

Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXI No. 5

DIMAPUR, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020 Pages 12 ` 5.00

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Oppn back farmers’ Dec 8 ‘Bharat Bandh’

New Delhi, Dec 6 (PTI): Opposition parties, including many regional outfits, on Sunday came out in strong support of the ‘Bharat Bandh’ on December 8 called by farmer unions which have been protesting on Delhi’s borders for 11 days demanding the repeal of the Centre’s new agri-marketing laws.

Prominent leaders including Congress president Sonia Gandhi, NCP leader Sharad Pawar, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, DMK chief M K Stalin and PAGD chairman Farooq Abdullah also issued a joint statement backing the proposed day-long strike and pressed the Centre to meet the legitimate demands of the protesters.

Claiming that their agitation has spread across the nation, farmer leaders, who have maintained that their protest is apolitical, welcomed the support and urged all to come forward to make Tuesday’s Bharat Bandh a success. After five rounds of talks between the Centre and the farmer unions failed to end the impasse, the two sides are again set to meet on December 9, a day after the countrywide strike.

Petrol, diesel prices hiked for fifth straight day DIMAPUR, Dec 6 (NPN): State-owned oil marketing companies (OMCs) Sunday hiked the petrol price by 28 paise per litre and diesel by 29 paise, the fifth straight day of increase in rates due to firming international oil prices.

According to PTI reports, in Delhi petrol price rose to Rs 83.41 per litre from Rs 83.13 and diesel rates went up from Rs 73.32 to Rs 73.61 per litre.

In Dimapur, petrol price rose to Rs. 85.78 per litre from Rs.85.56 per litre and diesel price increased to Rs. 76.87 per litre from Rs.76.62 per litre. In state capital Kohima, petrol and diesel prices were Rs. 86.74 and Rs. 77.56 a litre respectively.

Rates crossed Rs 90mark for petrol and Rs 80 in case of diesel in Mumbai.

This is the fifth straight day of price hike and the 14th increase in rates since November 20 when oil companies resumed daily price revision after nearly twomonth hiatus.

Rates are now at the highest level since September 2018.

In 17 days, the petrol price has gone up by Rs 2.35 per litre and diesel rate has risen by Rs 3.15.

This is it!

“I tell all customers that my local vegetables are organic. But I don’t know what organic means.”

K Y M C

SCBA Prez says farm laws ‘unconstitutional’

Farmers shout slogans during their ‘Delhi Chalo’ protest march, Sunday. (PTI)

“This agitation is not only of Punjab farmers but is of the entire nation. We are going to strengthen our agitation and it has already spread across the nation,” farmer leader Baldev Singh Yadav said at a press conference. During the bandh, shops and businesses will remain shut. Ambulances and other emergency services will be exempted, farmer leaders said.

In their joint statement, Sonia Gandhi and other opposition leaders said they extend “solidarity with the ongoing massive struggle by the Indian farmers” and their call for a Bharat Bandh demanding the withdraw-

al of these “retrograde” Agri-laws and the Electricity Amendment Bill. Also among the signatories were RJD’s Tejashwi Yadav, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav, CPI general secretary D Raja, general secretary of CPI (ML) Dipankar Bhattacharya, AIFB general secretary Debabrata Biswas and Manoj Bhattacharya, the general secretary of RSP. NCP chief and former union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar warned the Centre that if the deadlock continues, the agitation will not be limited to Delhi and people from across the country will stand by the protesting farmers.

India’s first Olympic medallist in boxing and party leader Vijender Singh threatened to return his Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award if the Centre does not withdraw the farm laws.

Several sportspersons from Punjab and Haryana have also said that they will return their awards.

Several regional outfits also issued joint statements in states like Assam and Tamil Nadu backing the bandh call. Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said that all AAP workers across the country will join the nationwide strike and appealed to all citizens to support the farmers.

NE arms smuggling routes now turn golden NEW DELHI, DEC 6 (Agencies): Arms smuggling routes are being used to ferry gold into the country and the North East region has recorded the highest seizure of the yellow metal in 2019-20, The Economic Times said citing a report

by Directorate of Revenue Intelligence.

Arms smuggling took a hit with the decline in insurgency after 2013-14, the DRI report said. “But as the routes and the network of carriers were already in place, a switch was made from arms to gold.”

According to DRI, gold smuggling through air routes from West Asian countries has become a risky proposition, due to which smuggling networks prefer land or sea routes. “The preferred routes of gold smuggling until recently were the air routes from Middle East, from where most of the gold was being pushed illegally into India... Due to

the increased surveillance of customs and DRI at the international airports, the gold smuggling has become a risky proposition,” the report said.

In July, customs officials had seized gold worth Rs 14.82 crore concealed in a diplomatic cargo at the Thiruvananthapuram international airport. The case was later handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and has resulted in removal of Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan’s former principal secretary M Sivasankar. “Smuggling of gold through the land borders has risen many-folds,” the DRI report said.

“The Khawmawi village in Myanmar, which is located on the east of Zokhawthar, is the focal point of the smuggling network.”

Citing data from World Gold Council, DRI said 120 tonnes of gold were smuggled into India in 2019-20,

which was about 15-17% of the nation’s annual demand.

“India imports about 800850 tonnes of gold every year, while its annual consumption is around 1,000 tonnes,” the report said.

“This suggests that roughly 150-200 tonnes of gold are being smuggled into the country every year. Estimates suggest that there is a margin in excess of Rs 3 lakh per kg of smuggled gold.”

Considering the geostrategic location and the presence of China and other Southeast Asian countries on either side, Myanmar has become a transit corridor for movement of goods between two major global markets and production centres.

“Though smuggling happens across the IMB (India-Myanmar border), most of the smuggled goods have their origin in Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia and China,” the DRI report said.

UK set for roll-out of Pfizer’s Covaxin this week international, Page 9

Dengue cases reported in Dimapur Staff Reporter

Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) president Dushyant Dave has termed the Centre’s farm laws “unconstitutional and illegal” and offered his services as a lawyer free of cost to the agitating farmers if they wish to challenge them in court.

“The laws are unconstitutional and illegal,” Dave said and added that he has offered to represent farmers “pro bono” in courts of law if they wish to challenge these statutes. “It would be advisable in the larger interest of the farmers and the country that either the government issues a notification stopping the implementation of the Act till the talks take place or the Supreme Court takes up the matter and grants the stay then we can save the lives of the farmers and the agony that they are going through,” he said.

The top court has already decided to hear pleas of RJD MP Manoj Jha and DMK MP Tiruchi Siva, and one by Rakesh Vaishnav of Chhattisgarh Kisan Congress challenging the constitutional validity of the three laws.

D I M A P U R , D EC 6 (NPN): Against the backdrop of COVID-19 pandemic which has totally disrupted normal life in the state, reports of Dengue cases in Dimapur is causing concern among medical practitioners as it could have the potential of worsening the already over stretched health system.

As per sources, four patients diagnosed with dengue have been admitted to a private hospital. Dengue virus is transmitted by female mosquitoes mainly of the species Aedes aegypti and, to a lesser extent, Ae. albopictus. These mosquitoes are also vectors of chikungunya, yellow fever and Zika viruses In 2018, Nagaland witnessed outbreak of dengue cases which took an epidemic form. In that year, out of 240 dengue cases from Dimapur and Kohima, Dimapur alone reported 235 dengue cases.

Many patients infected by the Dengue virus will be completely asymptomatic.

Most symptomatic patients will present with a flu like illness, with fever, head-

GST compensation formula gets nod from all states

CYF welcomes stay order on dog meat ban; tells govt to not curtail ‘personal liberty’

NEW DELHI, DEC 6 (IANS): All the 28 states and three union territories with legislature have decided to go for the Centresuggested compensation formula to meet the revenue shortfall arising out of the GST implementation.

Jharkhand, the only remaining state, has now communicated its acceptance of Option-1 given.

Centre has set up a special borrowing window for the states who choose Option-1 to borrow the amount of shortfall arising out of GST implementation.

The window has been operationalised since October 23 and the Centre has already borrowed an amount of Rs 30,000 crore on behalf of the states in five instalments and passed it on to the ones who chose Option-1.

The next instalment (Rs 6,000 cr) will be released on December 7.

D I M A P U R , D EC 6 (NPN): Chakhesang Youth Front (CYF) has welcomed the Gauhati High Court, Kohima bench stay order on the state government’s decision to ban the commercial sale of dog meat.

CYF stated that decision was a great relief against Nagaland chief secretary’s impugned notification dated July 4, 2020 to “ban the commercial import and trade of dog meat and dining in restaurant”, which it viewed to be illegal and unconstitutional, and amounting to deprivation of liberty.

In a press statement, CYF president, Lhuvesayi Lohe and joint secretary, Veshekhoyi Chizo said that the impugned administrative law notified was a rude shock to the Nagas, especially to the Chakhesang community as Nagas were known for having a unique

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Headache

Eye Pain & Fever

Rashes

Back Pain

Muscle Aches

Joint Pain

ache, pain behind the eyes, myalgias, arthralgias, nausea, and vomiting. A maculopapular rash is present in 50-80% of symptomatic patients. Petechial rashes, epistaxis, and oral mucous membrane hemorrhage can sometimes also occur.

About 5% of patients will present with more severe disease (hemorrhage and hypovolemic shock). It is life threatening in a small proportion of cases (<1%) and can lead to death despite treatment.

At an inter-sectoral meeting on dengue seminar in 2018, it was disclosed that entomological survey and inspections carried out in various localities here recently found that the percentage of house

index, which indicates the presence of dengue eggs and larvae, was alarmingly high. The high rate of house index suggests that there is a high risk of transmission and increased cases of dengue.

The impact of a ‘dengue-COVID-19’ season would entail two different diagnostic tests and extract a huge toll on patients too, each disease making the other more complicated to deal with and perhaps more fatal According to renowned virologist, virologist Shahid Jameel, based on 2016-2019 data, he estimated that India gets about 100,000 to 200,000 confirmed cases of dengue each (Cont’d on p-8) year.

traditional-cultural identity.

CYF appreciated the court for understanding the sentiments of the Chakhesang Nagas in particular and Nagaland in general.

It reminded the government that the forefathers, since ages, valued dog meat as a special delicacy, which was rich in protein and considered having high medicinal supplement for the body.

Noting that dog meat was a “regular day-to-day culinary food item” and part of “our lifestyle”, CYF stated that the traditional practice and food habits were part of “our cultural identity”.

The youth forum further stated that it totally opposed banning of dog meat under Phek district and urged the government to not curtail “our personal liberty which is also part of our fundamental identity to

our existence”. It pointed out that the court viewed its as illegal and unconstitutional, the impugned notification of banning dog meat, adding it was a curtailment of liberty and a violation of the procedural law, having no valid legislation and for not taking into consideration of the concern stakeholders.

CYF stated that such “illegal and unconstitutional decision” of the state government should be revoked immediately and instead give liberty to the stakeholders whether to rear, barter, trade, cater or dine.

In November Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench granted an interim stay against the State government notification banning commercial import and trade of dogs, dog markets and sale of dogs in the State.

COVID could push extreme poverty to over 1 billion by 2030: UN Nagaland COVID tally 11379 UNITED NATIONS, DEC 6 (PTI): An additional 207 million people could be pushed into extreme poverty by 2030 due to the severe long-term impact of the coronavirus pandemic, bringing the total number of the world’s extremely poor to more than a billion, a new study from the UN Development Programme (UNDP) has found.

The study assesses the impact of different COVID19 recovery scenarios on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), evaluating the multidimensional effects of the pandemic over the next decade. The study is part of a long-standing partnership between the UNDP and the Pardee Center for International Futures at the University of Denver. “ S eve r e l o n g - t e r m effects of the COVID-19 pandemic could push an additional 207 million people

Countries where poverty headcounts likely to rise India Nigeria Indonesia Bangladesh Congo-Kinshasa Philippines Ethiopia Brazil Afghanistan Sudan Pakistan Zimbabwe 2,000,000 4,000,000 6,000,000 8,000,000 10,000,000 12,000,000 Source: Authors’ calculations

into extreme poverty on top of the current pandemic trajectory, bringing the total to over 1 billion by 2030,” noted the study.

The ‘Baseline COVID’ scenario, based on current mortality rates and the most recent growth projections by the International Monetary Fund (IMF), would result in 44 million more people living in extreme poverty by 2030 compared to the

BROOKINGS

development trajectory the world was on before the pandemic.

Under a ‘High Damage’ scenario, where the recover y is protracted, COVID-19 is likely to push an additional 207 million people into extreme poverty by 2030, and increase the female poverty headcount by an additional 102 million compared to that baseline, says the report.

The ‘High Damage’ scenario anticipates that 80 per cent of the COVID-induced economic crisis would persist in 10 years’ time due to loss in productivity, preventing a full recovery to the growth trajectory seen before the pandemic.

However, the study also finds that a focused set of SDG investments over the next decade in social protection/welfare programmes, governance, digitalisation, and a green economy could not only prevent the rise of extreme poverty, but actually exceed the development trajectory the world was on before the pandemic.

“This ambitious, yet feasible ‘SDG Push’ scenario would lift an additional 146 million people out of extreme poverty, narrow the gender poverty gap, and reduce the female poverty headcount by 74 million, even taking into ac-

count the current impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic,” UNDP said.

UNDP Administrator Achim Steiner said as this new poverty research highlights, the COVID-19 pandemic is a tipping point, and the choices leaders take now could take the world in very different directions.

“We have an opportunity to invest in a decade of action that not only helps people to recover from COVID-19, but that re-sets the development path of people and planet towards a more fair, resilient and green future,” he said.

The concerted SDG interventions suggested by the study combine behavioural changes through nudges for both governments and citizens, such as improved effectiveness and efficiency in governance and changes in consumption patterns of food, energy and water.

COVID-19 STATUS AS ON december 6, 2020 ACTIVE CASES Symptomatic AsympCritical-ICU District tomMod- Se- With- With On Mild atic erate vere out Oxy- VentiOxygen gen lator Dimapur 122 17 7 1 0 0 1 Kiphire 3 0 0 0 0 0 0 Kohima 280 19 7 0 5 0 0 Longleng 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mokokchung 2 0 0 0 0 0 0 Mon 24 0 0 0 0 0 0 Peren 18 2 0 0 0 0 0 Phek 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Tuensang 31 1 0 0 0 0 0

Death MiRecovunder Total Death gratered InvestiCases ed gation 5983 24 3092 9 116 565 460 44 195

40 1 20 0 1 2 0 0 1

3 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Wokha

4

0

0

0

0

0

0

28

1

0

Zunheboto Total

0 484

0 39

0 14

0 1

0 5

0 0

0 1

137 10653

0 66

0 3

70 0 18 9 4 9 0 0 0

6245 28 3440 18 123 600 480 44 228

0

33

3 140 113 11379

*7 deaths not due to Covid-19 *3 deaths under investigation

DIMAPUR, DEC 6 (NPN): Nagaland COVID-19 tally on Sunday rose to 11379, after 39 more people were tested positive for infection.

Of the 39 cases, Kohima reported 28 cases, 5 in Dimapur, 2 each in Wokha and Tuensang and 1 each in Kiphire and Peren.

According to a data from the state health depart-

ment, the state currently has 544 active cases while 10653 have recovered from the infection.

P T I a d d s : I n d i a ’s COVID-19 caseload mounted to 96,44,222 with 36,011 new infections being reported in a day, while the death toll crossed to 1.40 lakh with 482 new fatalities, the data updated at 8 am showed.

K Y M C

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

KVKs conduct various programmes across Nagaland

Youths along with KVK Phek officials at a scientific pig Youth trainees with KVK officials at the training held on Farmers with KVK and SBI officials at the programme farm of progressive farmers.

December 5 at Chuchuyimpang. on December 5 at KVK Lumami office.

DIMAPUR: Krishi Vigyan Kendras (KVKs) across the state has been conducting various activities for farming community in their respective areas.

KVK Phek: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK) Phek conducted exposure and training programme on artificial insemination (AI) in pigs sponsored by National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) from November 30 to December 4, in collaboration with ICAR Research Complex for NEH Region, Nagaland Centre, Medziphema.

A press release by KVK Phek stated that, during the inaugural ses-

sion, director, ICAR NRC on Mithun, Dr MH Khan emphasised on prospects of commercial pig farming in Nagaland and significance of AI technology in bringing superior genetics.

During the training programme, scientist (animal reproduction and gynaecology), ICAR-Nagaland, Dr Mahak Singh explained basic techniques of AI in pigs and research associate, mega seed project on pig, Dr Talimoa Mollier demonstrated techniques in farm and field condition to the youths.

Presentations on various aspects of AI in pigs were delivered by resource persons, scientist

(animal reproduction and gynaecology), ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Medziphema Dr Vikram R and ACTO KVK Dimapur, Dr Ebibeni Ngullie.

Meanwhile, the youths visited scientific pig farms of progressive farmers Achumo Ngullie and Seve Vadeo at Seithekema C and Seithekema A led by asst. chief technical officer (animal science), KVK, ICAR-NRC on Mithun, Porba Phek, Dr Debojyoti Borkotoky. 20 youths from 12 villages participated in the programme.

KVK Mokokchung: Six-day skill training of r ural youth (STRY) in collaboration with State

Agriculture Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) and National Institute of Extension Management (MANAGE) was conducted by KVK Mokokchung from November 30 to December 5, at DEF, Chuchuyimpang.

A press release KVK Mokokchung, senior scientist and head, Dr. Keviletsu Khate stated that, training covered various topics on vermicompost preparation and its avenues followed by practical demonstrations with the assistance of technical officers from KVK Mokokchung, Ilika Achumi and Moainla Longkumer. Trainees were trained by

Samuel Sangtam, ACTO (Agronomy) on vermicomposting, an important component of soil amendment to enhance soil fertility for every organic farmer.

Altogether 15 youths were trained with a full fledged course along with inputs distribution. Certificates were also distributed to the participants.

KVK Zunheboto: Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Zunheboto celebrated “world soil health day” with the theme “keep soil alive protect soil diversity” on December 5 at KVK, Lumami office, Lumami, Nagaland University along with SBI, Mokokchung.

A press release by

KVK Zunheboto senior scientist and head, Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia stated that, Dr. Visakho Shunyu, ACTO, agronomy spoke on the importance of soil health day celebration. Dr. Rakesh Kumar Chaurasia spoke on the importance of soil testing and what measures needed to be taken to keep soil alive and preserve soil biodiversity.

Chief manager, district sales hub Chinlianthang Ngaihte from SBI, Mokochung gave advice regarding the different schemes which can be availed by the farmers. Due to COVID-19 only a small group of farmers from Lumami village were able to attend.

AGBCN holds biennial National webinar on COVID- Team Metamorphosis inductionyouth conference 19 and climate change cum-advent Christmas programme

DIMAPUR: Three-day 2nd biennial youth conference of Association of Gorkha Baptist Churches Nagaland (AGBCN) hosted by Gorkha Baptist Church, Full Nagarajan, Dimapur, was held at AGBCN mission centre Singrijan from November 27 to 29, under the theme “Rooted & growing in Christ” Colossians 2:7.

A press release by AGBCN stated that, speakers for the conference were executive secretary, AGBCN, Rev. K Santabir Rai, church and mission secretary, AGBCN, Hari Magar, finance secretary, AGBCN, Norbu Lama and Samuel Chettri of Nagamese Baptist fellowship Chümoukedima village, all speaking on the theme of the conference.

Praise and worship was led by Nepali Baptist Church Chümoukedima and Gorkha Baptist Church Mon town.

DIMAPUR: Nagaland State Climate Change Cell, NASTEC, an autonomous body of the department of Science and Technology conducted a national webinar on “COVID-19 and climate change: challenges and responses” on December 3.

According to DIPR report, the webinar comprised of panellists, state nodal officer, IDSP, Climate Change & Human Health, department of Health & Family Welfare, Dr. Nyan Kikon, senior fellow climate change, MS Swaminathan Research Foundation, Chennai, prof. T. Jayaraman and CCF& state nodal officer for Climate Change, department of Environment, Forest & Climate Change, Supongnukshi. Dr. Nyan Kikon said that the global Fountain Club Kohima felicitated Medo Yhokha, the pandemic illustrates how first club chairman and present advisor of Technical inequality was a major barEducation & Election department, Nagaland at Hotel rier in ensuring health and wellbeing of the people and Japfü Kohima, Sunday. (NP)

1 DEATH ANNIVERSARY ST

how social and economic inequalities materialises in unequal access to health care system.

Prof. T. Jayaraman stated that said that Coronavirus was an intruder into the lives of human society which needs to be eradicated, but to completely eradicate greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions would be impossible.

Supongnukshi stated that there was a huge difference in the environment and without the intervention of humans; nature has its own way to regenerate.

Resource persons mentioned that there was no evidence of a direct connection between climate change and transmission of COVID-19. Further, they added that strengthening health systems and greater protection of biodiversity and natural environment may help reducing the risks of future outbreaks of diseases.

DIMAPUR: Team Metamorphosis (TM) held its induction of new members-cum-advent Christmas programme on December 5, with assistant pastor Wokha Town Baptist Church (WTBC) Zurenthung Humtsoe as guest speaker at Wokha.

A press release by TM president, James Tungoe stated that, the guest speaker compared the term “metamorphosis” as profoundly appropriate as the organisation has grown from a small team to a self-confident and popular NGO in Wokha district within 15 years of journey. He also encouraged the organisation by stating that, for success of any organisational plans and visions, one must fear God first.

He lauded the organisation which have been rendering selfless service and contributing immensely to the development agenda of the state and district in particular.

As Christmas approaches, the speaker also said that one must come closer to God in a special way as that was the true meaning of Christmas.

news in Brief NAF announces annual scholarship: Naga American Foundation (NAF) has announced the launch of its 2020-21 Aryo Shishak memorial scholarships, open to all Naga/Naga-American students enrolled in higher education studying in the United States. Interested candidates are to submit an essay on their experiences as Naga/Naga-American students studying in the US. Previous applicants have also been encouraged to apply for the scholarship, given the provision that they were not past scholarship recipients. The deadline for application is on December 31, 11:59 p.m (ET).

For more information, one can visit at nafconnect. net/scholarships.

Tuensang DPDB meeting: Tuensang DPDB has been scheduled to be held on December 11, 11 a.m at DC’s conference hall, Tuensang. All DPDB members have been requested to follow the SOPs while attending the meeting.

Corrigendum: Apropos the news published under the headline, “multi-purpose ward inaugurated in Mkg” should read as multi-purpose hall and under the headline, “Tovihoto graces DSSU golden jubilee celebrates” should be read as celebration and not as published. Inadvertent error is regretted.

Virtual menstrual hygiene management prog in Nagaland

CHI director Loreni Sophia along with participants at the virtual programme on December 6.

DIMAPUR: Community Health Initiative (CHI) from Nagaland participated at the virtual “world’s biggest session on menstrual hygiene management” organized by Sakriya Charitable Trust (SCT).

A press release by CHI Dr. Rhondemo A. Kikon stated that, the event in Nagaland was organized by director of CHI Loreni Sophia, where she facilitated the online discussions and later had an interaction session with the participants on best practices related to

menstrual hygiene management. She also showed them different menstrual products and suggested using recyclable sanitary napkins, being more environmentally friendly and cost-effective.

All 29 states in India from Kargil to Kanyakumari participated as one country, one mission, one day, and one-time.

The event’s mission was to spread menstrual hygiene management, awareness, and taboos related to menstrual across the country.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

2 ND DEATH ANNIVERSARY Late M Simon Kent

of Late Hutoshe Yeptho

Born: 28/10/1964 – Died: 07/12/2018

It breaks our hearts to lose you, but you did not go alone, a part of us went with you, the day God took you home. If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane, we'd walk our way to heaven and bring you back again. In life we loved you dearly; in death we love you still. In our hearts you hold a place no one can ever fill.

"We will always miss you Dad" K-1982 -Loved ones

1ST DEATH ANNIVERSARY

Born: 03/02/1975 – Died: 07/12/2019

The world changes from year to year, Our lives from day to day, but the love and memory of you, shall never pass away.

DP-5376

K Y M C

Loving Wife, Children & Family Members

BORN ON 07/10/1975 – DIED ON 07/12/2019

Most beloved son Late Asokhiung a year have already passed without a trace and it seems just like yesterday since you left us for heavenly abode on 7th Dec’2019. Your memories are still afresh always lingering in our mind. Your spouse, sons and the whole family feels your deep presence as we pursue each day of our life. So near yet so far nevertheless your soft spoken nature and hospitable attitude will forever cherish within us. Remember that we are walking with faith and hope to join you someday so that you will never walk alone.

DP-5370

Loving Family Members

LATE HOTOLU CHISHI

11th Feb, 1940 —3rd December, 2020

“The Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord” — Job 1: 21

“IPU—OUR PILLAR OF STRENGTH”

Dearest Ipu, words cannot express how good a person you were.

So immeasurable your love and greatness.

No matter how old we are, we need you still… and we wonder how we shall get by without you.

They remain unforgotten, all your imparted words of wisdom, indelibly imprinted in us.

As witness to these times, you were that rare man of principle and integrity who loved all; and further yet, was loved by all Selflessly, unendingly, that depth of your affection encompassed all who were fortunate enough to have met you For you were an individual devoted not only to his friends and family.

This society`s welfare motivated your spirit. And to that cause, you did contribute.

The story of your life is an inspired exemplary statement as to how we must also live ours.

We know you are by His side now, in a Heaven that is richer by your presence.

Even so, today, Our world seems empty.

Your absence felt.

Profoundly.

Inexhaustibly.

Unreservedly.

Oh, dearest Ipu We know this separation is not forever.

We continue our lives, with full faith that this parting is only temporary We anticipate the moment when we will all meet again, by His grace.

We, the bereaved family, would like to extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood by us upon the demise of our beloved husband and father, Late Hotolu Chishi, on 3rd December, 2020. We deeply appreciate the rendered gestures of love and sympathy; and to that, we pray for abundant blessings from our Almighty Lord.

Loving wife, children, son-in-law, grandson and extended family DP-5390 K Y M C

nagalandpost.com Poll Q . : Should Sunday shopping during Christmas season be permitted ?

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

A B C

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B

Yes. No. Can’t Say.

C

44% 54% 2%

Next poll

Q: Can North East United

reach the final of ISL 2020?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST December 7

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Hazy sunshine

27 15

Aizawl

Hazy sun

22 10

Guwahati Hazy sunshine

25 15

Hazy sunshine

23 9

Imphal

Itanagar Partly sunny and nice

22 14

Shillong

An afternoon shower

16 6

Kohima

An a.m. shower; partly sunny

18 8

Dimapur Mostly sunny and beautiful

24 13

Sunshine and patchy clouds

20 11

Mkg

Tuensang Partly sunny

15 5

Sunshine and a few clouds

19 12

Zunheboto Sunshine and patchy clouds

17 8

Wokha

HG, CD & SDRF 58th Raising Day

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A

S. R. Saravanam, ADG at the programme in Kohima. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: Nagaland Home Guards, Civil Defence (CD) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) observed its 58th Raising Day on December 6 in Kohima and Dimapur. The Nagaland Home Guards Organization was formally established on March 1, 1988 by an Ordinance of 1987 under the Home department with the then home commissioner as ex-officio commandant general and dy. commandant general headed the organisation at the HQ level.

This continued till October 1991 when a regular officer was posted from the IPS with S. Akang Jamir, as the first director general and Lt. Sitlhou as the first

Personnel of HG, CD and SDRF at the raising day programme held on December 6 at Dimapur.

commandant general. Nagaland Home Guards Acts of 1988 was passed by the state legislature on May 12, 1988.

Kohima: In Kohima, programme was chaired by Isaac Semy, staff officer (Hqrs). DCG Medozhalie Pienyu mentioned about the history and formation of the Home Guards department in the state and how it had evolved over the years. He highlighted the various activities of the department and acknowledged the selfless sacrifice and hard work of the SDRF personnel in the fight against COVID-19.

He also paid tribute to the lone SDRF personnel who succumbed to COVID-19

Memorial monolith erected in Mezoma

FGN members, village authorities, youth and church members at the programme on December 5 at Mezoma village.

DIMAPUR: A monolith erected in remembrance of ‘maj.’ Riato Rhitso Beyiese was inaugurated by Naga National Council (NNC) CEC member, Zapuvisie Lhousa Kuotsu at Mezoma village on December 5.

A press release by the organisers stated that, Zapuvisie highlighted the gathering on the life and commendable deeds of ‘maj.’

Riato, who had served the Naga nation and died while on duty at the age of 33.

He also informed that

‘maj.’ Riato from Mezoma village was a recipient of hero award and military service medal-1 from the Federal Government of Nagaland (FGN), and was a brave, committed Naga and showed exemplary valour in executing his duties up to the time of his death on July 17, 1970.

The monolith was erected by the Vihutsumia Khel of Mezoma village along with support from well-wishers and stands as a reminder of Riato’s courage

and selfless service for the Naga cause.

Earlier, programme was chaired by Keviseto Rhitso, president, Vihutsumia Youth Organization, prayer pronounced by Rüülhoukho Khawakhrie, catechist, Catholic Church Mezoma, brief sharing by Rovilhousie Kuotsu president, Vihutsumia Mechü Kehou and Visanyiizo Kuotsu, nephew of ‘major’ Riato. Vote of thanks was given by Thepfiikrulie Rhitso.

complications while in the line of duty and expressed that every Naga was indebted to him for his ultimate sacrifice.

ADG, S. R. Saravanam commended the department for the excellent work it has been doing in aiding the state police in maintaining law and order as well as regulating traffic and most importantly as first responders during times of calamities and disasters be it natural or manmade. He urged the SDRF personnel to work together cohesively as a team and mentioned that they had a big responsibility to look after the safety and well being of the citizens. Programme

also witnessed a brief demonstration by SDRF personnel on different rescue techniques during emergencies.

Dimapur: Home Guards (HG), Civil Defence (CD) and State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), Dimapur, celebrated its raising day at district commandant office Dimapur, on December 6.

According to DIPR report, district commandant, HG, CD & SDRF, Y Khenito Chishi, highlighted when and how the organisation was formed in the country and the roles played by the organisation and effortless contribution during pandemic.

To m a r k t h e d ay, demonstration on sliding stretcher from ladder, emergency method of rescue and donning and doffing of PPE kits were displayed by SDRF personnel.

Other highlights of the day included invocation by havaldar Angukato, reading of VIP messages by havaldar Lipoksashi, special song

by L/nk Chuwachu and presentation of DG commendation certificate to six staff and personnel.

Programme was chaired by, company commander, Lichemse Sangtam.

Coffee table book on late Phyolumo Lotha released

DIMAPUR: The 50th death anniversary of late Phyolumo Lotha was held on December 4 at Wokha, wherein a coffee table book “A memoir of the life and legacy of Phyolumo Lotha (Head DB)” was released by DC Wokha, Orenthung Lotha.

According to DIPR report, the book was published by his grandchildren to commemorate the occasion. The hall of late Phyolumo’s house has also been christened as Phyolumo Lotha memorial hall, which will be open for community meetings and Christian fellowship events.

Programme was attended

by DC Wokha, Rev. Abemo Jungio pastor, Wokha Lotha Baptist Church, family members, elders and well wishers from Wozhuro range.

Late Phyolumo was assassinated on December 3, 1970 and succumbed to gunshot wound on December 4, 1970. He was recipient of King George VI medal (19391945), The Burma Star medal (twice) and President’s medal, state meritorious award 1996 Wokha district, Nagaland statehood medal, on account of being in government service when Nagaland attained statehood.

Retiring officer M. Mhonbemo Ngullie with other officers from Forest department Retiring vice principal, Alemla Imsong. on December 3.

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cember 3.

A press release by deputy conser vator of Forests, chief wildlife warden and wildlife warden Kiphire, Suman W. M. Sivachar stated that, programme was held at conference hall of forest office complex, Kohima to commemorate the service rendered to the department by the retiring official. M. Mhonbemo Ngullie served for 33 and half years and

achieved superannuation on November 30.

Programme was attended by Vedpal Singh, chief wildlife warden, Aochuba, director, Intanki National Park, Suman W M Sivachar DCF, O/o chief wildlife warden and wildlife warden, Kiphire Wildlife Division, Prabhat Kumar, director Nagaland Zoological Park, Tokaho Kinimi, wildlife warden, Dimapur Wildlife

Division, Beizo, DFO Dimapur, Rama Shankar Prasad, ACF, Dimapur Division and Rajkumar M, ACF, range officers and Forest department staff.

Programme also welcomed the new chief wildlife warden, Vedpal Singh.

DGC Dimapur: Dimapur Government College (DGC) held a farewell programme for retiring

District model washroom inaugurated in Longleng

ADC Longleng, D. Robin with PBCA team during the inaugural programme at Longleng on December 5. (NP)

Correspondent LONGLENG, DEC 6 (NPN): A newly constructed district model washroom was inaugurated by additional deputy commissioner (ADC) Longleng, D. Robin at Phom Baptist Christian Association (PBCA) compound on December 5, constructed by Phom Baptist Christian Association under Swachh Bharat Mission.

While delivering a short speech, ADC D. Robin appreciated the efforts of the PBCA for constructing such facility for the public at an important location as PBCA compound, where lots of people come for many important events.

He said that services of different facilities needed

to be made available to the public, however, he also pointed out that it was the bounden duty of public to have the sense of paying in return for the services rendered by the government or any agency.

In this regard, he appealed the public to make the best use of it and also assured to extend all possible support wherever the district administration’s service was required.

Executive secretary PBCA, N. Tialemba Phom while delivering concept note informed that district model washroom which was partially funded by Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) was completed with the amount of Rs. 2,70,000 (two lakhs seventy thousand). He said,

Swachh Bharat Mission under urban development has funded Rs. 40,000 while Phom Baptist Christian Association came up with Rs. 2,30,000.

He also informed that, the construction of district model washroom was executed with a vision to ensure providing improved sanitation facilities and proper practices of modern infrastructure for healthy living. He further expressed gratitude to the ADC & administrator Longleng Town Council and PBCA team for constant help and encouragement.

Earlier, programme was chaired by S. Phakmei Phom while dedicatory prayer was said by Simon Phom.

Sensitisation on women centric schemes in Meluri

Women participants with district administration Phek, DLCW-Mahila Shakti Kendra Phek officials at Shilloi lake.

DIMAPUR: As part of 16-day activism against gender based violence, a three-day sensitisation programme on women centric schemes was conducted in five villages at Meluri sub-division under Phek district, from December 3 to 5.

A press release by DLCW-MSK Phek stated that, programmes were held at Weziho, New Thewati, Old Thewati, Letsam, Phokhungri and Avakhung villages under

Farewell programmes for retiring officers

DIMAPUR: Department of Environment, Forests & Climate Change, Nagaland and Dimapur Government College (DGC) held farewell programmes for retiring officers at Kohima and Dimapur respectively.

Forest department Nagaland: The farewell programme for retiring principal secretary and former chief wildlife warden Nagaland, M. Mhonbemo Ngullie was held on De-

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State

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

vice principal, Alemla Imsong on December 5, after having served at different official capacities including HoD Political Science and also officiating principal of college.

A press release by DGC publicity and media cell stated that, Alemla Imsong in her speech shared her memories and experiences of her career. While expressing her gratitude for constant support during her time in the college, she shared her belief that the college would remain under the care of able leadership and committed staff.

Speeches from members of faculty, students and ministerial staff as well as principal, Dr. Moanochet Longchar and former principal Kavili Jakhalu, described her as an efficient administrator and remarkable woman and recounted her immense contribution towards the development of the college and welfare of students.

Meluri sub-division.

DC Phek Sachin Jaiswal suggested that gender equality should reach out to every corner of the world, whereby sensitisation programme on women centric schemes was organised in the remotest area of the district surrounding Shilloi lake (Letsam village) by the district administration team.

SDO (C) and nodal officer BBBP Phek N. Bhavani Sri stated that despite several benefits available

to women under various schemes, the citizens do not avail the scheme due to the lack of information and poor road connection.

The centric schemes include DLCW Mahila Shakti Kendra, Beti Bachao Beti Padhao, women helpline 181, Sakhi- One Stop Centre, Sukanya Samriddhi Yojana (SSY), widow pension, Pradhan Mantri Matru Vandana Yojona (PMMVY).

More than 400 blan-

kets and other nutritional food items were distributed to the needy women and girls. The visitation team was led by DLCW MSK, Phek women welfare officer Vileno Kapu, district coordinators Veposelu Naroh and Avikuotho Nguori.

The programme also aimed to mobilize communities and society to bring about the necessary changes in attitudes, behavior and beliefs about gender equality.

BJP minority morcha executive meeting

DIMAPUR: State minority morcha, BJP Nagaland held its first state executive meeting at Hotel Silhouette, Dimapur where 34 executive members were installed on December 6.

A press release by minority morcha BJP Nagaland state media convener, Ajay Sethi stated that, state minority co-incharge & spokesperson Pintu Ghosh, exhorted the new executives to work dedicatedly for the largest party of the world.

Citing the strong support of the state president Temjen Imna Along Longkumer & national in-charge for Nagaland, Nalin Kohli, who met the morcha officials recently, he exhorted all the executives to provide the solutions for the various issues of the non-tribal minorities in Nagaland.

President of state minority morcha, Deep Kumar, also exhorted the executives to remain actively involved in the party activities, which was echoed by minority morcha state vice-presidents Ajay Sethi, Prem Thongbam & Roshan Kumar Tamang. State of-

fice bearers of minority morcha were installed three months back on September 19 at Hotel Four Seasons in the presence of Khevishe Sema, state general secretary & minority incharge, besides state executive members. State office bearers president Deep Kumar, vice-presidents Ajay Sethi, Ankur Sangpang Rai, Roshan Kumar Tamang, Prem Thongbam, Arjun Gupta, Brij Kishore Rai, general secretaries Jivan Rai, Papiya Chakraborty, secretaries Mustafa Ahmed, Manoj Kumar Sethi, Kal-

imur Rehman, Anita Roy Chowdhury & treasurer Deepankar Sarkar were installed on the day.

Minority Morcha BJP Nagaland expressed gratitude to public in general, the concerned sponsors & Jain Samaj, Lions Club of Dimapur, Galilee Orphanage, Mother Teresa Home, Nepali Basti Council in particular for their contributions in making all the programmes successful.

Brij Kishore Rai was the chairman of the event while Sanjay Dey offered the vote of thanks.

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northeast

Probe ordered into Bajrang Dal’s threat on visiting churches

S i lc h a r ( Ass a m ) , Dec 6 (PTI): The Cachar district administration of Assam has asked the police to investigate an inflammatory speech reportedly made by a local Bajrang Dal leader threatening to beat up Hindus visiting churches during Christmas celebrations.

Taking note of a viral video in which the saffron outfit’s leader was seen issuing the threat, Cachar Deputy Commissioner Keerthi Jalli on Sunday said she has instructed the superintendent of police to probe the matter and “take necessary steps”.

Police, however, said no case has been registered as of now and the incident is being investigated.

“We have not received any complaint from anyone. However, we are looking into the incident after seeing the video,” a senior police officer said.

Bajrang Dal Cachar incharge Mithun Nath, while addressing a gathering of the outfit’s members on December 3, was seen telling

31 new cases push Tripura’s COVID19 tally to 32,891 Ag a rta l a , D e c 6 (PTI): At least 31 more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Tripura on Sunday, pushing the tally in the state to 32,891, a health department official said.

The death toll remained at 369 as no new fatality due to the infection was reported, he said.

West Tripura district, of which state capital Agartala is a part, has accounted for 186 of the 369 COVID19 deaths, the official said.

Tripura currently has 454 active coronavirus cases, while 32,045 people have recovered from the disease.

Twenty-three patients have migrated to other states, the official said. On Saturday, sixty-three people were discharged from GB Pant Hospital, the main referral facility for COVID-19 patients in the state. A total of 5,40,091 samples have been tested for COVID-19 in the northeastern state so far, he said.

Two more COVID-19 deaths, 73 14 opposition parties of Assam pledge fresh infections in Meghalaya support to farmer unions’ ‘Bharat bandh’

Correspondent

Christian-majority Meghalaya’s capital Shillong.

“Media friends will term us intolerant and ‘goonda dal’. It’s alright, we accept that. If someone misbehaves with our mother-sister and we react, then we are goondas. We accept that, but still, we will not allow anything disrespectful towards our mothers and sisters.

“I know what will be the headline the next day on December 26. It will be intolerant Bajrang Dal, who vandalised the Oriental school,” Nath had said.

In a sarcastic tone, he appealed to the Bajrang Dal members to act as per the law “because the law is only for the Hindus and they should not break the law”.

“You open temple, we will allow the church. We welcome that. But if you will lock the temple there, then we will not allow the church here,” Nath said.

People from a crosssection of the society have condemned Nath’s reported threat.

Shillong, Dec 6: The death toll due to COVID-19 in Meghalaya rose to 120 with two more persons succumbing to the viral infection, even as 73 new infections took the number of active cases to 664 on Sunday, health officials said.

A 67-year-old male COVID-19 patient from Nagaon, Assam, who had co-morbidities passed away at the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS), Shillong, while a 65 –yearold male patient, also suffering from other ailments succumbed to the viral infection at the Civil Hospital in Tura, West Garo Hills, Director of Health Services (MI), Dr. Aman War said.

East Khasi Hills, including Shillong, which is the most affected district in the State, had 404 active cases, followed by West Garo Hills with 138 cases as per the latest count.

Meanwhile, the number of recoveries surged to

ASDC condemns HAD Minister

Arunachal reports 17 new COVID-19 cases

Mithun Nath them that no Hindus will be allowed to visit churches during Christmas.

“Hindus will be beaten up. The Christians will lock down our temples and we will go to have fun in their churches -- I condemn such Hindus. They need to be taught a lesson.

“We declare it today that on next Christmas, no Hindus will be allowed to visit churches. If anyone visits, Bajrang Dal will give its reply,” Nath reportedly said.

The saffron group’s leader was referring to the alleged closure of the Vivekananda Centre, a part of Ramakrishna Mission, in

Correspondent Diphu, Dec 6: Autonomous State Demand Committee has condemned Hill Areas Development Minister Sum Ronghang for allegedly siphoning off several crores of rupees meant for Greater Diphu Water Supply Scheme.

The regional party’s reaction was voiced in the 7th conference of the party held at Diphu. Vice president of ASDC Chomang Kro alleged that the minister had siphoned off the entire amount of the project when he was in Congress party.

In his speech Kro, while mentioning the vexed interstate border issue, demanded that competent authority send out central security forces in Daldali Reserve Forest along the Assam-Nagaland border to stop infringement from Nagaland side. Kro criticized the ruling BJP for its failure in meeting the demand of the Autonomous State comprising Karbi Anglong and Dima Hasao provided

in Article 244 (A) of the Constitution of India. The VP of the party said in his speech that, BJP promises Autonomous State whenever election comes but later overlooks it. “BJP leaders during elections have made promises to the people of Karbi Anglong to grant Autonomous State, but after elections their promises are forgotten,” Kro said.

The ASDC has demanded that the Diphu Civil Hospital should be reinstated, mentioning that the poor are facing untold desolation since the Diphu Civil Hospital was closed by the state government to make the Diphu Medical College and Hospital more purposeful. The conference was attended by ASDC president Chandra Kanta Terang, former MLA Hemsing Tisso, former EM Sonasing Terang, secretary (finance) Sanjay Killing, secretary (publicity) Daniel Teron, KSA president Jemson Timung and Karbi Nimso Chingthur Asong (KNCA) secretary Kajek Tokbipi.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Itanagar, Dec 6 (PTI): Seventeen more people tested positive for COVID-19 in Arunachal Pradesh, pushing the tally in the state to 16,384, a senior health department official said here on Sunday.

Of the 17 fresh cases, six were reported from the Capital Complex region, three from Tawang and two from Upper Siang, State Surveillance Officer (SSO) Dr Lobsang Jampa said.

One case each was also recorded in West Kameng, Lower Subansiri, Tirap, Changlang, East Siang and Anjaw, he said.

Fifteen infections were detected through rapid antigen tests while one each was diagnosed through RT-PCR and True NAT tests, the SSO said. The state now has 748 active coronavirus cases.

Twenty more patients were cured of the disease, taking the total number of recoveries to 15,581.

11,453 in the State with 61 new recoveries registered on Sunday, which included 38 in East Khasi Hills district, 15 in West Garo Hills district, three in Ri-Bhoi district, two each in East Garo Hills districts, and North Garo Hills district and one in West Jaintia Hills district.

District Magistrate, East Khasi Hills Isawanda Laloo has further extended the night curfew in East Khasi Hills District with effect from December 7 upto December 13 only for timings falling between 11:00 PM to 5:00 AM each day.

“Inter-district movement of persons is permitted and inter-State movement of persons will be strictly as per the instructions of the Government of Meghalaya and all persons entering Meghalaya will have to mandatorily register for testing @ http:// meghalayaonline.gov.in/ covid/testing.htm and shall strictly follow the testing and quarantine protocols issued by the Health Department,” the order specified.

G U WAHAT I , D E C 6 (PTI): Altogether 14 opposition parties, including Congress, AIUDF and the Left, in Assam on Sunday announced their “full support” to the ‘Bharat Bandh’ called on December 8 by farmer unions demanding repeal of the new farm laws.

Ruling BJP’s ally Asom Gana Parishad (AGP) also extended their support to the struggle of farmers, but refrained from joining hands for the nationwide shutdown. Issuing a joint statement, the parties alleged that farmers in Assam will also be badly affected due to the three laws, which were made to benefit the corporate sector only.

“If the agriculture sector goes in the hands of corporates, then there is a possibility of danger to the food security programme of the government. During BJP rule, the farmers have not got their due from the produce,” the statement said. Supporting the farmers’ demand to repeal the three acts, the 14 opposition parties of the state appealed

Prafulla Kumar Mahanta to people to close all factories, officies, banks, courts, educational institutes and traffic on Tuesday.

The signatories to the joint statement are from Congress, CPI(M), CPI, CPI(ML), RCPI, AAP, NCP, RJD, AJP, Raijor Dal, Anchalik Gana Morcha, LDP and Asom Sangrami Mancha. AIUDF General Secretary Haidor Hussain Bora said his party has also extended full support to the ‘Bharat Bandh’ and demanded immediate repeal of the three laws.

Meanwhile, former Chief Minister and senior AGP leader Prafulla Kumar Mahanta said BJP is losing its support among the public due to many anti-people

policies. “The three agri laws are one such example.

These laws will harm the farming community. We are fully supporting the ongoing protests by the farmers in Delhi,” he told reporters here. The three farm laws -the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, the Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement of Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020 -were enacted by the Centre in September.

Farmers’ bodies protesting against the laws have expressed apprehension that these would pave the way for dismantling of the minimum support price system and do away with the mandis, leaving them at the mercy of big corporate entities. The Centre, on the other hand, has asserted that these new laws will be beneficial for farmers and will increase their income by removing middlemen and allowing them to sell their produce anywhere in the country.

Dead pigs in Mnp river trigger fear of African Swine Flu Correspondent IMPHAL, Dec 6: After dead pigs were found floating, residents in Manipur’s Kakching district have avoided using water from a river that runs passing through the district.

The dumping of the dead pigs in the Sekmai River was amid the fear of African Swine Flu behind the mysterious deaths of pigs in several parts of the state in the last one month.

Deaths of pigs in mysterious conditions were reported in hill districts of Senapati and Churachandpur in the past around one month, sparking off swine flu scare among the people of these districts.

State veterinary department was yet to confirm spread of African Swine Flu (ASF) in the state even though measures like vaccination of pigs were taken up in the two districts in the last few weeks.

Amid the prevailing reluctance to consume pork meat due to the ASF scare, many dead pigs were found in Sekmai river that originats from hills in Chandel district and flows through Kakching district.

Many dead pigs were found floating in the river in the last few days in the river at their village, said a villager of Thonglan, a village on the bank of the Sekmai River.

Villagers suspected the dead pigs were dumped into the river by pig farmers in the upstream of the river, he said.

With the dead pigs starting to rot in the river water and no one to pick them up, the villagers have now avoided using the water. They feared spread of disease from the contaminated water, the villager said when contacted by this correspondent.

No villager was ready to pick up the dead pigs as they suspect the pigs died

due to ASF and also fear contracting diseases from from contaminated water, he said.

The eight states in the north-eastern region of the country were under threat after the spread of the African Swine Flu in pigs which was confirmed in Arunachal Pradesh and Assam in May this year.

The outbreak of ASF in Assam and Arunachal Pradesh was confirmed on May 1 last by National Institute of High Security Animal Diseases (NIHSAD) in Bhopal after samples sent from those two states tested positive.

Before the confirmation of the spread of the highly contagious ASF in the region, almost all the states in the region have restricted the import of pigs in their respective states after deaths of pigs in mysterious circumstances were reported in some states.

In the wake of the outbreak of suspected ASF and high mortality of pigs

in neighbouring states, the Manipur government has also imposed a ban on the import of pigs from outside the state and neighbouring Myanmar with immediate effect.

A notification issued by the state home commissioner on May 2 last said that no live pigs or pork would be allowed to be brought into the state.

The notification was issued complying with a directive from the Union ministr y of fisheries, animal husbandry and dairying, department of agriculture husbandry and dairying.

The contagious African swine fever came to the Northeast region from Tibet in China through Arunachal Pradesh.

Apart from Assam and Meghalaya, other state governments have also sounded a high alert and asked people, especially owners of piggeries, to refrain from transporting pigs across the states.

Manipur’s COVID-19 death toll rise to 306 M’laya BJP MLA mulls all-party legislators to take up ILP with Centre Correspondent

IMPHAL, Dec 6: Even as there is a slight decline in the single-day caseload in the last few days, casualty due to COVID-19 related illness in Manipur crossed 300-mark on Sunday.

People diagnosed with the contagious virus also crossed 26,000-mark as shown by the daily update report of the COVID-19 Common Control Room of Manipur government.

The state registered seven deaths of patients infected with COVID-19 over the

past 24 hours, bringing the state’s death toll to 306, COVID-19 the control room said in a statement today. Of the seven deaths, two were females of ages 67 and 58 years, while the rest were males ranging from 29 to 87 years. Five of them (three from Imphal West and two from Imphal East) were from the worst affected twin capital district of the state, as per the statement.

In the previous day, four people infected with the coronavirus died in hospitals in Imphal. The state was registering the deaths

of patients diagnosed with the virus everyday in the last around two months. With 216 more people including 26 Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) diagnosed with the viral infection over the last 24 hours (till 4 pm of December 6), the overall infection tally of the state also rose to 26,073 including 3,181 CAPF personnel on Sunday. The number of active cases was 2,919 which included 262 CAPF personnel. The recovery rate of the state stood at 87.63% which is much below the national recovery rate of 96.37%.

Correspondent

S h i l lo ng, D e c 6 : Amid mounting pressure from various groups for implementation of the inner Line Permit (ILP) system in the State, BJP legislator Sanbor Shullai on Sunday said that he would take up the issue with the Centre in his individual capacity if the Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad Sangma does not lead a delegation to New Delhi to press for the implementation of the ILP in the state.

The former deputy

speaker also said that all the political representatives of the state elected by the people are duty-bound to go to Delhi and meet the Prime Minister and Home Minister to demand ILP for the state.

“We cannot just go to Delhi in search of various schemes but also follow up issues in the interest of the indigenous people of the state. People have elected us and we cannot just cling on to our posts but we have to pursue matters that affect the interest of the indigenous people of the state,”

he said. “Since the central government has given ILP to other North-eastern states, the indigenous tribe of Meghalaya also have the right to get the it,” Shullai said referring to the four ILP-bound states Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Nagaland and Manipur.

Stating that the demand for implementation of the ILP in Meghalaya was a long pending one, the BJP legislator said, “What saddens me the most is that not long ago the central government gave ILP to Manipur but to date the centre has

not thought of the same for Meghalaya.”

“I believe that the Chief Minister should again lead a strong delegation of all the 60 MLAs to Delhi and stay there till we meet all the concerned people in the central government right from the Prime Minister’s level to the other ministers and our MPs both from the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha should also join hands to see that the Centre gives ILP to Meghalaya,” he emphasised.

Shullai, who is one of the two BJP MLAs in the

State, said that the people need to know about the status of ILP for Meghalaya.

“I will have to follow up and go to Delhi by January in my capacity if there’s no delegation on the ILP issue including the inclusion of Khasi language in the 8th schedule besides others, he said.”

Shullai was of the view that there would be no problem if ILP is implemented in Meghalaya being a transit state because when its implemented, rules and regulations will have to be in place.

No differences in Tripura BJP: Party leader Sonkar Assam Petro-Chemicals to commission Agartala, Dec 6 (IANS): Amid reports of discontent among a section of BJP leaders and legislators in Tripura, the party’s central observer Vinod Kumar Sonkar said on Sunday that there was no difference of opinion within the party.

Sonkar told that media said that there was no central observer for Tripura unit for a long time and due to Covid-induced situations, the state BJP leaders and other functionaries and MLAs had something or the other to say and that all issued have been discussed with them.

“There are issues like Cabinet expansion and organisational revamp. I have

Vinod Kumar Sonkar discussed every matter with the Ministers, MLAs and party functionaries.

Discussion will continue in future too to strengthen the party in Tripura and to ensure better coordination between the party and the government,” he said be-

fore leaving for Delhi.

Later, BJP MLA Ram Prasad Paul, while addressing party workers at the state guesthouse here, said that the central observer attentively listened to their views and problems and had assured to take up the matter with the central leaderships to resolve the various issues.

Thousands of BJP workers and local leaders assembled at the state guesthouse and raised slogans against a section of state BJP leadership while Sonkar was holding a series of meetings with the Ministers, MLAs and party functionaries.

Sonkar came out of the meeting room and told the gatherings that he

would listen to each and every party functionary and try his best for the betterment of the BJP. Two-time Lok Sabha member from Uttar Pradesh’s Kaushambi, Sonkar arrived in Tripura on his maiden two-day visit on Saturday after his appointment as the BJP’s central observer last month.

He held meetings with Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, state BJP President Manik Saha and a host of MLAs and senior leaders and discussed various party affairs.

Amid media speculation about dissidence in the BJP’s Tripura unit, party President JP Nadda had met four legislators from

the state in New Delhi on October 13 and discussed various issues.

The BJP in alliance with the tribal Indigenous People’s Front of Tripura (IPFT) handed a humiliating defeat to the Communist Party of India-Marxist led Left Front in the 2018 Assembly polls.

In the 60-member Tripura Assembly, the BJP won 36 seats and the IPFT eight, while the CPI-M, the dominant party of the Left Front, secured 16 seats.

Local media reports had earlier claimed that nine to twelve BJP MLAs led by Sudip Roy Barman had gone to Delhi to “complain against Chief Minister Deb and his nonperformance”.

methanol, formaldehyde plants by Jan 2021

DIBRUGARH (ASSAM), DEC 6 (PTI): State-run Assam Petro- Chemicals Ltd will commission its methanol and formaldehyde plants by January 2021 to cater primarily to the domestic fuel market and is planning to export it to the neighbouring countries, an official said.

The company is currently constr ucting the methanol plant with 500 tonne per day capacity and the 200-TPD formaldehyde unit at Namrup in Dibrugarh, he said.

“We have been maintaining COVID protocol in our project site. The two plants are set to be commissioned in January 2021,” As-

sam Petro-Chemicals (APL) chairman Bikul Deka said.

With the surge in methanol demand in the domestic market, the APL had started construction of the plant in October 2017 with an estimated investment of Rs 1,709 crore.

“Once the project goes into full steam, it can fulfil 30 per cent of the country’s methanol requirement, which now stands at around 5-6 lakh tonne,” Deka said.

The company also plans to export the product to Bhutan and Nepal, he said.

Dear Chasbo, Wishing you lots of happiness on this auspicious occasion of yours...I’m grateful to the heavens for the blessings each day I find in your presence..

Happy Birthday ..God Bless.

From, Wetsah

Farmers’ protest: Vijender says will return award

Boxer Vijender Singh joins the farmers with Arjuna and Dronacharya awardees in New Delhi, Sunday. (PTI)

I can understand their pain and anxiety. It is high time that government pays heed to their demands,” added the celebrated boxer, whose brother has served in the

Army.

Vijender had won India’s first Olympic medal in boxing, a bronze, in the 2008 Beijing Games.

In 2009, he also be-

Doctors informed me about Covaxin efficacy: Anil Vij

Ashok Gehlot

mise Gehlot may be shifted to Delhi to keep a balance between the old and new guard in the Congress.

On the other hand, the party asserts that Maha Vikas Aghadi government in Maharashtra is safe as the alliance defeated BJP in Legislative Council polls recently even though Nationalist Congress Party leader Sharad Pawar’s remarks vis-a-vis Rahul Gandhi have not gone down well with the Congress.

Pawar had said in an interview that Rahul lacks

consistency, after which the Congress made it known that adverse comments against Congress leaders were not appreciated.

In Maharashtra, the Uddhav Thackeray government has completed one year in office and the Chief Minister has claimed it will remain in power for five years.

Pawar too has said that the MVA government will not only run for full five years but also lay the foundation for its rule in the next 25 years.

vaccine for the highly infectious coronavirus.

PGIMS Head of the Department of Pulmonary and Critical Care Unit, Dhruv Chaudhary, said it was not known whether Vij received a vaccine or placebo, as shots for the volunteers were selected randomly by a computer.

On its part, Hyderabad-based Bharat Biotech said the efficacy of its Covid-19 vaccine could be determined only 14 days after a second dose.

“Covaxin has been designed to be efficacious.

Covaxin clinical trials are based on a two-dose schedule, given 28 days apart.

The vaccine efficacy will be determined 14 days post the second dose,” said the company in a statement.

ELURU, DEC 6 (AGENCIES): Several people from Eluru, a city in Andhra Pradesh’s West Godavari, reported strange illness with symptoms like nausea, foam in mouth since Saturday, triggering fear about this unknown disease at a time when the healthcare system is already burdened with Covid-19 cases, reports The Hindustan Times.

The e pile psy-like symptoms have been so baffling and serious that doctors in Eluru admitted the patients instantly. According to ANI, 140 persons were admitted to Eluru Government Hospital and subsequently discharged after treatment since Saturday night.

So far, 227 people, including 46 children, have been hospitalised. After initial panic, doctors in the

So far, 227 people, including 46 children, have been hospitalised.

government hospital on Sunday said the situation was under control. No case became serious, though the reason of the outbreak still remains unknown.

What we know so far • Little is known regarding what is causing such symptoms as doctors are

also baffled.

• The people who have reported the symptoms are not from the same area and are not related.

• The patients include a wide range of age group. Elderly and children too reported the symptoms.

• The symptoms per-

sist for 10 to 15 minutes, reports said.

• Blood reports of the patients are normal, reports said.

• The patients have also been found Covid-19 negative.

• The areas affected include Kothapeta, Padamara Veedhi, Vangaya Gudem areas.

• Examinations are on to find out whether there has been any contamination is water.

Hinting at a possible case of viral infection, West Godavari district Joint Collector Himanshu Shukla told PTI that CT scan reports of the victims were also normal. Shukla has also said that there was nothing serious so far.

While most patients complained of convulsions,

headaches, some reported bone dislocations and muscular pains. What serves as the common link among many of the patients is that they all consumed tap water.

Many of the patients have been feeling distressed as they don’t remember what happened to them for which psychiatrists and psychologists have also been roped in.

M e a n w h i l e, C h i e f Minister Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy was monitoring the situation personally and instructed the officials to be alert. Special focus is on the areas which reported cases and medical camps are being set up to provide treatment to the patients. Door to door survey is being conducted to monitor the health condition of the people, the state health minister said.

architect of the Indian Constitution. He was born to Bhimabai Murbadkar Sakpal and Ramji Maloji Sakpal on April 14, 1891 in Madhya Pradesh.

Babasaheb fought all his life against discrimination, degradation, and deprivation in the Indian society.

He was Independent India’s first law minister and the principal architect of the Constitution of India. In 1954, from June to October, Babasaheb was bed-ridden due to sideeffects of medication and poor eyesight. His health worsened in 1955.

On December 6, 1956, three days after completing his final manuscript ‘The Buddha and His Dhamma’, he died in his sleep at his Delhi home.

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New Delhi, Dec 6 (IANS): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday paid tributes to Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on ‘Mahaparinirvan Diwas’, saying his government is committed to fulfilling his dreams that he had for the nation.

In a tweet, the Prime Minister said, “Remembering the great Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar on Mahaparinirvan Diwas. His thoughts and ideals continue to give strength to millions. We are committed to fulfilling the dreams he had for our nation.”

Bhimrao Ranji A m b e d k a r, p o p u l a r ly known as Dr. B.R. Ambedkar or Babasaheb Ambedkar, was an economist, educationist, politician, social reformer and the chief

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Govt committed to fulfil dreams of Ambedkar: Modi

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NEW DELHI, DEC 6 (PTI): Seeking to boost the capability of the lower judiciary to hear cases online, funds have been released to set up ‘video conference cabins’ in 2,506 court complexes across India, Law Ministry officials said.

While funds to the tune of Rs 5.21 crore were released in September to set up video conference cabins, another Rs 28.886 crore were given in October to buy additional video conference equipment, including hardware, cables and monitors, the officials.

The funds were provided by the e-committee of the Supreme Court and the Department of Justice in the Law Ministry.

While India has 3,288 court complexes, which house thousands of subordinate courts, the funds have been released for 2,506 court complexes to set up video conference cabins.

Bigger court complexes with a large number of courtrooms would get multiple cabins as compared to smaller complexes.

The size of a court complex, including the number of courts it houses, depends upon the size or population of the state.

As courts continue to hear cases online amid the COVID-19 pandemic, the government has procured 1,500 additional video conferencing licences at an approximate cost of rupees nine crore for providing the facility for high courts and district courts.

While the procurement has been completed, the process of installation is on, an official said. Such licences are required for legal and extended use of the video conference facility software, the official said.

Besides Vij, over 400 people from Haryana, including the Vice Chancellor of Pandit Bhagwat Dayal Sharma Post Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences (PGIMS), Rohtak, O.P. Kalra, participated in the trials about India’s first indigenous

New Delhi, Dec 6 (IANS): With Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot claiming that the BJP is once again trying to topple the Congress government in the desert state, danger seems to be looming large as some rebellion is said to be simmering among a section of party leaders.

However, even though the BJP has rejected the charge, things do not seem to be smooth after rebellion by a section of Congress led by then Deputy CM and Rajasthan Congress unit chief Sachin Pilot in July this year.

Sachin is lying low since his open rebellion against Gehlot’s leadership.

Party sources say that Gehlot may be reminding the Congress central leadership about Pilot’s “misadventure” which the Congress survived a few months ago and that the state government was safe only in his hands amid talks that after Ahmed Patel’s de-

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Court to get video conference cabins

Anil Vij

Among them are Padma Shri and Arjuna awardee wrestler Kartar Singh, Arjuna awardee basketball player Sajjan Singh Cheema and Arjuna awardee hockey player Rajbir Kaur.

Thousands of farmers from Punjab and Haryana have stayed put at various Delhi border points for the past few days, protesting against the new farm laws, which they fear will dismantle the minimum support price system, leaving them at the “mercy” of big corporate houses.

Farmers’ concern is that these laws, aimed at reforming the sector, will eliminate the MSP and mandis that ensure their earning.

But the government says the MSP system will continue and the new laws will give farmers more options to sell their produce.

The government is holding talks with farmers, who have called for a ‘Bharat Bandh’ on December 8 and threatened to occupy toll plazas.

Gehlot alleges BJP trying to topple govt; admits internal dissidence

Mystery disease strikes Eluru in Andhra Pradesh

K-1949

Chandigarh, Dec 6 (IANS): A day after Haryana Health Minister Anil Vij tested positive for coronavirus, he said on Sunday that the doctors had informed him that a second dose of Covaxin vaccine would be administered to him 28 days after the first one and he would develop antibodies 14 days after the second one.

In a series of tweets on Sunday, he said despite taking precautions, he got infected with coronavirus.

“I am undergoing treatment in Civil Hospital in Ambala and feeling better now,” Vij said.

On November 20, he was given a shot of Bharat Biotech’s Covaxin for which he had volunteered.

came the first Indian boxer to clinch a world championship medal (a bronze). The same year, he was bestowed the country’s highest sporting honour for his trailblazing achievements.

He currently plies his trade in the professional circuit and had even contested the 2019 Lok Sabha elections.

“The award definitely means a lot to me but we also have to take a stand for things we believe in,” he said.

“If the crisis is resolved with talks, then we would all be happy,” he added.

Earlier, former national boxing coach Gurbax Singh Sandhu, who was in-charge during the Beijing Olympics, had also talked about returning his Dronacharya award if the demands of the farmers were not addressed.

Vijender and Sandhu joined several former sportspersons in extending their support to the agitating farmers.

Contact: 9378062710/8794835272 (10am to 2 pm) e-mail: kohimalawcollege15@gmail.com

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New Delhi, Dec 6 (PTI): India’s first Olympic medallist in boxing and Congress leader Vijender Singh on Sunday threatened to return his Rajiv Gandhi Khel Ratna award if the central government does not withdraw the new farm legislations, which he dubbed as “black laws”.

The 35-year-old from Haryana’s Bhiwani made an appearance at Delhi’s Singhu border where farmers have been protesting against the laws and expressed solidarity with the agitators. “...if the government does not take back these black laws, I will request them to take back my award,” he announced at the gathering.

“Enough is enough, if the government does not listen to the demands of the farmers, then I have decided that as a show of solidarity, I will return my Khel Ratna,” Vijender later told PTI. “I come from a family of farmers and Army men,

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national

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

6

OPINiON/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post Vol. XXxI NO. 5 Dimapur, MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Festival and spiritual

A

n issue that frequently crops up especially in pre-festive seasons involves shopping on Sunday which pits one segment in favour of and another against it. Sunday shopping refers to the ability of retailers to operate stores on Sundays, especially in countries where Christian tradition typically requires a "day of rest". Reacting to the directives issued by one organisation and later DCCI on shops and business establishments, to remain open on Sundays in lieu of the advent of Christmas shopping , two apex church organisations- Nagaland Baptist Church Council(NBCC) and the Ao Baptist Arogo Mungdang(ABAM)-have expressed their objections. The two apex church organisations based their objections crucially on the premise of the Ten Commandments (written in Exodus 20 and Deuteronomy 5) where believers are asked to observe the Sabbath day as a day of rest and to keep it holy for worshipping God. The two organisations have stated that asking or allowing shops to open on Sundays was pandering to the whims of retailers who want to sell more during festive seasons. It may also be that some people find it convenient to shop on Sunday since it is a general holiday and also possibly because there is less rush of shoppers. Also, with trade and tourism expanding, traders and business establishments feel that restrictions on Sunday shopping would be unwise. On the other hand and as pointed out by NBCC, while the pandemic has brought measures to prevent spread of COVID-19 by restrictions imposed on weddings and especially church gatherings to 30% of capacity; the directives for opening shops and business establishments on Sunday to facilitated Christmas shopping is totally contradictory. The point is that under the plea of preventing spread of COVID-19, while churches are being restricted only to 30% of seating capacity, on the other hand, public are encouraged to gather in large numbers in market places on Sundays. Rules governing shopping hours, such as Sunday shopping, vary around the world but some European nations continue to ban Sunday shopping. Sunday shopping banned in Austria, Switzerland, Norway, Poland, Vatican City, large parts of Italy, USA and Canada. In other countries, Sunday shopping is partial for some hours such as England and Wales, Northern Ireland, tourist cities in France, Netherlands. There are Christians in various professions who have little choice but work even on Sunday.

It must be accepted, that observance can never be total as there is bound to be some unavoidable exceptions but these exceptions cannot become the rule.However as far as Sunday shopping is concerned, the choice is to Christians. Unfortunately, when Sunday loses its fundamental meaning and becomes merely part of a 'weekend,' it can happen that people stay locked within a horizon so limited that they can no longer see 'the heavens’. Christians cannot ignore their responsibility in obeying the commandments of their faith. However, merely following the Sabbatical commandment would also be pharisaical. If all Christians voluntarily choose to obey the Biblical commandments, Sunday shopping would cease to be an issue. After all, obedience to the Biblical teachings form an integral part of the faith.

DailyDevotion “My Rainbow in the Cloud”

I set My rainbow in the cloud, and it shall be for the sign of the covenant between Me and the earth.

—Genesis 9:13 It is the will of God that human beings should get into a right-standing relationship with Him, and His covenants are designed for this purpose. Why doesn’t God save me? He has accomplished and provided for my salvation, but I have not yet entered into a relationship with Him. Why doesn’t God do everything we ask? He has done it. The point is— will I step into that covenant relationship? All the great blessings of God are finished and complete, but they are not mine until I enter into a relationship with Him on the basis of His covenant.

Waiting for God to act is fleshly unbelief. It means that I have no faith in Him. I wait for Him to do something in me so I may trust in that. But God won’t do it, because that is not the basis of the God-and-man relationship. Man must go beyond the physical body and feelings in his covenant with God, just as God goes beyond Himself in reaching out with His covenant to man. It is a question of faith in God— a very rare thing. We only have faith in our feelings. I don’t believe God until He puts something tangible in my hand, so that I know I have it. Then I say, “Now I believe.” There is no faith exhibited in that. God says, “Look to Me, and be saved…” (Isaiah 45:22).

When I have really transacted business with God on the basis of His covenant, letting everything else go, there is no sense of personal achievement— no human ingredient in it at all. Instead, there is a complete overwhelming sense of being brought into union with God, and my life is transformed and radiates peace and joy.

Quotes

“The person who says it cannot be done should not interrupt the person who is doing it.” ~ Chinese Proverb

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Decades of farm income crisis await policy makeover F armers have been protesting for the past many years for remunerative MSP, fair incomes and related issues as solutions elude them.

Since 2012, in the recent past, the country has seen many long marches from Maharashtra, MP, UP, agitations in Tamilnadu and many other parts. Poll after polls it has rocked the Indian polity.

The protest demands typically had been for – proper prices for farm produce, ensured income, loan waivers, high electricity bills and fuel prices, junking of pollution lobbycreated bogey of scrapping of tractors and proper procurement by the government agencies. Now the pollution lobby created ordinance on stubble (parali) burning that invites jailing and a fine of Rs 1 crore has been added.

In 2018, Bharatiya Kisan Union, which is now also in the forefront along with 32 other groups, had blocked UP highways and stormed Delhi borders on with Kisan Kranti March with two simple demands – low minimum support prices (MSP) and high fuel prices to culminate in the Capital and neighbourhood on October 2, Gandhi jayanti, 2018. Reports said

that 70,000 farmers had lain seize of the Capital.

The Delhi march had been preceded by many protests across state capitals starting with the ‘Long March’

by All India Kisan Sabha of CPI-M on 12 March 2018 in Mumbai to gherao the Mahrashtra Vidhan Sabha.

Since the assurances were not fulfilled on 27 February, 2019 another long march had commenced. In fact, there have been numerous farmer protests – small and large – since 2016. There was the long dharna (agitation) by Tamil Nadu farmers in 2017 in Delhi. Then there was the death of five protesting farmers in police firing in June 2017 at Mandsaur, Madhya Pradesh.

These have been only a few of the many agitations that have taken place across the country in recent years. The agitations since 2012, though the previous decade also saw many kisan movements and a large number of suicides, led to renaming of the Department of Agriculture & Cooperation has been renamed Department of Agriculture, Cooperation and Farmers Welfare.

The State of Indian Agriculture 2015-16 (SIA15) of Ministry of Agriculture

says in its preface, “in recent years the agriculture and allied sector has been facing numerous challenges. The sector remains constrained by low productivity, excessive dependence on monsoon and weather conditions, continuing fragmentation of land and preponderance of fragmented markets. A combination of these factors has led to episodes of agrarian distress which have been widely reported”.

The report adds that as a natural consequence of economic growth structural changes in Shivaji the economy, the share of agriculture and allied sectors in the total GDP declined from around 19 percent in 2004-05 to 14 percent in 2013-14, calculated 2004-05 constant prices. If the share of forestry and fishing are removed, agriculture (including livestock) accounted for about 12 percent of the national GDP. However with over 50 percent of the population still dependent on agriculture for its livelihood, the sector continues to play a vital role through its multiplier impact on the economy. It also notes that the annual average growth rate in the

sector declined from 5 percent in 2004-2008 to 3 percent during 2008-09 and 2013-14, when economy was growing between 9 and 7 percent. It also notes that volatility in economy but higher instability and unpredictability in agriculture.

Former deputy RBI governor RK Hazari, in 2013, says that the agrarian conflict is growing for a new equilibrium even as one gets disequilibrium and even disorder. Despite many welfare schemes of cash payments, direct benefits, monthly pensions since 2016 by Sarkar the Narendra Modi government, the discontent could not subside.

The hasty steps of the Modi government by June 5, 2020 ordinances and subsequent laws in the parliament’s monsoon session for an ostensible bettering of the situation are being seen by farmers as against their interest and apprehension of creating corporate monopolies. Farmers fear that in the next few years the corporate stranglehold would increase and they would be left to their mercy as they see the government withdrawing either from ensuring MSP or the existing

mandi markets.

The SIA15 report explains this as “the preponderance of small and marginal holdings making the high volatility even more worrisome for policy makers, as small and marginal farmers are highly vulnerable to adverse climatic conditions”.

The report was a sequel to severe drought during the previous two years, 2014 and 2015. It mentions that as jobs in other sectors grow, dependence on farm sector reduces.

The recent agitation may have links to the severe job losses in all sectors and consequent larger dependence and distress in the farm and rural sectors, including rural nonfarm activities, since 2018.

Definitely the unprecedented kneejerk lockdown of all economic activities aggravated it.

The policy dilemma is obvious. The government being in a cash crunch, economy slowing down since 2018, and severe revenue losses during the lockdown and other problems has put official mechanism in a tight spot.

Job losses and contraction of wages have added to demand crisis. Farms are an important sector as official statistics say 54 percent are dependent on agriculture. This cannot be

ignored but the government is not in a position to give the necessary importance. So despite the increase in MSP it is not at 1.5 percent of the C2 – comprehensive cost including imputed rent and interest on owned land and capital, as recommended by the Swaminathan committee. In 2015, the Centre filed an affidavit in the Supreme Court that they could not increase the MSP to 1.5 times the cultivation cost because it would lead to ‘market distortions’.

Another reason is the commitments to WTO as noted by ministries of consumer affairs, food and public distribution, commerce and industry and finance. Agriculture ministry dismissed it and increased MSPs in 2018, 2019, and September 21, 2020. But the new farm laws have led to suspicion among the farmers leading to the demand of scrapping of the three farm laws.

It is a fact that most farmers, 90 percent, sell produces below MSPs. NITI Ayog notes declining farmer incomes since 2011-12.

The present talks with farmers may bring a temporary truce but the politics will continue to hot up till a plausible farm-oriented

Post-mortem Right to protest ain’t absolute India and the geopolitics of technology

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xactly 37 years ago, a unique legislation was passed by a parliament – perhaps the first of its kind in any part of the world – that sought to protect illegal immigrants. Yes, you heard that right, the law was meant to protect foreigners illegally entering and residing in a country. And that dubious record is held by none other than India.

The reference here is to the infamous Assam-specific Illegal Migrants (Determination by Tribunal) Act – or IMDT Act – that was passed

by Parliament in 1983 at the behest of Indira Gandhi-led Congress government, much against the wishes of the people of Assam. Having already borne the brunt of influx of immigrants from neighbouring East Bengal (which subsequently became East Pakistan before becoming Bangladesh) for long, the people of the State were naturally livid, especially coming at it did amidst the popular six-year Foreigners’ Movement.

The Act was seen as a brazen attempt by Congress government at the Centre to provide protection to suspected illegal immigrants in the State as it provided for setting up of tribunals to determine the citizenship status of the suspected foreigners.

What was also bizarre, and perhaps the most contentious point, was that the onus of proving one’s nationality or otherwise under the Act shifted to the complainant, not to the accused.

This was seen as a deliberate attempt to legalise foreigners staying illegally in the State. And the fact that the IMDT Act was made specific to Assam only also drew widespread public ire as detection of foreigners in other States was done under the Foreigners Act. So, no wonder, detection and deportation of “foreigners” became well nigh impossible in Assam. The move was obviously made by the Congress to protect its minority votebank.

There was naturally much disquiet in Assam and the move further alienated the people of Assam, besides helping fuel secessionist tendencies, leading to bloodbath for almost two decades thereafter.

But, while carrying out protests, the people did not burn down cities or held any State or National Capital to ransom by marching in thousands or tried to bully the Parliament. They showed enough maturity and were wise enough to understand that being a legislation, unlike an executive decision that can sometimes be overturned by applying public pressure, it had to be countered legally. Then student leader and incumbent Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal subsequently filed a petition before the Supreme Court challenging its constitutionality and finally, after 22 long years, the apex court struck it down in 2005. And the rest is history. It’s a different matter though that the issue of foreigners is yet to be resolved and the subject still remains a hot potato in Assam.

The reference to the nowscrapped IMDT Act here is to emphasise the point that India ain't any banana republic. There are always options available before citizens in this country to challenge any executive decision or legislation deemed not in public interest. One needn't hit the streets and cause public disorder.

And this holds true in the backdrop of the violent anti-CAA protests witnessed in different parts of the country some months back and the ongoing farmers’ protest in the National Capital that is now threatening to spiral out of control with some political parties trying to fish in troubled waters. One is not going into the merits or otherwise of the Citizenship Amendment Act or the Farmers’ Bills, nor the Government’s culpability, if any, for allegedly not holding wide consultations with the stakeholders.

However, the fact remains that a Bill, once passed by Parliament after being introduced by government of the day, becomes a law. It shouldn’t be confused with an executive decision that a government can be forced to roll back. And that’s definitely not how a functional democracy works, especially a parliamentary democracy where the parliament is supreme. The authority of parliament as an institution can’t be challenged and undermined. Individuals can obviously have grievances against a particular legislation, but that doesn’t mean that they can run amok and hold a country and its people to ransom. The aggrieved can always approach the court of law, if they feel that the Act has hurt them or has gone against the spirit and provisions of the constitution, besides initiating public debate and build a consensus. They can also always influence public representatives to support their demand and even bring down a government. That’s the power and beauty of democracy. But there’s a process for everything that will have to be followed.

Matters of public interest cannot be decided on streets through muscle-flexing. It can easily degenerate into anarchy and chaos. And mobocracy shouldn't be confused with democracy. But unfortunately, a section in this country today is hellbent in trying to hard sell mobocracy as democracy, which is fraught with inherent dangers. What if tomorrow another bigger crowd hits the streets against some other law passed by the parliament?

Yes, right to dissent and protest is a democratic right, but then it’s not absolute and definitely not a licence to spread anarchy and disrupt public order. Reason why the founding fathers of modern Indian State in all their wisdom decided to adopt a parliamentary form of democracy where public representatives reflect the voice of people and legislate on their behalf. It’s also to their credit that they made available politicolegal tools before the citizens to get their grievances redressed. This is of course not to undermine or reject protest as a tool to register public disapproval over something, but perhaps should be used more judiciously and may be as a last resort when all avenues are exhausted.

Finally, democracy also makes it incumbent upon all to accept the fact that it runs by majority’s will.

This fundamental of the democracy cannot be challenged or wished away simply because someone can’t have his or her way. And thankfully, never mind the naysayers; we are still a thriving democracy and the world’s largest one at that.

Anirban Choudhury, Guwahati

Splinternet, the balkanisation of the internet, digital sovereignty, and data localisation are some of the more popular terms that have come to define the debate on the future of data, and, more broadly, on the future of technology. The argument boils down to the different ways in which governments and transnational organisations (such as the European Union) choose to access, use, and allow data to flow across borders.

Countries that have closed their data markets to external actors — such as China — are commonly referred to as digital authoritarianists. Those that are guided by judicial standards, the rule of law, and support the freer — but not always free — movement of data have come to be known as digital democracies. The political, ideological, and economic tensions between, and within, these categories of actors shape what might be called the geopolitics of technology.

This form of geopolitics is as much about competing domestic regulations, the renewed focus on anti-trust laws, and domestic standards on privacy legislations, as it is about international affairs.

Greater cooperation on Artificial Intelligence (AI) or blockchain technologies, between entities in different countries, requires mediation and cooperation across borders. This is a matter of data diplomacy. At least 14 countries have appointed negotiators to shape data diplomacy. Designations such as tech ambassador, ambassador of innovations, ambassador for digital affairs, and ambassador for cyber diplomacy are becoming increasingly common.

And they all want to deal with India. It is, after all, the largest open data market in the world. Close to 600 million Indians currently use 4G data. India also has the highest per capita consumption of data (above 10 GB per month) anywhere in the world. It is a treasure trove for big tech firms, as much as it is for those firms within India wanting to expand operations outside its borders.

Yet, India’s unique data demography is unlikely to sustain current levels of international interest and domestic needs in the long-term. A lot will depend on the kind of digital democracy that India aspires to be. How open or closed will it be to the movement of data across its borders, is the moot question for the fast-growing number of global “tech ambassadors”.

To an extent, the question of data openness will be resolved as India’s Personal Data Protection Bill (PDPB) becomes a law, potentially in 2021. A joint parliamentary committee is currently examining the PDPB. This crucial legislature will outline localisation requirements for personal data, thereby setting out clearer rules for the cross-border movement of data. It will also lead to the creation of a Data Protection Authority (DPA) to regulate the use of personal data. Over the next year, there is a very good chance that India will have developed its legal digital architecture.

More urgently than before, India needs to consider what exactly it wants out of the fast-changing geopolitics around technology.

This goes beyond banning Chinese apps or considering how India can absorb the slow move to diversify global supply chains. This is about ensuring India’s evolving domestic data architecture supports its international interests, with the clear view to benefit from the same. The aim must be to negotiate its weight in data and find the right balance for India’s future between localisation and internationalisation.

This balancing act has much to do with conceptualising a centralising vision, as well as with administrative organisation. There are a range of ministries that are involved in the PDPB, as well as those that focus on the future of emerging technologies such as AI. The ministry of electronics and information technology (MeitY) mooted the PDPB. The ministry of commerce and industry has taken positions internationally with regard to data.

In September 2020, the min-

ister of commerce and industry, Piyush Goyal, made clear that India was not in a position to sign onto a charter at the G20, known as the Data Free Flow with Trust (DFFT), and for excellent reasons.

How could India sign onto an international norm-setting agreement, without first passing the PDPB? Moreover, the minister made clear that “equitable access to data” was central to India’s concerns. The ministry of external affairs created the new, emerging, and strategic technologies (NEST) division in January 2020. The focus is on strategic technologies such as 5G, emerging technologies, and tech diplomacy. The division hit the ground running. It invested in an initiative along with the office of the principal scientific adviser to the government to assess the transformational effects of disruptive technologies such as digital currencies, big data computing, communication hardware, and others. Moreover, senior officials in the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) oversee diverse elements of domestic and international data-related developments.

It will be key to connect these assorted elements of the State by way of a coherent narrative that articulates a common Indian position on the future of technology.

More importantly, it is essential for these different domains — between trade, law, finance, and diplomacy — to negotiate the right balance between domestic needs, international requirements, and India’s long-term position in a market area that can be — but automatically will not be — India’s for the taking. To start with, the government could consider appointing its own coordinator for technology.

The aim should not be to add to the bean count of global tech ambassadors, but to appoint at least a minister of state-ranked individual to synthesise India’s pulsating story with the view to effectively shape the geopolitics of technology.

Rudra Chaudhuri (Director, Carnegie India) (The views expressed are personal)

Reader’s Post

Sir,

A dangerous tendency

There seems to be a tendency among Naga CSOs and other organizations to find fault with everyone else but not with ourselves. If a Naga opines his/her view and does not sit well with the many Naga organizations and groups, he/she is a traitor and if a non-Naga airs his/her opinion, he/she is anti-Naga. It is so convenient for us to brush our mistakes under the carpet and forget as if nothing happened. Are our conscience not pricked?

As a young Naga, I am very well aware that many kinds of injustice have been committed on Nagas by the Indian security forces. Yes, it hurts. I grew up reading about it and listening to my elders. However, let us also not forget that many of our Naga brethren have been killed by our own Naga brothers, among them a good number of Naga civilians. That also hurts. The wounds and scars run deep. As long as we continue to ignore the elephant in the room, reconciliation will be a distant dream. And no, please don’t term it as collateral damage. Accountability, admission, recognition, forgiveness and reconciliation. That’s the way forward. If we really consider ourselves Christians, we can surely do that. It won’t be easy but we have to start somewhere to get to the Promised Land.

At one point of time, we have to call spade a spade. We just can’t keep turning a blind eye. We can’t keep living in denial. Personally, I think Nagas are at an important crossroad of history. Would God ever forgive us for destroying the future of our children and our society? Truth is the only way out. Let us try it for once. We can’t keep being the devil’s paradise.

I Longkumer

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.

Pfizer seeks use of vaccine in India

New Delhi, Dec 6 (PTI): Pfizer India has become the first pharmaceutical firm to seek from the Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI) an emergency use authorisation for its COVID-19 vaccine in the country, after its parent company secured such clearance in the UK and Bahrain.

The firm, in its application submitted to the drug regulator, has sought permission to import the vaccine for sale and distribution in the country, besides waiver of clinical trials on Indian population in accordance with the special provisions under the New Drugs and Clinical Trials Rules, 2019, official sources have said.

“Pfizer India has submitted an application on December 4 to the DCGI seeking emergency use authorization (EUA) for its COVID-19 vaccine in India,” a source said.

“The firm has submitted the EUA application in Form CT-18 for grant of permission to import and market Pfizer-BioNTech’s COVID-19 mRNA vaccine BNT162b2 in the country,”

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

the source said, citing the application. The UK on Wednesday became the first country to approve the Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine against COVID-19, with the UK regulator Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) granting a temporary authorisation for its emergency use. The British regulator said the jab, which claims to offer up to 95 per cent protection against COVID-19, is safe for roll-out.

Bahrain on Friday also announced that it has granted an EUA for the two-dose vaccine made by Pfizer and its German partner BioNTech. The pharma company has already applied to the

US FDA seeking EUA for the vaccine.The extreme low temperature of minus 70 degrees Celsius required for storing the vaccine poses a big challenge for its delivery in a country like India, especially in its smaller towns and rural areas where maintaining such cold chain facilities would be very difficult, top government officials have said.

When contacted, Pfizer said it remains committed to engaging with the Government of India and explore opportunities to make this vaccine available for use in the country.

“During this pandemic phase, Pfizer will supply this vaccine only through

government contracts based on agreements with respective government authorities and following regulatory authorisation or approval,” the global pharma major said in a statement.

Five vaccines are in advanced phases of clinical trials in India with the Serum Institute of India conducting phase-3 trial of the Oxford-Astrazeneca COVID-19 vaccine, while the indigenously developed vaccine by Bharat Biotech in collaboration with ICMR has already started the phase-3 clinical trial.

Drug firm Zydus Cadila has received the approval from the DCGI to start the phase-3 clinical trials of the indigenously-developed anti-coronavirus vaccine.

Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and the Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF) have announced that they commenced adaptive phase 2 and 3 clinical trials for COVID-19 vaccine Sputnik V in India, Also, Biological E Ltd has started early phase 1 and 2 human trials of its COVID-19 vaccine candidate.

17 volunteers given Sputnik V vaccine in Pune Pune, Dec 6 (PTI): A total of 17 volunteers have been administered Russia’s Sputnik V coronavirus vaccine at a Pune hospital as part of the human clinical trials, doctors said on Sunday.

Sputnik V vaccine has been developed by the Gamaleya National Research Center of Epidemiology and Microbiology and Russian Direct Investment Fund (RDIF). As per reports, India has purchased 100 million doses of the candidate from Russia.

“Seventeen healthy volunteers were administered Sputnik V vaccine in the last three days as part of human trials,” Dr S K Raut, Head of Clinical Research Department of Noble Hospital here, said. The inoculation process began on Thursday, he added. “All the volunteers, who were administered the vaccine, will be under observation for the next few days,” Dr Raut added.The selection of the volunteers was done as per the laid-down norms as they need to be healthy, doctors said.

Shahnawaz tells militants to pick up pen and leave guns

Jammu, Dec 6 (PTI): Senior BJP leader Shahnawaz Hussain on Sunday asked militants to leave guns and pick up a pen as the Narendra Modi government is committed to take Jammu and Kashmir to new heights of development.

However, he warned those who did not shun the path of violence to get prepared to be wiped “allout”.

“J-K is the crown of India and our government is sincere to take the development in the region to the top as well. We will ensure electricity, water and better roads and no load shedding and darkness which is the hallmark of Congress and Gupkar gang,” Hussain, who is the BJP national spokesperson, told reporters here.

The former Union minister, who has been camping in the Kashmir valley for the last 15 days in connection with the ongoing District Development Council (DDC) elections, reached Jammu on Sunday morning.

He is expected to campaign

Shahnawaz Hussain

for the party candidates in different areas, including Doda, for the next three days before returning to the valley.

“Prime Minister Narendra Modi wants a pen in the hands of the local youth… Leave the gun and pick up the pen as anyone indulging in terrorism will face (operation) all out,” he said, lauding security agencies for busting a plan of terrorists to carry out a major strike in the country.

He said the Modi government is fighting against militancy and those indulging in dividing the people.

Describing as “encouraging” the response of the people to the party’s campaign in the valley, Hus-

sain said he held a “public meeting in a village which is the native place of Pakistanbased Hizbul Mujahideen second-in-command Amir Khan on Saturday”.

“We unfurled the BJP flag in the village and thousands of people attended the rally,” he said.

“The entire route from Srinagar to Anantnag was decorated with BJP flags. I talked to the people at the grass-roots level during my visit to nook and corner of the valley and they want development and better future for their children,” he said, adding that it is only BJP which can fulfil their aspirations. Hussain said the BJP is getting support from everyone across the Union Territory.

“The people in Jammu have always been with the party and BJP is living in their hearts. Our aim is to make J-K the tourism hub of the world,” the BJP leader said, adding the BJP government would take the UT forward and ensure enough employment opportunities to the local youth.

CAA will be implemented in Jan Two brothers arrested over 2021 in WB: Kailash Vijayvargiya interfaith marriage in UP

coming to our country from neighbouring nations,” news agency PTI quoted Kailash Vijayvargiya as saying.

Top TMC leader and state minister Firhad Hakim reacted to Vijayvargiya’s remark and said that the BJP is trying to fool the people of West Bengal.

“What does the BJP mean by citizenship? If the Matuas are not citizens, how come they voted in assembly and parliamentary polls year after year? The BJP should stop fooling the people of West Bengal,” Firhad Hakim said.

A section of state BJP leadership is apprehensive that the delay and confusion over CAA implementation

COVID active caseload contracts to 4.03 lakh after 138 days New Delhi, Dec 6 (PTI): The COVID-19 active caseload in India has dipped to 4.03 lakh, the lowest after 138 days, comprising 4.18 per cent of the total coronavirus infections reported so far in the country, the Union Health Ministry said on Sunday.

The total active cases were 4,02,529 on July 21.

Continuing with the trend of the last nine days, India has reported more daily recoveries than daily new cases in a span of 24 hours.

“The trend of more daily recoveries than the daily cases has led to a continuous contraction of India’s COVID-19 active caseload which presently consists of just 4.18 per cent of the total cases,” the ministry said.

While 36,011 people in India were found to be infected with COVID-19 in a span of 24 hours, 41,970 new recoveries were registered during the same period. The new recoveries have led to a net decline of 6,441 in the total active cases.

New cases per million population in India in the last seven days are 186. It is one of the lowest in the world, the ministry underlined.

The total COVID-19 recoveries have crossed 91 lakh (91,00,792).

“The gap between recoveries and active cases is steadily increasing and nearing 87 lakh (86,97,544) as on date,” the ministry said.

Of the new recovered cases,76.6 per cent are observed to be concentrated in 10 states and UTs. Maharashtra has reported the maximum number of single-day recoveries with 5,834 newly recovered cases. Kerala follows closely with 5,820 new recoveries.

Delhi registered 4,916 new recoveries.

Of the new infections, 75.70 per cent are from 10 states and UTs, the ministry said.

Kerala reported the highest daily new cases at 5,848. It is followed by Maharashtra with 4,922 new cases. Delhi recorded 3,419 new cases.

A total of 482 case fatalities have been reported in a span of 24 hours.

Ten states and UTs account for 79.05 per cent of new deaths. Maharashtra saw the maximum casualties (95). Delhi and West Bengal follow with 77 and 49 daily deaths, respectively.

The daily registered deaths per million population during the past week when compared globally demonstrate that India has one of the lowest at 3 deaths/million population.

might turn refugee voters, especially the Matua community, against BJP in the 2021 assembly polls due in April-May next year.

India saw violent protests against the Citizenship (Amendment) Act, in which nearly 50 people, including 37 police officials, were injured after supporters and opponents of the ‘controversial’ CAA clashed in the northeastern part of Delhi.

The CAA seeks to grant citizenship to Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Christian, Jain and Parsi refugees, who have come to India from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan on or before 31 December, 2014.

her free will. It was not immediately known whether she also changed her religion.

According to reports, Moradabad man Rashid had met the woman from Bijnore when he was working in Dehradun where she was studying.

Police reached the registrar’s office after being approached by Bajrang Dal activists. The two men were then produced before a magistrate and sent to prison.

SHO Kanth said it was now up to the court to decide the case.

The recently promulgated Uttar Pradesh Prohibition of Unlawful Conversion of Religion Ordinance, 2020 nullifies marriages if they are carried out for the sole purpose of religious conversion.

GRATITUDE The Piphema Village Council would like to expressed immense pleasure and profound gratitude to Shri. Khriehu Liezietsu, honourable Member of Nagaland Legislative Assembly for donating varieties of plants for the village beautification.

DC-

DC-814

Kailash Vijayvargiya

M o r a da ba d ( U P ) , Dec 6 (PTI): Police arrested a Muslim man and his brother under Uttar Pradesh’s new anti-conversion law when he visited the registrar’s office here to record his marriage to a Hindu woman.

A video clip purportedly showed Bajrang Dal activists asking the couple if the woman had given notice to the local district magistrate over her intention to change her religion, a requirement under the new UP ordinance.

Kanth station house officer Ajay Gautam said the two men were arrested Friday on the basis of a complaint by the woman’s parents.

The woman said she is an adult and married the man a few months ago of

Sd/Piphema Village Council

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KOL K ATA , D EC 6 ( AGENCIES): The process of granting citizenship to refugees under the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) will be started by the BJP government from January next year, party General Secretary and West Bengal In-charge Kailash Vijayvargiya has said, reports Livemint.

“We are hopeful that the process of granting citizenship to refugees under the CAA will begin from January next year,” the senior BJP leader said, adding that the Centre and the saffron party are keen to grant citizenship to the large refugee population in West Bengal.

While speaking to reporters on the sidelines of the party’s ‘Aar Noy Anyay’ (no more injustice) campaign in North 24 Parganas district, the BJP national general secretary accused the TMC government of not being sympathetic to the cause of the refugees.

“The Centre has passed the CAA with the honest intention of granting citizenship to persecuted refugees

8

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Nagaland Post, Dimapur monDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

oil prices may remain Airlines gear up to deploy Vaccine Hopes: FII inflows Global range bound in 2021 more capacity as traffic rises to fund equities further rise

Mumbai, Dec 6 (IANS): Consistent FII inflows, along with an optimistic RBI policy outcome and hopes of a faster roll-out of an anti-Covid-19 vaccine is expected to give a further push to key domestic stock indices in the week ahead.

Lately, healthy FIIs inflows have powered a rally in stock markets.

The FIIs remained net buyers last week. They invested over $2 billion in the equity segment.

Besides, analysts pointed out that macro-economic signs showing sustenance of demand recovery after the festive season would be key to watch out for investors.

They pointed out that expectations for an economic stimulus in the US and hopes for a vaccine to stop the virus will be the main focus in markets during the week ahead.

However, likely bouts of profit booking as well as expensive propositions will arrest any major upswing.

“While the trigger of RBI policy is out of the way, markets globally now look forward to rising chances of an early US economic stimulus package,” said Deepak Jasani- Head of Retail Research at HDFC

Securities.

“Post a good weekly close, we may see some more upside in the early part of the week. Stocks that have seen a decent upside over the past few weeks are showing signs of fatigue and profit taking. Attention may shift to stocks that have not performed to that extent so far.”

The Indian markets continued their rally for the fifth consecutive week ended on December 4, 2020 with benchmark indices hitting fresh record highs during the week supported by the global as well as domestic cues. Notably, the NSE Nifty50 closed the week higher by 2.2 per cent and S&P BSE Sensex gained 2.1 per cent.

“Going ahead, the overall structure of the market continues to remain positive,” Siddhartha Khemka,

head of Retail Research, Motilal Oswal Financial Services.

“Next week, investors would track progress on US stimulus which is again gaining momentum. ECB interest rate decision next week would also be kept on radar.”

According to Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services: “The banking sector is likely to continue to stay in focus in the coming week as SC may pass its verdict on moratorium.”

“Importantly, in the near-term, we feel that PSU Banks can outperform as price and valuation wise they are still much cheaper than private banks and they have not yet participated in the rally in the market and banking industry.”

“In the last three months, private banks were up by 30 per cent while PSUBs (Nifty PSUB index) were even less than halve.

On a valuation basis, Price to Book Value of PSUBs is at 0.4x compared to 2x of NiftyBank Index.”

Additionally, macroeconomic data points like the Index of Industrial Production (IIP) will be keenly watched by investors.

New Delhi, Dec 6 (IANS): Global crude oil prices are expected to be range bound and between $40-50 a barrel in 2021 as major oil producers have decided on a modest output rise from January that earlier anticipated, analysts have said on the emerging oil pricing scenario.

The news of a successful coronavirus has ignited the oil market again with crude price moving up mire than 20 per cent in a month to hover close to $50 a barrel now.

However, analysts believe oil prices may not see any big rise even in 2021 as demand conditions continue to remain below the peak levels.

The OPEC + decision now not to go for any big time increase in oil production in first two quarters of 2021, any major price fall of crude has been averted and crude may be range bound even in 2021.

According to a report

by ICICI Securities, supply deficit of crude would be in the range of 0.5m b/d in Q1CY21E and 0.2-2 .8m b/d in Q2-Q4CY21E as OPEC+ has decided to raise output by just 0.5m b/d in January 2021 and by not more than 0.5m b/d in later months and only after deliberations.

This would prevent oversupply of oil and keep oil prices from a big crash as witnessed early this year.

Dengue cases reported in Dimapur (From p-1) Another virologist at Kolkata, Dhrubjyoti Chattopadhyay, warned that dengue may aggravate the COVID-19 situation as both viruses may supplement each other.

In August last, the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) informed that vector density (number of mosquito population) was increasing in various localities of Dimapur. This was found during a routine entomological study by NVBDCP on Malaria, Dengue and Japanese Encephalitis (JE) vector density in various localities in Dimapur.

NVBDCP appealed to the community/public all over the state to remove stagnant water from all containers around the house like flower pot bases, empty vessels, coolers, tyres, buckets etc. once a week as mosquitoes breed in stagnant water and the eggs would hatch in a week.

New Delhi, Dec 6 (IANS): Rising passenger numbers have lifted the prospects of India’s Covid battered airline sector, as industry players rush to augment capacity, increase hiring and scale up operations.

In terms of numbers, the domestic passenger traffic has gradually risen from 30,000 on May 25 to 2.52 lakh on November 30.

The Centre has allowed airlines to deploy up to 80 per cent of their pre-Covid flight capacity.

Besides, the capacity augmentation has also lifted the stock prices of listed airlines.

The sector was heavily dented by Covid-19 outbreak and the subsequent lockdown as passenger air services were suspended from March 25 till May 25.

Asked about the readiness to deploy more capacity, Willy Boulter, Chief Commercial Officer of IndiGo, said: “We are certainly ready and preparing to deploy 80 per cent of our previous capacity in the domestic market.”

“We look forward to getting back to 100 per cent in due course, early in 2021.

So far demand has been robust and we believe it will

continue to grow steadily.

We remain very confident in the longer term future of Indian aviation.”

Recently, the airline major resumed operating 1,000 daily flights.

These flights are to and from 59 domestic and six international destinations.

They include scheduled commercial operations and air bubble flights.

Similarly, a senior Vistara official said: “We are already at close to 70 per cent and working towards the 80 per cent mark, subject to slot approvals from various airports.”

In October, all major airlines reported a higher PLF level than 60 per cent with SpiceJet and IndiGo at 74 per cent and 68 per cent, respectively.

The monthly domestic passenger traffic has steadily increased from only 19.8 lakh in June 2020 to 52.71 lakh in October 2020.

On the hiring prospects of the industry, Kinjal Shah, Vice President, ICRA, said : “They do have the capacity and some airlines were already prepared to increase capacity when government permits it.”

“Pilots hiring may be required, since airlines have laid-off many of them. As far as other employees are

concerned, many are on leave without pay as of now, so they can be called back immediately.”

Despite this upswing, ICRA still expects FY21 to witness a higher decline of 62-64 per cent in domestic passenger traffic, than its earlier estimates of 41-46 per cent decline.

The domestic passenger traffic is expected to reach a much lower level than that of FY11.

On its part, India Ratings & Research views capacity addition as a credit positive event, supportive of operating cash flows and thus helping alleviate some of the stress in the sector.

“While risk of additional waves of the pandemic remains, we believe possibility of blanket ban on air travel (similar to April-May-2020) remains low,” said Abhishek Nigam, Associate Director, India Ratings & Research.

“Ind-Ra believes recovery in airline sector will continue in FY22 too as macro-economic situation improves (on a y-y basis) and corporate as well as tourism related demand recovers. Gradual resumption of international flights will be another next key event to watch out for in the coming months.”

Centre’s GST compensation CAIT asks ED to take strict action against Amazon formula gets nod from all states

KAKURO

No. 4387 Yesterday’s solution No. 4386

No. 3411 Yesterday’s solution No. 3410

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has invested in More Retail Limited, a MBRT Company and has put up a ‘Front’ namely ‘Samara AIF’, not only this, how the AIF structure which has been allowed

by SEBI for the purpose of pooling of money of investors for financial investment and returns has been misused to control MBRT companies which could not have been otherwise done by Amazon.It is an open fact that by shareholders’ agreements, Amazon is exercising ‘control’ over More Retail Limited. The shareholders’ agreements have never been disclosed to DPIIT or ED or RBI or to any other authority”.

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“The e-commerce entity is allowed to provide attendant services so why does Amazon require so much of money for this Marketplace based model of e-commerce? The fact is most of the money has been used to offer steep discounts on the products sold on the platform directly or indirectly through various methods and investigation should start from here,” CAIT said. Bhartia and Khandelwal said, “We fail to understand why even after repeated exposure, not a single action is taken by the authorities. In our communication to ED we have highlighted how Amazon

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provided all the proofs and documents which clearly shows how Amazon is operating in India with a hidden motive. “We have also raised certain questions as to how Amazon through Amazon Seller Services Private Limited (‘Amazon India’) and other owned subsidiaries and benamis have been carrying on multi brand retail trading (inventory based model of e-commerce) in the garb of marketplace based model of e-commerce in complete violation of FDI Policy, Press Notes and FEMA Act, Rules and Regulations,” they added.

The simple and direct evidence of violation is that, by its own admission Amazon has invested $ 6 billion in Amazon India.

Marketplace based model of e-commerce, is nothing but provision of an electronic platform for the buyers and sellers to transact.

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DC-813

Crossword

Centre has already borrowed an amount of Rs 30,000 crore on behalf of the states in five instalments and passed it on to the ones who chose Option-1. Now Jharkhand will also receive funds raised through this window starting from the next round of borrowing. The next instalment of Rs 6,000 crore will be released on December 7. Under the terms of Option-1, besides getting the facility of a special window for borrowings to meet the shortfall arising out of GST implementation, the states are also entitled to get unconditional permission to borrow the final instalment of 0.50 per cent of Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) out of the 2 per cent additional borrowings permitted by the Centre under the Atma Nirbhar Abhiyaan on May 17.

taken against the Amazon because of which the seven crore traders of the country along with the workers and people connected to them are feeling cheated and left out. Taking into account the sentiments of Indian retailers and not to forget the amount of damage caused by the foreign E-commerce giants immediate and strict action is required and CAIT demands the ED to do the needful.

CAIT National President B.C. Bhartia and Secretary General Praveen Khandelwal said that in their complaint to ED, they have

DP-5314

New Delhi, Dec 6 (IANS): All the 28 states and three union territories with legislature have decided to go for the Centresuggested compensation formula to meet the revenue shortfall arising out of the GST implementation.

Jharkhand, the only remaining state, has now communicated its acceptance of Option-1 given by the Centre. All the three union territories with Legislative Assembly who are members of the GST council have already decided in favour of Option-1. The Central government has set up a special borrowing window for the states and union territories who choose Option-1 to borrow the amount of shortfall arising out of GST implementation. The window has been operationalised since October 23 and the

New Delhi, Dec 6 (IANS): The Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT ) has written to the Enforcement Directorate(ED) with all the necessary details to prove that since the beginning of Amazon in India in 2012, it has brazenly and flagrantly violated the laws, rules and regulations of the country and has caused misery to crores of small traders (by resorting to predatory pricing) who are sought to be protected by the FDI Policy and the FEMA Rules and Regulations.

Despite the constant violations no action has been

DC-640

UK set for roll-out of Pfizer’s Covaxin this week

LONDON, DEC 6 (Reuters): Britain is preparing to become the first country to roll out the Pfizer/BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine this week, initially making the shot available at hospitals before distributing stocks to doctors’ clinics, the government said on Sunday.

The first doses are set to be administered on Tuesday, with the National Health Service (NHS) giving top priority to vaccinating the over-80s, frontline healthcare workers and care home staff and residents.

Britain gave emergency use approval for the vaccine developed by Pfizer and BioNTech last week jumping ahead in the global race to begin the most crucial mass inoculation programme in history.

In total, Britain has ordered 40 million doses.

As each person requires two doses, that is enough to vaccinate 20 million people in the country of 67 million. About 800,000 doses are expected to be available within the first week.

Initial doses that have arrived from Belgium are being stored in secure locations across the country, where they will be quality checked, the health ministry said.

The rollout coincides

9

international

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Specialist freezers await distribution of the coronavirus vaccines to the NHS from a secure location in Britain this undated handout obtained December 5. (Reuters)

with a crucial and perilous moment in negotiations between Britain and the European Union on a postBrexit trade agreement.

A status quo transition period will end on Dec. 31 and a no-deal scenario would lead to major disruptions in the movement of goods between Britain and EU countries such as Belgium.

The Observer newspaper reported on Sunday that, under UK government contingency plans, tens of millions of vaccine doses

could be flown to Britain by military aircraft to avoid delays at ports caused by Brexit.

The head of the medicines regulatory agency that approved the vaccine, June Raine, was asked whether she was concerned that a no-deal risked disrupting the rollout. “We’ve practised, we are ready, we are fully prepared for any possible outcome,” Raine said in an interview on BBC television.

The Pfizer/BioNTech vaccine has onerous stor-

age requirements. It needs to be kept at -70C (-94F) and only lasts five days in a regular fridge.

For that reason, the health ministry said the vaccine would first be administered in 50 hospitals.

It said it would take a few hours to defrost each vaccine and prepare it for use.

NHS England has written to general practitioners, telling them to get ready to start giving vaccinations through local doctors’ services from Dec. 14. Rather than run clin-

ics in individual surgeries, groups of local doctors will operate more than 1,000 vaccination centres across the country, the government said.

Boxes of the vaccine contain five packs of 975 doses, but special regulatory approval is needed to split them up. A senior medical official has said that while he was hopeful it would be possible to split the packs and deliver straight to care homes, it was not guaranteed.

Britain is among the first nations to roll out vaccinations outside the context of a clinic trial, raising hopes that the tide could soon turn against a virus that has killed nearly 1.5 million people globally and hammered the world economy.

With high levels of vaccine scepticism worrying public health experts, the Times and Mail on Sunday newspapers reported that Queen Elizabeth, 94, and her husband Prince Philip, 99, would “let it be known” when they had received the jab.

The queen is highly admired in British society, and her public backing for the vaccine would be a powerful message to counter anti-vaccination misinformation circulating online.

‘Final throw of the dice’: Britain and EU to resume trade talks

An electronic billboard displays British government information message advising business to prepare for the Brexit in London.

L O N D O N / D U B L I N, DEC 6 (AGENCIES): British and European Union negotiators will meet in Brussels on Sunday in a last-ditch attempt to strike a post-Brexit trade deal before a transition agreement ends on Dec. 31.

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen spoke on Saturday and instructed their teams to resume talks after they were paused on Friday.

In a joint statement after their call, Johnson and von der Leyen said that no agreement was feasible if disagreements on the three thorny issues of governance, fisheries and competition rules, known as the level

playing field, were not resolved.

“This is the final throw of the dice,” a British source close to the negotiations said.

EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier said the talks on Sunday with his British counterpart David Frost would show whether a new trade deal could be struck.

A majority of Johnson’s ministers were willing to back him if he decides a deal is not in Britain’s interests, the Times newspaper reported, saying 13 cabinet ministers - including eight who opposed Brexit - had confirmed they would do so. British farming minister George Eustice backed that up in an interview on Sky News on Sunday, saying the

country had done a huge amount of preparation for a no-deal and was ready to go through with such a scenario.

“We’ll continue to work on these negotiations until there’s no point in doing so any further,” said Eustice.

But Irish Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, a key figure in Brexit talks in recent years, said it was not credible for the British government to suggest they could manage a no-deal.

Striking a more optimistic note, Coveney said it was his “very strong view” that a deal could be done.

“We are more likely to get a deal than not,” Coveney told Ireland’s Sunday Independent newspaper.

Negotiations were paused on Friday after hopes of a deal earlier in the week evaporated. The British team said the EU had made demands incompatible with its sovereignty and warned that the talks could end without an agreement.

Coveney denied the EU had hardened its stance.

If they fail to reach a deal, a five-year Brexit divorce will end messily just as Britain and its former EU partners grapple with the economic cost of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Chang’e 5 probe completes docking Sikh-Americans protest in US cities against farm laws in India mission, to return moon rocks to Earth

and docked with the orbiterreturner combination in lunar orbit early Sunday, the China National Space Administration (CNSA) said.

Next, the orbiter-returner will separate from the ascender, and wait for the right time to return to Earth, it said.

The samples collected on the moon had been transferred from the ascender to the returner safely by 6:12 am (local time), said the CNSA. After the samples were collected and sealed, the ascender of Chang’e-5 took off from the lunar surface on December 3. The Chang’e-5 probe, named after the mythical Chinese moon goddess, is expected to bring about 2 kilogrammes of lunar samples back to Earth.

China chose a com-

plicated technological approach, including unmanned rendezvous and docking in lunar orbit, in order to bring back more samples and lay a technological foundation for manned lunar missions, said Pei Zhaoyu, deputy director of the Lunar Exploration and Space Program Centre of the CNSA. This is the first-time a Chinese spacecraft has carried out rendezvous and docking in lunar orbit.

Chang’e-5 is one of the most complicated and challenging missions in Chinese aerospace history, as well as the world’s first moonsample mission in more than 40 years.

Those samples will now be put in a return capsule for the trip home, expected to land in Inner Mongolia later this month.

UN hails India’s leadership on solar and industry transition UNITED NATIONS, DEC 6 (PTI): India’s leadership on solar and industry transition is the reason to believe the world can achieve its climate goals, a top UN official has said, asserting that as governments look to restart their economies after COVID-19, it is vital to pursue a recovery that is not only sustainable, resilient and fair, but also job-rich.

UN Deputy Secretary General Amina Mohammed highlighted “encouraging news” on global efforts to overcome climate change while attending a webinar titled ‘People and ClimateJust Transition in Practice’ last week.

Amina Mohammed

“Today there is encouraging news: Japan and the Republic of Korea, together with more than 110 other countries, have now pledged carbon neutrality by 2050.

China says it will do so before 2060. India’s leadership on solar and the industry

transition is reason to believe that we can achieve our climate goals,” she said.

She said the European Union and its Member States had a strong history of leadership on climate action, including the commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

“It is essential that the European Union delivers on its promise to adopt a new climate target this year, by coming forward with a baseline of reducing emissions by at least 55 per cent by 2030,” she said, adding that it is also crucial for the European Union to accelerate its transition toward renewable energy.

open India’s agricultural market to the private sector; allowing major corporations to take over independent farming communities and dilute crops’ market value,” said Indiana-based Gurinder Singh Khalsa.

Khalsa was one of the organisers of the rally in downtown Indianapolis attended by nearly 500 Sikh

Americans from various parts of Indiana.

Thousands of farmers are protesting on various borders of Delhi since November 26, seeking repeal of three farm laws enacted in September.

A day earlier, there was a gathering of SikhAmericans in Chicago and a protest rally in front of the

Indian Embassy in Washington DC. Another one is planned on Sunday. “ N o Fa r m e r s, N o Food” and “Save the farmers” were the commonly-sighted posters at these peaceful protest rallies.

“This is a peaceful protest and should serve as a loud and clear message to the Indian government. We

Pak Christian girl killed for rejecting Muslim man’s marriage proposal ISLAMABAD, DEC 6 (IANS): A Pakistani Christian girl has been killed after her parents rejected a marriage proposal sent by a Muslim man, police said on Sunday.

Officers from the Koral Police Station in Rawalpindi claimed to have arrested an accused named Faizan, whereas raids were being carried out to arrest the prime suspect, Shehzad, reports The Express tribune. Shehzad’s mother is also said to have sent her son’s proposal for the victim Sonia, but her parents refused as she was to marry another man, identified as Faizan.

According to police, on the day of the incident, the girl was travelling with Faizan on the highway, when Shehzad opened fire on her.

The police said that, as per the preliminary investigation, the murder appears to have been carried out of personal resentment.

However, the deputy inspector general (DIG) of police said the police were investigating all aspects.

Last month, a young Christian girl, Arzoo Raja, was reportedly abducted, forced to convert and marry a 44-year-old Muslim man in Karachi.

OFFICE OF THE

must support our farmers,” said Amandeep Singh Hundal in Indian.

“This is not a request to Indian government, rather a demand to take all three bills back,” said another Sikh leader Darshan Singh Darar.

The protest in Bay Area was organised by the Jakara Movement, a California-based grassroots organisation which seeks to strengthen community engagement and build empowerment by focusing on issues of civic engagement, education, health, and social justice.

Organisers said the caravan protest taking place on Sunday in the Bay Area - along with similar recent protests in New York, Houston, Michigan, Chicago, and Washington, DC - was meant as a show of solidarity, as Sikhs around the world urge international condemnation of the farm bills.

18 militants killed in Afghanistan KABUL, DEC 6 (IANS): At least 18 militants were killed in Afghanistan’s Kandahar province, the former stronghold of the Taliban militant group, the Defence Ministry said in a statement here Sunday.

In the operations which covered parts of Dand, Jelai and Maroud districts since Saturday, 18 armed insurgents have been killed and a total of anti-personnel and anti-vehicle mines have been discovered and defused, Xinhua news agency quoted the statement as saying. Taliban militants who are active in parts of Kandahar province are yet to make a comment.

ACHUMI KUPOSHUKULU

SHENA (OLD) UNION

FELICITATION

KOHIMA, NAGALAND

Regd. No. H/RS-2081, Dt. 18-2-2002

FELICITATION

With immense joy, we the Shena Old Union Kohima (SOUK) extend our heartfelt congratulations to the following individuals: 1. Er. Kahuli Sema promoted to Chief Engineer NPWD and posted to PEP Kohima, Nagaland.

2. Shri. SK Hekshe promoted to Additional Director/Project Director, Soil & Water Conservation Department.

2. Er. Jacob B Sema promoted to Chief Engineer ONGC Jorhat, Assam.

4. Er. Kasheto K Achumi promoted to EE(C) Power Department, Nagaland.

5. Smt Alice Z Yepthomi promoted to CDPO Social Welfare Department.

6. Shri. Khezhekhu Sema promoted to Development Officer Industry & Commerce Department.

We are immensely proud of your achievements and may God continue to bless you in all your future endeavours.

Sd/Sd/Xukiye S Achumi Hushika Yeptho Chairman, SOUK Secy., SOUK

The ACHUMI KUPOSHUKULU wishes our heartiest congratulations to the following persons: 1. Er. Kahuli Achumi Sema, w/o Dr. Toiho Achumi Sema on being promoted to the post of Chief Engineer, (PEP) Nagaland, Kohima.

2. Er. Jacob B. Achumi, s/o Bennet on being promoted to the post of Chief Engineer ONGC, Jorhat, Assam.

3. S.K. Hekishe Achumi, s/o Kumaqhe on being promoted to the post of Additional Director/Project Director, Deptt. of Soil & Water Conservation, Nagaland.

4. Er. Kasheto Achumi, s/o Qhukiye promoted to the post of E.E. (Civil) Power Deptt., Nagaland.

Chairman Secretary Er. Toniho Achumi Jonah Achumi

DP-5391

BEIJING DEC 6 (PTI): China’s Chang’e-5 probe that touched down on the moon transferred the rock samples it collected from the lunar surface to its orbiter on Sunday, with an ambitious aim to bring them back to Earth for the first time in nearly 45 years, the country’s space agency said.

Chang’e-5 probe, comprising an orbiter, a lander, an ascender, and a returner, was launched on November 24, and its lander-ascender combination touched down on the north of the Mons Rumker in Oceanus Procellarum, also known as the Ocean of Storms, on the near side of the moon on December 1.

The ascender of the spacecraft which collected samples from the moon successfully rendezvoused

Farmer stand on top of a building as placards are seen hanging during a protest against the central government’s recent farm laws at the Delhi-Haryana state border. (AFP)

K-1988

The Chang’e-5 probe, named after the mythical Chinese moon goddess, is expected to bring about 2 kilogrammes of lunar samples back to Earth.

WASHINGTON, DEC 6 (PTI): Hundreds of SikhAmericans have held peaceful protest rallies in several cities across the US in support of the Indian farmers who have been protesting against the new agricultural reforms in India.

A large car caravan of protesters from various parts of California blocked the traffic on the Bay Bridge on Saturday as they moved towards the Indian Consulate in San Francisco, while several hundreds gathered in downtown Indianapolis.

The protesters at both the places demanded the new laws be repealed, saying they would push Indian farmers towards poverty and give the corporate sectors a monopoly.

“Farmers are the soul of any nation. We must protect our soul. People around the world, including many cities in the US and Canada, have come together to dispose of the bills that will

Infotainment

The Black Eyed Peas tops charts in move to Latin music

T

he Black Eyed Peas, whose music spans hip hop to soul to pop-rap, is topping the charts with the former quartet’s first album in two years, featuring Latin pop artists such as Shakira.

“Translation” also has tracks created with other Latin stars like J. Balvin and Maluma in a genre whose growth has outpaced the overall U.S. music market.

“I personally was inspired by this Latin movement,” said Will.i.am, a member of the current trio.

“It’s the most streamed

D

genre on Spotify. And to that, it is the definition of international pop.”

The album is the group’s second since Fergie left about three years ago.

“We have three No. 1’s without, you know, the traditional lineup that you thought was responsible for the pop success.

This record shows that it’s the songs that contributed to (our success),” said Will.i.am.

One track, “Girl Like Me,” was recorded in 2008

by Shakira and Will.i.am but only released this week.

The music video was shot

with her in Colombia and the trio in California. Such distanced shoots could become the new norm, said Will.i.am.

“We sent her our footage so the director could match the set, the lighting, so we could all feel like we’re in the same universe even though we were apart,” he said.

The Black Eyed Peas, formed as a rap group in 1995, has sold over 50 million albums worldwide in genres that include pop, soul and electronic music.

(Reuters)

Letitia Wright deletes her social media accounts

B

lack Panther actress Letitia Wright deleted her Instagram and Twitter accounts after being trolled for sharing Covid-19 anti-vaccine video.

“Sorry, this page isn’t available,” read her old Instagram account, which had 2.1 million followers, while Twitter said her account no longer exists, reports dailymail.co.uk.

This comes after she was slammed by netizens on Thursday for sharing a link to a YouTube video that questioned if people should take the Covid-19 vaccine.

The clip she shared was from a YouTube channel presented by Arayomi, a law graduate whose mother is a dentist and father is a doctor.

The description of his YouTube video says: “Tonight I’m talking about Luciferase, the ingredient allegedly being added to the COVID vaccine to detect those who have not taken it. Luciferase, named by its founder after Lucifer???”

Reacting to it, fans accused her of spreading false and potentially dangerous content.

(IANS)

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Jeremih discharged as he recovers from Covid

J

eremih has been released from hospital as he continues his recovery after contracting coronavirus.

The singer and rapper was admitted to intensive care last month with Covid19, before being released from ICU on November 21.

Sharing a statement with TMZ, Jeremih said: “First and foremost, I would like to thank God and the incredible team of doctors and nurses at Northwestern Memorial Hospital for saving my life. I will be forever grateful. I would also like to thank my family and friends for all their prayers and well wishes. I’m overwhelmed with gratitude.

“A special thanks to Chance The Rapper, 50 Cent and Diddy for their love and support. I would like to thank all my fans and people around the world who prayed for me. I’m getting stronger everyday, and look forward to spending time with my sons.”

In a statement shared last month upon his admission to hospital last month (November 19), the 33year-old’s family said his condition was “rare for a young man his age without underlying conditions”.

“A great team of doctors and nurses is helping him pull through,” they said at the time. “He’s not out of the woods yet, but progress is being made. The family and friends are praying that he starts breathing on his own soon, and makes a full recovery.”

Chance The Rapper, Big Sean and Toni Braxton were among the stars who shared their support for Jeremih after his condition was reported.

“Please if you can take a second to pray for my friend Jeremih,” Chance tweeted. “He is like a brother to me and he’s ill right now. I believe in the healing power of Jesus so if you can for me please please say a prayer over him.”

(NME)

NATIONALE INSTITUTE FOR CIVIL SERVICES EXAMINATION

ALL OUR BRANCHES ARE OPEN

FOR ADMISSIONS TO ALL COURSES & ACADEMIC SUPPORT (10 am TO 3pm) ALL GOVT. SOP WILL BE FOLLOWED.

CIVIL SERVICE PREPARATION KNOWS NO EXCUSES NO WAIT NO OBSTACLES

IT KNOWS ONLY

PERSEVERANCE TILL YOU SUCCEED

HOW ABOUT

Dolly Parton wants Beyonce to cover ‘Jolene’

olly Parton would love Beyonce to cover ‘Jolene’. The 74-year-old singer is proud that so many artists have covered her 1974 classic single but she is still hopeful that one day a major artist will record their own take on the track and enjoy a “really big hit” with it.

She told Big Issue magazine: “‘Jolene’ has been recorded more than any other song that I have ever written.

“It has been recorded worldwide over 400 times in lots of different languages by lots of different bands.

“The White Stripes did a wonderful job of it, and many other people. But nobody’s ever had a really big hit record on it.

“I’ve always hoped somebody might do someday, someone like Beyonce.”

And one of Dolly’s proudest moments was the reaction to the late Whitney

Houston’s 1992 take on her song ‘I Will Always Love You’.

She said: “I had a number one with ‘I Will Always Love You’ twice, once in the Seventies then I did it in the movie ‘The Best Little Whorehouse in Texas’ and had another number one in the eighties.

“And then Whitney did it and it was considered one of the greatest love songs of all time.

“Still to this day I take

a lot of pride in that.”

When she’s writing a new song, the ‘9 to 5’ hitmaker looks at the process as if she’s “starring” in a movie.

She explained: “When I write a song, I’m vulnerable at those moments. I leave my heart out on my sleeve.

“I’ve always said I have to leave my heart open in order to receive those kind of songs.

(Contactmusic)

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NEW DELHI HEAD OFFICE: 1ST FLOOR, PARAM TOWER, 11/5B PUSA ROAD (OPP. METRO PILLAR 132)

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R.N. Ravi Governor of Nagaland

DC-796

10

Raj Bhavan Kohima - 797001

CHIEF MINISTER

November 25, 2020

NAGALAND KOHIMA

MESSAGE

5th December 2020

On the occasion of Armed Forces Flag Day, which is being observed throughout the Country on 7th December 2020 (Monday), I extend my warm greetings and best wishes to all the members of Armed Forces, Ex-servicemen and their families. Armed Forces Flag Day is observed in recognition of services rendered by Armed Forces personnel in the defence of the motherland and to convey our solidarity with them. The Day is intended to honour the martyr, to salute the veterans and the brave and to enhance the traditional bonds that exist between citizens of the country and the Armed Forces. This day is celebrated to enlist the public co-operation and support for three basic purposes - rehabilitation of families of battle casualties, welfare of servicing personnel and their families and resettlement and welfare of Ex-servicemen and their families, in general.

MESSAGE The Armed Forces Flag Day is observed on 7th December every year in recognition of the services rendered by personnel of the Defence Services. On this day, the Martyrs, Veterans and brave soldiers of our great country are honoured for their roles in defending the country against external aggression and assisting civil authority during natural calamities and disturbance of law and order.

On this occasion, I extend my greetings and best wishes to all ranks of the Army, Navy, Air Force and Ex-servicemen, widows and their families.

On this occasion, I appeal to all citizens to contribute generously towards the Armed Forces Flag Day Fund, which will go a long way in supplementing the effort of the Governments for welfare of war widows, disabled soldiers and the Ex-servicemen and serving soldiers - who have been safeguarding the Nation from external aggression and come to the aid of Civil Authority at the time of natural calamities and disaster.

I wish the celebration of the Armed Forces Flag Day a grand success.

DC-811(A)

I wish the Armed Forces Flag Day every success.

(NEIPHIU RIO) (R.N. RAVI) Chief Minister's Office, Kohima, Nagaland, Ph. 0370-2270000/13 Fax : 0370-2270015 email: cm_nagaland@yahoo.com K Y M C

DC-811(B)

K Y M C

FC Goa beat Kerala blasters 3-1 for its 1st win

MARGAO/ BAMBOLIM (GOA), DEC 6 (IANS): A brace from Igor Angulo, with the second goal coming in stoppage time from a blunder by Kerala Blasters goalkeeper, and a solitary goal from Jorge Mendoza helped FC Goa beat Kerala Blasters 3-1 in the Indian Super League (ISL) at the Fatorda Stadium on Sunday.

Vincente Gomez scored for Kerala just before Angulo ended any hopes they got of getting something from the match.

FC Goa have thus secured their first win of the season. Goa coach Juan Ferrando made two changes to the side that was held

by NorthEast United as James Donachie and Alexander Jesuraj were included. Nishu Kumar, Gomez and Nongdamba Naorem returned to the starting eleven for Kerala.

The first big chance for the 2019/20 ISL Shield winners arrived early in the 10th minute when Mendonza beat Nishu to take control of a long ball and fired a shot from outside the box, only to see his effort hit the crossbar.

The home side came close to grabbing the lead once again seven minutes

Mumbai City beat wasteful Odisha 2-0

after the break and continued to pile on the pressure.

Their efforts soon bore fruit as they doubled their lead through Mendoza.

The forward received the ball outside the box and traded a lovely one-two with Brandon Fernandes before burying his shot into the far corner.

Kerala pushed hard in search of a goal and came close in the 67th minute.

Gomez won the ball inside the box but saw his shot rattle the underside of the crossbar. Kibu Vicuna’s side threatened on quite a few occasions but were unable to find the back of

Kenya’s Kandie smashes half UFC to slash roster marathon world record in Valencia before year-end,

Kibiwott Kandie

VA L E N C I A , D E C 6 (AGENCIES): Kenya’s Kibiwott Kandie smashed the half marathon world record by 29 seconds on Sunday, becoming the first person to break 58 minutes at the Valencia Half Marathon.

Kandie, who finished second at the world half marathon championships in Gdynia in October, finished the Spanish annual

race in 57 minutes and 32 seconds, breaking the previous record of 58:01 set by compatriot Geoffrey Kamworor in September 2019.

The top four men all ran under the previous world best, with Jacob Kiplimo of Uganda finishing second in 57:37, Kenyan Rhonex Kipruto third in 57:49 and Kenyan Alexander Mutiso taking fourth place in 57:59.

Kandie, 24, led the chasing pack, which included reigning world champion Kiplimo, through the 15-kilometre mark in 41:10.

The pair traded the lead over the next six km before Kandie made the decisive move, to finish more than a minute off his previous personal best of 58:37.

Ethiopia’s Genzebe Dibaba won the women’s race in 1:05:18, setting the fastest time for a debut over the distance.

says Dana White

LOS ANGELES, DEC 6 (AGENCIES): The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) is set to cut 60 mixed martial artists from its roster before the end of the year, president Dana White told a media conference after Saturday’s card in Las Vegas. White was responding to a question about Cuban middleweight Yoel Romero, who was recently dropped by the organisation despite fighting for the title as recently as last March.

The UFC currently lists 724 active fighters on its website (www.ufc.com), comprising 117 women and 607 men. “ We ’r e g o n n a g o through some serious cuts here at the end of the year, probably going to have 60 cuts here before the end of the year ... our roster is very inflated right now,” White told reporters. “We’re just literally starting to go through the list and he (Romero) is 44, he’s lost four of his last five. These are the tough decisions you’ve got to make,” he added.

Mumbai City FC continued their impressive start to the Indian Super League (ISL) with a 2-0 victory over Odisha FC at the GMC Stadium on Sunday.

A penalty from Batholomew Ogbeche (30’) and a header from Rowllin Borges (45’) gave Sergio Lobera’s men their third win in four games and their first-win ever over Odisha in the league.

The win sent them top of the table, level on points with ATK Mohun Bagan, albeit with a better goal difference. For their opponents, this was their third loss in four games and only point-less SC East Bengal lie below Stuart Baxter’s side.

Apart from not being able to hold on to the ball for long durations, Odisha also suffered from players taking shots too early instead of looking for creating easier chances.

While Odisha had just one shot lesser than Mumbai overall, only one of the six shots they had were on target. Out of the rest of the five, three were taken from outside the box.

First ODI between South Africa and England cancelled PAARL, DEC 6 (IANS): The rescheduled first ODI of the three-match series between South Africa and England to be played at the Boland Park on Sunday was cancelled after two members of the touring England returned “unconfirmed positive tests” for coronavirus.

The start of the match was earlier delayed as England players and management underwent an additional round of PCR tests on Saturday evening after two members of the hotel staff tested positive for Covid-19. “Following the test results, two members of the England touring party have returned unconfirmed positive tests for Covid-19.

The players and management are now self-isolating in their rooms until further advice from the medical teams,” Cricket South Africa and the England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement. “The medical advice from both CSA and ECB is that the match cannot not take place,” it added.

Ashley Giles, Managing Director, England Men’s Cricket, said: “We regret that we are unable to play in today’s ODI, but the welfare

Digital board displays the postponed ODI match.

of the players and support staff is our primary concern and whilst we await the results of further tests the medical advice from both teams was that this game should not take place. “We remain in constant dialogue with Cricket South Africa and will continue to work closely with them to determine how best to move forward.” The status of games due to be played on Monday and Wednesday is also now in doubt, the decision on which will be made once “the results of the tests are ratified independently by medical experts”.

CSA Director of Cricket, Graeme Smith said: “CSA is doing everything in our power to ensure that our top priority, which is the health, safety and

welfare of players, support staff and all involved in this series is safeguarded. With that in mind, we have made the joint decision to cancel today’s match.

“We are deeply regretful of the situation we find ourselves in after the amount of time and energy that has been put in place to host a successful tour. We are in continuous talks with the ECB as we navigate the situation under the guidance of our combined medical teams,” he added.

The three-match series was earlier scheduled to begin on November 4 at Newlands. The game was postponed after a Proteas player tested positive on Thursday.

South Africa re-tested their players on Friday and all returned negative results.

Ogier wins World Rally title to deny GB’s Evans

Rijiju to inaugurate webinar on antidoping by NADA

Match in action between Goa FC and Kerala Blasters during the ISL match, Sunday.

later, only to be denied by the post. A miscued pass from Rohit Kumar put Angulo through on goal.

The striker, with only the keeper to beat, attempted to curl his shot into the bottom corner but it struck the far post.

However, Angulo soon made up for the missed opportunity around the halfhour mark as he put Goa ahead. Gama flicked the ball towards Angulo in the box and the striker delightfully dinked it over Kerala goalkeeper Albino Gomes to bag his fourth goal of the season.

Goa returned hungrier

11

sports

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

the net.

When a goal did arrive for them, the contest had already been settled in Goa’s favour. Nishu whipped a cross for Gomez, whose header snuck into goal after brushing the underside of the crossbar.

Kerala captain Costa Nhamoinesu was given his marching orders late on during injury time after being shown a second yellow card, following a rash tackle on Princeton Rebello. Seconds later, Gomes grabbed the ball and rolled it ahead in a bid to kick it long but was unaware of Angulo nearby.

LONDON, DEC 6 (AGENCIES): Sebastien Ogier clinched his seventh World Rally Championship title in eight seasons with victory to deny Toyota team-mate Elfyn Evans a first title.

Welshman Evans, 31, admitted his hopes of becoming world champion looked to be over after he crashed on stage 11 of the final event of the season in Monza.

Ogier took full advantage to win the asphalt fixture by 13.9 seconds to win overall by a margin of eight points.

“I think we have done a good job this season,” France’s Ogier, 36, said.

Estonia’s Ott Tanak, the 2019 champion, finished the stage second, 1.4 seconds ahead of Hyundai team-mate Dani Sordo of Spain.

Ogier overhauled Evans, who had led the overall standings heading into the final stage and who was hoping to become only the third British winner of the

Sebastien Ogier

World Rally Championship, Evans was unscathed following Colin McRae in after his crash on Saturday, 1995 and Richard Burns in but his Toyota sustained 2001. heavy damage, with the dent

to his title aspirations irreparable for this season.

“We feel sorry for Elfyn. We had great fun fighting each other this season and I am sure next year will be the same,” Ogier added.

Evans expressed his disappointment on Saturday after the crash on stage 11 that ended his title hopes.

“We came around a flat right corner with a short braking and the surface of the tarmac had changed,” he said.

“When I braked on that, it was just like glass and there was no chance of us slowing down at all.

It completely caught me by surprise.

“You have to be there, you have to try. You’re not going to win anything by sitting around at the back and I think everybody was having to take some sort of chance.

“I actually had the surface change in my notes, but I didn’t anticipate it would be as extreme.

“From my side, I’m really gutted for the team.”

NEW DELHI, DEC 6 (IANS): The National AntiDoping Agency (NADA) and the National Sports University, Manipur will organise a webinar around the theme of ‘Anti-Doping Nutritional and Therapeutic Needs in Sports’. The event will be inaugurated by Sports Minister Kiren Rijiju. The programme will be chaired by NADA Director General Naveen Agarwal.

World Anti-Doping Agency president Witold Vanka will feature as a guest of honour along with sports secretary Ravi Mittal and vice chancellor of National Sports University, RC Mishra.

Athletics Federation of India (AFI) president Adille Sumariwalla will also be a special guest. “During this time, about 5,000 physical teachers, sports coaches, sportspersons, students and academicians from different states of the country will participate in the online programme,” said the organisers in their statement.

Dortmund share point with Vardy hits late winner as Leicester beat Sheffield Crystal Palace beat Frankfurt in Bundesliga West Bromwich 5-1

Borussia Dortmund players celebrate their goal.

BERLIN, DEC 6 (IANS): Borussia Dortmund came from behind against Eintracht Frankfurt after Giovanni Reyna had to cancel out Daichi Kamada’s first-half opener in the 10th round of Bundesliga.

Both teams needed no time to get into gears on Saturday evening as the first chance of the game fell at Dortmund’s feet when captain Mats Hummels pulled wide from close range after three minutes, reports Xinhua news agency.

Six minutes later, the “Eagles” opened the scoring with their first chance as Martin Hinteregger’s through ball allowed Kamada to beat onrushing K Y M C

Dortmund goalkeeper Roman Burki.

With the lead, Frankfurt focused on counter-attacks and caught Dortmund almost flatfooted in the 15th minute when Filip Kostic missed the far post corner.

The “BVB” tur ned up and threatened Frankfurt’s defense twice through youngster Jadon Sancho, who lacked accuracy in the 20th and 26th minutes.

Frankfurt nearly doubled its advantage against the run of the play but Aymen Barkok wasn’t able to direct his volley on target from very close range in the 34th minute.

After the break, Lucien Favre’s men increased the

pressure whereas Frankfurt kept all its men behind the ball. The hosts eventually overcame Frankfurt’s bulwark on 56 minutes when Sancho’s good build-up work on the left-wing helped Reyna shrug off Hinteregger before drilling the ball from 14 meters into the top left corner.

Dortmund laid siege to Frankfurt’s goal but neither Julian Brandt, who rattled the side netting from a sharp angle or youngster Youssoufa Moukoko, could grab the winner.

Frankfurt stood firm and secured one point on home soil.

With the stalemate, Borussia Dortmund jumps to third place while Eintracht Frankfurt moves to the standings’ eighth position.

Elsewhere, Cologne missed the chance to snatch a vital victory as Wout Weghorst 2-2 equaliser secured Wolfsburg a draw on the road.

After seven winless games in a row, newcomers Arminia Bielefeld returned to winning ways by beating bottom side Mainz 2-1, and Alassane Plea’s leveller helped Borussia Monchengladbach to clinch a two-all tie at Freiburg.

LONDON/ MANCHESTER, DEC 6 ( AG E N C I E S ) : Ja m i e Vardy scored a 90th-minute winner for Leicester 2-1 to break Sheffield United hearts and leave them in a perilous position at the bottom of the Premier League table.

The Blades looked set to secure only their second point of the season when Oli McBurnie scored his first of the campaign after Ayoze Perez had given the visitors the lead.

However, the Foxes never looked like wanting to settle for a point in their pursuit of a Champions League spot. With moments of the match remaining, James Maddison fed in Vardy, who scampered clear of the home defence and slotted his shot past Aaron Ramsdale.

The 33-year-old boyhood fan of Blades’ rivals Sheffield Wednesday celebrated by running to the corner flag and snapping it with his boot.

Earlier, Vardy and Maddison both came close with fierce efforts that struck the Blades’ righthand upright.

O l ive r B ur ke ha d United’s only other chance of note when he slipped with just Kasper Schmeichel to beat.

Crystal Palace forward Wilfried Zaha scored twice on his return to the team following illness and Christian Benteke also grabbed a double in the second half as they cruised to a 5-1 win over 10-man West Bromwich Albion in the Premier League on Sunday.

Ivorian Zaha marked his comeback from selfisolation after contracting COVID-19 by curling the ball in on his 200th Premier League start and doubled his tally by tapping home after a fine run from Eberechi Eze to seal the victory at The Hawthorns.

Benteke headed in his first goal of the campaign in between Zaha’s strikes, and added another late on.

“We weren’t scared to play today. It was harder for them when they lost a player, and we wanted to impose ourselves,” Zaha was quoted as saying by the BBC. “We have tremendous ability in our team.

We just need to keep picking up points.”

Benteke, who made his first league start of the season, said he had no complaints about his lack of game time. “The only truth is on the pitch. I’ve

Jamie Vardy roars in delight after scoring Leicester’s stoppage time winner.

been working hard in the shadows and I took my chance,” he added.

Palace boss Roy Hodgson equalled one of the lesser-known Premier League records - most wins for a manager against his former teams - joining Harry Redknapp and Sam Allardyce on 11.

Palace, who now have 16 points from 11 matches to sit 11th, began the contest brightly and got the breakthrough as Zaha’s whipped cross after a quick free kick was turned into the net by West Brom defender Darnell Furlong in the eighth minute.

Chelsea move top as fans return Chelsea enjoyed comfortable win in the Premier League on Saturday as fans returned to stadiums after an eight-month absence.

Chelsea beat Leeds United 3-1 in front of 2,000 spectators at Stamford Bridge. Clubs in less restricted areas of England were allowed to welcome back 2,000 fans but in higher risk places games carried on behind closed doors.

Chelsea moved top of the table as they came from behind to beat Leeds United 3-1 at home, set on their way by a fifth goal in four days from French forward Olivier

Giroud. Giroud, 34, marked his first league start of the season - reward for his four goals in Chelsea’s thrashing of Sevilla in the Champions League - by stretching to turn in a whipped cross by Reece James in the 27th minute. That cancelled out a fourth-minute opener for Leeds by Patrick Bamford.

Chelsea went ahead in the 61st minute when Kurt Zouma jumped higher than everyone to power a Mason Mount corner into net and Christian Pulisic sealed the win in added time when he turned in a cross by Timo Werner.

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sports

Dhawan, Pandya seal T20 series win for India

SYDNEY, DEC 6 (IANS): Hardik Pandya smashed two sixes in the last over to take India to victory in the second T20I against Australia at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Sunday.

India have thus taken an unassailable 2-0 lead in the series and bounced from the defeat they suffered in the ODI series before this. It also marks the first time since 2016 that India have managed to beat Australia in a T20I series home or away.

Shikhar Dhawan’s 52 and captain Virat Kohli’s 40 along with a 22-ball 30 from K.L. Rahul helped India bring the equation down to 14 runs needed off the last over in their chase of a target of 195.

Pandya, who had back-tobackk fours in the second last over bowled by Andrew Tye, was on strike

Australian players greet Indian batsmen after their win in the second T20 international cricket match between Australia and India in Sydney, Australia, Sunday. (AP/PTI)

against Daniel Sams and ond ball wide of long-on get an upper cut on the took two runs off the first and cleared the boundary. third ball but missed it ball. He then hit the secPandya then tried to completely before deposit-

ing the fourth past deep midwicket over the boundary. The partnership between Pandya and Shreyas Iyer, who scored 12 off five balls, remained unbeaten on 46. It was India’s second highest partnership after the opening stand of 56 between Dhawan and Rahul.

Sams, Tye, Mitchell Swepson and Adam Zampa got a wicket each as Australia bowled as many as seven bowlers.

E a r l i e r, M a t t h ew Wade, who was standing in as Australia’s captain and opening batsman in place of the injured Aaron Finch, scored 58 off 32 balls as Australia scored 194/5. Steve Smith scored 46 off 38 while Glenn Maxwell, Moises Henriques and Marcus Stoinis chipped in from the lower order to take Australia close to the 200-run mark.

Nagaland Post, Dimapur MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2020

Barcelona slump to worst La Liga start in over 30 years after Cadiz loss CARDIZ (SPAIN), DEC 6 (AGENCIES): Barcelona’s 2-1 loss against Cadiz on Saturday has sealed their worst start to a La Liga season since 1987-88.

Ro na l d Ko e m a n’s side currently have just 14 points after 10 games of the new league campaign with the club last accruing less than that at this stage 32 years ago, when they picked up 13.

Cadiz, who have now beaten both Real Madrid and Barcelona this season after being promoted, were gifted the three points on Saturday after a defensive error allowed Alvaro Negredo to score a simple winner in the 63rd minute.

Barcelona had equalised via an own goal just six minutes prior, having first fallen behind in the eighth minute after Alvaro Gimenez opened the scoring for Cadiz.

Lionel Messi, runs with the ball next to Cadiz’s Alex Fernandez during the La Liga match, Saturday. (AP/PTI)

The result leaves Koeman’s side stuck in seventh in the La Liga table - 12 points shy of league leaders Atletico Madrid who remain the only club yet to lose this season.

Having seen Barca win their past three matches in convincing fashion, Koeman conceded their loss against Cadiz was a

significant step backwards.

“We can’t concede a second goal like that. It’s a lack of concentration. It’s hard to explain what happened because we had a good week,” Koeman said post-match. “I think the first-half wasn’t good. We lost a lot of balls. There was a little improvement in the second half ”.

Mbappe reaches 100th goal for PSG in Montpellier win

Kylian Mbappe

PARIS, DEC 6 (IANS): French striker Kylian Mbappe came off the bench to hit his 100th goal for Paris Saint-Germain as the defending champion overcame Montpellier 3-1 after an uphill battle in their latest encounter.

The milestone goal came in the stoppage time of Saturday’s match when Layvin Kurzawa’s cross set up for Mbappe’s easy finish, reports Xinhua news agency. The 21-year-old achieved the feat in just 137 matches since arriving in Paris in 2017, and now sits tied in third place of the club’s all-time leading scorers with Dominique Rocheteau, who got his century in 255 appearances in the 1980s.

Uruguay striker Edinson Cavani leads the list with 200 goals while Swedish great Zlatan Ibrahimovic is second with 156.

Colin Dagba struck the opener for PSG on the pitch of La Mosson but the lead was cancelled by English forward Stephy Mavididi through a counter-attack only seven minutes later. Mavididi could have

netted a second before the break but his close-range shot was denied by Keylor Navas.

Thomas Tuchel’s side has just claimed an important victory in the Champions League at Old Trafford three days before, and the German coach opted to rest some of its top players including Neymar and Marco Verratti in the domestic league ahead of its crucial Champions League game against Istanbul Basaksehir on Tuesday.

Moise Kean put PSG in front again in the 77th minute with a close-range rocketing finish before Mbappe flicked in a Kurzawa’s cross to lock it 3-1 in the 91st. The win helped PSG extend its lead in the standings to four points over the secondplaced Marseille, but with two more games played.

In the other match on Saturday, early league frontrunner Rennes hosted Lens but was beaten by the promoting side 2-0 to see its winless run extend to seven games in all competitions.

Spence Jr beats Danny Garcia in 1st fight since car crash TEXAS, DEC 6 (AGENCIES): American welterweight Errol Spence Jr marked his first fight after a serious car crash by beating Danny Garcia to defend his WBC and IBF world titles.

Spence, 30, was in intensive care after flipping his Ferrari at high speed in Dallas in October 2019.

He was charged by police with driving while intoxicated and put on probation.

On his return to the ring, Spence dominated 32-yearold American Garcia to win by a unanimous decision at the home of the Dallas Cowboys.

The pair were due to fight earlier this year before the coronavirus pandemic struck. Spence extended his record to 27-0 - with 21 of those victories by knockout - in a classy performance which was carded 117-111, 116-112 and 116-112 in his favour.

“The moment is surreal especially coming back from my accident a year ago,” Spence said.

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