Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com
Vol XXXII No. 79
DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 2022 Pages 12 ` 5.00
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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9
PM-DevINE will ensure basic amenities in NE: PM
Spl. Correspondent
NEW DELHI, FEB 23 (NPN): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said that Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North East Region (PMDevINE) would ensure saturation of basic amenities in the Northeast. Elaborating on the priorities of Central government while addressing a webinar on positive impact of Union Budget on rural development, he said Svamitva Scheme was similarly helping in properly demarcating residences and land in villages as more than 40 lakh property cards had been issued. This was the second webinar in the series where Union ministers concerned, representatives of State governments and other stakeholders were present. With measures like unique land identification PIN, Modi said dependence of rural people on revenue officials would decrease. He asked the State governments
NHRC directive to DG prisons on Dmu sub-jail inmates DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on Wednesday directed director general (DG) of prisons to take appropriate action on the condition of inmates lodged at Dimapur sub-jail within eight weeks. The directive to the director general of prisons was issued on February 23 , 2022 following a complaint (case no. 8/17/1/2022) filed by one Saidur Rahman, a human rights defender of Dimapur, before the commission. The complainant pointed out various irregularities at Dimapur Subjail, especially the pathetic condition of inmates. Rahman had complained to the National Human Rights Commission about negligence in providing proper healthcare facilities, diet and drinking water to inmates of the sub-jail Dimapur by jail authorities. “This complaint be transmitted to the concerned authority for such action as deemed appropriate. The authority concerned is directed to take appropriate action within 8 weeks associating the complainant/victim and to inform him/her of the action taken in the matter,” the directive of the NHRC stated.
This is it!
“Look how the entire stretch of the 4-lane is becoming like a marketing highway.” K Y M C
PM addressing the webinar in Delhi on February 23. (PIB)
to work with a timeline for linking land records and demarcation solutions with modern technology. “For achieving 100 per cent coverage in different schemes, we will have to focus on new technology, so that projects get completed with speed and quality is not compromised also,” he added. Explaining that the budget had given a clear roadmap for achieving the goal of saturation of government development measures and schemes and how basic amenities could reach to cent percent population, Modi said the budget had made essential allocations for every scheme like PM Awas Yojana, Gramin Sa-
dak Yojana, Jal Jeevan Mission, connectivity of Northeast, broadband in villages. Similarly, he added that the Vibrant Village programme announced in the budget was very important for the border villages. Reiterating that the mantra of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas and Sabka Prayas served as an inspiration behind all policies and actions of the government, Modi stressed that the pledges for “Azadi Ka Amrit kaal” would be realised only with the efforts of everyone, and everyone would be able to make that effort only when every individual, section and region got the full benefit of development.
SC dismisses plea to cancel CL 10, 12 offline board exams
NEW DELHI, FEB 23 (PTI): The Supreme Court Wednesday dismissed a plea seeking cancellation of offline board examinations for classes 10 and 12 to be conducted by the CBSE and several other boards this year, saying such petitions give “false hope” and create “confusion” among students who are going to appear in these exams. The apex court observed that the petition is “ill-advised” and “premature” and the authorities are yet to take appropriate decision with regard to conducting exams of the various boards. “Such petitions give false hope to the persons who are going to appear in the examinations. Those
students will be misled by this petition. Let the authorities take decision. If the decision is wrong, challenge that decision. Here, you want to pre-empt everything,” a bench headed by Justice A M Khanwilkar told the lawyer appearing for the petitioners. “This creates not only false hopes, it creates confusion all over to students who are preparing,” said the bench, also comprising Justices Dinesh Maheshwari and C T Ravikumar. The counsel appearing for the petitioners said that most of the state boards have not yet declared the dates for examinations. “Whenever examination is due, they will declare those dates, what is the problem,” the bench observed.
Referring to the target of four crore water connection under Jal Jeevan Mission, Modi called for enhancing the efforts, while also appealing to every State government to be very vigilant about the quality of pipelines and water that was proposed to be provided. He said tap water had to be taken to every household by 2024. He also mentioned that rural digital connectivity was no longer a mere aspiration but had become a necessity. Broadband would not only provide facilities in the villages but also create a big pool of skilled youth in the villages, he added. Modi underlined the role of woman power as the foundation of rural economy. “Financial inclusion has ensured better participation of women in the financial decisions of the families. There is a need to push this participation of women further through self-help groups,” he stressed. Suggesting ways of improving governance for
rural development from his experience, he proposed that all agencies responsible for rural issues should sit together on regular intervals to ensure synergy and coordination. More than availability of money, he said it was the presence of siloes and lack of convergence that was the problem, while suggesting innovative ways like making the border villages venue for various competitions, retired government officials benefitting their villages with their administrative experience. He also suggested that deciding on a day as birthday of the village and celebrating it with a spirit of solving the problems would strengthen people’s attachment with their village and enrich the rural life. Measures like Krishi Vigyan Kendras selecting few farmers for natural farming, villages deciding about removing malnutrition and dropout rates would lead to much better outcomes for India’s villages, he added.
Havertz, Pulisic earn Chelsea 2-0 win over Lille SPORTS, PAGE 12
Two women take on powerful transport syndicate in Dimapur Staff Reporter
DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): The recent arrest of alleged transport syndicate kingpin ‘Joshi’ has been hailed by many people across Dimapur especially shopkeepers and small business enterprises since transportation charges in Dimapur have shot up. According to various sources, Joshi operates a transport syndicate that manipulates rates of transportation. The syndicate system also “disqualifies” those transporters from outside, from entering Dimapur. This has led many transporters from outside from entering Dimapur and instead unloading goods at Khatkhati. Several other organisations that had in the past cried hoarse against illegal collections and multiple taxations have yet to speak out on the matter. ACUAT Nagaland lauded the courage of the
two Naga women entrepreneurs- Mrs Tokali and Mrs Khesheli- for bringing in the highly-sought-after second-hand bales through their East India Transport Agency by refusing to pay to the syndicate. By not paying exorbitant charges to the syndicate, ACAUT said both Tokali and Khesheli have been able to sell their items a few thousands rupees cheaper to benefit buyers, mostly Naga women and also supporting their families. Business Association of Nagas (BAN) has lauded the two Naga women entrepreneurs who filed FIR with police that resulted in the arrest of the kingpin by police. Sources said though the alleged transport syndicate kingpin was known for the racket with involvement of various persons, no one had gone forward to take the big step. BAN president L. Mongkum Jamir and gener-
al secretary Dr. Yan Murry have also raised their voice against the syndicate system of Dimapur especially transport by an individual having several unnamed accomplices working behind the scene. Earlier, GB Union Dimapur (S) and Dimapur Urban Council Chairmen Federation have jointly issued a press statement lauding the arrest of the alleged kingpin of the transport syndicate one ‘Joshi’. The statement issued by the two unions also urged upon all to rid society of such elements involved in manipulative and coercive syndicate menace in controlling the entire business system. The hikes in prices of various items and commodities in the market have been blamed on various factors such as- multiple taxation at check gates, transport syndicates as well as market syndicates operating in Dimapur.
Immense potential for MSMEs NSDMA issues weather alert in NE region: DoNER minister Spl. Correspondent
NEW DELHI, FEB 21 (NPN): Union Minister for Development of North East Region (DoNER), Tourism & Culture G Kishan Reddy said there was immense potential for micro, small & medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Northeast in agriculture, food processing, tourism, mineral-based industries, IT, infrastructure, etc. Addressing the “North East MSME Conclave: Building Competitiveness for Leveraging Opportunities” organised by Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) in New Delhi on Wednesday, he called for tapping this huge potential
G Kishan Reddy
for bringing about inclusive development in the region. He mentioned that the North Eastern region was entering a new phase of development with several new opportunities emerging, adding that there was a need to make the most of this changing paradigm. He said that the Centre was committed towards development of the region and that several measures had
been taken in this regard. He said the recently-announced Rs 1,500-crore PM-DevINE scheme would prove to be a bonus for MSME sector. Hailing the MSME sector as the backbone of economy, Reddy emphasised that MSMEs must take the lead in the journey towards Atmanirbhar Bharat. He predicted that MSMEs would play a crucial role in the nation’s economic growth over the next 25 years of “Amrit Kaal”. To achieve the goal of overall development, the minister said it was pertinent that all stakeholders, including the MSMEs, worked together to embark on a journey to realise the dream of a better future.
DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority (NSDMA) has informed that Nagaland will experience partly cloudy weather in the coming days. In a press release, NSDMA joint chief executive officer, Johnny Ruangmei, stated that light and scattered rain was expected in districts like Mokokchung, Kiphire, Peren, Tuensang and Noklak between February 23-26, 2022, but for a short duration. The weather condition in most of the districts will improve starting from February 27, 2022, NSDMA stated. It also stated that temperature was expected to increase marginally during this period and days would be sunny. However, the NSD-
MA said that some of the districts where snowfall was observed during the past days such as Kohima was expected to again hit a minimum low temperature of 0°C with a maximum temperature of 12°C. Phek is expected to have a minimum and maximum temperature of 3°C and 19°C respectively, Aghunato will have a minimum and maximum temperature of 2°C and 17°C respectively, Kiphire will have minimum and maximum temperature of 5°C and 22°C respectively and Tuensang will have a minimum and maximum temperature of 4°C and 18°C respectively during this period. NSDMA has urged the public to exercise caution to avoid any eventualities during this period.
Reduced testing, surveillance of Covid concerning: WHO State logs 9 fresh Covid cases, 1 death GENEVA, FEB 23 (IANS): Even as Covid cases are decreasing and several countries lifting restrictions, testing and surveillance of the virus is also on the decline, which is a major cause of concern, said a World Health Organisation official. WHO epidemiologist Maria Van Kerkhove said that monitoring the virus remains critical, the Washington Post reported. “We need to be strategic about this, but we cannot abandon it,” Van Kerkhove said during an online question-and-answer session.
“And what we do not want to see is the dismantling of these surveillance systems that have been put in place for Covid-19,” she added. Although global infections have fallen about 20 per cent this week compared
with last week, she said the decline “may not be real” , because of the reduction in testing. Van Kerkhove had the same caveat about deaths. About 68,000 deaths were reported last week due to Covid, representing a slight decline, but WHO officials have questions about some of the reporting. Many European countries, including the UK, have lifted Covid restrictions as the Omicron wave is subsiding. But, the global health agency expects more variants to arise as the virus con-
tinues circulating, though they do not know whether future variants will be more or less severe or transmissible. For that reason, testing remains important, the report said. However, WHO Chief Scientist Soumya Swaminathan said that Covid might end this year. "At least we will get over the health impacts of coronavirus," she said. Yet, Van Kerkhove said: “Now is not the time to just drop everything. We need to be very careful about what is being done, because we have to limit the spread.”
DIMAPUR, FEB 23 (NPN): Nagaland on Wednesday recorded nine fresh Covid-19 positive cases while one more patient succumbed to the infection. Of the fresh cases, five were from Dimapur, three in Tuensang and one in Phek, taking the total caseload to 35381. Further, one more patient succumbed to the virus in Dimapur, pushing the death toll to 754 (including 4 non-Covid deaths but with positivity). Meanwhile, a total of 1440107 persons had been inoculated against Covid-19
till February 23. This include-- 812762 first dose and 627345 second dose while 21378 received their booster dose. Altogether, 75112 teenagers (15 to 18 years) received their Covaxin shot (57933 first dose and 17179 second dose). PTI: I n d i a l o g ge d 15,102 new infections, taking the total tally of COVID-19 cases to 4,28,67,031, while the death toll climbed to 5,12,622 with 278 fresh fatalities, the data updated at 8 am stated. Covovax trial: A group of 230 children aged two to
six have become the youngest in the country to get a Covid vaccine after they were given at least one dose during trials of the Covovax jab, manufacturer Serum Institute of India confirmed. The second dose will be given 21 days from now and the trial-- across 10 hospital sites in the country will conclude by May end. A senior official overseeing the trial said, “This (the 230) is the youngest age group which has been given a Covid shot as part of the advanced human trials of Covovax vaccine in India.”
Enforcement Directorate arrest Maha minister Nawab Malik in money laundering case MUMBAI, FEB 23 (PTI): Maharashtra’s Minority Affairs Minister Nawab Malik was taken in custody by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Wednesday in connection with a moneylaundering probe linked to the activities of fugitive gangster Dawood Ibrahim, his aides and the Mumbai underworld, the second high-profile NCP leader to be arrested by the agency within four months. Malik, who was questioned by ED here for six hours, was taken for a rou-
tine health check-up following his arrest and produced in a court which remanded him in the agency's custody till March 3. The development stirred a political storm in the state with the opposition BJP demanding his sacking, but Malik's Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) and its allies Congress and Shiv Sena came out in his defence and ruled out his resignation. 62-year-old NCP leader was taken into custody Malik being taken for a medical test shortly before 3 p.m. at the after his arrest by the Enforcement ED office in south Mumbai's Director, in Mumbai, Wednesday.
Ballard Estate area. He was brought there by the agency at around 8 a.m. His party and NCP leaders said he was taken by ED officials from his residence around 6 a.m. It is a second setback for Uddhav Thackerayled NCP-Congress-Shiv Sena government as its then Home Minister Anil Deshmukh had to quit in April last year after the high court ordered a probe into extortion allegations against him by former Mumbai Police chief Param Bir Singh. Malik had over the
last few months made a number of personal and service-related allegations of wrongdoings against former Mumbai NCB zonal director Sameer Wankhede, who has denied them. During the hearing in PMLA court on Wednesday, Malik told the judge that he had been forcibly brought here from home as against the set precedence of issuing summons and questioning. “After the court hearing, Malik was brought to the ED office in Ballard Estate around 9 p.m. The
minister will have to spend this night at the ED office,” an official said. Malik raised a clenched fist, smiled and waved towards the waiting media personnel before he was taken away for a medical check-up by agency officials in a vehicle escorted by CRPF personnel and local police. He told the media from inside the vehicle: "We will fight and we will win. Will expose all." Shiv Sena and Congress, which share power with NCP as part of Maha Vikas Aghadi govern-
ment in Maharashtra, also threw their weight behind Malik, saying they need to unitedly fight against the tactics to silence political opponents. Meanwhile, veteran Maharashtra politician Sharad Pawar and West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee exchanged notes over a phone call Wednesday following the arrest of Malik, sources told NDTV. The call lasted for about 10 minutes during which, the Trinamool Congress chief expressed her support and solidarity. K Y M C