3 Feb 22

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Nagaland Post www.nagalandpost.com

Vol XXXII No. 58

DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022 Pages 12 ` 5.00

Anti-vaccine protest in Canada spurs outrage

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INTERNATIONAL, PAGE 9

Dimapur retains U-19 cricket trophy SPORTS, PAGE 12

Oppn attacks govt on price rise, unemployment Budget for making India self-reliant: PM Accuses Centre of impinging on rights of states NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (PTI): Opposition parties Wednesday launched a blistering attack on the government in Rajya Sabha, alleging it has failed to control prices of essential commodities, provide jobs and meet its target of doubling farmers' income. They also accused the Centre of transgressing into the rights of the states and impinging on the federal structure of the country, as they opposed the proposed changes in All-India Services cadre rules and the decision to extend the jurisdiction of the Border Security Force to 50 kilometers in states bordering Bangladesh and Pakistan Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge, speaking on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, charged the government with not delivering on its various promises, including generating two crore jobs per year.

Won’t allow antiIndia activities: Myanmar envoy NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Myanmar’s Ambassador to India Moe Kyaw Aung has confirmed that his country handed over 5 Indian insurgents to the Indian government in December 2021 even as he reaffirmed that his country will “never allow any insurgent to use its own soil to engage in any hostile activities against” India. Aung, in a rare interview to WION said, “Myanmar and India have been enjoying traditionally close friendship and amity based on mutual respect”. He said that cooperation in the security and defence sector of both countries has strengthened over the years. Myanmar has reaffirmed our firm commitment in respecting the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the Republic of India. “Myanmar has clearly reiterated that it will never allow any insurgent and negative element to use its own soil to engage in any hostile activities against its neighbouring country, India,” he asserted. The Ambassador said that Myanmar and India were on the same page, as both agree that terrorism constitutes a significant threat to peace and stability in the region and should be confronted in all its forms and manifestations.

Minister Modi had termed it as “Vifalta ka samarak (monument to failure)”. DMK MP Tiruchi Siva criticised the proposed amendments in all-India services cadre rules, which give greater say to the Centre, alleging that "this is again transgressing into the rights Congress leader M. Kharge speaks in the Rajya Sabha, Wednesday. (PTI) of the states". Trinamool In the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who spent over an hour in the Upper House, Kharge also alleged that the government has failed when it came to controlling price increase of essential commodities like petroleum products and daily food items. The Centre was only giving lectures and not delivering on the ground when it came to reforms and welfare measures, he charged. “Your work is less but publicity is more. You (government) keep on saying one lie after another... whenever your political opponent points out to your follies, you say that religion is in danger. There is a lack of employment opportunities because investment is not

coming, factories are closing down…where are the good days?” Kharge said. The Congress leader, who spoke for over an hour, claimed that while the BJP was dismissive of the various welfare schemes like MNREGA, it was this programme that proved to be a boon for migrants during the COVID pandemic. He also claimed that many gover nment programmes like Make in India have not yielded the desired results. “In every field, whether its economy, makein-India, self-reliance, China Policy -- all things which you have said, all are failing one by one,” he alleged. Speaking on the MNREGA scheme, Kharge said that when it was launched Prime

Congress MP Sukhendu Sekhar Ray said the government issued a "fatwa" to make amendment in the rules which is an arbitrary and a veiled attempt to centralise executive powers of the states - a decision which has been opposed by nine chief ministers as well as over 100 retired IAS, IFS, etc.

Two Indias created, one for rich and one for poor: Rahul Gandhi Congress leader Rahul Gandhi attacked the Centre alleging that two Indias, one for the rich and one for the poor, have been created and the gap between them was widening. Speaking first from the Opposition side in the Lok Sabha during the debate on the Motion of Thanks on the President's address, he said the address to a joint sitting of Parliament didn't touch the central challenges facing the country and was a "list of bureaucratic ideas" instead of a strategic vision. The presidential address made no mention of unemployment, the Con-

gress leader claimed. There are two Indias -one for the rich, one for the poor -- and the gap between the two was widening, Gandhi alleged and urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to start working towards bringing the two Indias, created by this government, together. He claimed that 40% of India's wealth has gone to a chosen few. Today, the earnings of 84% of Indians have dwindled, pushing them towards poverty, Gandhi said. 'Make in India' cannot happen as the unorganised sector has been completely destroyed, he alleged.

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (PTI): Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday said the post-pandemic world was on the cusp of change and it was imperative for India to change at a rapid pace to emerge as a self-reliant nation. Addressing a symposium on 'Atmanirbhar Arthavyavastha' (self-reliant economy) organised by the BJP, he listed out initiatives announced in the union budget such as vibrant border villages, plans to introduce 5G technology, schemes for the farm sector and asserted that the fundamentals of the economy were strong and the nation was moving in the right direction. "In 2013-14, public investment was at just Rs 1.87 lakh crore. In this year's budget, we have pegged it at Rs 7.5 lakh crore. This is a four-fold increase from the UPA years," Modi said in his virtual address that was watched by chief ministers and party workers across the country. He said his government's "effective" policies have led to increase in the GDP to Rs 2.30 lakh crore

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from Rs 1.10 lakh crore seven years ago, exports have almost doubled to 4.70 lakh crore from Rs 2.50 lakh crore in 2013-14 and forex reserves have shot up to USD 630 billion from USD 275 billion. The prime minister said the focus of the union budget was on providing basic amenities to the poor, middle class and youth and his government was working on the saturation coverage of basic facilities. He said the budget has allocated Rs 48,000 crore to build 80 lakh houses for the poor, which would turn them into "lakhpatis". "In the last seven years, we have given three crore poor people 'pucca' houses,

ANPWDFWA temporarily suspends ongoing protest State logs 86 fresh Covid cases Staff Reporter

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Even as its state-wide indefinite agitation entered second day on Wednesday, the All Nagaland PWD Field Worker’s Association (ANPWDFWA) PWD (R&B) Housing and National Highway (NH) has informed that it has decided to temporarily suspend the agitation as the government has assured to fulfil its demands. When contacted over phone, ANPWDFWA president K Atovi Awomi told Nagaland Post that the state government has assured to complete verification and submit the report before

ANPWDFWA during the protest in Dimapur on Wednesday. (NP)

February 14, 2022. Therefore, he said the association has decided to temporarily suspend the agitation. ANPWDFWA presi-

dent, however, cautioned that if the government failed to fulfil its assurance, the association would intensify agitation. Meanwhile, ANPWD-

FWA informed that as part of indefinite agitation the work-charged employees of housing-I Kohima central division Kohima, NCC, estate and construction staged protest at engineer-in-chief NPWD office complex Kohima. The association stated that agitation on Wednesday was held peacefully with full support extended by all work-charged employees under NPWD Kohima and all the divisions and subdivisions under NPWD. The association has appealed to all the unit presidents, secretaries, advisors and representatives to ANPWDFWA stay together

High Court relief for unvaccinated students DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): In a major relief to the student community, Gauhati High Court, Kohima Bench on Wednesday directed the State government to allow online admission to unvaccinated students in Class IX and above, besides allowing them to attend classes provided they come tested with RT-PCR, Rising People’s Party (RPP) said in a press note. Responding to a petition filed by RPP through its advocate Neiteo Koza challenging the State government order of January 8 and principal director of

State govt asked allow online admission to unvaxxed students in Class IX & above school education’s order of January 11, Justice S Serto and Justice Kakheto Sema asked the government and principal director of school education Shanavas. C “to allow online admission to unvaccinated students in Class IX and above, and also to allow them to attend classes, provided they come tested with RT PCR.” The judges also ruled that the clause “Any student of class IX and above and

who has completed 15 years of age shall be allowed to take admission or attend regular/offline classes only if he/she has taken at least one dose of vaccine against Covid-19” should be reexamined by the State government “keeping in view the situation in the state and its implications.” Claiming that the order covered all schools and colleges in the State, RPP in a press release appealed to

school and college authorities to strictly adhere to it. The party said scores of worried and some wailing parents had lodged complaints earlier with its grievances cell regarding the apathy of the State government and the authoritative attitude of the School Education Department. RPP mentioned that people who cared for civil liberties should be grateful that there were judges willing to uphold the rights of citizens at a time when the State was exercising draconian power to curtail freedom.

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted widespread light/moderate rainfall with thunderstorm/lightning over North East region on February 4 & 5, 2022. In its bulletin, the met department stated that isolated heavy rainfall/ snowfall was likely over Arunachal Pradesh and heavy rainfall over west Assam & Meghalaya on February 4, 2022. It also stated that under the influence of a fresh Snow covered ground in Khuzama area on Wednesday. (Keviseto Sale)

Western Disturbance, isolated to scattered rainfall/ snowfall was very likely over Western Himalayan Region on February 6 & 7, 2022. IMD stated that Western Disturbance and its induced Cyclonic Circulation/Low was very likely to move eastnortheastwards during subsequent two days, as a result there would be high moisture feeding from Bay of Bengal to East & adjoining North East India on February 3 & 4, 2022 due to conflu-

ceived their booster dose while 48,138 teenagers received their first dose of Covaxin. PTI: With 1,61,386 people testing positive for Covid-19 infection in a day, India's total tally of cases increased to over 4.16 crore, the Health Ministry said. The death toll has climbed to 4,97,975 with 1,733 fatalities reported during the 24-hour period, the data updated at 8 am showed. The active cases decreased by 1,21,456 to reach 16,21,603-- 4.20 per cent of the total infections -- while the country's recovery rate stands at 94.60 per cent, the ministry said.

so they could raise their demand with one voice in a democratic way. Dimapur: Members of ANPWDFWA Dimapur unit, who also joined the agitation on February 1, locked the PWD office and staged sit-in protest outside the office gate. A N P W D F WA D i mapur unit president Aso Chang told Nagaland Post that work-charge employees were going through untold misery due to non-payment of salaries. Chang said the indefinite agitation would continue until the state government released the pending salaries. (Cont’d on p-8)

DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Nagaland on Wednesday recorded 86 fresh Covid-19 positive cases while no deaths were reported during the day. Of the fresh cases, 43 were from Dimapur, 21 in Tuensang, 15 in Kohima, four in Mokokchung, two in Mon and one in Peren, taking the total caseload to 34610. The death toll remained unchanged at 736 (including 4 non-Covid deaths but with positivity). Meanwhile, a total of 14,15,833 persons were inoculated against Covid-19 till February 2, they include-- 8,016,21 first dose and 6,14,212 second dose. Further, 13,948 re-

NNC observes 76th anniversary

Manipur polls: NPF issues ticket to 10 candidates

KOHIMA, FEB 2 (NPN): Naga National Council (NNC) observed 76 years of its formation at Peace Hall, Chedema on Wednesday. Addressing the gathering, NNC president Adinno Phizo, citing the recent killing of 14 civilians at Oting and Mon, said that this was testimony to the horrific saga of India’s occupation of Nagaland since 1950s. She clarified that the Nagas were not fighting for political power, but to save their country from foreign domination.

(Full report on p-3)

This is it! IMD issues weather alert; predicts wet spell over NE region

“If I can't understand the budget how can the middle class do? That's why I call it zero budget.”

Narendra Modi (PTI)

and made them 'lakhpatis'. Those who lived in slums, have their own houses," he said. "Our government has increased the price and size of these houses so that there is space for education for children. Out of this, most of the houses are in the name of women. We have also made women 'maalkins' (owners)," the prime minister said. He urged BJP workers to create awareness among the masses about the union budget and the initiatives taken by the government for the welfare of the poor. Modi also hit out at opposition parties for spreading misconception about minimum support price and asserted that his government had made record procurement of farm produce, which has benefited crores of farmers. "Farmers are expected to get Rs 1.5 lakh crore as MSP for paddy alone this season," he said. For the defence sector, Modi said his government was encouraging 'Make in India' and 68 per cent of the capital procurement had been earmarked for domestic industry.

ence between westerlies and southeasterlies from the Bay of Bengal at lower tropospheric levels. Further, IMD stated that rise in minimum temperatures by 2-3°C was very likely over most parts of East India during next three days and fall by 2-3°C thereafter. Meanwhile, people across Nagaland continue to experience freezing temperatures as several parts of the state have witnessed snowfall in the past few days.

NPF candidates during the ticket distribution ceremony. (NP)

Correspondent

KOHIMA, FEB 2 (NPN): Naga People's Front (NPF) on Wednesday issued tickets to 10 candidates for the upcoming Manipur Assembly elections. A ticket distribution ceremony was held at the NPF Central office in Kohima, attended by NPF president Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu, NPF legislature party leader TR Zeliang, legislators and senior party members both from Nagaland and Manipur. According to reports, after the NPF party announced the list of candidates on Monday, tension erupted in some parts of Manipur as supporters of a candidate who was denied the party ticket staged a protest and burnt the party flag. Senior NPF leader W Morung Makunga of Tengnoupal constituency also

tendered his resignation from the primary membership of the party after his name did not feature in the list of 10 candidates. As per reports, Makunga joined the Congress on Wednesday after he was invited by the party. Those who received the party ticket include the four sitting legislators-Losü Dikho for 48 Mao A/C, Awangbow Newmai for 52 Tamei A/C, Leishiyo Keishing 43 Phungyar A/C and Khashim Vashum 45 Chingai A/C. The other intending candidates include-- Langhu Paulhring Anal 41 Chandel A/C, Ram Muivah 44 Ukhrul A/C, Khoho Süle Antony 47 Karong A/C, D. Korungthang Maring 42 Tengnoupal A/C, Francis Ngajokpa 49 Tadubi A/C and Khangthuanang Panmei 53 Tamenglong A/C. (Cont’d on p-8) K Y M C


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‘World Wetlands Day’ observed in Dimapur

Resource person along with trainees, officers and staff of forest department and NPCB. DIMAPUR: ENVIS Hub Nagaland and host organisation, Nagaland Pollution Control Board (NPCB) on Wednesday, observed “World Wetlands Day” in the conference hall of the State Environment & Forestry Institute (SEFTI), Dimapur with range officer, Wokha forest division, department of environment, forests & climate change (EF&CC) Lansothung Lotha as resource person. The day marks the anniversary of the convention on wetlands which was adopted as international treaty in the year 1971, at the Iranian city of Ramsar.

The theme for 2022 is “wetlands action for people and nature” and highlights the importance of actions to ensure conservation and sustainable use of wetlands for human and planetary health. In a press release, member secretary NPCB & ENVIS coordinator, K. Hukato Chishi informed that during his presentation on “world wetlands day”, Lansothung highlighted various types of wetlands. He underscored the importance of wetlands in mitigating climate change and restoration of ecosystem. A short documentary

was also screened during the programme. The programme was hosted by programme officer, ENVIS Hub Nagaland, Limitsa S Sangtam while welcome address and introduction to “world wetlands day” was delivered by information officer, ENVIS Hub Nagaland Khriehunuo Rutsa. The programme was attended by SEFTI director Shakiba Yimchunger, SEFTI deputy director Obed Bohovi Swu, NPCB scientist ‘B’ Yanathung Kithan, GSDP (bamboo crafts) trainees, officers and staff of forest department and NPCB.

STATE

HPBWC president Hukato V. Achumi passes away

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

RD deptt bids farewell to retired additional director DIMAPUR: Rural development (RD) department organised a farewell programme for its retired additional director Tsalito Sangtam, Wednesday, in the conference hall of the RD directorate. A press release from the department informed that in a short speech, Tsalito Sangtam acknowledged the organising committee of the programme for the gesture and wished the department well. Short speeches were also delivered by project director, DRDA Phek, RD Vasa, joint director RD K. Neibou Sekhose and president of Nagaland Rural Development Services Association (NRDSA), Liboni Humtsoe, Direc-

DIMAPUR: Hazi Park (Hongkong Market) Business Welfare Committee (HPBWC) president, Hukato V. Achumi passed away on Wednesday at New Delhi. He was 60. Late Achumi is survived by his wife and one son. Expressing shock and grief over the demise of late Hukato, HPBWC said that he was instrumental in carrying out welfare activities at Hongkong market Neposo Theluo along with retired additional director Tsalito Sangtam and and “always stood for the officers at the programme. business community of the tor RD and commissioner gramme was chaired by Wekhro Wetsah while vote market”. & secretary RD, Neposo joint director RD Neizo- of thanks was proposed by As the president of Theluo. vonuo, invocation was said additional director RD T. the committee, it said that E a r l i e r, t h e p r o - by assistant director RD Setsathong Sangtam. late Hukato also initiated various development works during his tenure. The committee said his demise was not only a DIMAPUR: Nagaland loss for the business comMedical Students’ Associamunity of the market but tion (NMSA) has informed also the business commuthat an orientation-cumnity of Dimapur and the counselling would be held vacuum would be difficult for the selected candidates to fil in. of NEET (UG) 2021 on Hazi Park (Hongkong February 3. Market) Business Welfare All candidates have Committee conveyed its been requested to bring heartfelt condolences to the their original documents bereaved family members and photocopy with two and prayed that the Almighty would grant them Botany Department, St John College, Dimapur on January 31 visited a passports during the time of counselling. strength. hydroponics farm located at Indisen, Dimapur.

NMSA informs

ATMA Dimapur STRY programme culminates ECLF Aitepyong holds first annual body meet DIMAPUR: Commemorating “Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav”, Echungren Cluster Level Federation (ECLF) Aitepyong Circle under Block Mission Management Unit (BMMU) Nagaland State Rural Livelihoods Mission (NSRLM) held its first annual general body meeting on January 29 at ECLF Office. A press release by ECLF stated that special guest, district fishery officer Wokha, Dory Yanthan encouraged Self Help Groups (SHGs) to continue their good deeds especially the plantation drive that was carried out under

based vocational areas. It said the norms of the scheme are executed as per the standards by the national policy on sill development and entrepreneurship 2015 under Sub-mission on agriculture extension (SAME) of National Mission on Agricultural Extension & Technology (NAMET) during 2015-16. The resource persons HEA Panchong Konyak, ATM Kaiho Achumi, ATM Aketoli Chopy, DPD Avitoli K Yeptho.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

We the bereaved family of Lt. M. Johnny Ngullie, C/N, IGP (INT), Kohima, Nagaland express our heartfelt gratitude to all who stood by us through prayer, physically, financially and materially at his sudden demise on 29/01/2022. We would like to convey our special thanks to : 1. IGP (INT) staff. 2. Kohima Lotha Baptist Church 3. Bayavu Colony, Kohima. Birth : 14/12/1986 Died : 29/01/2022 4. Niroyo Village Union, Kohima 5. Niroyo Baptist Church. 6. Doctor and nurses 8. Friends and relatives. We regret being unable to thank every individual by name but we do sincerely pray that God Almighty bless you all abundantly. Loving wife, children and family wc-25/22

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DIMAPUR: A weeklong Skill Training of Rural Youth (STRY) programme on “Organic Farming: Opportunities for youth in agriculture” organised by Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) Dimapur at at Selouphe Village under Dhansiripar Block Dimapur ATMA culminated on January 25. A press release by ATMA Dimapur stated that the STRY programme provided skill-based training to rural youth in agri-

Mekokla, Akuk New, Akuk Old and Aitepyong Villages, secretarial report on activities and financial report was given by ECLF secretary, Chobhalo Kinghen. During the formal programme, success story was shared by Longsa SHG Mekokla, Zajano Kikon and secretary Nangti Valley SHG Akuk Old, Thungchano Humtsoe.

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Members of ATMA along with participants at the programme.

ECLF. Stating that NSRLM has been helping the women community in many ways, she called upon women to seize the opportunity and contribute in whatever ways possible. Yanthan also called upon men to encourage and extend support to their wives and daughters in their endeavours. The programme was chaired by VF Renthan VLO Mekokla, Adeno Ezung, invocation by Akuk Baptist Church pastor Renben J Ovung, presidential address by ECLF president, Thungchibeni Odyuo, special number/folk songs were presented by SHG members of

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nagalandpost.com Poll Q.: Will BJP win Manipur election on its own to form the government ? 100% 90% 80% 70% 60% 50% 40% 30% 20% 10% 0%

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NNC observes 76th anniversary Seminar on studying Naga history

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Yes. No. Can’t Say.

32% 58% 10%

NEXT POLL

Q: W i l l t h e e c o n o m y

improve after introduction of the union budget 2022?  Yes.  No.  Can’t Say.

WEATHER FORECAST FEBRUARY 3

(Temperature in ºC)

Max Min

Agartala Mostly sunny

28 13

Aizawl

Mostly sunny and pleasant

Guwahati Sunny and nice Imphal

Sunshine and pleasant

Itanagar Partly sunny

22 8 24 10 22 5 17 10

Shillong

An a.m. shower; partly sunny

13 4

Kohima

Partly sunny

16 4

Dimapur Mostly sunny and nice

22 9

Mkg

Mostly sunny

Tuensang Colder; an a.m. shower or two Wokha

A morning shower; sunshine

Zunheboto Mostly sunny and cool

18 5 9

2

16 8 15 3

3

STATE

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

T. Solo addressing the gathering.

Correspondent KOHIMA, FEB 2 (NPN): Naga National Council (NNC) observed 76 years of its formation at Peace Hall, Chedema on Wednesday. In her message to the people, council president Adinno Phizo recalled the Naga history when Naga Club submitted a memorandum on behalf of the Nagas on January 10, 1929 to the visiting Simon Commission at Kohima, urging

the British to leave Naga people alone. She stated that with India’s aggression on Nagaland, people faced tremendous hardships and alleged that Indian State terrorism and atrocities continue unabated till today. Citing the recent killing of 14 Naga civilians at Oting and Mon on December 4 and 5, 2021 she said this was testimony to the horrific saga of India’s occupation of Nagaland

since 1950s. She clarified that the Nagas were not fighting for political power, but to save their country from foreign domination. Thepfulhouvi Solo, who delivered a brief speech on the occasion, recalled the past pioneering leaders who had volunteered and fought for Naga people. He said the primary objective was to demonstrate that the Nagas were one and a unique people.

However, looking at the present situation, he lamented that today the Nagas had split into different groups, while pointing out that it was initially agreed upon to stand as one. He called upon all Nagas to come forward and reaffirm to unite. In her capacity as a concerned Naga citizen, Toshinaro Longchar delivered a powerful speech. She asserted that Nagas were independent and that conviction was not a mere belief, and ought to be connected to economic, political, cultural and social reality. She requested the Nagas to reflect on their way of living and wondered whether the present generation was aware with the roots of history. Longchar urged the people to explore and engage their minds towards Naga cause and come out with innovative ideas in all aspects of Naga polity. The programme was chaired by NNC spokesperson Kolezo Chase, with special numbers by CCRC Youth and Male voice by Chedema Baptist Church followed by mass prayer.

Faculty members of PCC and others at the seminar.

DIMAPUR: A seminar on “sources for studying Naga history” was organised by History department, Patkai Christian College (Autonomous) on January 31 at the Conference Hall. In a press release, PCC informed that speaker of the seminar, research scholar at the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, Thejalhouko Casavi spoke on the importance of colonial archive stating that “anyone writing Naga history is dependent on colonial sources even for pre-colonial era”.

He said one needs to be critical while reading sources and be aware of the pre-conceived ideas in the sources. He further highlighted the emerging scholarship in understanding the archive where scholars are studying the archive not as a source but as a subject. While speaking on the act of history writing, Casavi contended that academic history writing was not necessarily about claim making but the recovery of the voices of the subaltern and the many voices from within the colonial archive. He alerted the stu-

dents in studying history on the fallacy of imposing modern categories on to the past saying, “When we take Naga Identity as a given, we miss out on the richness of the archive.” Casavi further discussed on missionary writings as a very important source in understanding the drastic change in worldview among the Nagas. The seminar chaired by PCC assistant professor (history department) was attended by students and faculties of PCC while vote of thanks delivered by PCC HoD (history department), Dr Opangtula Imsong.

Women street vendors trained at Pughoboto Training on soil health management, card

EA advisor, Neikule Doulo speaking at the programme on Wednesday.

DIMAPUR: Entrepreneurs Associates (EA) along with the office of the additional deputy commissioner Pughoboto, Zunheboto district, supported by Capri Global Capital Limited organised “uplifting women street vendors programme” at Pughoboto town on Wednesday. In a press release, EA informed that during the programme, ADC Pughoboto, Thungchanbemo Tungoe encouraged the women to conduct their businesses with pride. He stressed on the role that vendors played in local economies and urged upon them to avail support wherever they could, in order to improve their living standards and help their families progress. Reiterating the importance of a mother’s role in families and their

significant impact in the lives of those around them, the ADC shared that there was dignity in every kind of job as every job played a vital role in the society. Emphasising the importance of savings and proper budgeting, Nagaland Rural Bank Pughoboto, branch manager, Senti Walling imparted various tips to help the women manage their finances better and pointed out schemes which could be beneficial for them. Highlighting the history of EA which began in 2000, EA advisor, Neikule Doulo shared that as of 2022, the association now worked in Nagaland and Manipur with branch offices across the states. Informing that the programme was started to help women scale their

businesses and improve their lives, she encouraged the women to give importance to the work they did and strive to do them well. Neikule also shared current initiatives of the organisation including the interest free loans for street vendors which EA was providing with some of its partners. Earlier, the programme was chaired by incubation lead, EA, Keren Swu while invocation was said by children pastor, Pughoboto Baptist Church, Kipitoli Shohe. The training at Pughoboto was attended by women street vendors, farmers and entrepreneurs from the town and the neighbouring villages. It may be mentioned that the programme is part of the series of trainings and workshops that addresses the needs of local women street vendors who form a vital part of the chain of supplying fruits and vegetables to urban households. According to a rough survey conducted by EA, it was estimated that about 30,000 women were engaged in street vending local products across the state. The EA has so far trained over 4000 women street vendors, microentrepreneurs and women farmers across Nagaland and Manipur since the launch of the programme. The next programme would be conducted in Mon on February 9, followed by another programme at Jalukie town on February 16.

DIMAPUR: A two-day training on “soil health management and soil health card in agriculture” was organised by State Agricultural Management and Extension Training Institute (SAMETI) on February 1-2 for Agricultural Technology Management Agency (ATMA) at SAMETI, Medziphema. In a press release, SAMETI informed that the training was aimed at equipping the trainees with technical know how about soils in Nagaland and their management through sustainable improvement and conservation practices. Resource persons for the training were scientist (soil science), ICAR NER, Jharnapani, Nagaland, Dr. Christy B.K. Sangma and senior research fellow, ICAR Nagaland, Dr. Rokozeno Chalie-u. The resource persons spoke on topics of acid soil management, soil conservation measures, soil health card, concept of soil health management and management practices to improve soil health A field trip to labo-

ATMA and SAMETI functionaries at the training held from February 1-2.

ratory at ICAR, Jharnapani Medziphema was undertaken where, scientist ICAR, Jharnapani Dr Christy B.K. Sangma conducted a demonstration on soil sample collection and Soil analysis. The trip was followed by discussion and interaction with joint director, ICAR Jharnapani, Dr D.J. Rajkhowa. The valedictory function was chaired by DPD SAMETI, Janet Chishi while feedback on the

training was given by BTM, Dimapur Demalu Hasnusa and BTM, Kohima Mvudzeviu Shuya. In her valedictor y speech, director SAMETI & Principal IETC Dr. Watimongla Jamir said that soil testing and soil management were the most important factors for ensuring overall agricultural growth. She encouraged the participants to always recommend crops to farmers based on the soil type of

the area to avoid crop failure and economic loss. She remarked that soil should be conserved and managed efficiently as this entity is the main source of bringing food on the table for mankind. The training programme concluded with distribution of certificates to the participants by Director SAMETI & Principal IETC while vote of thanks was proposed by Shri. Yezaho Swu DPD SAMETI.

CS launches NEP-The Lighthouse official website ZBCC Peren conducts teachers’ trg

DIMAPUR: State chief secretary and chairman of the Project Steering Committee (PSC) J Alam launched Nagaland Education Project - The Lighthouse (NECTAR) official project website (www. nagalandeduproject.com) on January 31. In a press release, the K Y M C

department of education informed that the website was launched in the presence of special secretary, school education department and vice chairperson PSC, Kevileno Angami and principal director, school education department, Shanavas C. The department in-

formed that the website aims to foster communication with various stakeholders and the public involved in the project directly or indirectly. It said the website would serve as a medium for communication related to disclosure of all publicly available project docu-

the education system from a focus on inputs towards a focus on learning outcomes and will provide a model for developing teachers as instructional leaders. The department said the project expects to enhance the systemic transformation in Nagaland’s teaching cadre, enhance the governance and management of its schools, and boost students’ learning outcomes. The focus of the project on technology-led transformation of governance systems may serve as a model template for the rest of the country, stated the department. It said the project components are expected to pilot several innovations in teacher management, community accountability, and improving classroom transactions. The project would develop and implement innovative models for technology integration, decentralized management of education systems, and community driven accountability mechanisms, stated the department.

Members of ZBCC Peren along with teachers and others at the training programme. (DIPR)

DIMAPUR: ZBCC Peren in collaboration with SCERT, Nagaland conducted a two-day teachers’ training under Zeme Baptist Church Council (ZBCC) from January 2829 at Peren town hall. According to a DIPR

report, 35 teachers from Baptist Higher Secondary School, Peren and Baptist High School, Jalukie attended the training. The resource persons were Benjungdenla Yaden (reader), Thebi Joseph (research associate) and Me-

dohunuo Phewhuo (training cum research assistant) from SCERT, Kohima. The purpose of the training was to update teachers on the changes in education system with the introduction of NEP 2020.

dc-85/22

J Alam along with Shanavas and others at the launching programme on Wednesday.

ments, project updates, project announcements, news and messages, grievance redressal, etc. The department of school education has urged every individual and organization to make use of this platform to understand about the project, and to give various suggestions, feedback, comments, etc. to make the project a success in Nagaland. The launch was graced by the presence of several dignitaries including the member secretary PSC, HoDs from NBSE, SCERT, DSE, Samagra Shiksha, Rural Development department, PHED, Agri. department, social welfare department, finance department, who are all members of the PSC, members of project management unit and project management consultants. The department informed that the NECTAR project was designed as the first targeted initiative in the State that can pioneer instructional leadership. It aims to re-orient

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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Mizoram alleges encroachment at Assam border

HAILAKANDI (ASSAM), FEB 2 (PTI): The Assam government on Wednesday sent an official team to a remote village in Hailakandi district along its border with Mizoram to verify claims that people from the neighbouring state were allegedly encroaching land in Assam and cutting down trees for jhum cultivation, a senior official said. Hailakandi Superintendent of Police Gaurav Upadhyay told PTI that a joint team of civil administration, police and forest department was sent to verify claims of encroachment in Gutguti in Ramnathpur police station area. “On Tuesday, we received reports from some locals of alleged encroachment in a very remote location. To verify their claims, a team has been sent to the site during the day,” he said. Upadhyay said that the team was yet to return to the district headquarters and all details related to the alleged encroachment will be known only after getting their report. “At the moment, we cannot say if this is an

File photo of police and para militray personnel at the disputed Assam-Mizoram border. encroachment or they were blast” near the Baicherra clearing forests for jhum forward outpost of Assam cultivation on the Mizoram Police and the arrest of a side itself. We will take ac- Mizoram Police personnel tion as per the report of our for his alleged involvement team on their arrival from in the incident. the location,” he added. At least six Assam PoLocal sources said that lice personnel and one civilmore than 100 trees have ian were killed and more already been cut by people than 50 people injured as the from Mizoram to create a festering border dispute beroad to reach a place for tween the two northeastern jhum cultivation in a for- states erupted into a bloody ested area in Gallacherra conflict on July 26 last year. on the Assam side during On August 17 again, the last few days. unidentified people from Tension brewed be- Mizoram opened fire on tween Assam and Mizoram workers engaged in the along the inter-state border construction of a road in in Hailakandi district on Hailakandi district, which October 29 last year fol- was retaliated by Assam lowing a “low-intensity Police.

Militants abduct construction workers in Arunachal Pradesh G U WA H AT I , F E B 2 (AGENCIES): Security forces have launched operations against National Socialist Council of Nagaland (K-Yung Aung) after three road construction workers were allegedly abducted by the militant group from Longding district in Arunachal Pradesh on Monday, official sources confirmed, reports Shillong Times. The operations have been launched in areas bordering Myanmar in Longding district of Arunachal Pradesh, where NSCN (KYA) militants have been active for several months, allegedly carrying out extortion activities. Longding superitendent of police V.H. Meena confirmed on Wednesday that three constr uction workers were abducted by NSCN(K-YA) militants from Pumao in Longding district on Monday. “However, one of the workers, identified as Banphua Wangpan, who is a resident of Longding, was released from their captivity on Tuesday. It is suspected that the motive behind the abduction might be ransom,” the police official said.

Official sources said that the workers were engaged in the construction of the Pumao Langkhow Road and were residing at a camp site from where they were abducted. The other two abducted workers, who are still held captive by the militant outfit, have been identified as Hiren Konch and Ramasish Mahato. Sources further informed that the militants took away the mobile phones and vehicle keys from the other workers who were at the camp as a result of which they had to walk several kilometres to the nearest police station to inform the police about the abduction on Tuesday evening. “Earlier, many similar abductions have taken place in the state even as the kidnapped persons are released in lieu of extortion money,” a source said. Three districts of Arunachal Pradesh – Tirap, Changlang and Longding, have been a hotbed of militancy with the area frequented by militant outfits and used as a transit route to reach their hideouts in neighbouring Myanmar.

On August 20, a few workers from Mizoram were found trying to build a bridge at Kachurthal in Ramnathpur police station area. Around 40-50 security personnel from Mizoram reached the bridge site when Assam Police objected to the construction. Two days later, in order to assert the position of Assam and to ask Mizoram forces to retreat from the Assam side of the bridge, a party of around 200 Assam Police personnel and commandos under Upadhyay’s leadership had reached Kachurthal and the issue was settled without any violent face-off. On November 24, a team of senior officials comprising Hailakandi DC and SP visited a reserve forest near the remote Haticherra village along the AssamMizoram border to inspect a site where a road was allegedly being constructed on the Assam side by Mizoram. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) on August 22 last year had issued notices to the Centre, Assam and

Mizoram over the deadly border clash between the two northeastern states in July, stating that “grave violation of human rights” had taken place.Assam’s Barak Valley districts of Cachar, Karimganj and Hailakandi share a 164.6 km long border with Mizoram’s three districts of Aizawl, Kolasib and Mamit. The long-standing dispute has its origin in a notification of 1875 issued during the British rule that differentiated Lushai Hills from the plains of Cachar, and another of 1933 that demarcates a boundary between Lushai Hills and Manipur. Mizoram insists that the inter-state boundary should be demarcated on the basis of the 1875 notification, a corollary to the Bengal Eastern Frontier Regulation (BEFR) Act, 1873. Mizoram leaders have, however, been arguing against the demarcation notification of 1933, claiming that the Mizo society was not consulted, while Assam wants that notification to be enforced.

Manipur BJP on appeasement mission after mass exodus Correspondent IMPHAL, FEB 2: The ruling BJP in Manipur is on an appeasement mission after mass exodus of aspirant candidates who missed the tickets along with their workers and supporters. The state BJP is facing departure of party workers and supporters in large numbers after it released the first and final list of candidates for the ensuing elections to the Manipur Legislative Assembly on January 30 last. While leaving the party, party mandal leaders had even declared abolition of party units. “We sat together with some of the aspirant candidates who were denied party tickets and party workers. We convinced them to remain in the party,” senior party leader and chief minister N Biren Singh said. They (aspirant candidates) have also agreed to support the party sponsored candidates, Singh claimed, while talking to reporters on the sideline of a function

G U WA H AT I , F E B 2 (AGENCIES): The Assam Police on Wednesday announced cash-rewards of Rs 2 lakh for three accused in connection with a recent case of Rhino poaching. These accused have been identified as Abdul Matin, Ataur Rahman and Asmat Ali and are residents of Biswanath district, reports The Sentinel Assam. Taking to the microblogging site twitter, the Additional DGP (law and order), GP Singh, tweeted, ‘’WANTED FOR RHINO POACHING REWARD OF Rs 2 Lacs - for information leading to arrest of each of them’’. ‘’REWARD OF Rs 5

Lacs for information leading to recovery of poached Rhino horn,’’ he said in another tweet. GP Singh has also released photographs of three suspected poachers announcing the rewards. He said that the three poachers are in the most wanted list. Notably, as per the report of last year, a major change has been witnessed in the illegal hunt of Rhino in Assam which shows a big drop in rhino horn poaching. In the year 2021, the state saw only one incident of rhino poaching which was reported in the month of April last year

HNLC militants arrested

Correspondent

Three wanted poachers in Assam.

as informed by Additional Director General of Police (ADGP) GP Singh through his Twitter handle on Saturday 15 January. The Anti-Poaching Task Force was constituted

by the Assam government in the month of June 2021 with the objective to protect the one-horned rhinos under the chairmanship and leadership of DGP GP Singh.

Tripura CM to lay foundation stone for border haat

AGARTALA, FEB 2 (PTI): Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb would lay the foundation stone for Kamalpur border haat in Dhalai district in presence of Bangladesh Commerce Minister Tipu Munshi on Thursday. Tripura’s Industries and Commerce Minister, Manoj Kanti Deb, Tripura Industrial Development Corporation (TIDC), chairman, Tinku Roy and Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh, Vikram Duraiswami will also remain present in the foundation stone laying programme, an

Correspondent

Meghalaya CM Conrad Sangma at the inauguration of Shillong Technological Park.

the options for our youth in multiple ways,” he added. The first phase building has been completed and funded by the State Government. For the subsequent phases, Government would encourage the Shillong Technology Park to operate on a Public Private Partnership (PPP) model. Information Technology and Communication Minister Hamletson Dohling, Public Health Engineering Minister Renikton Lyngdoh, Chief Secretary Rebecca Vanessa Suchiang witnessed the inauguration of Technology park at Umsawli area. With the inauguration of the “Shillong Technology Park”, the Chief Minister was confident that many youngsters working outside Meghalaya in different IT companies would like

people of Manipur want the BJP. They protested because they wanted the BJP. They only showed resentment after their desired candidate was denied the ticket,” he said. He even said that though there was no prepoll alliance, the party will open the option of post-poll alliance. “When we are weak, we form alliances with other parties. But, our party is strong enough to stand alone. We have clearly told them to fight the elections at their own level best,” he said. “We may have a postpoll alliance after the elections if need arises. We are still not to break up ties with them still,” the chief minister said. The chief minister along with other senior party leaders like state unit president A Sarda Devi attended an Atmanirbhar Bharat Abhiyaan held at the state BJP head office. On the occasion, Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the gathering virtually.

Cash rewards announced for rhino poachers Shillong blast : three more

official said. The proposed border haat spreads over 75-square metre each from India and Bangladesh sides and will have a sitting arrangement for 100 vendors of both sides, Dhalai, District Magistrate, Govekar M Ratilal said on Wednesday. A Rs 3.50 crore Detailed Project Report (DPR) has already been prepared for executing the border haat which will be a big boost for bilateral trade between the two countries. “The border haat is expected to be made operational by next 12-18 months and the entire fund will be

placed by the Central government”, the DM said. At present, two border haats - Srinagar in South Tripura district and Kamalasagar in Sepahijala district are operational in Tripura’s international border with Bangladesh. One more border haat is expected to get sanctioned by the Centre at Raghna in North Tripura district shortly, an official of the state Industries and Commerce department said, adding that the state government has been trying to boost border trade by setting up trade related facilities.

Meghalaya CM inaugurates Shillong Technology Park S H I L L O N G, F E B 2 : Meghalaya Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma on Wednesday inaugurated the “Shillong Technology Park”, one of the 300 ambitious projects of the State Government, which will be inaugurated in 2022 as part of Meghalaya’s Golden Jubilee year. He said the Technology Park, which has been designed based on plugand-play model, will provide golden opportunities for IT professionals of Meghalaya from across the world to contribute back to their home State. “We will set up a single-window mechanism with minimum entry-barriers to on-board companies to operate from the Tech Park. The youths of Meghalaya need not think in terms of either-or viz. continuing in Meghalaya or moving to some other city, but should think in terms of MCQs (multiple choices),” the Chief Minister said. “Presently multiple options and choices are available to the youth to realize their potential in Meghalaya. Shillong Technology Park is going to further increase

held at state BJP head office in Imphal on Wednesday. Singh said that the appeasement mission is continuing. He claimed that the protests and agitations were only in five or six constituencies and it would not have a major impact to the party electioneering, adding that electioneering was normal in the remaining constituencies According to the chief minister, the list of candidates for the party was finalized by the party Central leaders after a survey of their own. As the party ticket was to be offered to only one candidate in a constituency, the party did face difficulties. Singh stated that the rejection of the party ticket did not mean that they were unworthy or unqualified. On the other hand, the chief minister reiterated that BJP will go alone in the poll while saying confidently that the party can form a government of its own after the elections with a comfortable twothird majority. “We know that the

to return back and work near their homes. “I have already announced a vision that in the next 10 years, Meghalaya should be among the top 10 States of India. The success of this Tech Park will propel the realization of this vision,” he said. Noting that technology is only meaningful when it enhances humanness and benefits the society, Sangma said, “Each of us need to act as fully aware digital citizen, responsible co-creators and visionary leaders of the digital world. Meghalaya has 70 per cent population below the age of 35 years. The State has tremendous potential in IT sector.” “We have a great demographic dividend to harness the young people in the technology sector. Making the youth future ready at

mass level is the prime focus of the Government,” he said. Touching upon job creation, the Chief Minister said, “Although the first phase building of the Technology Park is going to create employment for more than 1500 people directly, however, it is estimated that it will generate three times as many jobs indirectly. Shillong Technology Park is to bring convergence of different arrays of technology to a single platform, viz. combination of voice, video, data on a single network”. Moreover, he informed that the Technology Park will support incubation centres in collaboration with industry, academia and government stakeholders. “ There are invitations to companies across the country and abroad to come forward and start operating their facilities from Shillong Technology Park,” he said. He said that Shillong airport will ensure connectivity, which will encourage CEOs and others from the industry easy access to Shillong. He also said that 5 star hotels are coming up in Shillong that will further provide the ecosystem for the IT enabled sector.

Talking on thrust area to develop the requisite capacities in IT and ITeS sector, Sangma informed that according to the World Economic Forum’s “Future of Jobs” report, 50% of all employees will need reskilling by 2025, as adoption of technology increases. Further, the “doubledisruption” of the economic impacts of the pandemic and increasing automation transforming jobs will immensely affect us. “This Tech Park needs to facilitate in bridging this gap,” he said. Noting that connectivity is an important aspect for technological transformation, he said, “The State Government is coordinating actively with all stakeholder including the Government of India for expeditious roll-out of BharatNet and improvement in the Telecom network in the State. Emphasis is being given to the 4G towers being set-up funded by the Universal Service Obligation Fund (USOF) of Government of India.” He further informed that Government is actively engaging with GoI and Government of Bangladesh to ensure that submarine cable is made available to the Shillong Technology Park from

Chittagong port. Sangma further encouraged the youth to focus in IT and ITeS and take advantage of the Technology Park. “Technology Park can be considered as a critical infrastructure in a nation’s innovation system. I am sure that the Shillong Technology Park will contribute both in regional economic development and in enhancement of the global knowledge economy. We need to devise a seamless model for flow of information amongst all stakeholders related to their support and activities in the Technology Park, including incubation to start-up and scale-up, and collaborations with centres of knowledge creation,” he said. On the occasion, the Chief Minister also inaugurated the “TechDigital” BPO which will accommodate 300 local employees. TechDigital is a service provider of Total Talent Management solution with offices in USA, Canada and India. The construction of the Tech Park started in 2019 and was completed in the record time of 25 months. Several companies have already indicated their commitment to set up their facilities at this Technology Park.

SHILLONG, FEB 2: Three more persons have been arrested by Meghalaya police in connection with the Improvised Explosive Device (IED) blast outside an Electronic Centre here in the State capital on Sunday evening. With this, the number of suspects arrested in the case has risen to four, including the “area commander of Shillong region” of the militant outfit, who was arrested in a couple of hours after the IED explosion. A police official said the trios, including another juvenile were arrested on Wednesday during a house

search at Lummawrie area based on the confession made by the arrested “area commander of Shillong region” about his other associates. “East Khasi Hills District Police tirelessly put an effort night and day to trace out and arrest the other involved culprits (in the blast) Three other HNLC Cadres were arrested during the house search, some explosive items were recovered and seized accordingly,” Sylvester Nongtnger, the district police chief, said, while refusing to divulge further details citing it would impede the ongoing investigation.

IN THE COURT OF PRINCIPAL DISTRICT & SESSIONS JUDGE MOKOKCHUNG : NAGALAND. NOTICE S/C NO. 1/2022

NOTICE INVITING CLAIMS/OBJECTION OF OTHER CLAIMANT(S) FOR ISSUE OF SUCCESSION CERTIFICATE UNDER PART-I OF INDIAN SUCCESSION ACT 1925. Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Limaakum Ao has been applied by Smti. Bangjunglemla, W/o Late. Limaakum Ao, R/o H.No. 393, Kumlong Ward, Mokokchung, Nagaland for possession of: 1. GPF 2. GIS 3. Gratuity 4. Leave encashment 5. Pension etc. 6. Closing of Account Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the estate/pension benefits of the said deceased may if she/ he so desire to appear in this Court on or before the said day of 24.02.2022. Given under the hand and seal of the Court on this the 24.01.2022. Principal District & Sessions Judge MKC-46/22 Mokokchung : Nagaland

AffidAvit

Regd. No. 51/18 Dated : 10.04.2018 I, Z. shetoli chishi alias Shetoli Sema, D/o. Zehevi Chishi, aged about 50 years, resident of Naharbari Village, H/No. 276, Dimapur : Nagaland do hereby solemnly affirm and state on oath as follows:1. that I am a bonafide citizen of India and the resident of the above mentioned address. 2. that in my first appointment order my name has been inadvertently entered as Smti. Shetoli Sema vide No. ee/PHe/DmR/eSt(II)- 1/0686/16, Dt, Dimapur the 21st April ’86 whereas my real and correct name is Z. Shetoli Chishi as entered in my Promotion order vide No. ee/PHe/DmR/eSt-W/C/29/D-I/86-07/, Dt. Dimapur oct ’87. 3. that my names known as Z. shetoli chishi and Shetoli Sema pertains to one and single person i.e., me. 4. that I am swearing this affidavit for the purpose of clarification/ correction before the concern aurthority. 5. that henceforth, my name shall be known as Z.shetoli chishi for all future purposes and intents. 6. that all statements made herein are true to the best of my knowledge and belief and nothing material has been concealed here from. Deponent Solemnly affirm before me by the deponent on this 10th day of April 2018 at Dimapur. mAGIStRAte/NotARy PuBLIC DP-519/22

In the court of

PrIncIPal DIstrIct & sessIons JuDge DImaPur : nagalanD

notIce

S/C No. 64/22

notIce InvItIng claIms/obJectIons of other claImant(s) for Issue of successIon certIfIcate unDer Part-I of InDIan successIon act 1925. Whereas application under Succession Act 1925 for grant of Succession Certificate for the estate/pension benefits of Late Aliamoa has been applied by Smti Alemla Alem, W/o Late Aliamoa, R/o H/No. 126, Hill View Colony, Ward No. 12, Dimapur, Nagaland for possession of: 1. Pension Benefits. 2. SBI A/c No. 20064280574 Notice is hereby given that any person having interest in the administration of the pension benefits/estates of the said deceased may if she/he so desire to appear in this Court on or before within a period of 30 days from the date of publication. Given under the hand and seal of the Court on this, the 1st February, 2022. DP-501/22

PRINCIPAL DIStRICt & SeSSIoNS JuDGe DImAPuR : NAGALAND


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NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

No other PM except Modi so Mamata Banerjee re-elected as TMC chief sensitive to farmers issues: Rajnath

KOLKATA, FEB 2 (PTI): West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Baner jee, who was re-elected the TMC chairperson on Wednesday, urged party leaders to put up a united fight against the BJP and warned against infighting. Banerjee’s message to party leaders came amid differences between the generation next leaders and a section of the old guard. “I want all my party leaders and workers to promise they will not fight among themselves. Infighting will not be tolerated....groups within the party will not be tolerated. There are no different groups in TMC, the party is one united group. “The party has to fight hard to win all the 42 Lok Sabha seats in the next polls in Bengal. We have to take along everybody,” she said after being re-elected. The TMC, she underscored, is synonymous with “struggle”, which it has done since its inception in 1998.

Mamata Banerjee addresses party workers after the party’s organisational election, in Kolkata, Wednesday. (PTI)

In a sign of strife in the state’s ruling party, TMC veteran and MP Kalyan Banerjee had said he doesn’t consider anyone else but Mamata Banerjee his leader. He had also criticised TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee over some suggestions he made about tackling COVID-19. Abhishek, the Lok Sabha MP from Diamond harbour, is a nephew of Mamata Baner jee. He has fast emerged as the unofficial No. 2 in the party,

which apparently has not gone down well with some senior leaders. Suvendu Adhikari, now with the BJP and c u r r e n t ly h o l d i n g t h e position of the Leader of the Opposition in the assembly, had quit the TMC as he felt marginalised in the party due to the growing clout of Abhishek Banerjee. Abhishek Baner jee had, however, sought to downplay Kalyan Banerjee’s veiled attack on him on the leadership issue, stating that

Priyanka slams FM for ‘UP-type’ remark LUCKNOW, FEB 2 (PTI): A row has erupted over Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s ‘UPtype’ remark, with Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra saying on Wednesday that people of Uttar Pradesh are proud of their dialect and culture and that there was no need to “insult” the people of the state Sitharaman’s remarks had come after Union Minister of State for Finance Pankaj Chaudhary, who is also an MP from Uttar Pradesh, said on Tuesday that Rahul Gandhi did not understand the budget. After the former Congress President said that the government had delivered a zero sum budget, Chaudhary had said, “Probably, Rahul Gandhi did not understand the budget, which is futuristic”. Reacting to Chaudhary’s remarks on Rahul Gandhi, Sitharaman had said, “I think he

Priyanka Gandhi Vadra (PTI)

(Chaudhar y) has given that typical UP-type of an answer which is good enough for an MP who ran away from UP.” In a tweet in Hindi, Priyanka Gandhi said, “@nsitharaman jee, you did not put anything in the budget bag for Uttar Pradesh.It is okay...But, what was the need to insult the people of UP like this. Please understand that people of UP feel proud to be of ‘UP-type’. We are proud of UP’s language, dialect, culture and history.” SP MLC Ashutosh Sinha also slammed the

minister for the remark. “The ‘UP-type’ remark made by a Union minister is not appropriate at all. It only shows a narrow mindset,” Sinha said. President of Rashtriya Kisan Manch Shekhar Dixit, said “This (remark) is absolutely improper. This is a direct sarcasm on a state. During the election period you come to seek votes, and then you make such bad remarks. Today, if Nirmala Sitharaman ji is equated with Raj Thackeray ji, then it would not be wrong.” “If there is so much of poison in their minds for Uttar Pradesh, then why does the Prime Minister come to UP to contest elections? If people of UP are so illiterate, then how UP has given maximum number of prime ministers. UP and Bihar provide the maximum number of labourers as well as skilled labourers. Such remarks are shameful,” Dixit said.

both of them agreed to the fact that Mamata Banerjee is their undisputed leader. Following the controversy, Banerjee had directed all TMC leaders not to embarrass the party by airing their differences in public. The Trinamool Congress held its organisational elections after a gap of five years. According to TMC Secretary General Partha Chatterjee, Banerjee was declared elected without a

contest as no other leader entered the fray. “A total of 48 proposers and seconders had submitted nominations in favour of Mamata Banerjee. As there was no other nomination for the post of chairperson, Mamata Banerjee has been re-elected unopposed,” Chatterjee, the returning officer for the organisational polls, said. Mamata Banerjee had founded the party in 1998 after breaking away from the Congress and has headed it ever since. After two unsuccessful attempts at the hustings in the 2001 and 2006 assembly polls, the party came to power in 2011, defeating the mighty Left Front regime, riding the crest of massive public outrage against the Communists ove r a r a f t o f i s s u e s including alleged forcible acquisition of farmland for industrialisation. It stormed to power for the third consecutive term in May last year after bagging 213 out of the 294 seats in the state assembly.

Goa polls: AAP candidates sign affidavits promising no corruption

PANAJI, FEB 2 (PTI): All 40 candidates of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) for the upcoming Goa Assembly polls on Wednesday signed affidavits promising that they will not indulge in corruption or defect. “The biggest problem with Goa’s politics is the frequent defections. We want to weed it out even before people vote for our candidates,” AAP convener and Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal said addressing a press conference where all the 40 party nominees were present with their affidavits. Elections to all 40 Assembly seats in Goa are scheduled on February 14 and results will be declared on March 10. Kejriwal said his party candidates, by way of the affidavit, have given an undertaking that they will not indulge in any corrupt

practices and also not switch over to any other political party during the tenure (as MLA if elected). T h e a f f i d av i t i s significant as its violation by any AAP candidate will amount to legal breach of trust, he said. The candidates will circulate photocopies of their affidavits among the voters in the coastal state, Kejriwal said. The AAP convener said his party is determined t o p r ov i d e a n h o n e s t government in Goa, for which ruling out defections is one of the most important things. Kejriwal is on a fourday visit to the poll-bound state, where his party is contesting all the 40 Assembly seats. In the 2017 Goa polls, the AAP had failed to win a single seat in the state, which is currently ruled by the BJP.

Odisha govt dismisses IAS officer on corruption charge

BHUBANESWAR, FEB 2 (PTI): Odisha government on Wednesday dismissed senior IAS officer Vinod Kumar from service on charge of corruption, the Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement. The 1989 batch IAS officer was dismissed after approval of the Centre, it said. The officer had indulged in corruption when he was Vinod Kumar posted as the managing director He was convicted by a of the Odisha Rural Housing Development Corporation court for both corruption and (ORHDC), the statement said. cheating in 2018.

NOIDA, FEB 2 (PTI): Those talking of the Kairana exodus will have to migrate out of Uttar Pradesh after the assembly polls, Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said on Wednesday as he accused the BJP of indulging in politics of negativity. Addressing a press conference with alliance partner Rashtriya Lok Dal president Jayant Chaudhary in Shamli’s Kairana, Yadav hit out at the BJP-led governments both in the state as well as at the Centre. “The BJP is indulging in politics of negativity. The SP-RLD tie-up stands for brotherhood. Those talking of the Kairana exodus, will have to migrate out of UP after the polls,” Yadav said. He also ridiculed the centre’s terming of the annual financial statement “amrit kaal”, asking whether the previous budgets were “poison” “Diamonds, slippers and shoes have been made cheaper in the budget. How will cheaper diamonds help the poor? The slippers and shoes of the poor and youths have got worn out but the BJP is unable to resolve their problems. “The BJP’s time is coming to end in UP,” Yadav said.

three years in jail. In the first case, he was convicted of criminal conspiracy with some government officials and a realtor of Puri to whom he has sanctioned Rs 46.9 lakh in guise of 19 individual loans during 2000-01 without proper scrutiny. In the second case, he conspired with a property dealer to whom he sanctioned Rs 41.26 lakh on pretext of providing loans to 12 individuals. Kumar was,

h oweve r, n o t ava i l a b l e f o r comments. The Chief Minister’s Office said the state gover nment was committed to take strong action against the corrupt o f f i c i a l s irrespective of their post.

DEPARTMENT OF EMPLOYMENT, SKILL DEVELOPMENT & ENTREPRENEURSHIP NO.DET-7/11/05 (Pt):

CORRIGENDUM

Dated, Kohima the

DC-87/22

(Er. K. WATI) Joint Director

PM’s ‘dress code’ slammed by chief minister KCR ahead of their meeting

H Y D E R A B A D, F E B 2 (AGENCIES): Prime Minister Narendra Modi “dresses for elections” and his budget exemplifies “style without substance” - Telangana Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao unleashed Insults 101 on the PM and the BJP as he ripped into the Budget yesterday, calling it “terrible and golmaal (chaotic)”. In three days, the two come face-to-face for a mega event, but Mr Rao says he won’t flinch at sharing his criticism in person. “Upar Sher vani, andar pareshani (all style, no substance),” the Chief Minister quipped, mocking the “Gujarat model” that the BJP flaunts as an example of PM Modi’s governance. Rao or KCR doesn’t mince words when he decides on a target. Ironically, he has been accused in the past of being the B-team for the BJP and his Telangana Rashtra Samiti (TRS) has mostly backed the Modi government on key legislation in Parliament. “With social media management, lying blatantly, repeating a lie again and again, they managed to fool the people so far. But now they have been exposed. They play communal politics of hate and division,” he said. On PM Modi, he sneered: “If it is election t i m e, h e h a s t o g r ow

K Chandrasekhar Rao

a beard and appear like Rabindranath Tagore. Arrey baap re. If it is Tamil Nadu, he must wear a lungi (sic), what is this?...What does the country get With these kind of gimmicks, what does the country get? If it is the Punjab election, h e w i l l we a r a p a g d i (turban). In Manipur, it will be a Manipuri cap, in Uttarakhand, it will be another topi (cap), how many caps like this?” On Saturday, KCR is set to share a helicopter ride with PM Modi when they travel to the outskirts o f H yd e r a b a d f o r t h e launch of a statue of Saint Ramanujacharya, said to be the world’s second tallest and built at a cost of `1,000 crore. Asked about the potentially “awkward” trip with PM Modi, KCR told NDTV: “It is automatic. Sharing (a dais or a chopper ride) is not the question at all. Whenever the PM comes to any state, the Chief

Minister goes and welcomes him. It is a routine thing, a protocol requirement... Attacking him in politics is my policy. Even while sitting along with Mr Modi in his helicopter I will tell him the same thing.” B u t KC R ’s r e c e n t political activities likely add to the unease. The Telangana Chief Minister is scheduled to meet his Maharashtra counterpart Uddhav Thackeray soon as part of his ongoing Project 2024 to bring various opposition forces together as an alternative to the BJP and the Congress. He has already consulted with RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Tamil Nadu Chief Minister MK Stalin and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, as also with other senior leaders of the CPM and CPI. “There’s a need for qualitative change in the nation,” Mr Rao told reporters on his meeting with Uddhav Thackeray. “Now is the time to throw the BJP into the Bay of Bengal. I appeal to people, change is needed. I am talking to people. Indians have to awaken. These people who create communal disturbances, this needs to change. In the coming days, we will work for the country. In what role, I am not sure yet,’’ he said, insisting that he is not fighting to become Prime Minister.

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approach towards farmers,” Singh said adding the BJP government was striving hard to make far ming profitable. Appealing to the people to vote for BJP, Rajnath Singh said the BJP is a party that works for both the development of India and its heritage. He cited the renovation of Somnath and Kedarnath temples and the construction of Lord Ram temple in Ayodhya and the KashiVishwanath corridor to buttress his claim. Singh told the gathering, “BJP is the party which has chosen the path of development. Casteism, regionalism and communalism are not acceptable to BJP at all.” Lauding the Modi government for “rooting out corruption”, Singh said “Former prime minister Rajiv Gandhi had expressed his helplessness in curb graft when he had admitted that only 15 paise out of Rs 100 reached the beneficiaries.

MINISTRY OF DEFENCE EX-SERVICEMEN CONTRIBUTORY HEALTH SCHEME

GOVERNMENT OF NAGALAND NAGALAND: KOHIMA

for BJP candidates Yogesh Verma from Lakhimpur and Manju Tyagi from Srinagar constituencies. H o w e v e r, o w i n g to poor visibility caused by dense fog and rough weather conditions, his helicopter could not land in Lakhimpur. He addressed the meeting through the mobile handset of a local BJP leader around 1.30 pm. He highlighted the agriculture-based economy of Lakhimpur Kheri and said the Narendra Modiled BJP government was committed to the welfare of the farmers and farming. “No other prime minister in Independent India except Narendra Modi has been so sensitive towards the farmers that he repealed the three farm laws all of a sudden only because some farmer brothers disagreed with them.” “While repealing the farm laws, the way he (PM Modi) said he failed to convince the other farmers ref lected his sensitive

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DC-86/22

BJP indulging in politics of negativity: Akhilesh Yadav

In the aftermath of the 1999 super cyclone, Kumar approved loans amounting to Rs 33.34 crore to fake private firms and individuals without adhering to prescribed guidelines, the statement said. Twenty-seven corruption cases were lodged against Kumar and he was convicted in two of those. Special Vigilance Judge, Bhubaneswar had convicted Kumar and five others in the scam that ran into crores of rupees and sentenced them to

LAKHIMPUR KHERI (UP), FEB 2 (PTI): Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Wednesday claimed that no other prime minister has been as sensitive to farmer issues as Narendra Modi who announced repeal of the agri laws because “some farmer brothers disagreed with them”. He termed the BJP as a party that has chosen the path of development and where casteism, regionalism and communalism are not acceptable. Lashing out at the Samajwadi Party, Singh alleged that “crimes like loot, murder, abduction were a routine” during its rule. Whereas “the Yogi Adityanath government during its five-year term has changed the scenario and even hardcore criminals are behind the bars”, he said. The Union minister was scheduled to address a meeting at the local Yuvraj Palace and then go on a door-to-door campaign


6

OPINION/EDITORIAL

Nagaland Post VOL. XXXII NO. 58 DIMAPUR, THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Not out of the woods yet

S

omehow a fatigued world is in dire need of some relief or good news in the pandemic front and Omicron has not come at any time better. Epidemiologists have said that even though Omicron doesn’t seem to be as virulent as Delta, that does not mean people can relax and return to the pre-pandemic days. Even against the backdrop of rising covid cases of the Omicron kind, as revealed recently by the Department of Health & Family Welfare (DoHFW), people did not take to testing as they did when the Delta variant spread across the state during early to mid 2021. Hardly one in ten did testing for the virus as people believed that the pandemic was ending. Many who were likely infected with the virus did not take it seriously since the symptoms were very mild and concluded their medical condition had more to do with the weather. It was only on January 31 that the health & family welfare department informed public that out of 152 samples sent to Imphal for genome sequencing, 54 were confirmed Omicron of which 49 were of the BA.2 sub lineage of Omicron variant of Covid-19. Initial observations by a team of researchers at Hong Kong University’s faculty of medicine found Omicron replicates 70 times faster than Delta in human airways. The study, which is yet to be peer-reviewed, showed that when compared with both Delta and the original coronavirus, the Omicron variant was much quicker at getting into the bronchus or tubes that run through the upper airways and lungs but much slower at infiltrating the lung tissue itself. However, Omicron can in no way be dismissed as a mild, severe and moderate disease that affect vulnerable persons. Scientists are using the word “milder” with much trepidation to describe the illness conferred by the Omicron variant of SARS-Cov-2. Also many epidemiologists have reminded people that so long there is high circulation in any part of the world, there is scope for developing new variants, including the possibility of a more virulent strain. According to Prof G.R.Babum head of Life Course Epidemiology, Public Health Foundation India-the overall threat posed by Omicron largely depends on several factors. He said these included transmissibility, the extent of spread across the population and how well the vaccines or prior infection with a wild variant (any variant of SARS-CoV-2) offer protection. So far, from observations, there is a broad agreement that, Omicron spreads faster than the Delta variantIt is widely accepted that even if the variant is milder, the sheer number of people it infects might lead to more hospitalisations overall, with healthcare workers having to isolate due to testing positive. It is important to note that the severity of disease in humans is not determined only by virus replication but also by the host immune response to the infection. Many of the COVID-19 hospitalisations have occurred not only because of the illness the virus causes but also because of the unpredictable nature by which human immune systems respond to the virus. According to World Health Organisation(WHO) there is need to continue tracking emerging variants, including the omicron sub-lineage BA.2. WHO chief Dr. Tedros said Covid-19 will continue to evolve and that was why the world body has urged countries for more testing, surveillance and sequencing in order to understand more about Omicron so as to effectively tackle it.

DailyDevotion The Compelling Force of the Call Woe is me if I do not preach the gospel! —1 Corinthians 9:16 Beware of refusing to hear the call of God. Everyone who is saved is called to testify to the fact of his salvation. That, however, is not the same as the call to preach, but is merely an illustration which can be used in preaching. In this verse, Paul was referring to the stinging pains produced in him by the compelling force of the call to preach the gospel. Never try to apply what Paul said regarding the call to preach to those souls who are being called to God for salvation. There is nothing easier than getting saved, because it is solely God’s sovereign work— “Look to Me, and be saved…” (Isaiah 45:22). Our Lord never requires the same conditions for discipleship that he requires for salvation. We are condemned to salvation through the Cross of Christ. But discipleship has an option with it— “If anyone…” (Luke 14:26). Paul’s words have to do with our being made servants of Jesus Christ, and our permission is never asked as to what we will do or where we will go. God makes us as broken bread and poured-out wine to please Himself. To be “separated to the gospel” means being able to hear the call of God (Romans 1:1). Once someone begins to hear that call, a suffering worthy of the name of Christ is produced. Suddenly, every ambition, every desire of life, and every outlook is completely blotted out and extinguished. Only one thing remains— “…separated to the gospel…” Woe be to the soul who tries to head in any other direction once that call has come to him. The Bible Training College exists so that each of you may know whether or not God has a man or woman here who truly cares about proclaiming His gospel and to see if God grips you for this purpose. Beware of competing calls once the call of God grips you.

Quotes

Never bend your head. Always hold it high. Look the world straight in the eye. ~ Helen Keller

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Post-mortem

Union Budget 2022: A calculating head, but no heart T he poor, the migrant labour, the daily wage earner, the small farmer, the owner of the MSME, the unemployed (and their families) and the middle class felt cheated. Budget 2021-22 was an opportunity to bridge the differences between the Government and the Opposition. It was also an opportunity to make amends to sections that felt wronged by the policies, actions and inactions of the government such as the abjectly poor classes, farmers, migrant workers, the MSME sector, the middle class and the unemployed. The most deserving were left to their fate. Since I had no expectations, I have no disappointment, but millions of others feel cheated. The Budget has aggravated the divide between the very rich and all others. Budget is Contextual There is a r ule in Tamil grammar: Place, Subject and Opportunity are wasted like a lamp in the hands of a person without sight. It means that ac-

tors and actions must be judged by the place, subject and opportunity (time). It is the context that determines the merit of a decision. The Finance Minister was presenting Budget 2021-22 under extraordinary circumstances characterised by: * two years of declining growth rate (from 8 per cent to 4 per cent) in 2018-19 and 2019-20; * one year of recession beginning on April 1, 2021; * massive disruption in the lives of everyone, especially the poor who constitute, on average, 30 per cent of every village, panchayat, town and city; * millions pushed below the poverty line and burdened with mounting debt; * millions who had lost their jobs or livelihoods; * 64.7 million who dropped out of the labour force; of them 22.6 per cent were women; * 28 million actively looking for a job; and * an estimated 35 per cent of MSMEs that have closed down permanently.

Apart from the above economic factors, there are two other hard facts: (1) China’s illegal occupation of land belonging to India threatens national security and (2) huge investments need to be made to augment health infrastructure. Failed on all but one It was in this context that I had listed two “non-negotiables” and a “10-point wish list” (see ‘No expectations, no disappointment’, The Indian Express, January 31, 2021). After examining the Budget documents and reading the FM’s speech, my score card reads as follows: Non-negotiables: 0/2 Wish list: 1/10 The only point on which the Budget gets a ‘Pass’ is ‘increase (in) the government’s capital expenditure’ (subject to deeper scrutiny). The Budget failed the Armed Forces of the country. The FM did not utter the word ‘Defence’ in her 1-hour-45-minute speech, which was unprecedented. The allocation for Defence in 2021-22 was Rs 347,088

crore as against RE of Rs 343,822 crore in the current year — an increase of just Rs 3,266 crore. Allowing for inflation, the allocation is lower in the next year. On health, the FM was too clever by half. She proudly announced that the allocation was being increased by 137 per cent from Rs 94,452 crore to Rs 223,846 crore in the next year! The bluff was called within hours: the Budget division had disclosed the true numbers in the ‘Budget at a Glance’ (page 10). They are RE 202021: Rs 82,445 crore and BE 2021-22: Rs 74,602 crore. Far from an impressive increase, there was a decrease in the allocation! The conjurer had quietly added the one-time cost of the vaccination programme, the allocation to the Depar tment of Drinking Water & Sanitation and the FC grants to the states for Water & Sanitation and Health to boost the number! Keeping the two nonnegotiables aside, the FM did not have a kind word (not to speak of money) for the 20-30 per cent of families at the bottom of

the economy or for the MSMEs and their unemployed workers. She did not announce sectorspecific revival packages for ailing sectors like Telecommunication, Power, Construction, Mining, Av i a t i o n a n d Tr ave l , Tourism & Hospitality. She did not reduce the GST rates; on the contrary she slapped cesses on a range of products, including petrol and diesel, that dealt a blow to states’ finances. On every count, other than capital expenditure, she failed the people. Bury FRBM, pander to rich Even on capital expenditure, there was nothing bold or imaginative. By March 31, 2021, the FM will borrow an additional sum of Rs 10,52,318 crore, but the additional capital expenditure will be only Rs 27,078 crore! We may add grants in aid for creation of capital assets, which was an additional Rs 23,876 crore. The rest was accounted for by the increase in revenue expenditure of Rs 3,80,997 crore, the shortfall in revenue receipts of Rs 4,65,773 crore and the

shortfall in disinvestment proceeds of Rs 178,000 crore. Contrary to the FM’s claim that she “spent, spent and spent” her way to the fiscal deficit (9.5 per cent), the truth is she did not collect the tax and non-tax revenues that she had budgeted for. Nor could she contain revenue expenditure within the budgeted amount. She had no choice but to borrow to fill the gaps. The poor, the migrant labour, the daily wage earner, the small farmer, the owner of the MSME, the unemployed (and their families) and the middle class felt cheated. They poured out their disappointment in the social media since the newspapers had no space for them or their champions. I shall not deny there was a calculating head that directed this ‘buryFRBM, pander-to-therich’ Budget but, without a shadow of doubt, there was no heart. P. Chidambaram (former Congress finance minister) (As published in The Indian Express)

Tackling India’s abysmal conviction rates Union Budget FY23: Aiming

W

hile there is no let up to the controversy on the appointments of Special Public Prosecutors by the Delhi Police versus the Government of National Capital Territory, we will focus on the larger systemic issues that plague prosecution in India. Prior to the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) of 1973, which made a clear distinction between the powers and functions of judicial and executive magistrates, crimes were prosecuted by prosecutors under the control of the Superintendent of Police. Remember what Lewis Carrol wrote in Alice in Wonderland? ‘I’ll be judge, I’ll be jury,’ said cunning old Fury! This ar rangement was fine for a colonial State – but an enigma in a democratic polity, where it was felt that the prosecution function had to be independent of the investigation agency. The Law Commission reports of 1958 and 1969 recommended the establishment of an independent prosecution agency. As a first step in this direction, Section 25 of CrPC provided that the state government shall appoint Public Prosecutors from a panel of names recommended by the District Magistrate and the District Judge. But all was not well. How to hire public prosecutors Progress across states was not uniform. In some states, notably Uttar Pradesh, the consultation with the District Judge was dispensed with altogether. Public prosecutors were on contract and paid a pittance per case compared to defence lawyers, even as their professional growth trajectory remained unclear. Many of them were taken on account of local political patronage. The conviction rate plummeted under the new arrangements—no one was in direct control—although technically, the prosecution function was added to the long charter of the overworked District

Magistrates. Earlier, in 1976, the UP government had been pulled up by the Allahabad High Court: ‘The very aim of creating prosecutors outside the police was to ensure independence and this could not be achieved if the police retained such control This view was endorsed by the Supreme Court in 1995. In 2003, the Justice Malimath Commission was appointed to look into the entire gamut of criminal justice administration. It recommended a competitive examination for a regular cadre of prosecutors, and the creation of a Directorate of Prosecution in every State to facilitate effective coordination between the investigating and prosecuting officers. This led to an amendment of the CrPC in 2005, empowering the states to implement the recommendations. The idea was that in the long run, the practice of hiring public prosecutors on contract should give way to selection of prosecutors (as well as District Attorneys on the civil side) from competitive examinations. In 2007, eminent jurist and founder of the National Judicial Academy, Madhav Menon recommended the establishment of a National Academy for Prosecution, where all entrants were trained – both at the time of induction, as well as for their mid-career progression and specialisation. The prosecution academy has yet to see the light of the day. Caesar’s wife is suspect! Meanwhile, many state governments made amendments to Section 24(6) of the CrPC to appoint public prosecutors (PPs) and special public prosecutors (SPPs) in addition to those appointed by the state governments through the Public Service Commissions (PSCs) in gross violation of the spirit of the 2005 amendment. As Chitrakshi Jain and Aditya Rajan, res e a r c h e r s w i t h Vi d h i Legal point out, “APPs who practise in Magis-

trate’s courts are selected by the Public Ser vice Commissions, PPs in the Sessions Court can also be taken from a panel recommended by DM and the DJ. However, what takes the cake is the appointment of SPPs in high profile cases at such terms as the government may decide” The provision of appointing SPPs under sub section 8 of Section 24 of CrPC was in the nature of an exception, but many state governments use this to circumvent the normative procedure. Even if the ends of justice are met, in public view, they appear to be performing a partisan function. Caesar’s wife is certainly suspect! In letter, but not in spirit Although a Directorate of Prosecution has been set up in states, there are no clear norms about the hierarchy as well as the professional autonomy and budgets. In this context, an extract from the European Union’s Resolution on Public Prosecution is pertinent: “the organisation of most prosecution services is based on a hierarchical str ucture. Relationships between the different layers of the hierarchy should be governed by clear, unambiguous and well-balanced regulations. Prosecution services should be enabled to estimate their needs, negotiate their budgets and decide how to use the allocated funds in a transparent manner, in order to achieve their objectives in a speedy and qualified way.” Ear to the ground Over the last few weeks, I have discussed this issue with serving judicial officers in three states besides police officers and prosecutors in another four from across India. The report from the ground is that while conviction rate is dismal, the blame is unfairly placed on prosecutors who are just one link in the chain. Their voice is muted by the police, administration, and judiciary as well as the political leadership, which is looking only

at ‘conviction rates’. In fact, the attempt to force prosecutors to vet ‘charge sheets’ is neither ethical, nor practical. What, then, is the solution? First, as per the recommendations of the Prakash Singh Committee, the investigation function should be independent of the law-andorder commitments of the police. Training of police officers also needs to move from the physical to the cerebral, because in the day and age of cybercrime, police officers and their supervising officers must be well acquainted with both technical and legal aspects. Second, the practice of appointing special public prosecutors without reference to any panel, or even public prosecutors from a panel comprising the District Magistrate and District Judge, should have a sunset clause, say the 75th year of the Republic, by which time states should conduct a competitive examination and those who are recruited as assistant public prosecutors should be promoted as PPs, SPPs and finally as directors of prosecution. Last, but not the least, the time has come to recognise the right of victims to be compensated for their physical, emotional, and financial suffering, besides their right to implead themselves in the prosecution. These are elements of the ‘people centric’ review of India’s criminal laws (IPC, IEA and CrPC), based on which Union Home Minister Amit Shah sought the views of state governments, High Courts, Bar Councils and universities on 31 December 2021. One hopes that we can move towards a bipartisan consensus on these issues that are so fundamental to making India a rule-based society. S a n j e ev C h o p r a i s a historian and Festival Director of Valley of Words. Till recently, he was the Director of the Lal Bahadur Shastri National Academy of Administration. He tweets @ChopraSanjeev. (The Print)

to propel a long-term growth

T

he FM unveiled a bigger Rs 39.45 lakh crore Budget in Parliament on February 1, with higher spending in areas like highways and affordable housing with a view to fire up the key engines of the economy to sustain a world-beating recovery from the pandemic. It aims to pull the Indian economy out of the COVID-led challenges. Against the backdrop of COVID-19, the Union Budget sets a base for a sustainable long-term growth trajectory. On the investment front, increase in capital expenditure is expected to further reinvigorate the economy and crowd-in private investment. Union Budget 202223 focusses on key growth engines of the economy - infrastructure, education, healthcare, housing and rural development. The budget continues to strike a balance between the challenges posed by the recurring COVID-19 waves and the need to contain the economic damage due to pandemic. The emphasis going forward is on seven parallel tracks -PM Gati Shakti, Inclusive Development, Productivity Enhancement & Investment, Sunrise Opportunities, Energy Transition and Climate Action and Financing of Investments. Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Rs 1,500-crore budget al-

lotment for development of the North-East region has spread cheer among locals. The scheme will fund infrastructure, in the spirit of PM GatiShakti, and social development projects based on the needs of the North-East. It will enable livelihood activities for youth and women, filling the gaps in various sectors. This is likely to create more job opportunities and help improve the employment sector in the eight northeastern states – Assam, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim. The government has identified eight projects at a budget of Rs 963 crore and the remaining will be identified soon. Border villages with sparse population and connectivity on northern borders will be covered under Vibrant Village Programme. This Budget is overall growth-oriented with a clear focus on digitisation, electrification, infrastructure development and ease of doing business; aiming to propel a longterm growth of the Indian economy. Union Budget is progressive, future-focussed, inclusive blueprint for India. Prof. M.K. Sinha, Professor of Economics, Nagaland University, Lumami

Reader’s Post

Are we being cautious?

Sir,

It is alarming that with 54 Omicron cases detected in Nagaland as read on the paper on Wednesday, most people are still seen going about their daily lives without following the standard operating procedures. On the same day, the World Health Organisation (WHO) stated that the Omicron sub-variant could be more infectious. If it could be more infectious, the cases may keep multiplying in the state and it should not only be up to the government to take stock of this situation. As citizens of the state, we must do our bit and be a little more responsible. Some of us have elders and little kids at home and going out for leisure purposes should not be advised at this point. The virus is continuously evolving and we should not underestimate how rapidly it infects one person and the other. Arenla, Dimapur

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


7

NATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Yogi Adityanath’s ‘pair of boys’ Mayawati kicks off BSP campaign from Agra attack on Akhilesh Yadav, his ally L U C K N OW / N E W DELHI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Yogi Adityanath today sharpened his attack on Akhilesh Yadav and his ally Jayant Chaudhary - a Jat leader - in an election speech as he alleged the former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister’s involvement in the 2013 Muzaffarnagar riots. The Chief Minister blamed his challenger for the killing of Jats in the riots. “Yeh jo do ladkon ki jodi aayi hai na, yeh do ladkon ki jodi 2014 me bhi bani thi, 2017 me bhi bani thi (This jodi - that has now come - of these two boys, similar jodi had come in 2017, 2014),” he said. “In 2017, the state population had told the jodi... they’re not worthy,” he added, referring to the 2014 national elections and the 2017 UP elections. Akhilesh Yadav and Chaudhary had unsuccessfully fought the 2017 state elections together. “In 2013, when the Muzaffarnagar riots happened, two Jat men - Sachin and Gaurav - were killed. One of these two men - who is from Luc-

To condemn every marriage as violent, 42 MLAs wanted me to be CM every man a rapist not advisable: Irani after Amarinder’s exit: Jakhar

Rane surrenders before court in attempt to murder

will end the institution of marriage. Sushil Modi also said it will be difficult to prove when the wife consented or not. Irani responded by saying the matter is sub judice and she cannot elaborate. “However, I would like to highlight to him for research purposes, it finds a reflection in the 172nd report of the Law Commission and also the department of standing committee related to home affairs in the year 2013,” she added. DMK leader M Mohamed Abdulla asked if the government takes measures to create awareness on domestic violence at the school and college levels. The minister said the government is conducting the ‘Beti Bachao Beti Padhao’ programme with capital support being given to every district officer to ensure that women, and particularly young girls, are made aware of their constitutional rights and responsibilities. “I have appealed to every member of Parliament that in the DISHA meeting that you undertake under your leadership in your district, you can bring up issues with regards to provision of more and more advocacy of women’s rights under your leadership,” she said.

MUMBAI, FEB 2 (PTI): BJP MLA Nitesh Rane on Wednesday surrendered before a court in the Sindhudurg district in an alleged attempt to murder case. Nitesh, son of Union minister Narayan Rane, has been sent in judicial custody, said special public prosecutor Pradeep Gharat. “He has surrendered and sent in judicial custody. Now we are arguing before the court for police custody,” the prosecutor added. Earlier in the day, Nitesh withdrew his bail plea from the Bombay High Court. His lawyer said he intended to surrender and join the investigation. District and addl. sessions judge R B Rote had on Tuesday rejected his bail application, saying the plea was “premature and not maintainable”. The court had also held that custodial interrogation of Rane was necessary as probe into the attempt to murder case was “incomplete.”

has declared names of candidates for the majority of the seats. Targeting the ruling BJP, Mayawati said the party is pursuing the “narrow-minded agendas” of the RSS. “Their (BJP) policies are focused on promoting casteist, capitalist and narrow-minded agendas of the RSS. This has resulted in an environment of religious tension and hate in the state,” she said. People from Dalit and backward communities have not benefitted from the BJP government’s policies, including reservation in government jobs, because it has involved the private sector in most of its

Smriti Irani

stop centres’ are functional in the country and these have assisted over five lakh women. “… protection of women and children in our country are a priority for all but yet again, let me reiterate to condemn every marriage in this country as violent is not advisable,” she said. Viswam said he never meant every man is a rapist and posed another question – if the government could collect data on this issue and submit it to Parliament at the earliest. To this, the minister said the member is suggesting that the Centre engage with state governments and seek records from them. But the Centre cannot make a recommendation on behalf of state governments today in this house, she added. BJP leader Sushil Modi asked if the government is in favour of criminalising marital rape or giving immunity as criminalising it

projects, she added. “The upper caste also feels neglected under the BJP. The government’s policies have led to price rise and an increased number of people living in poverty. “It appears that the fuel prices will be increased once the elections are over. Youngsters from the state are forced to migrate due to the lack of employment opportunities,” Mayawati said. The BSP chief claimed the migrants who returned to the state during the COVID-19 pandemic were forced to go back due to the lack of employment opportunities in the state. She said the common people in Uttar Pradesh have only suffered under

Sunil Jakhar

CHANDIGARH, FEB 2 (PTI): Senior Punjab Congress leader Sunil Jakhar has claimed that 42 MLAs wanted him to be the chief minister of the state after the unceremonious exit of Amarinder Singh last year. Jakhar could be heard saying this in a video -- that has surfaced online -- while addressing a gathering in Abohar on Tuesday. Jakhar’s nephew Sandeep Jakhar is contesting the Punjab assembly polls as a Congress candidate from the Abohar seat. Sunil Jakhar was among the front runners for the chief ministerial post. But the party preferred Charanjit Singh Channi, who became the first chief minister of Punjab from the Scheduled Caste community. “Forty-two votes went for Sunil (Jakhar), 16 for Sukhjinder Randhawa, 12 votes for Maharani Preneet Kaur (Amarinder Singh’s wife and Patiala MP), six votes for Navjot Singh Sidhu and two votes for (Charanjit

India flight tests Rafale-Marine for INS Vikrant

KOLKATA, FEB 2 (PTI): The marine version of the French-made Rafale fighter jet has been successfully flight-tested at a shorebased facility in Goa where conditions similar to that on the indigenously-developed aircraft carrier INS Vikrant were simulated, a top diplomat said. The Rafale-M is pitted against the US-made Super Hornet -- both of which are being evaluated for a possible purchase by the Indian Navy for deployment on the 44,000-tonne INS Vikrant that is undergoing trials in

the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal for likely commissioning in August. “Tests were done to check its (Rafale-Marine’s) take-off (capability) from the deck of your (India’s) carrier and it has done very well,” Frech Ambassador to India Emmanuel Lenain told journalists on Tuesday evening here in a freewheeling conversation. India’s new aircraft carrier has been designed as a ski-jump launch ship, different from many other such carriers, which use a catapult launch for their

jets. The aircraft selected by the Indian Navy consequently must be capable of taking off in this fashion, carrying all weapon systems and full fuel load. The Rafale-M jet was tested for 12 days last month at Goa’s INS Hansa facility using a 283 metre mock ski-jump facility, Lenain said. The ski-jump ramp uses what naval experts call short take-off but arrested recovery (STOBAR) technology. Boeing’s Super Hornet or F/A-18 jet, which is also being offered to India, is expected to undergo similar tests at INS Hansa next month. The suppliers have made modifications to both Rafale-M and Super Hornet to make them suitable for the Indian order, defence sources said. The Navy was looking for an aircraft that is capable of delivering nuclear loads, air-to-air and airto-ground missiles, and

precision-guided bombs, they said. The Navy wants to initially purchase 26 jets for its aircraft carrier, though it had issued in 2017 a Request for Information (RFI) for 57 multirole aircraft capable of being launched from carriers.

Singh) Channi,” Jakhar said. He also said he even declined the post of deputy chief minister offered by Congress leader Rahul Gandhi to him. “Forty-two MLAs voted for me despite the fact that I was nothing at that time. I was not even PPCC president,” Jakhar said, pointing out that the party had sought to know from the MLAs whom they wanted to be the chief minister after the exit of Amarinder Singh. “Seventy-nine MLAs were called up to know whom they wanted to be the CM. Sunil was not even an MLA,” he added. Amarinder Singh was made to resign as the chief minister by the Congress amid a bitter power tussle with Punjab Congress chief Navjot Singh Sidhu. The chances of Jakhar becoming the chief minister were scuttled after the statement of senior Congress leader Ambika Soni who had said the party should go with a Sikh face. Charanjit Singh Channi, who replaced Amarinder Singh last year, is the first chief minister of Punjab from the Scheduled Caste community. On January 27, former Congress president Rahul Gandhi had announced at a virtual rally that the party would go with a chief ministerial face in the Punjab elections.

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INTERNATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR MONTESSORI TEACHERS TRAINING. IIMTT An ISO 9001 : 2008 Certified Organization

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Akhilesh Yadav and Yogi Adityanath

know- was in power... he was responsible for the murder. He called the rioters to the state capital and honoured them. Those who were getting the cases filed, he was making sure they’re behind the bars. The man from Delhi (Rahul Gandhi) was also defending... he said action should not be taken against them,” Yogi Adityanath further said, talking about the partnership between his rivals. “Now the duo is back again -- only the packaging is new,” he added. Today’s attack was similar to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s “double yuvraj (two crown princes)” jibe at Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav during his campaign in Bihar elections. The

Prime Minister and other party leaders had used the dig against the opposition leaders’ “double engine government” tag with the BJP ruling at the centre and the states. Yogi Adityanath’s jibes also come days after Akhilesh Yadav accused the BJP of trying to delay his Muzaffarnagar visit where he was campaigning with Chaudhary. His chopper could not take off on time, he alleged. Chaudhary and the Samajwadi Party chief also snubbed the ruling party amid reports of an “invite” to the Jat leader to consider switching sides ahead of the state polls. The seven phased UP polls begin February 10 and votes will be counted on March 10.

Open enquiry: ACB records statement of Param Bir Singh

MUMBAI, FEB 2 (PTI): The Anti-Corruption Bureau has recorded the statement of former Mumbai police commissioner Param Bir Singh in connection with an open enquiry being conducted against him on a complaint lodged by a police inspector, an official said on Wednesday. Singh appeared before the investigating officer at the ACB’s office at Worli in central Mumbai on Tuesday afternoon, he said. He was at the ACB’s office for about two hours during which his statement was recorded, and he was later allowed to go, the official said.

Singh was suspended from service after multiple extortion cases were registered against him. The ACB had earlier summoned him three times, but he had not appeared before it citing various reasons, the official said. This time, he was called to record his statement on February 2 (Wednesday), but he submitted a letter to the ACB saying he had some court-related work on Wednesday and was available on Tuesday. The investigating officer allowed Singh to appear before him on Tuesday and recorded his statement, the official said.

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db-79/22

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (PTI): The protection of women and children in the country is a priority for all but condemning every marriage as violent and every man a rapist is not advisable, Minister of Women and Child Development Smriti Irani said in the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. Her comments came in response to CPI leader Binoy Viswam’s supplementary query on marital rape. He sought to know if the government had taken note of Section 3 of the Domestic Violence Act on the definition of domestic violence as well as Section 375 of the IPC on rape. “....let me say, to condemn every marriage in this country as a violent marriage, and to condemn every man in this country as a rapist is not advisable in this august house,” Irani said. The minister said the senior member knows that Rule 47 of the procedures in the Rajya Sabha disallows elaboration on a subject that is currently sub judice. The government’s endeavour, she said, is to protect women in this country in collaboration with state governments. Currently, over 30 helplines are functional across India, which have assisted over 66 lakh women. Besides, 703 ‘one

Mayawati

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AGRA (UP), FEB 2 (PTI): BSP chief Mayawati on Wednesday hit out at BJP, SP and Congress for not doing enough for Dalits and asserted that her party has a track record of working for all sections of society as she launched her party’s campaign for the Uttar Pradesh Assembly polls. Terming the rival parties “anti-Dalit”, she said though they make various promises in their manifestos ahead of polls, they forget about them after coming to power. Mayawati, who has been conspicuous by her absence from the highoctane campaigning in the state, also said she has been living in Lucknow for a year and working to rebuild the BSP. She said some “casteist media groups” are trying to demoralise BSP supporters by saying that their party leaders are missing on the ground. The BSP is contesting all 403 assembly seats in Uttar Pradesh. The party

the rule of BJP, Congress and Samajwadi Party. The BSP, which has worked for the upliftment of people from all sections of society, is the only alternative for good governance, she added. Mayawati also accused the SP of adopting a “step-motherly” approach towards Dalits and most backward sections of society. “A f t e r c o m i n g t o power (in 2012), the SP changed names of districts we had christened after Dalit icons,” she said. When a bill on reservation in promotion for Dalit officers was brought in Parliament, the SP tore it and did not allow it to get approved, she claimed. The BSP chief said criminals and the mafia flourished under the SP government. The Muzaffarnagar riots also took place during the SP’s tenure. Mayawati attacked the Congress over its “hostile” attitude towards Dalits, alleging that its government had denied the Bharat Ratna to B R Ambedkar, who is considered the architect of the Indian Constitution, and to Dalit icon Kanshi Ram. They (Congress) also

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did not implement the Mandal Commission report on reservation in government jobs. After a prolonged struggle, the BSP got it implemented when the V P Singh government was in power, she said. Mayawati also targeted the media for building the narrative that BSP leaders were absent on the ground. “Some casteist media groups have tried to demoralise our supporters by saying that BSP leaders are missing and not moving anywhere. “I have been living in Lucknow for the last year and have worked to build the party again in Uttar Pradesh. I want to tell the media that I have been busy with election work all this time and the BSP will return with a majority in Uttar Pradesh,” she said. Rival parties had on several occasions ruled the BSP “out of the race”. However, Mayawati hit back at them saying they would be proved wrong as had happened in 2007. The BSP came to power with a majority in Uttar Pradesh in 2007, proving pre-poll predictions wrong. Mayawati became the chief minister for the fourth time that year.

Says BJP, SP and Congress ‘anti-Dalit’


8

GDP expected to grow 7.8% : Crisil

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (PTI): Domestic rating agency CRISIL on Wednesday estimated FY23 real GDP growth at 7.8 per cent as compared with the 8.5 per cent projected in the Economic Survey. Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s Budget proposals focused on loosening the purse strings by boosting capital expenditure and going slow on fiscal consolidation are aimed in the right direction, the rating agency said. “All said, risks to India’s economic outlook are still skewed towards the downside,” it said, estimating the growth to slow to 7.8 per cent in FY23 from the 9.2 per cent in FY22. The agency said global growth is expected to slow this year as major economies see a withdrawal of monetary and fiscal stimulus. It will have a direct

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

BUSINESS/STATE

bearing on India’s growth prospects as exports have been a key demand driver of domestic growth during the pandemic. Energy prices, especially that of crude oil, are likely to continue firming up, partly owing to geopolitical issues and Brent crude will average up to USD 85 a barrel as against USD 70.44 in 2021, which will curtail growth, stoke inflation and widen the current account deficit. Additionally, even if global supply chain disruptions are expected to ease, critical raw material shortages such as those of chips

could take time to tide over, the agency said. The agency expects the nominal growth to come at 12-13 per cent, higher than the 11.1 per cent Budget Estimate, and the headline inflation to average 5.2 per cent. The Budget makes way for the 35 per cent increase in capital expenditure by tightening the belt around revenue expenditure, and the government has refrained from giving any direct consumption support in the Budget, it said. It added that frontloading infrastructure spending could bring about faster growth. The agency said the commitment to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has been reduced to Rs 73,000 crore for FY23 from the Rs 98,000 crore in FY22 and Rs 1.11 lakh

crore in FY21, as part of the expenditure cuts. “Extending this job guarantee scheme could have acted as a bridge for boosting short-term incomes and consumption in the rural areas before growth becomes broadbased and the investment cycle kicks off,” it said. Spending has also been curtailed towards food subsidies to the Food Corporation of India (FCI) and for the procurement of wheat and paddy. But, they remain well above pre-pandemic levels, suggesting that the Budget is normalising some of these spends, it said. On the revenue side, the agency commended the pairing of divestment targets to a realistic level but warned that tightening of financial conditions amid monetary policy normalisation could further add challenges on this front.

Gold lower by Rs 125; silver tanks Rs 339

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (PTI): Gold prices declined by Rs 125 to Rs 47,837 per 10 gram in the local market here on Wednesday in line with lower global prices, according to HDFC Securities. In the previous trade, the precious metal settled at Rs 47,962 per 10 gram. Silver also declined by Rs 339 to Rs 61,477 per kg from Rs 61,816 per kg in the previous trade. In the international market, gold was trading lower at USD 1,799 per ounce and silver was flat at USD 22.67 per ounce. “Gold prices traded weak with spot gold prices at COMEX trading down at USD 1,799 per ounce on Wednesday. Gold prices traded down with gold falling below USD 1,800 per ounce with market players looking for fresh cues post US FOMC meeting,” Tapan Patel, senior analyst (commodities) at HDFC Securities, said.

Manipur polls: NPF issues ticket to 10 candidates

(From p-1) Addressing the gathering, Dr. Shürhozelie Liezietsu said that NPF had received more applicants this time and that all the aspiring candidates were equally good. Since the party could give only one ticket for a constituency, he said many were disappointed. Dr. Shürhozelie, however, said that denying party ticket to a person did not mean that the person was not qualified. “The committee took various factors into consideration apart from the integrity, personality or capability of the individual candidates concerned,” he said. He hoped that those who were denied the tickets would not misunderstand but appreciate the processes that took place which were more or less circumstantial. D r. S h ü r h o z e l i e thanked the ticket committee led by its convenor, Lok Sabha MP (Outer Manipur)

Dr Lorho S Pfozhe, members-- Vikheho Swu, Awangbo Newmai, Paul Moinao and SP Ngamreiphy for their efforts put in to select the candidates. In his brief speech, Dr Pfoze said it was tough exercise for the committee to pick 10 candidates out of over 40 applicants they received. He said that the candidates were screened after thorough consultations. The ceremony was chaired by NPF secretary general Achumbemo Kikon while Chakhesang Baptist Church Minister’s Hill, Kohima, senior pastor Rev. Dr Vevo Phesao invoked God’s blessings. NPF legislator (in-charge of Manipur) Y Vikheho Swu delivered the welcome address. Short speeches were also delivered by TR Zeliang and Samuel Risom while vote of thanks was delivered by NPF working president Apong Pongener.

Budget FY23: Ayush Ministry gets Rs 3,050 cr NEW DELHI, FEB 1 (IANS): The Ayush Ministry got a major boost in this year’s budget allocation as an amount of Rs 3,050 crore was earmarked for the ministry. The Budget 2022-23 was presented by Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday. The budget allocation will help the Ayush in the upgradation of its hospitals and dispensaries, support cultivation of medicinal plants and in many other areas including increase in export of value added items of medicinal plants, said the ministry in a statement. The budget allocation for Champion Services Sector Scheme has been increased to Rs 60.22 crore from Rs 29.6 crore.

Bitcoin, Ethereum, NFT will never Govt capital Budget’s growth focus to face macro challenges ANPWDFWA temporarily... E W D E L H I , F E B 2 utilisation. Rising oil prices high inflation and steady (From p-1) become legal tender: Fin Secy spending at N(IANS): He, however, added the unit would wait for the direcThe Budget is fo- (a negative term of trade domestic demand to result

10 Party (6) 11 Small wave (6) 14 Container (3) 16 Language (5) 17 Drench (4) 19 Engine (5) 21 Synthetic fibre (5) 22 Loaded (5) 23 Connection (4) 26 Ascended (5) 28 Agent (3) 29 Facet (6) 30 Craven (6) 31 Cure (4) 32 Pay out (8) 33 Turn to ice (6) DOWN 1 Brags (6)

Su doku

No. 4793 Yesterday’s solution No. 4792

2 Waterproof (6) 3 Skin problem (4) 4 Greek letter (7) 5 Vault (5) 6 Foreign (5) 8 Singer (4)

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No. 3817 Yesterday’s solution No. 3816

at Naga united Village Level and Ready to build Rs. 300 per sq. ft. 100 x 100 sq. ft. Contact : 6909596955

RoaD attaCheD, StReet LightS, DRaiNage LoCatioN : DimaPuR 1. 50 x 50 = Rs. 21,25,000/2. 65 x 50 = Rs. 27,66,000/3. 2 Bighas Contact : 09362619411

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KAKURO

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for saLe

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LoCatioN : Vidima Village 4 kms from New DC Office, 5 kms from ARTC Sukhovi All plots JCB leveled and Agri Link Road touched. A6 48.5 x 80 = Rs 3.29 Lakhs B8 57.5 x 79.5 = Rs 3.88 Lakhs B2 90.5 x 95 = Rs 7.30 Lakhs B1 120.25 x 120 = Rs 12.26 Lakhs B9 254 x 105 = Rs 22.66 Lakhs And more… Price: Rs 90/sq.ft No brokers please Contact: KeVi'S ReaL eState 8974509536

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8 Depressed (4)

sectors. However, international prices of finished products have commensurately increased and hence the exports of these products have not faced detriments. “For 10th month in a row, April 2021 to January 2022, India has posted over USD 30 billion of exports. It is a record, we have already crossed USD 334 billion of exports which is more than the highest ever that India has done in full 12 months period..

at toluvi near Sumi Baptist Church

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AffidAvit Name ChaNge

I, mRS. NzaNo, D/o Aphamo hereby declared through an Affidavit Regd. No. 45/2022 dated 02.02.2022 that I have changed my name from NuShiNg Lotha to NzaNo and these refer to the same person i.e. myself. Hence, the name Nzano shall be used in all official and other purposes. DP-509/22 Lost Notice I, Mr. swuto H swu, am applying for a duplicate copy of Class 12 Pass Certificate (NBSE) as I have lost it. Name : Swuto H Swu F/ Name : Hokuto Swu Roll No. 1327569 (2013, Science Stream) Kohima Science College Jotsoma

K-217/22

7 Of the body (8)

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (PTI): India is on track to achieve the USD 400-billion export target in the current fiscal and is negotiating trade agreements with countries like the UAE, the EU and Canada, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal said on Wednesday. In a reply during Question Hour in the Lok Sabha, he said the prices of most of the commodities, including petroleum products, are prevailing high and because of this there is a stress on all

LoSt NotiCe

I, Sentongmeren am applying for duplicate copy of Marksheet, Admit Card and Pass Certificate of HSLC and HSSLC as I have lost them. Name : Sentongmeren F/Name : Nukenliba DoB : 27.11.2000 HSLC : 2016 Roll No : 1621348 Regd. No : 1610210063 School : Govt High School, Kangtsüng, Mokokchung HSSLC : 2019 Roll No : 192203019 School : Govt. Hr. Sec. School Tuli Contact : 8837221499

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1 Fruit (6)

India on track to achieve $400 billion exports: Piyush Goyal

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ACROSS

tives of the ANPWDFWA central body. Asked about the next phase of agitation, Chang said that it depended on the call from ANPWDFWA. He, however, suggested that the association could even restrict movement of vehicles on national highway. It may be mentioned that IRB personnel were deployed at the protest site. Aboi: PWD field workers of Aboi unit Wednesday staged demonstration outside office of SDO PWD (R&B) Aboi division over non-payment of salary. ANPWDFWA Aboi division president Sholem Konyak urged the state government to release their pending salary and also consider the regularization of service of present employees. The association stated that office of SDO PWD (R&B) Aboi division would remain closed until the department released their salary.

DP-488/22

No. 10171 Yesterday’s solution No. 10170

in higher imports, widening the current account deficit to 2.6 per cent of GDP in 2022, up from a deficit of 1.3 per cent in 2021. The Budget is unambiguously focused on reviving growth, via higher public capex. Capital expenditure generally results in a higher growth multiplier, so the continued focus on infrastructure spending, including support to states to spend on capex, is important at a time when private capex is sluggish. The government expects to miss its budgeted fiscal deficit target of 6.8 per cent of GDP for FY22 (year ending March 2022) marginally, with an actual outturn of 6.9 per cent (Figure 1). The sharp rise in receipts of corporate taxes, robust income taxes and strong indirect taxes (in part due to higher fuel excise duties in the first half of the year) have resulted in net tax revenues exceeding budget estimates by Rs 2.2trn (1.0 per cent of GDP). However, contrary to our expectation, the government has revised up its capex commitment for the year by Rs 485bn (0.2 per cent of GDP), though this primarily reflects the government clearing its liabilities of the recently divested Air India. Also, in line with our expectations, revenue expenditure (revex) has been higher by Rs 2.4trn (1.0 per cent of GDP), reflecting the second wave support package, food and fertiliser subsidies, export incentives and extra spending by some departments. Finally, the disinvestment target has now been calibrated lower by Rs 970bn (0.4 per cent of GDP).

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Crossword

effect) and tighter global financial conditions are also growth headwinds. Hence, if the capex-led push is not fruitful, then the growth slowdown could be material. We currently expect GDP growth of 8.7 per cent y-o-y in FY22 (reduced recently from 9.2 per cent owing to the impact of Omicron. Nomura said we continue to expect higher inflation and wider current account deficits, largely due to rising commodity prices, although an expansionary budget may also play an incremental role. On inflation, while food prices appear in check, core inflationary pressures are rising across clothing, household goods and services and personal care items. Firms are passing higher input prices onto consumer prices. Domestic fuel prices are currently on hold, but will likely be adjusted higher after the state elections. We expect services price inflation to also rise as the economy opens. We expect elevated global commodity prices,

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Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during her Budget speech on Tuesday had announced that the Reserve Bank of India would be rolling out its digital currency soon. Besides, she also said that all income from transfer of virtual digital assets will be taxed at 30 per cent. Somanathan said that the digital currency will be backed by RBI and can never default. “Digital currency will be backed by RBI which will never be default. Money will be of RBI but the nature will be digital. Digital rupee issued by RBI will be a legal tender. Rest all aren’t legal tender, will not, will never become legal tender,” the agency quoted him as saying.

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (IANS): The Budget is pegging capital spending growth of 24.5 per cent year on year in F23, which will push the ratio of Central government capital spending to GDP to an 18-year high of 2.9 per cent, Morgan Stanley said in a note. “We expect F23 growth at 8.4%. In view of an improving growth trend, we expect the RBI to start policy normalization with a reverse repo rate hike in the February policy review, followed by repo rate hikes from the April policy review,” it said. “We are looking at a new capex cycle and, hence, a new profit cycle and an exit from the RBI. That augurs well for our overweight sectors: Financials, Discretionary Consumption and Industrials. We remain underweight on exporters and defensives, including Technology, Healthcare, Energy and Materials,” Morgan Stanley said.

cused on growth, but will face macro challenges, Japanese brokerage Nomura said in a report. First, the ability of the government -- both central and states -- to spend 2.9 per cent of GDP on capex will face execution hurdles. Identification of projects, onthe-ground implementation, coordination with different agencies -- all typically lead to a smaller amount being spent than allocated. Second, if revenues disappoint or other expenses rise (higher subsidies or more allocation towards rural employment, for example), then there is a risk of the capex amount being pruned. Third, we see other growth challenges. India is currently in the midst of a business cycle recovery. However, we expect India’s growth to decelerate from H2 CY2022 onwards, reflecting weaker consumption demand from low income households (due to scarring effects and high inflation), weaker export growth and continued sub-par private capex due to low capacity

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18-year high

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NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Finance Secretary TV Somanathan on Wednesday said that cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Ethereum, or nonfungible tokens (NFTs) will never become legal tender. “Bitcoin, Ethereum or NFT will never become legal tender. Crypto assets are assets whose value will be determined between two people. You can buy gold, diamond, crypto, but that will have not have the value authorization by government,” news agency ANI quoted Somanathan as saying. According to Business Today, the secretary said that people who are investing in cryptocurrencies should understand that they don’t have authorisation of the government. “There is no guarantee whether your investment will be successful or not, one may suffer losses and government is not responsible for this,” Somanathan said.


9

INTERNATIONAL

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Anti-vaccine protest in Canada spurs outrage and a sign that read “Mandate freedom.” “My kids were shocked. Like all Canadian young people, they have grown up with Terry Fox as a hero,” Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland said. “This is not the Canada who we want to be. And I really proudly believe, and I know, this is not what Canada is.” Ontario Premier Doug Ford said he was “extremely disturbed” to see people “desecrate our most sacred monuments and wave swastikas and other symbols of hate and intolerance.” The outburst was seen as so out of character for Canada that one US scientist felt compelled to apologize for what he portrayed as America’s influence. “Canada gave us kindness, tolerance, poutine and hockey, and in turn we exported this awful fake health freedom movement linked to far right extremism that caused so much senseless loss of life in America and now might do the same there,” tweeted Dr Peter Hotez, an infectious-disease specialist at the Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. “Our apologies.” Many of

The demonstrators have found little sympathy in a country where more than 80% are vaccinated.

cross-country “freedom truck convoy” against vaccine mandates. It attracted support from former US President Donald Trump and Tesla billionaire Elon Musk. Trudeau and his family were moved to an undisclosed location during the protest. (Two of his children tested positive for COVID-19, and a test Tuesday revealed he, too, was infected. He said he is fine and working remotely.) A smaller but still significant number of protesters remained on the streets on Wednesday, saying they won’t leave until all vaccine mandates and other restric-

tions are gone. They are also calling for the removal of Trudeau’s government, though it is responsible for few of the measures, most of which were put in place by provincial governments. “It’s time for Canada and the rest of the world to find other ways to deal with this virus,” said protester Michelle Kloet, 47, of Canmore, Alberta. During the demonstration, the statue of Terry Fox, a national hero who lost a leg to bone cancer as a youngster and set off in 1980 on a fundraising trek across Canada, was draped with an upside-down Canadian flag

Kim Jong Un attends concert glorifying his power

Kim Jong Un

Korea’s most recent test of an intermediate-range missile potentially capable of reaching Guam, a key U.S. military hub in the Pacific. Sunday’s test signaled a resumption of major weapons testing that Kim had suspended in 2018 while initiating diplomacy with then-U.S. President Donald Trump. Talks between Washington and Pyongyang

MOSCOW, FEB 2 (AP): Russian President Vladimir Putin said Tuesday that the US and its allies have ignored Russia’s top security demands but added that Moscow remains open to more talks with the West on easing soaring tensions over Ukraine. Putin argued that it’s possible to negotiate an end to the standoff if interests of all parties, including Russia’s security concerns, are taken into account. “I hope that we will eventually find a solution, although we realize that it’s not going to be easy,” Putin said amid a continuing buildup of an estimated 100,000 Russian troops near Ukraine that fuelled Western fear of an invasion. Russia has denied having an intention to attack its neighbour, but talks between Russia and the West have so far failed to yield any progress. Washington and its allies have rejected Moscow’s

have stalled since the collapse of the second KimTrump meeting in 2019, when the Americans rejected North Korea’s demands for a major release of crippling U.S.-led sanctions in exchange for a partial surrender of its nuclear capabilities. The Korean Central News Agency on Wednesday said Kim and his wife, Ri Sol Ju, were greeted with “stormy cheers” after arriving at Pyongyang’s massive Mansudae Art Theater for Tuesday’s concert. KCNA said the audience appreciated that Kim was “ushering in on this land a new world and a new era when the people’s ideals and happiness and desire for building a powerful country are comprehensively translated into reality.”

Vladimir Putin

demand for a halt to NATO’s expansion to Ukraine and other ex-Soviet nations, a freeze on the deployment of weapons there and a rollback of alliance forces from Eastern Europe, describing them as nonstarters. They emphasised that Ukraine, like any other nation, has the right to choose alliances. The Russian leader countered that argument by noting that the Western allies’ refusal to meet Russia’s demands violates their obligations on integrity of

The undersigned,on behalf of the Thipuzumi Welfare Union Dimapur convey our heartiest congratulations to SHRI ROTHIHU TETSEO,IPS, Commissioner of Police Dimapur on being conferred the President's Police Medal for Distinguished Service on Republic Day,2022.We salute your sincerity, honesty and dedication which has brought laurels to Nagaland Police Department in particular and Nagaland State in general. Our gratitude goes out to the police men and women and the general public without their cooperation and support this wouldn't have been possible. Sd/- Kerihu Chuzho Chairman, TWUD

DP-522/22

OFFICE OF THE

Sd/- Vechota Tetseo Gen. Secretary, TWUD

OfficE Of THE

ANGAMI PUBLIC ORGANISATION

SUmi SETTSU UniOn DimApUR

CONGRATULATORY NOTE

fELiciTATiOn

KOHIMA : NAGALAND

The undersigned, Angami Public Organisation (APO) would extent, convey our heartiest congratulations and appreciation to Shri Gregory Thejawelie, who is presently serving as Deputy Commissioner, Kohima on being appointed as Indian Administrative Service (IAS) by the Govt of India thereby your successful made us all proud which you deserved it. We are incredibly proud of your outstanding achievement and accomplishment. While acknowledging on being appointed as IAS Officer we hope and believe in your integrity, and continuous dedication in your mission. (KEZEVITUO ANGAMI) Information & Publicity Secretary K-225/22 Angami Public Organisation (APO)

DimApUR : nAgALAnD

With immense pride and joy, the Sumi Settsu Union, Dimapur would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to SHRi mULATO AcHUmi on being appointed as the G.B of Padampukhuri. May God bless and guide you in all your endeavours. Zheito Awomi Khetovi Achumi President Gen. Secretary OFFICE OF THE

PFUCHATSUMIA KHEL COUNCIL KOHIMA VILLAGE, KOHIMA : NAGALAND

OfficE Of THE

FELICITATION

mAROmi STUDEnTS' UniOn ZUnHEBOTO : nAgALAnD

MOTTO : EDUCATION FOR A CHANGE

FELICITATION

DP-507/22

We, the Maromi Students' Union with immense pride and honour extend our heartiest congratulations to mR inAHOTO WOKHAmi, S/o KIKHEZHE WOKHAMI for securing the post of Sub-Inspector CAPF in the recent central exam. The Union extends the best wishes in his future endeavours. Sd/Livika Wokhami General Secretary

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FELICITATION

Sd/Sheshuka Zhimo President

Umaro Sissoco Embalo

“with great concern.” “ECOWAS condemns this coup attempt and holds the military responsible for the bodily integrity of President Umaro Sissoco Embalo and the members of his government,” the statement said in a tweet. In Portugal, the country’s former colonial ruler, the Foreign Ministry said in a tweet: “We strongly condemn the attack on the government palace in Bissau and appeal for the immediate end of this violent action against the president and government of Guinea-Bissau. Constitutional order must be respected by all.” Portuguese Foreign Minister Augusto Santos Silva condemned what he

said was “armed activity” in Bissau. “There is armed activity in Bissau directed at the legitimate authorities of Guinea-Bissau, its president and government,” Santos Silva told Portugal’s Lusa news agency. Embalo, a for mer army general, was declared the winner of the December 2019 runoff vote, though the results were contested by his opponent, Domingos Simoes Pereira. Embalo then started forming a new government with support from the military while a Supreme Court election challenge was still pending. Since gaining independence from Portugal in 1974, Guinea-Bissau has experienced four coup d’etats and more than a dozen attempted coups. The small nation of around 1.5 million people has long been beset by corruption and drug trafficking. In the 2000s, it became known as a transit point for cocaine between Latin America and Europe as traffickers profited from corruption and weak law enforcement.

Putin offers more talks with West to defuse Ukraine tensions

Death toll rises to 22 in Ecuador’s capital flooding QUITO, FEB 2 (IANS): The death toll rose to 22 due to floods in Ecuador’s capital, with about 50 others injured and at least five missing, the Emergency Operations Committee of Quito reported. The flooding occurred on Monday afternoon after a day of heavy rains that broke a rainfall record in the city set in 2003. Water accumulated in the Belisario Quevedo parish in Quito, leading rocks and mud to slide down to road in the La Gasca neighborhood causing serious damage, Xinhua news agency reported citing local authorities. Waves of water and debris flowed down the streets, sweeping away vehicles and flooding homes, in addition to downing utility poles, which left several areas without electricity. On Tuesday, units of relief agencies, local governments, police and the Armed Forces intensified the search and rescue and debris removal, while an increase in the number of deaths was not ruled out. The National Risk and Emergency Management Service indicated via Twitter that the flooding caused material damage, with several vehicles and houses destroyed or affected, and at least 200 victims taken to shelters. Meanwhile, Quito Mayor Santiago Guarderas said he visited the area to evaluate the situation to continue taking measures and mitigate damage in the affected areas.

BISSAU (GUINEA-BISSAU), FEB 2 (AP): Heavy gunfire broke out around Guinea-Bissau’s government palace in an apparent coup attempt Wednesday, although President Umaro Sissoco Embalo later posted on social media that calm had returned to the West African country. On his Facebook page, Embalo posted photos of himself sitting in a leather chair with Guinea-Bissau’s flag in the background. There was no other immediate government comment on the attack, nor was it clear how the standoff had been resolved. Earlier Wednesday, the state broadcaster had reported that “invaders” were detaining officials at the building while witnesses reported prolonged, heavy gunfire. The 15-nation West African regional bloc known as ECOWAS, already grappling with three other coups in member states over the last 18 months, called Tuesday’s violence a coup attempt and said it was following the situation in Bissau

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SEOUL, FEB 2 (AP): North Korean leader Kim Jong Un and his wife attended a Lunar New Year’s Day concert in Pyongyang where he received thunderous cheers from audience members and artists who praised him for heralding a “new era” of national power, state media reported. The North’s official media has been highlighting Kim’s authoritarian leadership following a spree of missile tests in January, which some experts see as an attempt to pressure Washington over deadlocked nuclear negotiations after two years of pandemic border closures and economic decay. The Biden administration has called for the U.N. Security Council to meet Thursday to discuss North

the demonstrators refused to wear masks in hotels, malls and grocery stores. One homeless shelter reported protesters had demanded it feed them. Ottawa Police Chief Peter Sloly said several investigations are underway and a tip line for hate crimes, threats and assaults related to the demonstration has been set up. Sloly said one person had been arrested in connection with the protest. Tim Abray, a PhD candidate, said he was assaulted by “so-called freedom fighters” while taking pictures of the protest in his neighborhood. The most visible contingent of protesters were truck drivers who parked their big rigs on Parliament Hill. Some of them were protesting a rule that took effect Jan 15 requiring truckers entering Canada to be fully immunized against the coronavirus. The Canadian Trucking Alliance has estimated that 85% of truckers in Canada are vaccinated. Meanwhile, police on Tuesday moved to end a protest convoy of trucks and other vehicles that had been blocking a major US border crossing in Coutts, Alberta, since Saturday.

We, the Pfuchatsumia Khel Council on our behalf and all of our members would like to extend our heartiest congratulations to Shri. Thejawelie Gregory Sote, S/o Late Mezhüvilie Sote, and the present Deputy Commissioner of Kohima District, on being inducted to the Prestigious Indian Administrative Service (I.A.S) Cadre. We as a whole are immensely proud of his achievement and wish him good health and success in all his future endeavours. (KELHOUSETUO RUTSA) Chairman P. Khel Council, Kohima Village

(KEDUOLHOUTUO RUTSA) General Secretary P. Khel Council, Kohima Village

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TORONTO, FEB 2 (AP): In a scene at odds with Canadians’ reputation for niceness and rule-following, thousands of protesters railing against vaccine mandates and other COVID-19 restrictions descended on the capital over the weekend, deliberately blocking traffic around Parliament Hill. Some urinated and parked on the National War Memorial. One danced on the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. A number carried signs and flags with swastikas. In the aftermath of Canada’s biggest pandemic protest to date, the demonstrators have found little sympathy in a country where more than 80% are vaccinated. Many people were outraged by some of the crude behavior. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau called the Ottawa protesters a “fringe minority” and said they reflected the proliferation of “disinformation and misinformation online, conspiracy theorists, about microchips, about God knows what else that go with the tinfoil hats.” Organizers, including one who has espoused white supremacist views, had raised millions for the

Guinea-Bissau president says calm has returned to capital

security for all nations. He warned that Ukraine’s accession to NATO could lead to a situation where Ukrainian authorities launch a military action to reclaim control over Crimea or areas controlled by Russia-backed separatists in the country’s east. “Imagine that Ukraine becomes a NATO member and launches those military operations,” Putin said. “Should we fight NATO then? Has anyone thought about it?” Russia annexed Ukraine’s Crimean Pen-

insula in 2014 following the ouster of the country’s Moscow-friendly president and later threw its weight behind rebels in Ukraine’s eastern industrial heartland, triggering a conflict that has killed over 14,000. Speaking after talks with Hungarian Prime Minister Victor Orban, who forged close ties with Moscow even though his country is a member of NATO, Putin noted that it’s still possible to negotiate a settlement that would take every party’s concerns into

account. “We need to find a way to ensure interests and security of all parties, including Ukraine, European nations and Russia,” Putin said, emphasising that the West needs to treat Russian proposals seriously to make progress. The Russian leader argued that NATO’s opendoor policy doesn’t oblige the alliance to offer membership to Ukraine, suggesting that the alliance could tell Ukraine that it can’t join “due to earlier international obligations”.


INFOTAINMENT

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Simon Cowell hospitalised after second bike crash

Be original with your own twist: Mego Sakhrie V

Megosano Sakhrie

KO H I M A , F E B 2 ( N P N ) : Calligraphy began as a hobby in 2013 for Megosano Sakhrie, who works on commission and is into small local business that deals with customised paintings, seasonal boxes and annual calendars. With time, she discovered her new playground and the different colours combined forming an art like calligraphy into new canvas. Mego, who works for a perfume company where she takes care of the illustrations, took her unique calendar business to the world in 2020, whose 450 copies were sold and in which she displayed several fruits and vegetables grown across the State. And she has been doing annual calendars since then.

T h i s ye a r, s h e s o l d 6 0 copies of her hand-painted and 32 polymer clay and wooden calendars, besides displaying them in Crossword and the common room. She does customised boxes, stationary books and curates them. On her recent project with her sister, she started designing and illustrating stickers. She also does customised wedding cards, book covers, etc, with the help of a carpenter. Before beginning any work, Mego usually uses pictures for references or have conversation with her clients, followed by rough sketch work leading to the final product. Though she is a self-taught

and takes inspiration from internet at times, she believes in being original with her own twist. She stressed keeping the indigenous culture alive, while mentioning that Nagas tended to consume a lot of western ideas and forget their own roots. It is an art of giving forms to signs, a way to express one’s thoughts and ideas. With the aim of creating friendly neighbourhood, Kohima Smart City Development Ltd had approached her and she did some paintings with alphabets along with some child-friendly illustrations outside the community hall. Mego can be contacted on social media platform Instagram @m.for.apples. (Viro Solo)

Dolly Parton, Duran Duran among Rock & Roll Hall of Fame nominees

Amitabh-starrer ‘Jhund’ to hit theatres on Mar 4

Nigerian singer Fela Kuti is also on the ballot. Performers become eligible 25 years after their first commercial release. “This year’s ballot recognizes a diverse group of incredible artists, each who has had a profound impact on the sound of youth culture,” John Sykes, chair man of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Foundation, said in a statement. “Their music not only moved generations, but also influenced the sound of countless artists that followed.” Taking into consideration the length

of their career, musical inf luence and body of work among other factors, inductees are chosen via ballots sent to more than 1,000 artists, historians and members of the music industry. The general public can also participate online or at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame museum in Cleveland, Ohio. The top five musical acts voted for by the public are then submitted as a fan ballot among the other ballots. The organisation will announce those who have been selected in May and they will then be inducted into the Hall of Fame at a ceremony. (Reuters)

NASA explains why February is an action-packed month for stargazers

I

mparting vital knowledge about the planets in the solar system along with some fascinating space phenomena taking place this February, the US space agency NASA has shared an informative video on its Instagram handle. The 3-minute long clip is part of a video series ‘What’s up’ by NASA, where it shares skywatching tips every month. This time, it has shared the video for the month of February and has revealed some intriguing facts about the movement of planets and their nature. According to the c a p t i o n o f t h e v i d e o, Fe b r u a r y m ay b e t h e shortest month of the year but it is full of happenings and action-packed for s t a r g a z e r s. “ F i n d o u t what’s up for February,” NASA wrote. The month of Febr uar y witnessed quite a few events like the exit of Jupiter and the peak brightness of Venus. Moreover, as Saturn and Uranus made their exit over the past two months, Jupiter is the only bright planet left in the skies. However, by the end of this month, even Jupiter will depart and stargazers will be left with no planet to gaze at post-sunset through naked

eyes. But by August, Saturn will begin to rise in the east and before that, there are chances that people might also be able to spot Mercury in April and May. According to NASA, Venus, which is the brightest planet of our solar system, will be in its brightest form this month. The reflective clouds of the planet that cover its globe, are believed to be the reason behind its brightness. Experts also believe that Venus appears brightest when it’s almost close to the Earth and shows the crescent shape. So, people can observe the Earth’s twin while it forms a rare trio

with the Mars and Moon on February 26, 2022. Fe b r u a r y i s a l s o considered the best time to witness the Great Nebula in Orion in the night sky. It is a gigantic cloud of dust and gas where numerous stars are born. In order to spot the Orion Nebula, one must look for three stars of the hunter’s belt between 8 to 9 pm. Now, look for the stars that are below the trio stars. In the centre, you will find a fuzzy spot which is Nebula. Although a telescope is advised to get a clearer and more captivating picture, one can also use binoculars. (News18)

OFFICE OF THE

NAGALAND FISHERIES TECHNICAL ASSOCIATION FELICITATION

DP-502/22

S

ingers Dolly Parton and Lionel Richie, rapper Eminem and new romantic band Duran Duran were among the firsttime nominees announced on Wednesday for possible induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Singer Carly Simon, musician Beck and hip hop group A Tribe Called Quest also made the list for the first time. There are a total 17 contenders for 2022 induction, also including singers Kate Bush and Dionne Warwick as well as bands Eurythmics, Devo, Judas Priest and Rage Against The Machine. Late

eteran producer and reality TV judge Simon Cowell suffered a bike accident last week and was hospitalised, claim multiple UK media reports. The ‘America’s Got Talent’ judge had an accident near his London home last Thursday, was hospitalised and then released, the reports that emerged on Tuesday night claim, reports variety.com. “Simon was on the e-bike with his electric motor on, when the bike slipped on a wet patch,” a source close to Cowell told The Mirror. “ H e we n t f ly i n g ove r t h e handlebars into the middle of the road and is lucky to be alive as he wasn’t wearing a helmet. There was blood pouring from his face but luckily he managed to get some help from passers-by. He was taken to hospital and X-rays showed he broke his arm. He has his arm in a yellow cast and is on the mend now but will need to rest.” Cowell broke his back in a bike accident in 2020 and had to take a break from television for surgery and extensive rehab and recovery. In 2021, his popular talent show ‘The X Factor’ was cancelled after 17 years. He was initially due to judge music talent show ‘Walk the Line’, but was replaced by musician Gary Barlow. He stayed on the show, focusing on his role as show creator and executive producer. In 2021, Cowell also cancelled his scheduled appearance as a judge on the ‘The X Factor Israel’. Cowell recently completed filming the new season of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’, due to air in April. (IANS)

NAGALAND POST, DIMAPUR THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2022

Sumi BaptiSt aKuKuHou EKranipatHar Dimapur – 797112 : nagaland

FElicitation

The Nagaland Fisheries Technical Association (NFTA) would like to express heartiest congratulations to Shri. Neitho-o Kuotsu, Joint Director of Fisheries & Aquatic Resources, Govt. of Nagaland for being awarded with the Governor's Commendation Certificate on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day 2022 held at Nagaland Civil Secretariat Plaza. The Association further wishes him good health and success in all his future endeavours. (KHRIEZHATO NAKHRO) (Dr. VIMEZO KIRE) k-221/22 General Secretary, NFTA President, NFTA

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We, the Sumi Baptist Akukuhou Ekranipathar would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to our esteemed member Er. Hekavi G. Sumi on being promoted to SDO (Electrical) Sub-Division Chumukedima PEP. The Church wishes him the best in his new endeavours and more blessings in the future. (Dr. Khatoi Kinny) Pastor DP-510/22

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FELICITATION The Western Chakhesang Hoho (WCH) conveys its heartiest congratulations to Shri. Rothihu Tetseo IPS Commissioner of Police Dimapur on being conferred the President’s Medal for Distinguished Service on the occasion of 73rd Republic Day, 2022. The Prestigious Award speaks about sincerity, honesty, dedication and positive improvement of law & order under your leadership for which we take immense pride in you. Wishing you 'All the best for future days' May God lead you. DP-516/22

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fter multiple delays due to COVID-19, megastar Amitabh Bachchan’s sports drama “Jhund” will be theatrically released on March 4. The film marks the Hindi directorial debut of Nagraj Popatrao Manjule, best known for Marathi blockbuster “Sairat” and the critically-acclaimed 2013 drama “Fandry”. Produced by T-Series, “Jhund” features Bachchan as Vijay Barse, a Nagpurbased retired sports teacher who pioneers a slum soccer movement. Bachchan took to Twitter Wednesday and shared a new poster of the film. “Iss toli se muqaabla karne ke liye raho taiyaar! Humari team aa rahi hai (Get ready to compete with this group! Our team is coming) #Jhund releasing on 4th March 2022 in cinemas near you,” the 79-year-old wrote. “ J h u n d ” wa s f i r s t announced to open in cinemas in 2020 and then later in June 2021, but was pushed both the times due to the COVID-19 pandemic. (PTI)

sd/(ZASEKHOYI RINGA) General Secretary, WCH

sd/(Z. Kepfelhou Koza) President, WCH K Y M C


U-19 WC: Eng beat Afghanistan; enter final

Rehan Ahmed starred as England overcame Afghanistan in dramatic fashion. (Twitter / Cricket World Cup) after England won the toss and elected to bat. Once both sides were able to take to the field in Antigua and Barbuda, it was Afghanistan who made the stronger start. Jacob Bethell, who had smashed 88 against South Africa in the quarterfinals, was trapped LBW by Naveed Zadran, an early sign that England faced a tough task. Skipper Tom Prest joined vice-captain Bethell in making an early de-

parture, reducing them to 2/56, as England struggled to dominate with the bat. George Thomas steadied the ship with an excellent 50 after a slightly nervy introduction at the crease, only beaten by an excellent delivery from Noor Ahmad. And when William Luxton was clean bowled by Izharulhaq Naveed, England were five down having barely put 100 runs on the board. However, the rain came again to delay play

for a further half hour and led to revised conditions of 47-overs-per-side. England’s back-end stand of 95 from George Bell and Alex Horton managed to give them a respectable total with the pair attacking the Afghanistan seamers fiercely, which helped them to a final total of 231. The weather interruptions meant Afghanistan had a revised DLS target to match the score and chasing their first ever ICC U-19

New Zealand’s Mitchell named ICC Spirit of Cricket Award winner

Aubameyang joins Barcelona

Daryl Mitchell DUBAI, FEB 2 (IANS): New Zealand all-rounder Daryl Mitchell was named the winner of ICC Spirit of Cricket Award 2021 after his gesture in the Men’s T20 World Cup semifinal against England in Abu Dhabi. Mitchell was given the award for refusing to take a single in the high-pressure T20 World Cup semifinal

against England in Abu Dhabi on November 10. Chasing 167, New Zealand were on course for acing the run chase with a well-settled Mitchell establishing a partnership with James Neesham. The incident occurred on the first ball of the 18th over bowled by Adil Rashid, with the score at 133/4. Neesham bashed the ball

down the ground and it would have been an easy single. But Mitchell, at the non-striker’s end, refused to take the run, conceding that he had impeded Rashid. In a high-pressure chase, with a place in the World Cup final at stake, Mitchell’s gesture oozed class. Mitchell becomes the fourth New Zealand player to win the Spirit of Cricket award after Daniel Vettori (2012), Brendon McCullum (2015) and Kane Williamson (2018). “It’s an honour to receive the ICC Spirit of Cricket Award. To be part of that T20 World Cup in UAE was an amazing experience, and to receive an award like this is pretty cool. It’s something that we pride ourselves on as New Zealanders, the way we go about playing our cricket, and yes, the Spirit of Cricket side,” said Mitchell in his acceptance speech. “Personally, I felt I got in the way and we wanted to win on our own terms, and didn’t want to be controversial in such a big game. It paid off in the long run that we won the game. Looking back, it all happened pretty quickly,” added Mitchell.

LONDON, FEB 2 (REUTERS): Gabon striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang has joined Barcelona on a free transfer after terminating his contract with Premier League team Arsenal, the LaLiga club said on Wednesday. Barcelona said Aubameyang will sign a contract until June 2025, with an option to agree departure on June 30, 2023. The Catalan club have set his release clause at 100 million euros ($113.08 million). Aubameyang joined Arsenal from German club Borussia Dortmund in 2018 and was former manager Arsene Wenger’s last signing. He immediately became a fan favourite and went on to score 92 goals in 163 games for them. The 32-year-old striker left Arsenal by mutual consent on Tuesday. He had not played for the north London club since December after manager Mikel Arteta stripped him of the captaincy due to a disciplinary breach. Aubameyang was also sent home early from the Africa Cup of Nations after the Gabonese Football Federation said cardiac lesions were found in tests conducted in Cameroon following a positive Covid-19 test.

K Y M C

Thomas Bach visits the Canada team at Beijing 2022 Winter Olympic Games village. (Reuters) Winter Games Canada has won more gold than the U.S., which is the way the medals table is tabulated by the International Olympic Committee (IOC). With a bit of creative accounting the U.S. spin puts it ahead in 2010 and 2014 pointing to the total medals count, including a then record 37 collected at the Vancouver Winter Games. So a line in the snow has been drawn for North American bragging rights in Beijing with many of the top medal prospects for both countries showing up in the

same events. For Canada two medals are more important than all others -- men’s and women’s ice hockey. Since women’s hockey became part of the Olympic programme in 1998 Canada and the U.S. have claimed every gold. The U.S. took the first in Nagano and the last at the Pyeongchang Winter Games. Canada swept the four in-between. It would be considered one of the Beijing Games major upsets if the two nemesis aren’t facing off in the Olympic final again on

MILWAUKEE, FEB 2 (AP): Giannis Antetokounmpo had 33 points, 15 rebounds and 11 assists for his fourth triple-double of the season as the Milwaukee Bucks beat Washington 112-98 on Tuesday night to hand the Wizards their sixth straight loss. Jrue Holiday scored 22 points, Bobby Portis 17, Khris Middleton 13 and Grayson Allen 10 for the Bucks. The Bucks squandered a 17-point lead before rallying in the fourth quarter as they bounced back from a 136-100 home loss to the Denver Nuggets, their second-most lopsided defeat of the season. The Wizards were playing without star guard Bradley Beal due to a sprained left wrist, and had announced Monday that he would miss at least the rest of this trip, which ends Wednesday at Philadelphia. Wizards coach Wes Unseld Jr. said Beal had left the team to visit a specialist earlier in the day due to some swelling and that he’ll be evaluated again in about a week.

Wizards Hachimura goes up for a shot against Bucks Antetokounmpo. (Michael McLoone-USA Today) Kyle Kuzma scored 25, Montrezl Harrell had 20 and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 12 for the Wizards. Washington trailed 20-5 with the game barely five minutes old but clawed its way back and finally took its first lead on Rui Hachimura’s tiebreaking 3-pointer with 8:35 left. Antetokounmpo scored the game’s next five points and put the Bucks back ahead by converting a three-point play with

7:50 left. Harrell made a 12-footer to tie the game with 7:25 remaining, but Holiday sank a 3-pointer 11 seconds later to start a 7-0 Bucks run. Wa s h i n g t o n g o t within 95-94 on consecutive 3-pointers by Spencer Dinwiddie and CaldwellPope, but Kuzma missed a 3-point attempt that would have put the Wizards ahead with 4:33 left. Milwaukee outscored Washington 17-4 the rest of the way.

World Cup medal is my next target, says Sreejesh

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (PTI): At 33, PR Sreejesh is in the twilight of his career, but the veteran Indian hockey goalkeeper is in no mood to call it quits anytime soon as he is eyeing a World Cup medal to add to his Tokyo Olympics bronze before deciding the future course of his career. Sreejesh, who made his senior team debut in 2006, is regarded as one of the finest goalkeepers in world hockey. Sreejesh, who captained the national team to the quarterfinals of the 2016 Rio Olympics, was also a part of the 2014 gold medal-winning Asian Games squad but his most cherished dream was fulfilled in last year’s Tokyo Olympics when India won a historic

PR Sreejesh bronze after a hiatus of 41 years. But the senior custodian is still not satisfied as he aims to win a World Cup medal next year before taking a call on his future, which includes the 2024 Paris Olympics. “The Olympic medal was a dream but I still have a chance to better the colour of the medal. 2022 is very important for us which

starts with the FIH Pro League and then we have the Commonwealth Games and the Asian Games,” said Sreejesh, who became only the second Indian after women’s team skipper Rani Rampal to win the ‘World Games Athlete of the Year’ award. “The Asian Games will give us a direct berth in the Paris Olympics, so

there is as an added motivation. In the last World Cup, we couldn’t qualify for the semifinals, so winning a medal in the World Cup will complete my goal.” For Sreejesh, setting short-term goals is his priority now, saying the day he feels lack of motivation towards the game, he will not hesitate to call it quits. “Our focus now is on the next Olympic cycle which starts this year. First we have the Pro League which will help in creating a strong base for us. “For a goalkeeper, age is not a big barrier. It’s about how passionate you are about the game. Personally, I am not setting any long-term target. My short-term goal next is the World Cup to be held in India,” he said.

FIH launches bidding process to host 2026 WC

LAUSANNE (SWITZERLAND), FEB 2 (IANS): The International Hockey Federation (FIH) has on Tuesday launched the bidding process for hosting the FIH Hockey men’s and women’s World Cups which will be played in 2026. The prestigious event, the top competition in men’s and women’s hockey besides the Olympic Games and played every four years, involves sixteen teams amongst the best ones in the world. The deadline for submitting the bids is May 31, 2022. The hosts will be decided by the Executive Board on November 3 and announced at the FIH Congress which will be held virtually on November 4-5 this year, the Feb. 16. FIH said in a release. With the National FIH CEO Thierry Weil said: Hockey League pulling out “The FIH Hockey World Cup, for of the Beijing Games in Men like for Women, means a lot to December after COVID-19 forced the postponement of over 100 games, handicapping the men’s medal contenders is more difficult. The U.S. and Canada, tipped as gold favourites before the NHL pull out, are now medal question marks. Canada will also be looking to atone for crushing failure at the curling rink in Pyeongchang where both the men’s and women’s teams failed to return home with a medal. The Canadian men saw their run of four consecutive Olympic titles end in South Korea, while John Shuster’s rink gave the U.S. curling gold for the first time and is back for a fifth Games to defend the title. There will be some bad blood at the bobsleigh track where Kaillie Humphries, after winning gold for Canada at the 2010 and 2104 Winter Olympics, defected to the U.S. over a dispute with the national federation and will compete in Beijing as an American.

Canada and US rivalry heats up Winter Games

BEIJING, FEB 2 (REUTERS): As sporting rivalries go the United States and Canada does not reach the intensity of Argentina and Brazil but when it comes to Winter Olympics the North American neighbours turn the heat up. Canada may be outmatched by the United States at the Summer Olympics but punches above its weight in the winter when medals are decided on the snow and ice. For Canada, which brands itself as a winter sports nation, the 2022 Beijing Winter Games represent another opportunity to put it to their rivals to the south. Data analysis Nielsen’s Gracenote are predicting a tight tussle between Canada and the U.S. with both collecting 22 total medals at the Feb. 4-20 Games. The Americans are tipped to edge the Canadians in the final rankings on seven gold to six to take fourth spot on the table behind Norway, Germany and the Russian Olympic Committee. At the previous three

Men’s Cricket World Cup final, they knew a good start was the key. Opener Nangeyalia Kharote was unable to provide it when English seamer Josh Boyden claimed his wicket with just the third ball of the innings. But Kharote’s replacement Allah Noor, smashed a huge six to get off the mark and quickly gave his team a platform. Along with wicketkeeper Mohammad Ishaq the pair got their team past 90, with Noor making a valuable half-century. England’s crucial breakthrough came after some athletic fielding led to a run-out for Ishaq with wicketkeeper Horton reacting quickly to a loose throw at the strikers end. Noor remained stubborn but eventually went for 60, with Thomas Aspinwall claiming a vital wicket. BRIEF SCORES: England 231/6 in 47 overs (George Thomas 50, George Bell 56 not out, Alex Horton 53 not out; Noor Ahmad 2/32) beat Afghanistan 215/9 in 47 overs (Mohammad Ishaq 43, Allah Noor 60, Abdul Hadi 37 not out, Bilal Ahmad 33; Rehan Ahmed 4/41) by 15 runs (D/L Method).

Antetokounmpo’s triple-double helps Bucks top Wizards 112-98

the global hockey community, in particular athletes and fans. Therefore, we’re looking forward to receiving numerous bids to host these prestigious events, which will capture the attention of all hockey fans around the world and where

legends will be made!” The next FIH Hockey women’s World Cup will be played in July this year in Spain and the Netherlands, whilst the next FIH Hockey men’s World Cup will take place in January 2023 in Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.

dc-88/22

NORTH SOUND (ANTIGUA), FEB 2 (IANS): Half-centuries from George Thomas (50), George Bell (56 not out) and Alex Horton (53 not out), and a fine spell of spin bowling by Rehan Ahmed (4/41) helped England overcome Afghanistan by 15 runs in a thrilling match of the ICC U-19 Cricket World Cup at the Sir Vivian Richards Stadium here to secure a place in the final on Wednesday. Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed was the hero for England, taking three wickets in the penultimate over at crucial moments when their opponents required just 18 runs from the last 10 balls. England will now take on the winners of the semifinal game between Australia and four-time champions India in the final on February 6. Riding on three halfcenturies, England scored 231/6 in 47 overs in a raininterrupted match and then despite the best efforts from Afghanistan’s wicketkeeperbatter Mohammad Ishaq (43), Al Noor (60) and Abdul Hadi (37 not out), the incisive spell of bowling from Rehan restricted Afghanistan to 215/9 in 47 overs. Rain delayed the semifinal

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Neeraj Chopra nominated for Dimapur retains U-19 cricket trophy Laureus World Sports Awards

DGP T. John Longkumer, NCA officials and champions of the U-19 inter-district tournament on Wednesday at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima. DIMAPUR, FEB 2 (NPN): Defending champions Dimapur retained the trophy of the 2nd late G.Rio Memorial Under-19 (boys) Inter-District Tournament by defeating Wokha by 87 runs in the final match played at Nagaland Cricket Stadium, Sovima on Wednesday.

Batting first after winning the toss, Dimapur managed to put up a defendable total of 211 runs losing 6 wickets in their allotted 50 overs. Dimapur had a shaky start as they lost their first wicket in the second over. However, Mughavi

As Covid wave dips, IPL 2022 likely in India

NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): The 2022 Indian Premier League is all set to be held in India. According to a top BCCI official, the cricket board has taken a decision in this regard. Asked if the IPL could go overseas this year, the BCCI official told The Indian Express: “It will be in India.” With the third wave of Covid tapering and schools, colleges and other educational institutes are reopening in the states, the BCCI is confident of organising this year’s IPL in India, bar any unforeseen circumstances in the future, The Indian Express reported. For the last two years, the tournament was held in the United Arab Emirates. The 2021 IPL actually had 29 games in India before its Covid-forced postponement and the subsequent relocation to UAE. However, the BCCI feels that unlike last year, when the Covid cases were rising in April-May, the situation this time around

is different. The Omicron variant of the virus is on a downward spiral and a lot more people are now double-jabbed. From January, the government has also started vaccination of children for the age group 15-18 years. The BCCI kept South Africa as back-up options and when in December last year, the third wave of Covid was reaching its peak, it felt like, yet again the IPL would move out of India. But things have changed since. About a fortnight ago, during the IPL governing council’s meeting with the franchise owners, India emerged as a preferred choice to host the IPL this year, although the consensus among the franchise owners was to organise it in Maharashtra only, to shun air travel. Maharashtra has four venues, three in Mumbai and the other one in Pune. For two years on the spin, UAE successfully hosted the IPL, across three venues in the country.

Sumi (34 runs) and wicketkeeper and captain Yugandhar Singh (49runs) steadied their innings as they shared a 95-runs partnership before the captain was run out by Randanbemo Odyuo. Dimapur suffered a double blow when Mughavi Sumi lost his wicket to John

Nagal dropped, Bhambri returns for Davis Cup tie NEW DELHI, FEB 2 (PTI): Sumit Nagal has been dropped from the fivemember Indian Davis Cup team for the World Group 1 play-off tie against Denmark here next month, the national tennis federation said on Wednesday. Nagal (world ranked 222) made way for Yuki Bhambri (863) in the squad which also has Ramkumar Ramanathan (182) and Prajnesh Gunneswaran (228) as other singles players. The team has been selected keeping in mind the playing surface as both India’s top-ranked singles player -- Ramkumar and comeback man Yuki -- are comfortable playing on grass courts. Gunneswaran and Nagal, on the other hand, are not grass court players. Besides, doubles specialist Rohan Bopanna has retained his place in the squad alongside Divij Sharan, the All India Tennis Association (AITA) said. Saketh Myneni and Digvijay Pratap Singh are the two reserve players in the squad, to be coached by Zeeshan Ali, and has Rohit Rajpal as non-playing captain. The tie will be held at the grass courts of Delhi Gymkhana Club on March 4 and 5, inside a biosecurity bubble.

Shitiri in successive deliveries. However, Dimapur middle orders managed to put up some fine show and kept their innings alive. Quick knocks from Khrievitso Kense (32 runs not out) and Aloto Sumi (22 runs) took Dimapur to a respectable total.

For Wokha, Thechamo took three wickets. I n t h e r u n c h a s e, Wokha had a poor start as they lost both of their openers cheaply. However, their middle order batters gave a tough fight to the bowlers before they were all eventually bundled up for 124 runs (34.5 overs). Major run scorers for Wokha were Renjanthung (37 runs), Renben Kikon (27 runs) and Thechamo Odyuo (18 runs). For Dimapur, Neizekho Rupreo took four wickets while Khrievitso Kense and Poiring claimed three wickets each. The prize distribution and closing programme was graced by Director General of Police, T. John Longkumer. I n t h e i n d iv i d u a l awards, Yugandhar Singh (Dimapur) was named as the best batter, Thechamo Odyuo (Wokha) as best bowler, Thaliba (Kiphire) as best wicket keeper, while Renjanthung Tungoe was named as the player of the tournament and Kiphire Cricket Association won the G. Rio Spirit of Cricket Award.

LONDON, FEB 2 (IANS): Neeraj Chopra, India’s first ever winner of an Olympic athletics gold medal, has been nominated for the 2022 Laureus World Breakthrough of the Year Award. He is one of the six nominees for the prestigious Award. With his second throw measuring 87.58 metres, Chopra became the first Indian track and field athlete to win an individual Olympic gold medal during the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, the other being Abhinav Bindra in air rifle in 2008. He is only the third Indian athlete to be nominated for a Laureus Award, after wrestler Vinesh Phogat in 2019 and cricket maestro Sachin Tendulkar, who won the Laureus Sporting Moment Award 2000-2020, which marked the emotional moment during the 2011 ICC World Cup, when his team carried him on their shoulders in a lap of honour after India’s win. “I’m delighted to be nominated for this Laureus Award and it’s a great honour for me to be recognised

Neeraj Chopra in the wider sporting world for what I achieved in Tokyo,” said an elated Chopra, after being nominated for the award. “From being a kid in a small village in rural India who only took up sport to get fit, to standing on top of an Olympic podium, it’s been quite an eventful journey so far. I feel privileged to be able to represent my country and win India medals at the global stage, and now to have this recognition from Laureus and be considered alongside such exceptional athletes is a really special feeling,” he added.

Apart from Neeraj, the other five sportspersons who have been nominated for the Breakthrough Award are -Britain’s Emma Raducanu, who became a global tennis sensation when she won the US Open at the age of 18, Russia’s Daniil Medvedev, who won the men’s title at Flushing Meadows, FC Barcelona’s football prodigy Pedri, aged 19, voted best young player at the Ballon d’Or, Yulimar Rojas, who broke the 26-year-old triple jump world record, and swimmer Ariarne Titmus, aged 20, who twice beat champion Katie Ledecky at 200 and 400m in Tokyo.

WC Qualifiers: Brazil thrash Paraguay; Argentina win

Brazil’s Alex Telles in action with Paraguay’s Alan Benitez. Argentina’s Lautaro Martinez in action with Colombia’s (REUTERS/Washington Alves) Davinson Sanchez. (REUTERS/Agustin Marcarian) BELO HORIZONTE, FEB 2 (AGENCIES): Brazil ended Paraguay hopes to making it to FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 with a 4-0 win in Tuesday’s World Cup qualifier Belo Horizonte. Philippe Coutinho, Raphinha, Antony and Rodrygo were on target in Brazil’s win. Coutinho scored the pick of the goals as Brazil scored twice in the last four minutes and Real Madrid striker Rodrygo scored his first international goal to cap off the comfortable win. The win further cemented Brazil’s position as one of the top guns in the tournament, taking place in December. Colombia, on the other hand, suffered a 1-0 defeat at the hands of Argentina, which all but ended their hopes to qualifying for the World Cup. Colombia have had a miserable record throughout the qualifiers and are now on a sevenmatch goalless streak.

In Cordoba, Argentina produced a dominating performance but it was Lautaro Martinez’s 29th minute goal that got them the narrow win. Third-placed Ecuador had the chance to secure qualification but were held to a 1-1 draw by Peru. Michael Estrada gave them the lead in the second minute after a mistake from Alexander Callens. But he was guilty of missing a golden chance in the second half when he was one-on-one with goalkeeper Pedro Gallese. Peru’s Edison Flores made Ecuador pay for the miss as he scored a a far post header off Luis Advincula’s cross in the 69th minute to help his team get the draw. Brazil top the South American qualifying group with no defeats in 15 games and the win extended to 61 matches their unbeaten home record in World Cup qualifiers.

Paraguay, who have yet to win any of their first five games under coach Guillermo Barros Schelotto, are second bottom of the 10-team group with 13 points from 16 games. It was a successful but frustrating night for Raphinha, who scored one, had another chalked off, and also hit the post. The Leeds United winger thought he had put Brazil 1-0 up after just 93 seconds only to see the goal ruled out after a lengthy consultation with the Video Assistant Referee (VAR). However, with 28 minutes gone he superbly controlled a long ball from Marquinhos and wriggled between two defenders to put Brazil 1-0 ahead. He was unlucky not to get another early in the second half but saw his volley come back off the post. Philippe Coutinho got a de-

served second for the home side just after the hour when he placed a sumptuous shot into the top corner of the net from 30 meters out. Antony made the scoreline more reflective of the play with four minutes left when he curled a left-foot shot past a helpless keeper. And Rodrygo tapped home a minute later to round off a commanding performance from the five-times world champions. Vinicius Jnr, Matheus Cunha, and Lucas Paqueta also came close for Brazil, who, with qualification already guaranteed, fielded a much-changed side. Talismanic striker Neymar was out injured and there were rare starts for goalkeeper Ederson, midfielder Fabinho, left back Alex Telles and captain on the night Dani Alves. New Newcastle signing Bruno Guimaraes made a substitute appearance in the second half.

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